Military Moving Guide

Steps to Transition to Your New Base

You’ve received orders relocating you to a new military base, but what do you do next? Military reassignments involve some unique preparations, and if this is your first time moving as a military service member, you probably have lots of questions.

Moves and relocations happen to almost every member of the military at some point during their service. Unfortunately, reassignments, called permanent change of station orders, do not always come with a lot of advance notice.

Use the information here to get you started on a successful military move.

What is A Personally Procured Move?

When you are given reassignment orders as a military member, the government usually handles all aspects of the move. However, if you want to have more control over your move, then you may want to consider a personally procured move, or PPM.

A personally procured move allows you more flexibility in the decisions for your move. Depending on the moving company you choose, you may also save money through a PPM. With more flexibility, though, comes more responsibility. Not only will you have to handle the planning and execution of your move, but you may be responsible for certain expenses. Things like moving insurance and sales tax are not usually covered by the government’s allowance for your move.

If you choose to attempt a personally procured move and your transportation office approves it, be sure to keep all documentation and receipts so that you can be reimbursed. Nilson Van & Storage can provide all the necessary documentation you’ll need to be reimbursed for your move. You’ll then need to submit all of this paperwork to the transportation office at your new base.

What Offices Will I Need to Contact?

Because relocating is such a common part of military life, each base has several offices that will help make the change easier for you and your family.

• Base Transportation Office – The base transportation office will be the main office to help you coordinate your move. They will have information about all of your moving options and can help you begin making arrangements for your reassignment. You should make an appointment to meet with someone in this office soon after receiving word of your move.
• Housing Office – The housing office at your current base will help you understand all the protocols of moving out of your home, if you’re living on base. They will provide you with specific details for cleaning and repairing your home on base before you leave. You should also let them know your expected move-out date as soon as possible so they can make appropriate arrangements.
• Finance Office – The finance office will help you plan for the cost of your move. They will have information on relocation benefits and can help you apply for financial assistance. If you’ve opted to make a personally procured move, you will need to submit paperwork for reimbursement with the finance office.
• Community and Family Services Office – Even aside from finances and logistics, moving can be a difficult time for you and your family. The community and family services office offers assistance in dealing with the emotional burden that military reassignments bring. It is helpful to contact the office at your new base to get an idea of what your new community has to offer for your entire family.

Contact Nilson for Advice and Estimates

Nilson Van & Storage has helped military families transition to new locations for decades. We understand the in’s and out’s of moving for our service members. Contact Nilson Van & Storage for moving estimates and more for your upcoming military relocation.