Valuable Secrets for Military Moves in Norfolk VA.

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Military Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves, TDY (Temporary Duty) assignments, and deployments can be stressful and overwhelming for service members and their families. However, there are many little-known secrets that can make these moves less stressful and more efficient. This article will discuss some of the most important things that service members should know about PCS moves, TDY assignments, and deployments.

Negotiating Your Move Date One of the most important things that service members should know is that they can negotiate their move date. If the move date does not align with your personal or professional plans, you can request a different date. This is particularly useful for service members who have school-aged children or other important commitments that cannot be rescheduled. To request a different move date, you will need to speak with your command or the personnel office at your current duty station.

Choosing Your Transportation Method Another important thing to know is that service members are usually given the option to choose between a government-funded move or a personally-funded move. A government-funded move is typically the cheaper option, but it also tends to have more restrictions and less flexibility. On the other hand, a personally-funded move may provide more flexibility and options. For example, you may be able to choose the type of vehicle that you use to transport your belongings or you may be able to use a moving company that is not approved by the government. It is always a good idea to weigh the pros and cons of each option before making a decision.

Requesting Additional Weight Allowances Service members who have a large family or a lot of household items may be able to request additional weight allowances for their move. The standard weight allowance for a PCS move is 18,000 pounds, but service members can request up to 27,000 pounds if they have a large family or a lot of household items. To request additional weight allowances, you will need to speak with your command or the personnel office at your current duty station.

Temporarily Storing Your Belongings Another little-known secret is that service members can temporarily store their belongings if their new duty station is not ready for them to move in yet. This can be particularly useful for service members who are being deployed or who have a TDY assignment that will last for an extended period of time. Government-approved facilities are available for temporarily storing your belongings, and the cost is typically covered by the government.

Hardship Moves If your move would cause undue hardship on your family, you may be eligible for a hardship move. This type of move provides additional benefits and support, such as extra weight allowances, temporary storage, and additional travel expenses. To be eligible for a hardship move, you will need to provide documentation of the hardship, such as a medical condition or special needs of a family member.

Home Sale Move Another little-known secret is that if you are facing a hard time selling your house or it's not selling, you may be eligible for a home sale move. This type of move provides additional benefits and support, such as extra weight allowances, temporary storage, and additional travel expenses. To be eligible for a home sale move, you will need to provide documentation of the hardship, such as a house that is not selling.

TDY Assignments TDY assignments can be a great opportunity for service members to gain new experiences and skills, but they can also be stressful for service members and their families. One important thing to know about TDY assignments is that you can request a per diem allowance to cover your expenses while you are away. 

These are the links to the official websites for military installations of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard:

• U.S. Army Installations: https://www.army.mil/installations/
• U.S. Navy Installations: https://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrma/installations.html
• U.S. Air Force Installations: https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104460/installations/
• U.S. Marine Corps Installations: https://www.marines.mil/Locations/
• U.S. Coast Guard Installations: https://www.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/MLC/Units/