PCSing made easy!

I decided it was finally time to write a blog about WhiteFence. This site was recommended to me by my old old apt complex back in Costa Mesa CA. I have absolutely NO idea why more people in the military DON'T know about this site!

I've used this site every time we've moved. You can do everything from set up your utilities, to order the local newspaper, search for the cheapest phone/cable services (and set them up as well), and even change your address with the post office FOR FREE! This is like your one stop PCS shop... And more importantly, It's FREE! I mean seriously this cuts down SOOOO much on the added stress of PCSing by puting everything in one place. They even provide you with a moving "Check List"! I don't understant why people WOULDN'T use WhiteFence!

Is base housing for you?

If the term "military quarters" doesn't evoke the warm fuzzies, you might be surprised to know that many service members jump at the opportunity to take advantage of military housing. The waiting lists alone are evidence of this interest. Whether you're new to the service or facing your first move into housing after many years of active duty, a few considerations may put you at ease.

The majority of Base Housing has been bought out by a PPV company. Most of Marine Corps and Navy housing is owned by Lincoln Military Housing. Luckly the majority have the houses have been newly renovated if not completely re-built. The recent renovations have included new flooring, fixtures, window treatments, and complete bathroom and kitchen overhauls.

But before you decide make up your mind there's a few questions to ask yourself:

How long will it take to get in? Waiting lists vary depending on the number of available units. Refer to the local housing office where you'll be stationed to find out the average wait time. Remember that these are only estimates, it's possible for the list to go much faster than the amount of time quoted. Your position on a housing waiting list is determined by the date on which you detached from your previous command. This is referred to as your control date. In our time in the Marine Corps we've seen no waiting list, and list as long as 2.5 YEARS!

What about Basic Allowance for Housing? Though BAH is not given to those living in military quarters, consider the savings on such things as rent payments exceeding your BAH allowance, gas and/or electric bills, garbage pickup fees, and security and pet deposits.

It's advisable to get on the list regardless of whether you've decided to move into military housing or not. You can change your mind, and you're not obligated to accept quarters when they become available.

Are pets allowed in housing? Policies vary with each housing office, but often families with pets can live in designated sections. Check out the specific policies for your prospective area.

Contracted companies provide regular grounds maintenance in most housing areas, ensuring pleasant surroundings for you to enjoy. You only have to maintain your designated yard. Housing offices encourage your gardening skills with regularly scheduled presentations of yard upkeep awards. Just be sure to get clearance before doing any serious planting.

Leaky faucet? Not a problem. Maintenance crews are on duty around the clock, usually handling repairs within a short time, if not the same day, depending on severity. Fun things you might find in your housing community may include but are not limited to:

• Community centers for children with loads of regularly scheduled activities
• Neighborhood playgrounds
• Community garden plots
• Youth sports leagues

Possibly the greatest benefit of living in military housing is being among people who understand you and your life as a military family. Lifelong friendships are often forged as you share the unique experiences of military life. Your neighbors may very well be an immediate source of support in your new surroundings, and that should put you at ease.

BAH

Information and charts about Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) that the military pays when members are authorized to reside off base at government expense.

Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA)
Active duty members who are stationed overseas (except for Alaska and Hawaii), and are authorized to live off base at government expense, do no receive a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). Instead, they receive a different allowance, called Overseas Housing Allowance, or OHA.

2008 Guard and Reserve Housing Allowance
Guard and Reserve members on active duty for less than 30 continuous days receive a different type of housing allowance than active duty members. This type of housing allowance is known as Basic Allowance for Housing Reserve Component/Transit (BAH RC/T), formerly known as BAH Type II.

2008 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) Rates
Military members who are authorized to reside off-base at government expense receive a monthly housing allowance known as Basic Allowance for Housing, or BAH. Here are the Military BAH amounts for the year 2008.

2007 Guard/Reserve Housing Allowance
Guard and Reserve members on active duty for less than 30 continuous days receive a different type of housing allowance than active duty members. This type of housing allowance is known as Basic Allowance for Housing Reserve Component/Transit (BAH RC/T).

2007 Average BAH Rates
Military housing allowances are based on the member's rank, duty location, and whether or not they have dependents (family members). The charts here show the average of those allowances for 2007.

2007 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
The Fiscal Year 2007 Military Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for military personnel. BAH is payable to military members who are authorized to reside off-base at government expense. The amount payable is based upon location, rank, and whether or not the member has any dependents (family members).

BAH Type II (FY 2006)
Guard and Reserve members on active duty for less than 30 days receive a different type of housing allowance than active duty members. This type of housing allowance is known as Basic Allowance for Housing, Type II.

2006 Housing Allowance Rates
he Fiscal Year 2006 Military Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for military personnel. BAH is payable to military members who are authorized to reside off-base at government expense. The amount payable is based upon location, rank, and whether or not the member has any dependents (family members).

Housing Allowance Rules Change 31 Dec (2005)
About 30,000 single servicemembers who live off base and pay child support are likely to see a slight change in their military pay - an increase for some and cut for others -- beginning in January (2006). The rules regarding the basic allowance for housing differential - an allotment for single members who pay child support -- will change Dec. 31.

Geographic Rate Protection
Defense officials are eliminating the "geographic rate protection" clause that ensures service members moving to a new area receive the same housing allowance as those already living there. Geographic rate protection is expiring in January (2006) because Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates have reached a level where service members no longer have to pay out-of-pocket expenses for housing.

Geographic Bachelors
The Army has now announced an end to the geographic bachelor program for stateside Army installations and Army installations in Alaska and Hawaii. In other words, soldiers with dependents, drawing a housing allowance can no longer live for free in Army barracks.

Single Army Staff Sergeants Can Move Off Base
Single Army staff sergeants (E-6) on stateside military installations will be allowed to live off post thanks to a new policy announced March 9 (2005). The policy authorizes non-dependent basic allowance for housing pay to single staff sergeants on installations in the continental United States, Hawaii and Alaska. It does not apply to overseas facilities.

BAH Type II (FY 2005)
Guard and Reserve members on active duty for less than 140 days receive a different type of housing allowance than active duty members. This type of housing allowance is known as Basic Allowance for Housing, Type II.

FY 2005 Military Basic Allowance For Housing
The Fiscal Year 2005 Military Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for military personnel. BAH is payable to military members who are authorized to reside off-base at government expense. The amount payable is based upon location, rank, and whether or not the member has any dependents (family members).

Basic Allowance for Housing Overview
Overview of the Military's Housing Allowance System, known as Basic Allowance for Housing.

Military Housing Allowance -- How Rates are Determined
Beginning in January 2005, Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates are designed to cover 100 percent of the average rental costs for the type of dwelling authorized for the specific paygrade (rank). Here's how the rates are determined.

FY 2003 Military Basic Allowance For Housing (Officers with Dependents)
The Fiscal Year 2003 Military Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for commissioned officers with dependents. BAH is payable to military members who are authorized to reside off-base at government expense. The amount payable is based upon location, rank, and whether or not the member has any dependents (family members).

BAH for Single Sailors
Message which describes the new policy of granting a housing allowance (BAH) to shipboard single sailors in the rank of E-4, with more than four years of service.

FY 2004 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
In calendar year 2003, service members living "on the economy" have been paying an average of 7.5 percent of the housing costs out-of-pocket. That dropped to 3.5 in FY 2004. Housing allowance rates are based upon rank, location, and whether or not a member has dependents.

BAH for Junior Dual-Couple Sailors
The Navy announced good news for junior Sailors married to other junior Sailors: if you are both on sea duty, you can now each receive Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH).

Guard/Reserve Housing Allowance (FY 2004)
Guard and Reserve members on active duty for less than 140 days receive a different type of housing allowance than active duty members, called BAH Type II.

Housing Allowance for Members Paying Child Support
Special rules apply for active duty members who live in the barracks and pay child support. Military members who don't have custody, and are paying child support, ARE NOT authorized to reside in the barracks and receive full-rate BAH. Instead, such members are paid an entitlement called BAH-DIFF, or BAH Differential.

Housing Allowance (FY 2003)
When a servicemember is authorized to reside off-base at government expense, DOD pays a housing allowance, called "Basic Allowance for Housing" (BAH). In 2003, BAH has increased by an overall average of 8 percent over 2002 rates.

Guard/Reserve Housing Allowance (FY 2003)
Guard and Reserve members on active duty for less than 140 days receive a different type of housing allowance than active duty members.

Housing Allowance (Child Support) for FY 2003
Special rules apply for active duty members who live in the barracks and pay child support. Military members who don't have custody, and are paying child support, ARE NOT authorized to reside in the barracks and receive full-rate BAH. Instead, such members are paid an entitlement called BAH-DIFF, or BAH Differential.

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) Rules
The Basic Allowance for Housing rate depends on location, rank, and whether or not the military member has dependents. A question often asked is if the military member and the member's dependents live in separate locations, what location is used to determine the Basic Allowance for Housing rate?

BAH & Family Support
Overall DOD policy concerning the receipt of BAH with dependent rates, and responsibility to provide for family support. Requires Acrobat Reader.

PCSing - So you made it to your duty station!

You will be given the telephone number of the transportation office (TMO) at your new duty station. Your Marine should contact the office as soon as possible, and provide them with a phone number where the member or designated representative may be reached.

Arrange for phone, gas, and electricity to be connected.

Check the pilot lights on the stove, water heater, incinerator and furnace.

If you are moving to a new state, register your car and get a new driver's license as soon as possible.

Register your children in school.

You will need to visit the DEERS/TriCare office to resister at your local medical center, or depending on new duty station, possibly change TriCare reagons.

Before the moving van arrives, clean the hard-to-reach places in your new residence.

When the movers arrive, check their inventory against the one you made prior to departure -- they should match.

Know in advance where to place each piece of furniture. The mover is required to place each piece only one time.
At time of delivery, you are entitled to the reassembly of all items that were disassembled by the carrier.

In addition, you are entitled to have everything unpacked, with packing materials removed from the residence, unless you specifically waive this service.

If you discover that you are missing some items or items have been damaged in transit, you must list these items on your DD Form 1840. You should ensure that three legible copies of this form are received. This is not a claim, only a record of loss or damage. Any additional loss or damage discovered after the carrier has completed delivery should be noted on the reverse side of DD Form 1840, which is DD Form 1840R.

PCSing - The Big DAy (part 2)

The movers must seal everything in crates before they leave your house. Do not let them take un-crated boxes and tell you they will crate them at the warehouse! You should witness them seal the crates, and the seal numbers go on the paperwork.

Trust me, I learned this the hard way. On our last PCS move the movers told us they were just stacking everything in the truck since they weren't being put into storage they wouldn't need to be crated. Well as everyone should know, "things come up" and we ended up not having a house as soon as we should have at our new duty station and out household goods ended up needing to be stored for a month. Well let me tell you it was a HUGE shock when I received my furniture in PIECES!!! And not because they broke them accidentally... But because they took it upon themselves to TAKE THEM APART! And I'm not talkin $50 Wal-Mart furniture... My pooooooor Antique Hawaiian bamboo desk, my dining room taable and livingroom coffee and end tables that I didn't even know came apart!

Just trust me here, it's a lot easer to just make sure they crate them.

PCSing - The Big Day (part 1)

Have your own inventory of all your items, and list the serial numbers for those things that have them. Take pictures of all of your belongings. If it's electronic, show that it works... Take a video of your washer and dryer working to prove it IS infact in working condition since they won't check that when they come to pack. If you have to file a claim and you have a picture, you are much more likely to get replacement value instead of depreciation value. For items that are high value but you would not have receipts for (such as wedding china), you may also submit a letter from a third party (such as a friend or relative) certifying that these items were in your possession and they saw them in your house. The reason for this is because boxes will not be labeled “12 place settings of Noritake china, Gold Ring Pattern with 5 piece serving set”. They are more likely to be labeled “China”.

The packers will note the condition of items on their inventory; for instance, if the couch is worn, or a dresser is scratched. I honest to God think it is just standard to list "scratched, soiled, dinted" on all sides... Seriously, check the invintory list, they don't just list it as ""scratched" they list a code next to it... Probably to confuse you. Really, it would be in your best interest to go through and question every code before you sign that paper and have them correct it. If you have problems with this, or concerns about how the packers are noting the condition of many of your household items, call the Traffic Management Office and ask them to send an inspector out. This is probably the #1 problem servicemembers have with packers.

PCSing - The Movers

I love this comic!

Trust me, put the items you DON’T want packed in a empty closet marked “DO NOT PACK”, or lock them in your car.

Packers will pack anything not nailed down. If you don’t want the trash in your trash can shipped to your new base, be sure to empty it before the packers come! Put the pet’s food and water bowls aside or they’ll get packed, too. Some of the active duty member’s records must be hand-carried. And if you got a newcomer’s welcome package about your new base from your sponsor don’t let the packers box that up, either. The info in that package will come in handy as soon as you arrive at your new base!

PCSing - Final Days

Separate items that will not be packed, including suitcases. If more than one shipment, separate items per each shipment into groups.

Ship as "unaccompanied baggage" items that will help you set up housekeeping at your new address immediately, such as linens, dishes, etc.

Keep a household inventory list on hand to carry with your personal luggage.

Make a complete inventory of all the boxes you will have moved to your new location -- you will need to check this later after you move in.

Attach colored stickers to your boxes to correspond with rooms in your new home where you want your boxes to go. If you are using movers, prepare a color-coded map of your new house, so they'll know exactly where to take your belongings.
Make sure that cash, jewelry, important documents, your checkbook and other valuable items are secure and placed with the suitcases and other items you are hand-carrying yourself. Do not ship jewelry.

If you are renting a truck or other vehicle for your move, check it over to make sure everything is running properly.
Make sure the condition of belongings is accurately noted. If anything is marked "scratched, dented or soiled" also note the location of such problem.

If you are leasing phones from the phone company, return them.

Confirm child care and pet arrangements if necessary.

Clean and dry refrigerator and freezer. Allow to dry one or two days with doors propped open. Note: Families with children or pets present should block the doors from accidentally closing. To avoid a musty odor you can place several charcoal briquettes in a stocking or sock in both the freezer and refrigerator compartment.

Discard partly-used cans and containers of substances that might leak.

Carefully tape and place in individual waterproof bags any jars of liquid you plan to take with you.
Remove outside TV and radio antennas.

Remove air conditioners from windows.

Remove pictures and mirrors from walls.

If you have a clock with a pendulum, remove the pendulum. If you are on base housing, you may need third-party authorization to do this, so call your local personal property shipping office if you feel you require this type of service.

Disconnect gas and electrical appliances. Moving companies are NOT required to perform the disconnects or to reconnect at the destination address.

Remove all light bulbs from lamps.

PCSing - 1 Week Prior

Close out safety deposit box if you have one.

Buy a bunch of ziplock bags -- these will come in handy when packing large sets of small items, like silverware, or for components of furniture that need to be broken down (i.e., screws, bolts).

Make copies of any important documents before mailing or hand-carrying them to your new address.

Remove wall accessories such as drapery rods, small appliances, food and utensil racks.

Pull out all items from beneath stairways, attics or any other area that does not allow full standing room.

Drain garden hoses.
Drain oil and gas from lawn mowers and other gas operated tools. Disconnect spark plugs.

Dispose of flammables such as fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry sets, aerosal cans, ammunition, oil, paint and thinners.

Refillable tanks must be purged and sealed by a local propane gas dealer. Discard nonrefillable tanks. Some carriers and the military do not permit shipment of any propane tanks.

Disassemble outdoor play equipment and structures such as utility sheds.

Disassemble electronic components such as stereos and VCRs. Place original packing boxes (if they are in good condition and you want the movers to use them) by the equipment. If you decide to pack the item in the original carton yourself, leave the boxes opened so items can be inventoried.

If you have a computer, "park" hard disk drive units, then disconnect computer systems. Place floppy disks in protective cases before packing into cartons.

If you are using your vehicle, make sure that it is in good running condition and that all required maintenance has been completed.

Give a close friend or relative your travel route and schedule so you may be reached if needed.

Set aside cleaning materials to be used after packing and loading.

PCSing - FYI (what to take with you)

What to take with you:

1. Important papers. His official orders, birth certificates, marriage license, social security cards, etc. should all go with you in your vehicle. Do not pack these items or let the movers pack them. In all likelihood, you’ll need them before you find the box they are in. These papers should be with you at all times during your move.

2. Pictures. If you have pictures that cannot be replaced, take them with you. The last thing you need in the stress of moving is to find out your wedding pictures have been ruined.

3. Your medications. Sometimes the movers are delayed for a variety of reasons. Take all of your medications with you and be sure you have more of a supply than you think you will ever need. Better safe than sorry!

4. At least one phone. It could be days before your things arrive and you need to have communication!

5. Take toiletry items including toilet paper with you. It’s also not a bad idea to at least take the shower liner with you (with hooks) and a few towels. Make sure you also have pillows and blankets in case you have to camp out on the floor for a few days.

6. Be sure you have everything for your pets. You will need their food, bowls, litter and any medications. Also try to bring a favorite toy so they have something familiar.

7. Be sure to leave out paper plates, napkins, plastic utensils, etc. so you can still eat while they are packing your things. This will also make it easier and much cheaper when you get to your new place until you find all of your dishes. Try to pack a cooler with sandwich meat, condiments and drinks. Have snacks and bread ready so you don’t spend a lot of money eating out.

PCSing - 1 month prior.

Schedule pickup and delivery dates with your mover, and arrange for storage if needed.

Verify your move-in schedule with real estate agents and landlords, and arrange for temporary housing/lodgings if needed.

If you live in base housing, you need to schedual your pre-inspection walk through.

Obtain change of address cards from the post office. You can also download them directly from MoversNet. If your new address is not yet known, you can still address cards now to save time later.

If you haven't found a new residence yet, obtain a post office box or forwarding address for your mail until you have a permanent address.

If you haven't done so already, visit your military financial center or private advisor for counseling. If you are on active duty, check with Travel and Transportation Allowances to see if you are entitled to advanced pay or other benefits.

Get rid of any unwanted items around your house (furniture, clothes, etc). You can sell them through crageslist, hold a garage sale or donate them to charity. Keep any receipts from your donations for tax purposes.

Arrange to pick up your children's school records or get the proper procedures for sending the records to their new school.

Arrange for letter of transfer from local church and clubs, including Scouts or other national organizations.
If your family is driving in two or more vehicles, buy some short-range walkie-talkies so you can keep in touch while you're on the road.

If you or someone in your family is employed, arrange with your employer to forward tax withholding forms.
Spouse and children with part time jobs should give notice.

Ensure that all health, life, fire and auto insurance is up to date, and inform these companies of your new address.
Return library books and other borrowed items.

Ensure that your vehicle(s) are in good running condition and that all required maintenance has been completed.
Record serial numbers of electronic and other important equipment.

Fill out an IRS change of address form (available from the IRS in PDF format).

Have appliances serviced for moving.

Switch utility services to your new address. Inform electric, disposal, water, newspaper, magazine subscription, telephone and cable companies of your move, and cancel any local subscriptions or services (i.e., pool, diaper, fuel delivery) if necessary. If you have placed any deposits, get your refunds.

PCSing - Change of address

Inform family, friends and businesses of your new address

The US Postal Service provides various forms that can help having one’s mail forwarded either to a interim address, or directly to one’s new address. While first class mail will be forwarded up to one year following one’s move, it’s best to inform family, friends, utilities, banks and credit card companies, magazine publications, and others of one’s new address as soon as one is resettled. Preparing these notifications early can reduce the potential for bills not being paid or credit card interest being assessed due to late payments.

PCSing - 2 Months Prior

Start using up canned foods, spray paints and other consumables.

Have an "inventory session" in which you decide what you need to take with you and what you can get rid of.

Begin sorting out and disposing of items you don't need. You can sell them through the classifieds or go to an online marketplace such as eBay or Crageslist.

If you are buying a new home at your new location, you should choose one as soon as possible, arrange financing, and set tentative closing dates. For more on the home buying process, see the Military.com Home Buying Guide.

If your spouse has a job, s/he should give required notice of termination and get a referral letter. Your spouse should also update his/her resume for finding a job at your new location. For more help, see the Spouse Career channel.
If you require child care at your new location, start looking into options.

If you have school-age children, check school schedules and enrollment requirements at your new location.

If you plan to take a vacation on the way to your new address, make all your reservations as soon as possible.

If you have a car, truck or auto, be sure that all maintenance and repairs are taken care of now. Be sure you still have your proof of insurance for the car.

Contact your insurance company about protection for auto(s), home and household storage, and high-value items.

If you are using your base transportation office,let it know if you plan to ship your vehicle, and provide the estimated shipping weight.

If you have pets, have them checked by a local vet, and be sure that all vaccinations and inoculations are up to date.

Get a copy of your pet's medical records.

Close out any local charge accounts.

If necessary, open up an account and a safe deposit box at a bank at your new location.

If you need help organizing your finances, visit your military base finance center, or seek a private financial advisor.
Check expiration dates on major credit cards you plan to use during travel.

Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles at your new location for information on a new driver's license and registration.

PCSing - 3 months prior.

First of all, you need to decide whether you want to make a DITY move, or have the government handle everything for you.

Second, Marine's need to make an appointment for a counseling session at your base transportation office, spouses are more then welcome to attend, but not required.

Start saving for non-reimbursable moving expenses.

Notify your landlord you will be moving, but you do not need give him or her an exact date yet.

Begin making shipping arrangements for your vehicle(s) if necessary. If you are using TMO, schedule a counseling session.

Start to keep track of tax deductible moving expenses.

Make an inventory of possessions and valuable items (take pictures or video tape). Get appraisals for antiques or collections.

Start organizing personal records like birth certificates, insurance papers or warranties.

Make a list of whom to notify concerning your move and forwarding address.

Let clubs/gyms/organizations that you belong to know you are leaving. Transfer your membership if possible.

Take care of necessary medical, optical or dental appointments. Obtain your records or find out how to forward them later.

Have Power of Attorney or Letter of Authorization drawn up for unforeseen circumstances.

Go through closets and drawers to sort through clothes and other items to give away or sell.

Make sure all stickers from previous moves have been removed from furniture.

Do not place any more mail order purchases.