When to move and how to do it?

Some great tips!

You are HIGHLY suggested not to move BEFORE your spouse graduates the academy. About 1 - 1 1/2 months prior to graduation then start looking for your home. You don't want to commit to a lease if the trainee doesn't make it through the academy due to family, injury, or fail their studies. Some things are just unforeseen. It is also HIGHLY suggested that you DEFINITELY DO NOT BUY A HOME until you pass AT LEAST your 10 month test. If you fail your 7 or 10 month tests you are fired. The possibility you getting the same station is slim. This is NOT WORTH THE RISK.

When looking for a house, please have the following information ready:

Things we need to know:
How much Rent?
How many Bedrooms?
How many bathrooms?
Garage/carport?
Do you have pets, if so how many and how big?
Children?
Smoking or nonsmoking?
When are you planning your trip?
Phone number in which you can be reached?

1. It is always a good idea to downsize for a big move, but don't sell anything you are going to have to replace in the future. Money can be tight the first year or so, and it just does not get replaced as fast as you will need it. Several of us, got into the "I will just get new when I get there" and we are still waiting for stuff like crock pots, tables, couches. It is easier to pay the 50-60 to get a bigger truck, than replace it when you get there.

2. Call a month or more in advance for your truck. Rates are cheaper that way. (If you're moving in the summer, and renting a moving truck, try to book it before May. This advice was given by a U-haul rep, and she was correct. If you're not moving until July, still reserved the truck in April. By the first week of May, the price had doubled. NO JOKE. May through August are very busy moving months. Anyway if things don't go as planned, you have the option of canceling 48 hours before you were supposed to pick the truck up. One more thing. If you are moving your self U-Haul does not offer unlimited mileage. PENSKE had unlimited mileage, and the truck ran great. They also give you 6 days to return the truck, most everyone else offers 5 days. Good Luck to every one just begriming this great experience.)

3. Have a hotel or motel lined up for at least 2 days where you are going, in case your apartment or house is not ready.

4. Call at least a week before you arrive to have your utilities turned on, the day before you move in. For phone and cable...the day after you move in.

5. Stick to a month to month lease (if it is available) until you pass your 7 and 10. This way you will not get burned, if things don't go as planned.

6. If you have pets, arrange to kennel them until you are all moved in. Most local vets and groomers have this service or can tell you where to get it.

7. Use plastic storage tubs, instead of cardboard. They stack better and hold up longer.

8. Have a savings that is marked for emergencies and the unexpected before you leave.

9. Have at least one month's rent, utilities, and food. Along with the money for utility deposits, in the bank before you leave. This ensures that if anything comes up, the money is there.

10. Have at least one phone number of someone you can contact, if you run into a bad situation. Also it's not a bad idea to keep a list of phone numbers including who you talked to and when. This should have all utilities, landlord or realtor, your new station, and someone back home in case of emergency, believe me when you are in a strange place and things are going wrong it is hard to think of these things. Also if you have children ask your doctor for a copy of their shot records etc. you will need that to get them in school.