CMFMAG Team
Moving is a massive process for anyone, but moving every two to three years across the country is a feat many military families face, with only a few months to prepare as we get posted.
Whether this is your first experience or your tenth move, the same checks and balances need to be applied. Here, we look at tips on what to do and what to avoid this APS.
1: Inform Yourself as Much as Possible
The Government of Canada has a Department of National Defence Relocation Directive document on its website. It is a helpful tool for learning all you need to know about compensation, benefits, and entitlements. It’s a mammoth document, so thanks to the online version, you don’t need to trawl through 100+ pages to find what you’re looking for.
The policy is often updated, so be sure to check to ensure the info you have is current. Visit here to read the document.
You’ll likely receive a Pre-Move Booklet, which you need to acknowledge receipt of by signing and dating. It, too, offers a myriad of information, including what is expected of you and what you can expect from the carrier/mover. Also listed are items that won’t move for you, so it’s essential to read through and have any questions answered. Write notes in the booklet and get the names of those you liaise with or who come to your home for the pre-move consult. If anything you’re not sure of, ask and write the answer for easy reference in the future.
2: Learn About Your New Area
Military Family Resource Centres are a tremendous asset and can offer a lot of info to you ahead of time. So, too, are social media groups for a specific area – whether military-linked or not. Introduce yourself and ask questions, as someone will always have an answer. Remember, no question is ever too small or too silly. You may even forge friendships ahead of time and get to meet up socially as soon as you settle in your new location. This is also true of online groups for moms and toddlers or a specific school. The more you involve yourself, the sooner you will feel part of your new community.
3: Plan, Plan, Plan and Plan Some More
As with all things military, there’s a policy and procedure to follow for everything! You need to let Brookfield know as soon as your posting message is through and confirmed. If you’re not going to be moving in to a PMQ, then finding a realtor in your new location and booking your HHT as soon as possible is a must. Some social media groups list realtors who are military relocation specialists or ask for referrals. A good realtor will take a lot of the stress away and will be able to connect you with other professionals that they work with and trust – a lawyer, mortgage agent, and insurance specialist, just to name a few.
You should have a checklist of things that need doing. Create a folder for your new home and your current property. Things can get overwhelming if that also needs to be sold or rented, plus you’re juggling family, jobs, and other commitments. Visit here for our moving home checklist. There are also apps like ‘Moving Checklist Pro’ which does it all from your phone. Take photos of the homes you see on your HHT, and once you’ve decided and bought/rented your new property, an app like ‘MagicPlan’ is an excellent resource to help you map out where all your furniture will go in this new space.
4: Be On Top of Moving:
This is a must. If there is anything you do not want the packers to touch, put it in an area (closet/bathroom) and tell them they aren’t to touch it. Their mission is to pack everything! Get zip-loc bags of varying sizes and pack liquids. Take the screws out of desks, cribs, and all other furniture that need to be disassembled, and put them in zip-loc bags. Either attach each bag securely to the underside of your furniture or keep them labelled and all together. Pack a Rubbermaid container of all your valuables, personal items, liquor, and other necessities that will travel with you in your car.
Put your remotes in here and a few dishes—things you will need quickly when you get to your new place and won’t want to look for in one of a hundred boxes. Another good idea is to put drawer contents in zipper bags and then put them back in the drawer. This is great for office drawers or ‘hold all’ drawers in the kitchen—pens, paper clips, chargers, sewing supplies.
A great app to use is Sortly. This app lets you take pictures of your inventory and track it across locations. It’s also an excellent way to ensure you have a record of the condition of your possessions before the move. Don’t be afraid to watch your movers and direct them with your things. Remember, this is your home and property, and you’ll want to mitigate mistakes and accidents as much as possible.
5: You Got This!
The Canadian Military Spouses Group on Facebook offers a wealth of knowledge and has excellent links to groups, associations, and individual advice. Above all, remember the CAF is a tight community that cares for its own. Ask for help, ask for advice, and offer suggestions and insight when you can.
Caroline Inman is a writer and military spouse, originally from England and living in Ottawa.
