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How to Save Money on a PCS Move

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Committing yourself to a life in the military means dedicating yourself to your country, but it also means getting used to uprooting your family and relocating as often as every few years. Each year, over 700,000 military men and women are reassigned to new stations around the globe. These relocations, called PCS for “Permanent Change of Station”, can cost service members up to $1,725 from their own pocket each time they have to move. While the government will typically reimburse military service members for a majority of their moving expenses, not all of it is covered.

There are still plenty of ways in which you can save money on your PCS move. Read on to learn more about what you can do to save you some money when it comes time for your PCS military move.

 

Know what expenses the military will cover

While in the military, you may have to move every few years, which can be extremely stressful and overwhelming at times. However, the burden isn't yours alone. The government will reimburse you for many common moving expenses, such as the truck rental and moving services. When you plan your initial budget, the best thing to do is to sort your expenses and figure out exactly which costs the military will cover and which ones you'll have to shell out yourself. Doing this will help you come up with a budget and save money as your move progresses.

  • Make a list of your moving expenses that will be reimbursed. If you're unsure as to which expenses the government will reimburse you for, check with the military family center located near your current station. Someone will walk you through exactly what you can be expected to pay on your own and what costs will be covered for you through the government's many entitlement programs.

     

  • Budget for every scenario and every possible expense. The best way to prepare your budget is to anticipate any expense and plan for it, even if it may not be necessary. For example, you may need lodging during your move, which is an expense that may not always be reimbursed by the government. If you plan for these expenses and budget for them, you won't be hit with any unexpected last-minute costs.

     

  • Account for utilities fees and do your research. When it comes to paying for your utilities in your new home, you'll probably have some leeway to choose your own services. Do your research beforehand on how you can save money on your water and electricity bills and which phone/cable/internet packages will provide you the best value when you move in.

     

  • Know what you'll need to buy for your new home. When you move into a new home, you may need to buy new things such as furnishings, supplies or furniture. To save yourself some money, figure out what you'll need in advance and procure items through donations from friends and family, from online classifieds like Craigslist or from secondhand stores that sell discounted used items.

Avoid any moving mishaps and unnecessary costs

Most of the time during a move, the most unexpected expenses come from inefficient planning. The best way to save money on your PCS move is to plan well enough to avoid any major moving mishaps and unnecessary costs that can put a dent in your bank account.

  • Have your belongings insured. One of the biggest moving mishaps causing unexpected moving costs is lost or damaged property from mishandled goods or other unforeseen accidents. The best way to prevent against this is by making sure that your items are properly insured. The government will insure your belongings during a PCS move up to a certain amount, but you should still supplement that with added insurance. Your options include your renters insurance, homeowners insurance or auto insurance. This is especially important if you plan on moving valuable items, or if the government-provided insurance doesn't offer full protection on your goods.

     

  • Choose banks and insurance companies that are available in every state to avoid having to frequently change your accounts. The first mistake that many military members make is choosing banks that are not available nationwide or insurance companies that only offer coverage in certain areas. If you're going to be moving frequently, it's best to enroll in online banking so you don't have to switch banks every time you relocate and purchase insurance from nationwide companies. Frequently changing your accounts each time you move can waste a lot of time and money.

     

  • Plan your move well in advance. Of course, the best way to save money on your PCS move is to begin planning well in advance. As soon as you learn of your reassignment, begin building your budget and booking movers. The earlier you get started, the more prepared you'll be in case the unexpected does occur.



Robert Moreschi  Posted by Robert Moreschi on January 22, 2014

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