PCS Checklist: Essential Tasks One Month Before Your Military Move

Your calendar isn't lying to you. Your big move is only a month away, and there's a lot to do. But hey, don't worry. We got you covered. Just follow these basic tips and you'll be fine. Tip 1. Schedule your movers. If you're doing a household good move and haven't yet heard from the movers, now's the time to get in touch with the local transportation office. If you're booking your own moving company, but you haven't yet hired one, you need to start now. Like, right now. But hold on for a second. Don't just hire the first moving company you find or the one that's the cheapest. Do your homework. Go online. Look for reviews. Make sure the company is legit in case they lose or break your stuff, which means finding out if they're licensed and insured. Tip 2. Start your prep for moving day. If you're doing a household good move, lucky you. Don't pack anything yourself. Just let the movers do it. But if you are packing your stuff, start with these three tips. Go to each room and make a list of everything you have. Figure out what you're going to keep, sell, or donate. Then make a list of what is going so you can start getting packing supplies. Tip 3. Remind people that you're moving. Make a list of everybody that's part of your move or affected by it and get in touch. That includes your moving or transportation companies to confirm dates and times, old and new landlords and real estate agents for the same reason, utility companies, school, banks, and insurance companies to give them your new address and phone number. And, oh yeah, don't forget to tell your family, friends, and the post office. Tip 4. Don't try to pack and clean all at once. Seriously, don't wait until the last minute to pack and clean. Keep it simple. Do a little packing each day. Start with the smaller stuff too. The same goes for cleaning. Do some here and there so it's not a major job later. Tip 5. Pack a moving day kit and an overnight bag. Do yourself and your family a huge favor. Put together a first day box with the stuff that you know you're going to need. This way, you're not tearing open tape boxes or wasting time to find things you need suddenly. This means stuff like tools, device and phone chargers, blankets and pillows, snacks and drinks and paper towels, clothes to sleep in and for the next day. Thanks for watching. Be sure to check out the rest of our PCS video series for more helpful tips brought to you by Navy Federal Credit Union.