Clean Your Carpets Before Moving Bases – PCS Moving Tips

Rug Doctor® by BISSELL® Rental Carpet Cleaners Available At Local Exchange Stores

Moving is a big part of military life. Many military families move every two to three years, which can be a challenge to families – especially those with kids and pets. Great programs are in place to help support our military families when they move. We have some tips for you too, and some special advice for those with a pet in the family.

Before You Leave Your Current Home

Take charge and start planning as soon as you know where and around when you are moving. You can figure out a timeline, start looking for housing, and then schedule your move. Make to-do lists to help you stay organized before and during the move.

• Talk to your family about the move right away. Kids may be nervous about moving but reassure them that you guys are a team and will still be together. Explain that moving is an adventure and a great way to explore new places and make new friends. Have your kids help you in small ways and talk to them throughout the process to help them understand what is going on.
• Take inventory of what you have and what you are moving. That way, you’ll know exactly what you should be unpacking and if anything is missing. Take pictures of high value items before you pack them.
• Make sure you have a bag of essential items that you keep with you at all times: orders, IDs (driver’s licenses, Social Security cards, passports), official certificates (marriage, birth & death), medical info & medication, housing & insurance information, school & employment records, vehicle documents and precious or unique items.
• Think about finding a sponsor or other contact at your new installation so that you have people to turn to with questions.

Moving with a pet? Here are a few pet-related things you’ll want to take care of before heading out to your new home.

• Take your pet to the veterinarian. Make sure they are healthy and have updated immunizations. This will make traveling with your pets much easier.
• Make sure your pet has identification. Get your pet a tag with their name, your phone number and an emergency contact. Consider microchipping your pet.
• Take pictures of your pet so you have them, in case your pet gets lost during the move.
• Clean your carpets before leaving. Many military housing communities accommodate pets but you want to make sure you get your deposit back after you leave. Don’t let pet stains or odors in the carpet stop that from happening. Rent a Big Green® carpet cleaner at your local Exchange store to get dirt, pet stains, and odors out of the carpet. It’s easy to use and costs less than $40 for 24 hours.

Moving To Another State

If you’ve received new orders and are moving inside CONUS, it’s time to figure out the details of relocation.

• Arrange for moving services, either through the military or through civilian companies. You can choose to use either or both, depending on what your needs are for the move.
• Don’t go shopping before you move! You may want to buy new clothes for a different climate or new furniture for your new house but wait until you get to your new place. You don’t want to move more than you have to.
• Keep a record of all your receipts during the process, the more details the better. Make sure you have all your paperwork (receipts, invoices, etc) in one place.

Moving out of state with a pet? Lots of changes at once can be stressful for pets as well as for humans. Try to be gentle with your pet if they are nervous during this time because they don’t understand what is going on. Remember – their whole house is getting packed up too!

• Find out if there are rules for bringing pets into the state you are heading to at the US Dept of Agriculture’s website. You may also want to check to see if there is a limit on the number of pets allowed on the military installation where you are moving.
• Another tip before moving is to look for pet-friendly hotels ahead of time if you are driving.
• Pack all your pet’s stuff in one bag or tote so everything stays together: bowls, food, leash, toys, meds, grooming tools, pet bed, etc. Don’t forget to pack your pet’s health certificates and proof of current vaccinations. Put those into a folder or plastic baggy so it stays safe and clean on the trip.
• If driving, stop at rest areas regularly to give your dog a chance to run around and do its business. Give your cat access to a litter box at the same time.

Moving To Another Country

Moving OCONUS is an amazing opportunity to see and learn more about the world, and experience life in different cultures. Your move will probably need more coordination and attention to detail, since you are moving farther.

• Don’t overpack. You’ll have a household good weight limit and you’ll need to stick to it. Only take what you really need.
• Be prepared to not get your belongings as soon as you arrive. The location of your new home determines how long it takes for things to arrive. Make sure you are carrying your most important things with you.
• Get ready for a new culture. You and your family should learn about where you are moving: the customs, the food, and maybe even start learning some of the language. It will take some getting used to once you arrive.

Moving out of the country with a pet? There are diverse rules and quarantine requirements for different countries. Be sure to do research ahead of your move to make sure you know what to expect when your family arrives overseas with your pets.

• To learn about the rules in the specific country where you are moving, contact the embassy or consulate in that country. Your pet may need to be quarantined upon arrival, and it could be for an extended amount of time. This can also be expensive, so be sure to ask about cost.
• Many places require that pets have microchips to identify them. Your pet can probably get a microchip at your vet’s office, but you’ll need to schedule an appointment ahead of time.
• Check airline requirements for bringing your pet with you. You may need to reserve space on the flight for your pet and you’ll also need a travel crate, probably with specific dimensions. When you have the crate, write your name and contact information, plus pet’s name, right on the crate.

Overall, moving can be an exciting time for you and your family. We wish you the best in your new installation. Thank you for your service.
 
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/moving-housing/moving/planning-your-move/moving-with-pets