AUGUST 18, 2022 – If you are transferred from one duty station to another as a serviceman or woman, you might need to move with your belongings or even your family. For many people, such a move is oftentimes not a walk in the park.
It can be quite overwhelming, both mentally and physically. It can also throw you off-balance as far as your routines are concerned, making it paramount to carefully plan for it from the word go.
With this said, read on for some pro tips on how to plan a DITY move like a pro.
What’s a DITY-Move?
More commonly known to members of the military, a DITY Move is simply a program that allows you to relocate your belongings, with you in control of the move.
It is widely known as The Personally Procured Move Program these days, and members are usually entitled to reimbursement for part or a portion of the total costs of their move.
But that doesn’t make it any less daunting compared to the ordinary move… or does it?
Quick Tips When Anticipating a DITY-Move
A successful move involves a plethora of tasks, most of which balloon if you are doing it yourself.
Thankfully, below are some tips that can help you
1. Budget for It
Getting to choose how to move your belongings, whether locally or internationally often means that you can spend less than what you’ve been entitled to. This is a critical step in your planning process as it will help to determine the overall costs involved in your move.
And while you may certainly get paid for the move, you may still want to have some leftovers to cover other expenses. This is precisely why a DITY move calculator comes in handy. As long as you have the estimate of your moving expenses in mind, it’s easy to tell how much you can be left with as leftovers from your move!
2. Get Organized
You need to set some packing goals as this might help you attain a seamless and effortless move. With time on your side, start packing early, and delegate packing chores to friends or family members. Label your boxes accordingly to manage and eventually, avoid damages.
A DITY move means that you’ll be handling most if not all of your belongings on your own. Before relocation, consider packing goals that are strictly based on your timeline. The earlier you start packing the better. This will come in handy in determining your transportation needs and weighing your options.
3. Have The Right Attitude
The uncertainties surrounding moving might surprisingly put you off guard. For most military families, you don’t get to have an opinion on where you move. There are permanent change of station (PCS) decisions that will be known in advance, while others will come as a surprise.
Having the right attitude in the whole matter can help you put in your best efforts and allow you to have the right mind in the whole process. This can make a huge difference no matter how you choose to move.
4. Choosing Transportation Options
A personally procured move requires that you choose the right transportation depending on what you have and need to move.
Some of the options you can choose include:
- Rental vehicles – Consider enlisting bonafide rental dealers as the vehicle and equipment from such sources will be of the best quality.
- POV (Privately Owned Vehicle) – If you have a motor home, a truck, or a resourceful carriage, then use such to your advantage in helping minimize additional transportation costs.
- Commercial movers – There are commercially owned vehicles that will come at a cost. Compare costs from different companies to know what best suits your needs.
5. Self-Care
Do not forget to take care of yourself and your family after a successful DITY move. It has already eaten up most of your time and energy, not to mention the moving costs involved.
Consider a retreat center, spa, or a vacation to just zen out. Some rejuvenation will be key to getting back to your routines. Of course, this will be after you’ve unpacked and successfully settled in.
The above are key pointers to help you DITY move like a pro. While moving can be exhausting and strenuous, early planning can go a long way in helping to make it less of a herculean task. Don’t forget to involve those around you and ensure that you have the right mindset for the work ahead.