How to Make a Military Move More Affordable

Posted by Lauren Schneider on Tuesday, December 17th, 2019 at 9:06am.

How to Save Money During a Military RelocationFor members of the military, moving is often part of the job. Those in active duty as well as their family members are often asked to move across the country to a new base. Sometimes they have advanced notice and can plan accordingly, and other times, a last-minute decision is made and logistics must be coordinated quickly.

Either way, a military move can be expensive. These tips can help military members and their families save money while making plans to head to their new Monument home.

Organize and Reduce Household Products Before the Move

Whether a military family has been living on the same base for a decade, or they have only been in their current location for a year, it's likely they have acquired more stuff than they truly need to relocate to their next home. One of the best ways to save money while making a military move is to begin purging unnecessary items. This helps reduce the cost of packing, transporting and unpacking. To save even more money, military members may consider having a relocation yard sale. The proceeds from the sale can help cover the cost of the move.

Know the Weight Limits for Household Goods

Military moves are quite common, which means a system is in place to help families relocate from one place to another. Each rank in the military has a specified weight limit for the amount of household goods that can be moved without incurring additional costs. It's important for military members to know what the weight limit is for their rank, so that they can plan accordingly. The expenses associated with exceeding the weight limits can add up quickly.

Learn About the Reimbursement Process

Given the fact that military members are required to move when they are asked, the government does make an effort to reimburse military families for the expenses incurred during the relocation. However, the government is specific about what can be reimbursed and how much will be reimbursed. In general, the government does not cover all costs associated with the move. Military members will find that reimbursement requirements may vary based on the location and rank, so it's important for those who are relocating to visit the nearest Family Center in order to learn about the reimbursement process. This allows military members to take full advantage of the reimbursements available and to plan for the costs that will not be covered.

Opt for a Personally Procured Move

Military members who are relocating can opt for a full government move, in which the government coordinates all aspects of the move. However, there is an option for a Personally Procured Move, or PPM. During a PPM, the individual service member plans the move on their own and then is reimbursed from the government. Those who opt for a PPM may be able to receive travel allowances, mileage and insurance coverage from the government. For many, a PPM is much more affordable than investing in a full government move.

Making a military move is always an exciting yet stressful time. It's an opportunity for military families to explore a new town and become part of a different community. However, it's also a time of significant change and adjustment. By actively working to make the move more affordable, military members and their families will find that it's easier to enjoy the transition.

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