Guide for Different Military Moves:

Moving to a new duty station is a common occurrence for military families. Whether you're a seasoned mover or experiencing your first relocation, it's important to understand the different options available for moving your belongings. In this guide, we will explore three options: having the military move all your stuff, a do-it-yourself (DITY) move, and a partial DITY move. Each option has its pros and cons, as well as potential financial benefits.

Option 1: Having the Military Move All Your Stuff

Pros:

1. Convenience: The military manages the entire moving process, from packing to transportation and unpacking at the destination.
2. Professional Assistance: Trained personnel handle your belongings, ensuring proper packing, loading, and unloading.
3. Reliability: The military is responsible for any damage or loss of items during the move.
4. Time-Saving: You can focus on other important aspects of your move while the military handles the logistics.

Cons:

1. Limited Control: You have minimal control over the packing and unpacking process, which may result in misplaced items or damaged goods.
2. Timelines: The military sets the moving schedule, which may not align with your preferred dates.
3. Waiting Period: Depending on the availability of movers, you may experience delays in the moving process.
4. Lack of Flexibility: If unexpected changes occur, it can be challenging to modify the moving arrangements.

Financial Benefits:

1. Reimbursement: The military covers the costs associated with the move, including transportation, packing materials, and storage if required.

Option 2: Do-It-Yourself (DITY) Move

Pros:

1. Total Control: You have complete control over the packing, loading, transportation, and unloading of your belongings.
2. Flexibility: You can choose the most suitable moving dates and adjust your schedule as needed.
3. Cost Savings: By eliminating professional movers, you can save money on packing services and transportation.

Cons:

1. Physical Exertion: DIY moves require significant physical effort, especially when handling heavy furniture and large items.
2. Logistics: Coordinating truck rentals, packing materials, and finding help can be time-consuming and stressful.
3. Potential Damages: Inadequate packing or improper handling may lead to damage or loss of items, for which you are solely responsible.
4. Liability: If accidents occur during the move, you may bear the financial burden of repairs or replacements.

Financial Benefits:

1. Cost Savings: You can potentially save money by avoiding professional moving services. The military reimburses you per pound moved. Sometimes the reimbursement is greater than the money you actually spent.
2. Tax Deductions: Depending on the circumstances, you may qualify for tax deductions for moving expenses, subject to applicable tax laws.

Option 3: Partial Do-It-Yourself Move

Pros:

1. Flexibility: You can choose to handle specific aspects of the move yourself while utilizing professional movers for other tasks. You can choose what items you want to move yourself while the movers handle the rest.
2. Cost Control: By selecting specific services to handle on your own, you can control and potentially reduce the overall moving costs.

Cons:

1. Coordination: Coordinating the timing and logistics between your own efforts and professional movers can be challenging.
2. Increased Responsibility: You will be responsible for the proper packing and loading of the items you handle personally.
3. Potential Stress: Balancing multiple moving tasks can add stress to an already demanding process.

Financial Benefits:

1. Cost Savings: The military pays to move some of your stuff while also reimbursing you for the items you moved yourself. Sometimes the reimbursement is greater than the money you actually spent.
2. Tax Deductions: You may be eligible to claim tax deductions for specific moving expenses, subject to applicable tax laws.