14) Have a garage sale prior to the move and get rid of everything you can. Having less to unpack at the new house is a good thing.
15) Double check all cabinets and the storage under the stove before packers leave in case they missed something. And don’t forget the attic!
16) Prepare to be unemployed for a lengthy period of time. We would have budgeted for a much smaller house payment if we knew how long I would go without a job.
17) Take photos of all things before the packers arrive. That way, if you have to make a claim of missing/damaged items, you have before photos to aid in the claim process.
18) Check the packing list twice. Last move, the packers placed two smaller (hand woven afghan) rugs inside a third bigger rug. Only the big rug was on the packing list, and only the big rug made it, as the two smaller ones were not on the packing list or tagged with a number.
19) Over estimate for utilities in your new location when you are figuring your budget. It may cost more than you anticipated.
20) Extensively research the schools and choose housing based on that instead of the house or proximity to other things.
21) I’m a National Guard spouse. I thought our only option was a DITY move. I was seven months pregnant. I wanted to murder my husband when I found out someone could have moved us. Sometimes the extra money is totally not worth it.
22) Don’t sign the inventory sheet until you inspect every piece they have marked as damaged during the PCS Move!
23) Colored duct tape! A different color/print for each room. Made unloading the trucks a breeze!
24) Pack and move or ship important/valuable/irreplaceable etc. items yourself.
25) Photograph or video everything including the condition of the housing prior to move in AND after/during move out so they can’t try to charge you for stuff that isn’t actually damaged/missing after you leave.
