Those in the US armed forces know that moving is an inevitable part of military life. Having a guide can help ease the transition, whether this is your first move or your tenth. Much of the process is the same no matter where you PCS next. However, some aspects are specific to your next base and require additional information.
We understand that military life is already full of unique challenges. That’s why we encourage people not to wait to take action when they receive new PCS orders. Getting prepared early can minimize a great deal of unnecessary stress.
As VA Home Loan specialists, we work with people who are PCSing to Kings Bay Naval Base. We created this guide because we understand how large this undertaking can be and we want you to have a smooth and seamless transition.
Get Paperwork Organized
We suggest you start a PCS binder. In it, collect all of the following paperwork/documents:
- Orders
- Medical records (this includes veterinary documents too)
- Family records
- School records
- Moving documents (including housing and shipping documents)
We highly recommend keeping physical copies of these items in your binder in addition to storing them electronically. Though it may seem unnecessary, this extra step could be crucial if anything is accidentally lost or permanently destroyed during your move.
Get Familiar With Your Entitlements
If you are not sure of your entitlements for your move, visit Move.mil to learn more about them. Familiarize yourself with the qualifications for extra financial assistance and as well as the process to determine if you qualify for it. This depends on ranking and whether or not you have dependents.
DIY or Military Move
If you are unsure about what type of move will you have, weigh the pros and cons of a DIY vs. military move. Consider the number of people involved in that process as the more people involved the more crucial organization becomes. Without proper planning, you are more likely to experience unnecessary delays.
DIY – Though it may be hard to think about getting rid of things, now is your opportunity to toss or give away anything you don’t truly love or truly need for Kings Bay. Try to to edit as much as possible, which will also help you pack more efficiently. There’s another reason to DIY your move – it can keep you on track with your timeline AND guarantee that no one else handles your belongings.
Military – We suggest scheduling movers during a time when you will be present. This allows you to politely let the movers know you are keeping a close eye on the process – and them. You’ll also need to keep a record of valuables; it’s another precautionary step in case something is stolen or accidentally damaged during the move.
Maintain copies of receipts and documentation regarding the move. You can keep them in your PCSing binder or take photos to store on your phone. You will need these records when you submit for reimbursement and typical PCS expense allotment will apply.
Make Decisions About Your Current Home
Are you currently renting? If so, find out what happens when you break a lease agreement. If not, you’ll have to decide whether to sell or rent your current home. You can spend time looking into the current home values and market trends in your area to help you decide. You may also have a strong personal preference that outweighs the market data.
Learn About Kings Bay Naval Base
Though ideally you would be able to visit Kings Bay Naval Base and its surrounding areas before you move, that’s not always how it works when PCSing. Kings Bay Naval Base is considered one of the Navy’s premier duty stations.
The base has three major commands: Trident Training Facility (TTF), Trident Refit Facility (TRF), and Strategic Weapons Facility, Atlantic (SWFLANT). It’s size and scope make it an incredibly impressive establishment.
A major perk of PCSing to Kings Bay Naval Base is the variety of lifestyle options. It’s located in the Southeastern, intercoastal part of Georgia and just north of the Florida border. Thanks to this idyllic setting, there’s a wide variety of living choices around this base. From the hustle and bustle of a large city, to the quieter pace of a small-town, Kings Bay Naval Base is close to all of it!
Find A New Home
Once you have looked into Kings Bay Naval Base and its surrounding areas, you can decide where you want to live and if renting or buying a home is the best fit for you.
Living on the base? Contact the housing office at Kings Bay and inquire about the wait list. It may take awhile for available housing to open up and you’ll need another option in the meantime.
If you’d prefer to buy a home, look into the VA Home Loan program to see if this exclusive program is the right fit for you. This simple and streamlined the process of home ownership has helped thousands realize the American dream of homeownership. You can also search for available listings on Military By Owner.
If you think you’d like to learn more about VA Home Loans and how to qualify, contact one of our VA Home Loan specialists today!