Home OrganizingHome Improvement 14 Tried-and-True Moving Strategies from Military Families

14 Tried-and-True Moving Strategies from Military Families

By Albert G. Croley
2.2K views 1 min read

Ever wondered how military families manage to relocate so seamlessly despite their frequent moves? The secret is their well-adopted strategies and meticulous planning. Military families often face unique moving challenges and have developed practical, efficient methods to tackle them.

In this blog, we’ll uncover their top moving strategies and show you how to apply these tried-and-true techniques to your own moving preparation.

Curious to learn how to make your next move as smooth as a military operation? Let’s dive into their expert strategies and get you moving with confidence!

1. Plan Ahead

Start organizing well before your moving date to avoid last-minute chaos.

  • Create a Detailed Checklist: Develop a comprehensive moving checklist that outlines all tasks, from packing to updating your address. This will help you stay on track and ensure nothing gets overlooked.
  • Set Deadlines: Establish deadlines for packing different rooms and tasks. This way, you can manage your time effectively and avoid feeling overwhelmed as the move approaches.

2. Purge Unnecessary Items

Before packing, take the opportunity to declutter. Reducing the number of items you move will simplify the process and save time, as this is how it’s done in military families.  

  • Sort and Evaluate: Go through your belongings and determine what you truly need. Items you haven’t used in the past year are good candidates for donation or sale.
  • Organize Donations and Sales: Set aside items for donation or organize a garage sale. This will not only lighten your load but also give your belongings a new home.

3. Label Everything

As one of the military moving strategies, proper labeling is essential for efficient unpacking. Clear labels make it easy to find items and organize your new space.

  • Use Descriptive Labels: Write the contents and the destination room on each box. For example, “Kitchen – Pots and Pans” helps you locate specific items quickly.
  • Color Code: Consider color-coding boxes for different rooms. This visual aid will speed up the unpacking process and help movers place boxes in the correct rooms.

4. Use Standardized Packing

Standardized packing can make your move more organized and manageable. Uniform boxes stack better and simplify the loading process.

  • Opt for Uniform-Sized Boxes: Whenever possible, use boxes of similar size. They fit together neatly and reduce shifting during transport.
  • Avoid Overpacking: Don’t overload boxes, as this can cause them to break. Pack boxes to a reasonable weight to make lifting and moving easier.

5. Keep Essentials Accessible

Having quick access to essential items will make your first night in the new home more comfortable and less stressful.

  • Prepare a “First-Night” Box: Pack a box with toiletries, a change of clothes, basic kitchen items, and any personal items you need immediately.
  • Include Important Documents: Store important documents, such as passports and medical records, in an easily accessible place.

6. Document Your Belongings

Keeping a record of your belongings can be incredibly useful, especially if you need to file an insurance claim for lost or damaged items.

  • Take Photos or Videos: Document valuable items and furniture with photos or videos. This evidence can help with claims if anything is damaged or missing.
  • Keep Receipts: Save receipts for valuable items and recent purchases. This documentation can support your insurance claims if needed.

7. Create a Moving Binder

A moving binder helps keep all your moving-related information organized and in one place.

  • Include Key Documents: Store important documents such as moving contracts, utility transfer forms, and receipts in the binder.
  • Track Progress: Use the binder to track completed tasks and remaining to-dos. This will help you stay organized and manage your move efficiently.

8. Get Professional Help

Enlisting the help of professional movers can make your relocation smoother, especially if they have experience with military moves.

  • Choose Experienced Movers: Look for military moving companies specializing in relocations. They understand the unique needs and challenges associated with such moves.
  • Communicate Your Needs: Clearly communicate any special instructions or requirements to your movers to ensure they handle your belongings with care.

9. Stay Organized

Maintaining organization throughout the packing and moving process will make everything run more smoothly.

  • Systematize Your Packing: Use a system like numbering boxes or color-coding to keep track of what goes where. This makes unpacking more straightforward.
  • Create an Inventory: Maintain an inventory list of your boxes and their contents. This will help you quickly locate items and ensure nothing gets lost.

10 Communicate with the Movers

Clear communication with your movers can prevent misunderstandings and ensure everything goes according to plan.

  • Provide Detailed Instructions: Explain where you want specific items to be placed in your new home. This minimizes the need for you to move boxes around later.
  • Highlight Fragile Items: Make sure movers are aware of any fragile or valuable items that require extra care.

11. Take Care of Utilities

Ensuring your utilities are set up and functioning will help you avoid interruptions in essential services.

  • Transfer Utilities in Advance: Contact utility companies well before your move to arrange for service transfers or new setups.
  • Verify Connections: Check that all utilities are functioning properly upon arrival. This includes electricity, water, gas, and internet services.

12. Plan for Pets and Children

Managing the needs of pets and children on moving days can help minimize stress and disruption for everyone involved.

  • Arrange Pet Care: Find a safe place for pets during the move, such as a pet-sitting service or a friend’s house. This will keep them calm and out of the way.
  • Prepare for Kids: Plan activities or set up a play area for children to keep them entertained and comfortable during the move.

13. Stay Flexible

Being adaptable can help you handle unexpected challenges that may arise during your move.

  • Prepare for the Unexpected: Understand that not everything may go according to plan. Stay flexible and ready to adjust your plans as needed.
  • Keep a Positive Attitude: Approach any obstacles with a positive mindset. Flexibility and a good attitude can make the moving experience more manageable.

14. Settle Quickly

Getting settled in your new home promptly can help everyone adjust and feel more at ease.

  • Unpack Efficiently: Focus on unpacking essential areas first, such as the kitchen and bedrooms. This will make your new home functional and comfortable right away.
  • Establish Routines: Establish familiar routines to help everyone adapt to the new environment. This can reduce stress and help you settle in faster.

The Ending Thoughts

Adopting proven moving strategies from military families can transform your moving experience. By planning ahead, streamlining the packing process, and leveraging available resources, you can make your move more efficient and less stressful.

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