OCONUS Move 101

Handling your next military move like a pro

Of course everyone's move will be unique, but I've comprised a few points that literally were a life-saver for me! I am a researcher so I studied for hours, scrolling through blog posts, contacting other military wives, and joining Facebook groups. All of those things did help, but ultimately it was up to me to make sure I had all the details in line.

The old saying, "Better safe than sorry" can NEVER be over used when it comes to military life!

1. So first of all, wipe away all your expectations (Like all of them) the military will not be laying out a red carpet for you with clear instructions on what you need to do.

2. Go buy a binder! One that you wont misplace, and fill it with sleeves, and a zipper pocket. This will become your best friend.

My Tabs:

Wedding stuff/Marriage (multiple copies)

DEERS

EFMP

Records/Extra Copies

Tricare

Inventory Lists

I Keep copies of passport, birth certificate, and travel information in the zipper pocket

3. Invest in heavy duty storage bins (ones with lids that lock) This isn't necessary but honestly the best way to ensure that your belongs are safe, untouched, and still in one piece when they arrive.

4. Vacuum sealed bags, order two boxes off Amazon and get to packing!

5. Label every tote by room, clothes, etc this will save you a ton of time when your stuff arrives. Just write on the tote with a sharpie

6. Now the tedious portion of planning, making your own inventory list! The moving company will provide you with their own list however, theirs will not be as thorough. Oh and according to the moving company I was assigned, the items I labeled as "High Value" the Army wouldn't recognize as such so they would not be adding it to their list. The main reason having your own list is imperative is because whenever your things arrive at your new duty station and something is missing or broken you have to have proof you owned that item. Hence if that item isn't on one of those lists you may not have the adequate amount of information about the product to file a claim. This process isn't easy, but it's worth it I will also include my inventory list template that I made on my computer.

7. Take pictures of everything! Every item you plan to pack, just snap a photo airdrop it onto your laptop and make a file named PCS. This is so you can prove the condition of your items,again in case something is broke.

8. When the movers arrive have lots of eyes on your Household items! It's helpful to have a lot of hands on deck because things will move very quickly. The moving company at my house just started wrapping paper around the totes and I had to hastily explain to them that most of those totes contained breakables. Make sure you explain this so that they can individually wrap these items.

9. Watch the movers seal the crates, don't sign until the crates are nailed shut.

10. Now be patient, and enjoy a new country. It will be 2 months or longer before you see your things but they will make it!

I know this is a lot of information but I hope it is somewhat helpful for someone searching for some answers. Word of encouragement; once your things arrive at your new installation (Well at least for us) the movers that delivered our household goods were beyond amazing! They were right on time, they literally unpacked all the paper, threw it away, and re-assembled all of my furniture (customs tore them apart!) I didn't have one item missing or broken so thank the Lord it's finally starting to feel like our own little home!

My Inventory List