Military moves are a way of life for families who have service members that are constantly being Military moves are a way of life for families who have service members that are constantly being stationed all over the country and world as members of the armed forces. While moving is a major life stressor, whether you are in the armed forces or not, the fact that military families have to do it so often makes it mentally, emotionally, and, financially rough.
Luckily, there are assistance programs for those that serve America for each of the five-armed branches providing Relocation Assistance Programs to military families who are asked to move. The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines Corps, and Coast Guard are all under the Public Law 101-189 (1988) that was implemented by the Department of Defense under its Family Readiness Program.
By taking advantage of the federally funded programs offered to the five branches of service, soldiers and their families can move with ease and efficiency.
Relocation Assistance Programs
The Department of Defense's Relocation Assistant Program services offers so many opportunities for military families to receive discounts before, during, and after their move. The first and most important discount offered during a move is military housing. The allowances available are:
- Basic
- Oversea
- Family Separation
- Dislocation
- Move-In
- Relocation
- Travel Allowances
These allowances ensure that military members are covered financially during their move.
If the assistance program does not discount the cost of housing sufficiently, servicemen and servicewomen can apply for advances on Basic Allowance Housing (BAH), or Overseas Allowance Housing (OAH). To apply for the advance, soldiers must go through their respective branches' Personal Financial Management Program Office.
As with relocation assistance, Military OneSource provides free counseling to families to discuss adjustments during a move, as well as ways to manage stress during a move. The site's specific money-saving tips section informs military families on food, clothing, transportation, utilities, household items, furniture, as well as recreation to help families adjust to their new home and area.
A Military Youth on the Move and Family Readiness System section is also offered through Military OneSource. Family members of all ages are educated on an array of topics including finances, medical, recreation, and more. To begin planning your move, fill out the Military OneSource form and see what discounts and programs are provided through your branch of service.
Making Military Moves Affordable
With all the Service has to offer to families who are moving, other tips can also reduce the cost of relocating to a new community. Moving and saving money is possible if you put your household's needs before its wants.
Make a budget and allot a certain allowance for each aspect of your move and do not go over the final figure you have come up with. If you must overextend in one area, try and discount in a different area so you stay within budget.
After you make a budget, go one step further by finding free boxes to store your stuff in and avoid hidden moving fees. By being frugal, a move can be more affordable than you think - whether it is your first or 15th time relocating.
Some companies offer moving discounts to servicemembers as well. Some of those are:
Atlas Van Lines
- Works with the military to have a PPM policy (Personally Procured Move) so your money can be reimbursed
Budget
- Using the code USMIO you can save 20% off your order
Penske
- 10% off with code MILITARY, and they have a special number for military moves 1-844-4TROOPS
U-Pack
PODS
North American Van Lines
- Also has a PPM policy with the military, so your move can be reimbursed
CubeSmart
- 10% discount, just show military ID
SMARTBOX
- $20 off with code MILOFF20
Military Moving Tips
While you're saving money through federal relocation assistance programs and making wise moving decisions, it is also important to stay as organized as possible so you won’t have as much anxiety. By going through your belongings and keeping the things you use, throwing out what you don’t, and then carefully packing everything up, you will have a much smoother move.