PCS notebook Archives ~ The Military Move

Why It’s Absolutely Fine to Stalk Your Movers

January 7, 2018 No Comments

Why I Stalk the Government Movers

There are opposing views to this idea, and that is okay! Some feel the need to stay out of the movers way and let them do their job.

But the other group feel compelled to be more “involved,” and that is perfectly okay. After all, the stuff in your home is your stuff – everything you have worked for or been gifted. You are placing that in someone else’s hands.

Let me give you some examples: When we filed an insurance claim after a hurricane hit our home – I made sure my roofer and I were there to ensure that he saw everything. When my father was having his house built, he went every week to see the work site. As a teacher, I welcomed parents in to see my method of teaching – it is their child.

There is oversight in many jobs. I don’t just walk away from a teller and trust that he/she will deposit my money because that is his/her job. So personally, I am not just going to sit on my couch while they do theirs. But that is me.

So if you are the type that “hovers,” you have the right too and should – but remember, they have a job to do so you can provide conversation while you do so to not make it so awkward.

To Feed or Not to Feed

You may be anxious to do a government move after hearing the horror stories from other military families. However, many veterans have come up with ways to show appreciation towards the movers and perhaps also woo them into being more careful with their stuff.

First, the question comes up each year in spouse groups about what to do with military movers. Should you feed them, tip them, etc.

Bridget from https://nuttyhiker.com says – “ I feed them lunch (usually pizza) and also have water’s and Gatorade as well as snacks for them.”

Diane from www.thewanderingrd.com states, “We always feed the movers lunch and provide plenty of bottled water. We typically give them some options and ask their preference. No, I don’t make them eat healthy! It’s more about pleasing them…When we lived overseas, I asked around and the convention was to provide some American “delicacies” like Coke and homemade chocolate chip cookies, which they took home to their families.”

Amy from Mehmomblog.wordpress.com says, “Our first move when the movers packed us we just got Gatorade and had bottled water available. Our budget was tight so we didn’t buy food, but they really appreciated the Gatorade. We’ve been overseas since then so we get the movers American snacks and chips they don’t have here. I always make sure there’s enough for them to take home and share with their families.”

Sybil from mamasandcoffee.com adds, “When they 1st arrive I let them know what areas to pack vs. staying with us (I try to put those items in a small closet or bathroom).”

*This post may contain affiliate links – if you purchase something from this post, I receive a small commission with NO extra cost to you. To see my full disclosure click here. Thanks for supporting us!

Stalking the Government Movers

When your movers come, they will each pick a room and will start packing up your goods.

First things first, I pack ALL irreplaceable valuables in my household goods container that always travels with me. This includes all my jewelry, my laptop, my PCS notebook (which you can sign up for below to get FREE), my hard drive with thousands of family photos, cash, and any family heirlooms that I deem appropriate.

Remember, the packers are going to go through everything that is not already in a sealed box, so if you have some things you would rather not be seen – go ahead a box those ahead of time.

However, if you are going overseas – it cannot be packed as it must be inspected by the packers (so perhaps put your valuables or dirty secrets into your personal luggage).

Secondly, IF both of you can be home, great. I am not afraid to stalk my movers during government moves. Why? Because I want to make sure my stuff is being taken care of and appropriately boxed.

This IS your STUFF. Remember that.

We moved between rooms focusing on the bedrooms or rooms that had things that may “walk away.” This is uncommon, but it does happen.

Personally, I have a DITY move labeling process that I do when we move ourselves. The movers will have their process to by labeling each box (you will find stickers on things years after your moves). However, you may be able to convince them to allow you to use this common method too.

Click here for the post on my method complete with your downloadable checklist.

Transferring the Moving Boxes/Furniture

This is where my heart stops. Watching my stuff be handled.

Why?

Because this is where furniture gets dinged and scratched. I watched my $4,000 bedroom set that was our wedding gift to ourselves get 4 separate dings (1 on the outbound, 3 on the inbound).

Not to mention the walls and door frames. Yes, our drywall got so many chips from moving furniture up and down stairs. However, I stalked them by watching them. They were more careful when I was there watching it going in and out. They may not like it, but it’s MY stuff.

All your stuff will be put on a moving truck (depending on the size of your HHG, it could be with other HHG’s too), which is why I use my labeling method.

Helpful Hints to Know

Packers will pack EVERYTHING (except the no can do list).

Yes, they will pack the trash bins with trash in them – it happens – ALL THE TIME.

They will pack your dirty, smelly laundry in the laundry basket – yes, it happens!

Things Government Movers Will Not Pack

Click here to see the full downloadable PDF from the State Department.

Have experiences or comments you would like to share? Put them in the comments below.

If you found this advice, or any of my advice helpful, please consider buying from one of my affiliates at no additional cost to you and supporting The Military Move. When you click and make a purchase within 24 hours (at no additional charge), we receive a small donation. Thank you!

About the Author

Kelsey Ramirez is a Real Estate Broker in western Washington. She is also a veteran elementary school teacher, military wife, and mom to two daughters. She is the founder of The Military Move, a military-based website to help families in the PCS process. Kelsey loves to travel, write, and create amazing content. She has her Masters in Technology, which she uses to learn all new things digital.

With three decades of military support, Kelsey’s mission is to help new and existing military families in their unique adventures through all military topics including PCSing, budgeting, school choice and rights, housing, and especially just being a military spouse.

Family, Housing, Moving, Travel

The Complete Moving Guide

December 30, 2017 No Comments

I have made several military moves in my lifetime. From California to South Carolina, Maryland to Georgia, I have learned a few tricks along the way to create a quick and easy complete DIY guide.

Moving can be one of the most stressful experiences for any person. Whether you are doing it yourself or having help, there are countless things that are bound to…well drive you a little nuts.

Even government moves can be stressful. It really depends on what type of person you are and what you prefer.

*This post contains affiliate links – if you purchase something from this post, I receive a small commission with NO extra cost to you. To see my full disclosure click here. Thanks for supporting us!

Getting Prepared

I love having a plan. It helps me lower my stress and know just what I intend to do. I have created a moving checklist and how-to guide to help any first-time or veteran mover. You can download it by signing up below for FREE.

I will also give you my FREE PCS Notebook Guide to show you all the important things that I keep together. This has helped me complete all necessary things with our rentals/mortgage, registering for schools, bordering animals, and much more.

Another part of moving is making sure you have everything organized beside just your household goods. You need to have your life basically organized so that when you travel to your new location, you are ready to go.

Need to register the kids for school? No problem. Need to get your car insurance redirected? No issues.

A few weeks ago, I had to go to the DMV to get a hard copy of my car title (since I like to have it on hand). The lady was shocked at my PCS Binder and how organized I was – she even thanked me.

Guess what! I want to give it to you for FREE – just for reading because I know you will LOVE it, and it will help you complete your mover’s toolbox.

Enter you info below and it will be emailed right over to you.

Additionally, when you sign up, you will receive your PCS Expense and Budget Worksheet to help determine your costs for your DITY move.

The lady was shocked at my PCS Binder - she even thanked me.

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Government Moves

When you do a government move – ALWAYS do the counseling. Either the active member or the spouse – do not skip this.

“Why? I’m too busy!”

No, you’re not! Not for this! Make yourself available.

When you do a government move, you are giving them most if not all of your stuff. Some may get damaged or lost, and you need to know the process to file a claim to get that started.

You will have POC’s – point of contacts – you will need to save in your phone as well. It is a very detailed and drawn out process and can be the deciding point of how much money you receive.

I have an upcoming post on how to deal with government moves/movers in greater detail that you can check out.

DITY Moves

Are you doing a Do-IT-Yourself move?

Many service members like these moves because they can keep an eye on their stuff – keeping them in control. Some believe they can do it cheaper than a full government move allowing them to make some money.

I have done both moves and both have their pros and cons. Shoot me any questions you may have in the comments below.

We made a good amount of money on our DITY move and you can check out some of my tips here.

Many service members like these moves because they can keep an eye on their stuff.

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About the Author

Family, Housing, Spouses

Making Sure You are Prepared For An Emergency

September 3, 2017 2 Comments

How Do I Know

I was 3 when Hurricane Hugo hit South Carolina, living in Myrtle Beach, we had to evacuate. Hurricane Matthew last year forced us to evacuate when it was projected to be a direct hit as a Category 4.

Luckily, we did not see the devastation as it downgraded and skirted more north.

However, I did stay through Hurricane Bertha, Hurricane Gaston, Hurricane Ida, Hurricane Fran, Hurricane Irene, and Tropical Storm Sandy (which hit us on the southern end in Maryland).

I learned several key things through going through those storms that I want to share.

Search and Rescue

My husband conducted search and rescue for 8 years prior to us coming to a security unit. I know how hard that was on him after back to back missions, so I cannot imagine how days of continuous rescues would be after watching the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

Search and rescue during city wide emergencies takes the community coming together.

I was so touched and thankful for the residents of Texas at how they came together to help their neighbors.

Complete strangers, such as the Cajun Navy, came with their boats ready to step in and help local officials.

Millions around the country donated, and emergency personnel including police, fire rescue, National Guard, and the Coast Guard worked around the clock.

However, as tirelessly as they worked, there was loss of life, and I want to help lower those chances!

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Search and rescue during emergencies takes the community coming together

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Planning for an Emergency

Emergencies are not always forecasted. You cannot plan for tornadoes, flash floods, or earthquakes.

However, these events can wreak havoc on homes and families. Some people like to be spontaneous, but in this case, it’s important to have a plan for the “what-if.”

Emergency Notebook

I have a PCS (permanent change of station, for my non-military people) Notebook that has every important document I need when we move.

This serves a dual purpose because when we evacuate for storms (which can be at least once a year), I throw that notebook in my car. Want to know what I think should be in your PCS/evacuation notebook (or want a sneak-peek into mine)? If so, enter you email below and I will immediately send you the pdf.

Home Emergency Supplies

Whether it be a hurricane, tornado, earthquake, or minor flood, these items will help if you have them on-hand.

Water is usually a commodity that people do not hoard as they are drinking it. However, having a case of water (about $2.50 for 32 bottles at Wal-Mart) can help when you are in a bind and the water is off.

However, batteries for flashlights, a first-aid kit or makeshift one (band-aids, gauze, Tylenol or Motrin, ace bandage, etc.), and cash are important.

Why cash? Because when power goes out, systems go down – and you may need that cash handy.

IF you have a rainy-day fund – I suggest at least $250. This can help if you need to get gas, food, or if you have to leave because it is so bad.

Take photos of the things in your home (all expensive things especially) and the outside of your home (as proof for your insurance company). I have this on my portable hard drive to take if we evacuate.

Keep reading for what steps you need to take when a storm is projected to come.

Car Supplies

Do you remember seeing the images of TONS of stranded motorists in Atlanta in 2014?

Let me remind you (compliments of CNN)…

Drivers were in stand still traffic, the roads became a skating rink, and cars started to become stranded.

In the winter, you want to includes these things in case you are caught in a freak storm like this.

Be sure to have in your car:

Blanket and jacket/sweather (to provide warmth when you have to turn off the engine to save gas)
Non-perishable food (some sort of food supply to hold you over until traffic moves, ice melts, or help comes)
Few bottles of water
Pair of socks and mittens/gloves (again sustained warmth)

All of these things together can be in your trunk or behind a seat and is worth it if you find yourself in this predicament.

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Some people are spontaneous. During a storm, it is important to have a plan

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When the Storm is Coming

To evacuate or to “shelter in place,” that is the question.

When a hurricane or tropical storm is headed towards you, you have an important decision to make. Only you can make that decision for you and your family; however, let some factors guide you.

Do you have small children? If yes, you may want to consider leaving as losing electricity can alter their routine. If you have ever changed bed-time, you know what I mean.
Are they calling for floods? Unfortunately, southern Texas just saw what torrential rain did to their region – devastating losses for both property and life. Are you prepared to get on your roof with pets and kids until you can be saved?
Do you have a physical ailment – such as a debilitating disease, wheel-chair bound, or even pregnancy that would make leaving after the storm with unknown circumstances much harder?
Is your home classified as “unsafe” – most pre-fabricated homes or beach homes may not withstand high winds or storm surge.
Are you ready to “rough” it? When Matthew hit here, while we did not get a lot of damage – the public water source was unable to handle the back-up of water flow. Many homes got pretty stinky with back-up.

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

You made the decision to “shelter in place.” So where do you start?

High winds? Start boarding up those windows (not taping, as this can make it worse)- you don’t want to be in your home with a Category 2+ storm with your windows busting, and debris and glass going everywhere. Go to your nearest home improvement store.
Stock up on water (at least a gallon per person a day or about a case or two per person).
Non-perishable foods – foods that do not need refrigeration or power to cook.
Fill up the washing machine and bathtub for clean water for toilets (know your plumbing – basement toilets are not always the place to go).
Put water in Ziplock bags (quart size are best), Tupperware, cups, and clean trash cans. Freeze whatever water you can fit in your freezer – place some in fridge if electricity goes out.
Eat perishable food first from fridge when electricity goes out – fruit, veggies, yogurts, sandwich fixings, etc.
Batteries, batteries, batteries – did I say that before?
If you haven’t already – take photos of everything you do not have a receipt for.
Sandbags – put them by your front door, back door, side door, wherever you have a door, and garage.
Bring all lawn furniture inside – you do not want your lawn chairs and umbrella destroying a fence, etc.
Portable generators – IF you chose to purchase one – KNOW HOW TO USE IT – carbon monoxide poisoning is FATAL.
Propane – after the storm, you can cook on your grill if you still do not have electricity (bring inside, but don’t use during the storm).
Full tank of gas in your car (gas prices may soar after the storm).
Consider a CB radio as alternate communication.
Freeze a cup of water. Place a quarter on top of it. If you leave for any reason for an extended period, this will help you know how long you lost power. If the quarter is frozen inside the water (an no longer on top), you may want to consider restocking your fridge and freezer.
If you lose power, please strongly think about whether or not you can pay for the groceries without your insurance’s help. Yes, they will help you if you make a claim. However, this could cause problems down the road if you have to change your coverage. Try to only make BIG claims.

Emergency Evacuation

This is the choice many make or are told to make (if the military requires it).

Many commands or units decide before cities to mandatory evacuate families while the member deploys out with government assets.

If you find yourself in this position, have a plan and prepare to be flexible.

Evacuation Mode

Sometimes one of the hardest decisions is to leave all of your stuff behind; however, it could also be the one thing that saves your life. Here are some tips:

Get your PCS/Evacuation notebook that you downloaded from up above – this is one of the most important things.
Search for a hotel inland (look at the projected path to determine a distance away from the storm).
Military members have an evacuation location. While you do not necessarily have to go to that location, your entitlement is based on that location (keep this in mind, or look up hotels to get an average price point).
Be prepared for roads to be insane – pack a car charger or GPS to travel back roads.
Take water, snacks, travel games (small puzzles, coloring books, iPad, books) for the kids, and wear comfy clothes.
Keep ALL receipts.
Fill up your tank (if you haven’t already) before you get on the interstate.
Pull out cash (if you can).
Before you leave, pack whatever valuables that cannot be replaced (jewelry pieces, small keepsakes or family heirlooms), a portable hard drive or SD card, and enough clothes for a week.
Have contact information for your ombudsman or family members.