by Tonya Marie Towles, Founder and Owner at PCS Pro
Moving for the military can be extremely stressful, and stress levels can heighten when you manage your own business while making a military move.
To prepare for your move, you may have an entire checklist detailing everything you need to do to make the move successful and seamless — for you and your family. The items on your list may include notifying your clients of your location change, hiring a military real estate agent, booking movers, and more.
If this is your first time moving for the military as a business owner, there are a few essential things to keep in mind beyond the basics.
1. Know how to get compensated for lost or damaged property.
Sometimes during a big move, property gets lost or damaged in the transition — including items important for the success of your business. The numbers of your transportation service provider, your local transportation office, or your branch of service’s military claim office can prepare you if that situation occurs. Fortunately, you can make a claim for lost or damaged property and may even be entitled to the total cost of repair or replacement. Having the right numbers on hand will ensure that a situation like that will be handled quickly and get your business back on track as soon as possible.
2. Have the right items on-hand during your move to run your business in transit.
If you are able to run your business during the move itself, it’s important to know which items you will need in transit — the items that the movers should not pack. You have probably deduced that you will need clothes and toiletries during your travels but remember to also include important documents and items that cannot be easily replaced, such as a folder with business documents and copies of your identification. You should also include any legal documents detailing your company’s incorporation, ledgers, and other important paperwork. If you manage your business from a computer, make sure your work laptop is always in your vehicle with you. Knowing you have these items will remove any unnecessary stress during the move.
3. Plan time off to prepare your home for sale.
One of the most challenging parts of a military move can be selling your home. As time-consuming as your business may be, plan to take off work a few days or weeks to prepare your home for the sale. Take some time to find the right military real estate agent who can make your home stand out in the market. Ensure that your home is “show-ready” by dropping your pets off at a friend’s house during open houses. You may also consider making inexpensive upgrades to add value to your home and landscaping the front exterior. The more prepared your home is for listing, the faster you will attract potential buyers. With the right preparation, selling your home can be one of the most manageable items on your military move to-do list.
If you are about to make a military move as a business owner, the right planning and preparation can help you minimize the risk of anything going wrong. The time to start planning your move is as soon as you are aware it is happening. By preparing for the unexpected, having the right items on hand, and hiring a top-notch military real estate agent, your move will surely be a success!
Tonya Marie Towles is Founder and Owner at PCS Pro. PCS Pro is comprised of military spouses and veterans who are passionate about helping fellow military families and service members find their next home. They are familiar with the entire PCS military process and strive to help their clients navigate the process with as little stress as possible.
