Setting Up House

For those newlywed or relocating, it's tricky to setup house in an economical manner.  Moving expenses add up not to mention the emotional and physical toll.  With Spring and Summer season bringing warmer weather, it's time for those moving to pack boxes and load up. 

For those in the military, moving occurs any time of the year.  Money and Mobility for the Military Family is a good resource to review.  Tiffany Manly presents some good tips on preparing for a pcs move.   The PCS America Military Relocation Network provides a comprehensive one-stop resource for all your PCSing needs.  On Military.com/Money, there is a great link to PCS, DITY & Moving that will help you walk through some financial considerations when you move.  There are some Military Travel (PCS) Move Entitlements to consider as well. 

Whether it's moving to another city, state, or country, it is important that you organize your finances into a box or even a sturdy LLBean bag (along with useID and passcodes) so that should something occur (and it will), you can locate what you need in a timely manner.  Regarding banking needs, USAA does not charge ATM fees anywhere in the USA. 

If possible, get rid of a bunch of unnecessary items because it could cost you more to move the cheap stuff than to keep it.  Donating to a charity will give you a tax write-off.  Selling it in a yard sale or through a consignment sale helps raise funds for the move.  Regarding clothing, if you haven't worn it in the past 3-5 years, you will likely not wear it.  The climate of your new home environment may require a whole new wardrobe so sell now to raise funds for what you will need is a smart idea.

If you are selling your home, it is wise to hire a real estate agent and keep handy the deed/title and other relevant financial documents regarding your home. 

For children, this is never an easy option regardless of what age.  Having them help pack boxes, reduce and purge their stuff and even having ownership of a moving job are good confidence boosters.  More important, it is good to research the new city so having them assist in the research process of what is the new state bird etc. will aid in earlier acceptance. 

Pets are family as well. Before you get rid of your family member, it's important to consider options.  You can keep your pets if you are in the military; the cost involved is shipping.  Moving your pets   is doable.  If you decide it is not, then ask your veterinarian's office for advice or even go to Net Pets, where they offer military pets foster care until the servicemember can return home.  For international travel, it is important to properly crate the animal, make sure food and water are available and comfort the animal as it endures a stressful journey.  There may be a quarantine period before you can claim your pet so do check ahead of time about the logisitics involved with your pet's relocation process.

Vehicle relocation can be an issue.  Leased vehicles are NOT allowed outside of this country.  First, you must check on your auto insurance, inform them of the transport, and change/upgrade your insurance.  There are domestic carriers who can pick up and deliver the car across country.  International shipment entails more details such as the container to ship it in, bill of lading and the freight forwarder or shipper responsible for all of the transport.  Disconnecting the battery and having the car checked prior to pickup is key for transportation companies. Plus, you will have to obtain an international driver's license (AAA offers this).  It is important to check on these items of detail. 

Uprooting is an adventure that you and your family will never forget.  It is wise to say good bye to the old house, surroundings and friends.  Good luck with your new chapter in your lives for it's going to take you to places you never dreamed of going, meeting new friends, and broadening yourselves in ways you least expected.