As soon as you get your orders to move, you need to begin the process right away. You’ll have lots of planning to do, including making sure you’re following military rules and regulations. At Ace Moving and Warehousing, we can help you with several of the details. We have equipment and resources available so you can move to your next post in a timely and smooth manner. If you need local Minneapolis movers, contact us right away. Below are six tips to help you get started:
1. Talk to Your Family—Especially the Kids
Moving can be an especially intense experience for children. There are a few steps you can take to help them navigate the emotional rollercoaster of packing up and shipping out. You may want to seek out support groups designed to help military families deal with the unique psychological challenges of military life, including frequent moves. Tell them about the move as soon as possible, and be sure to reassure them how much you love them and appreciate their support for serving your country.
2. Secure Your Family’s Important Documents
There are certain documents you'll need to keep with you at all times during your move, such as:
● Orders
● IDs, driver's licenses, Social Security cards and passports for every member of your family
● Marriage, divorce, birth and naturalization certificates
● Medical information and medication for each family member
● Housing information, including your insurance information and inventory
● School and employment records
● Vehicle documents
3. Reserve Your Truck Rental Right Away
When it comes to moving, certain times of the year are busier than others. Although we have an abundant supply of trucks and professional movers, we suggest you secure a truck and a team as soon as possible to help you move. When you call, make sure you reserve everything including any equipment and packing supplies you may need. We can take care of the rest.
4. Don’t Count On Your Moving Date to be Set in Stone
If there’s anything we’ve learned about the military, it’s that moving dates can change depending on your orders. Therefore, we are prepared to be flexible if necessary. You may want to prepare yourself to be flexible, as well. What this means for military personnel is that the fluctuation in schedule can be as little as a few days or last a few weeks. Be sure to inform your landlord or anyone else that the schedule could change. You may be moving sooner or later than you originally planned.
5. Weight Allowance
Before you begin packing the truck, you need to know what the maximum weight allowance is. Most military branches allow service members to ask their moving company or military transportation office for a re-weigh of their household goods, and they have a right to be present when that re-weigh is conducted. Knowing the weight limit will help you reserve the appropriate size truck when you call us.
6. Be Patient and Flexible
Part of navigating your relocation is being prepared for the unexpected. There are a lot of variables to consider when planning. Each of them can mean changes, delays, or even an expedited move. Don't finalize your personal plans until you have orders in hand.
Note: Summer is the busiest season for moving military personnel. Requested pickup and delivery dates may not be available if you move between May and August. Don't assume move dates are set until they are confirmed.
7. Take Inventory and Liquidate or Store What You Can
A key component to a successful move is knowing what you can take with you and what you may need to leave behind. There are plenty of moving apps that can help you record the name, description, and condition of everything in your home.
It's never too early to begin purging the stuff you don’t need. If there are items, you rarely use and don’t want anymore, try to donating them to charity or having a yard sale. The cleaner your move is, the easier it will be for you and your family. Start with the larger items first and then work your way down to the smaller stuff.
8. Prepare for Delays in Household Transfers
The location of your new home will determine a lot of things – including how long it takes for your household goods to arrive. If you are moving overseas, be prepared. It can take several months for your household items and your vehicle to arrive at your new location. Even if you'll only be without your household goods for a few weeks, make sure you have the important items you'll need to live on.
9. Make Some Military Connections in Advance
Find a sponsor and other points of contact at your new installation to ensure you have future friends to turn to if you have urgent questions. Also, if anything is damaged or lost during the move, you'll need your insurance company information and your inventory on hand to file insurance claims. Know where and who to turn to for emergency information one you arrive on base.
10. Try to Avoid Last-Minute Decisions or Situations
Try to stay ahead of schedule and stay on top of every aspect of your move. If possible, avoid subjecting yourself or your family to any last minute hasty decisions or situation that you didn’t think about. Ask other personnel for advice on planning and scheduling the move. Last minute issues can turn into big problems.
Schedule Your Move with Ace Midwest Movers
If you’re getting ready to move from or to the Minneapolis or St. Paul, Minnesota area, contact Ace Moving and Warehousing today. We provide complete moving services including packing services, trucks, and equipment. We have everything you need to make your military move go as planned. To schedule a moving date, contact us at 763-755-2045, or you can message us on our contact page.