BEFORE YOU MOVE - take care of the following issues:

Receive relocation counseling and/or attend a Smooth Move seminar.

Finances - Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for Pope AFB is one of the lowest in the Air Force.  Spouse employment opportunities are limited, and at the lower end of the wage scale for all career fields.  It is always a good idea to complete a budget when there is a significant change in circumstances (relocation, employment change, family status, etc) - assistance is available at family centers worldwide.  Members in PCS status, other than those living in dorms, should request Dislocation Allowance (DLA) through their finance office - single members and sister service members may need to wait until they check in to Pope to request DLA.

Household Goods shipments are arranged by the Joint Personal Property Shipping Office (JPPSO) through the local Traffic Management Office (TMO).  

Self Move, formerly called a DITY move, allows a member to get paid for transporting some or all of their household goods, rather than the government arranging transportation.  Pre-authorization is required, and should be obtained from the member's servicing TMO at the losing installation.  Member is paid based on the weight and distance of the items transported, as compared with what the government cost would have been.  This is considered earned income, and is taxed at 28%.  There is no minimum weight required; self-move can occur in any type of vehicle.  Contact TMO for authorization and details.

Inventory your household goods.  It is always wise to maintain a good inventory; in the event of a catastrophe, loss, damage or theft, you have proper documentation to support any claim you may need to make with insurance or at the base legal office.  This is particularly important with regard to relocation.

Notify your utility companies of your pending move.  Make sure to leave a forwarding address, for the final bill and for any deposit to be returned to you.  Ask for a letter of credit; you may receive a waiver of the deposit requirement in San Angelo.

Notify child care and schools of your pending move.

Provide change of address information to: friends, family, subscriptions, all medical/dental/veterinarian providers, schools, insurance, vehicle service facilities etc.

Make sure to obtain pet records, particularly documentation of rabies shots and bordatella vaccination.

Notify your civilian employer of pending move.  If applicable, request a leave of absence rather than resign.  Obtain copies of all work records and training received.  Ask for a letter of reference.

Make sure your vehicles are "road-ready."

Hand-carry all family member medical and school records.

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS TO HAND CARRY:
1.   At LEAST 10 copies of your orders
2.   Birth Certificates (or certified copy)
3.   Marriage Certificate
4.   Copy of advance travel pay or allowances paperwork
5.   All moving paperwork including:  inventory, TMO information, Self-Procured Move paperwork, and all receipts associated with moving
6.   Employment records or resume of civilian family members
7.   Medical/dental records from your previous duty station - entire family
8.   Immunization records for all children and all active-duty members
9.   School records/transcripts for children and adults
10. Pet medical and immunization records
11. RECOMMENDATION: Letters of credit from utilities companies (telephone, electric, etc; may result in waiver for deposits)
Note: "If you get married before you PCS, you MUST inform your commander and follow the procedures exactly as you are given them.  The military WILL NOT PAY for travel and housing of your spouse if you do not follow the proper procedures."