Cyber path to a better move - Airman Consumer

Airman, Feb, 2003 by Capt. Carie A. Seydel

Orders and movers and rent, oh my! Although a cliche, the phrase reflects the chaos and frustration of relocation. Every year about one-third of military members relocate to new assignments.

Countless Web sites can make transitions almost as easy as clicking a mouse by linking the information superhighway from one assignment to the next. It's so easy, in fact, that it seems moving without using the Internet would be virtually impossible.

When wind of pending orders first blows, it's important to thoroughly research the new base. Several years ago, before computers were commonplace, the airman network--word of mouth--was one good way to learn about a new location. But now, technology has made access to data quicker than a brochure-or guide-gathering trip to your local family support center. In fact, relocation branches across the Air Force rely so much on the Web that the job of supporting airmen on the move would become inefficient without it.

"The Internet has made contact to base information and access to sponsor packages almost immediate," said Carla Schoon, relocation assistance program manager at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. The office created a file that can be e-mailed to anyone looking to relocate to the area, Without e-mail, time zone differences would make contact with overseas support centers almost impossible.

To get an overview at a glance, there are several places to look. Two of the sites used by Schoon's office--www.afcrossroads.com and www.dmdc.osd.mil/sites--ensure airmen are ready for any transition. And to get another perspective, there's www.moveagain.com for information on military bases and surrounding communities.

Understanding how permanent change of station moves work can be overwhelming, so www.defenselink.mil/specials/itsyourmove is a one-stop shopping data site with news and defense transportation regulations to shape the rookie mover into a veteran shaker. And for those new to the Air Force, "AF101," downloadable from www.airforcefamily.com/af101a.html is an invaluable source. Not only does the publication outline moving, but it gives a complete overview of the service.

As the big day nears, www.pcs-tdy.com can create a moving timeline after you answer a few simple questions. And www.militaryacclimate.com can give you an idea how much the move should cost with formulated estimates. Another aid is the relocation plan builder at http://dticaw.dtic.mil/mapsite/relocate.html with a breakdown of what to expect in the upcoming weeks.

For an extensive overall site, check out www.rileyguide.com/relocate.html. It's packed with everything from address changes and cost-of-living comparisons to health care options.

Sites like www.realtor.com, www.housereal.com and www.homegain.com cannot only virtually jump-start a house hunt, they can calculate mortgage payments, recommend real estate agents and peek into community statistics and area school district ratings. Some real estate listings even have realistic online tours taking you from room to room--the next best thing to being there.

Once you get ready to hit the road, www.frectrip.com can assist in planning the route and suggesting lodging along the way.

Helpful Web sites worth a click:

www.afcrossroads.com *

www.dmdc.osd.mil/sites *

www.freetrip.com @@@@ ^

www.travelplanner.net @@@@ ^

www.atec.army.mil/injune/relocate.htm # ^^^

www.rileyguide.com/relocate.html @ $ #### @@@ @@

www.pcs-tdy.com # ^^^^ @@@@ @@@ #### *

http://dticaw.dtic.mil/mapsite/relocate.html ### ## * ** $ ^ #

www.realtor.com #### @@@ $

www.moveagain.com ^ *

www.defenselink.mil/specials/itsyourmove ### ^^ ***

www.chamberofcommerce.com @ ^ @@@@

www.ecola.com #### @

www.theschoolreport.com @@@

www.homes.com #### $ ^^^ @

www.springstreet.com #### # @ ###

www.homefair.com #### ### ^^^ @ ** $

www.usajobs.opm.gov ** ***

www.afpc.randolph.af.mil **

www.odedodea.edu @@@ **

www.dtic.mil/perdiem $ ^^ ^ @

www.travlang.com/languages ***

www.oanda.com/convert *** $

www.x-rates.com *** $

www.tricare.osd.mil @@ ***

www.whereismypov.com ### ***

Key

$ Financial or mortgage calculator

# Checklist

## Timeline calculator

### Moving tips

#### Househunting resource

@ Cost of living and demographics

@@ Health care locations

^ Lodging info

^^ Travel regulations

^^^ Do-it-yourself move data

^^^^ Phone numbers

* Base information

** Civilian employment

*** Overseas

RELATED ARTICLE: Five 'valuable' before and after moving tips:

1. Have expensive and valuable items appraised. Although the government won't pay for the appraisal, it can be calculated into the claim if an item is lost or damaged.

2. Videotape or take detailed photos to show condition of valuable items. This depicts the item as it was prior to the move and simplifies the claim process.

3. Hand-carry small, extremely valuable items. This includes things like stocks, bonds, jewelry collectibles and irreplaceable items like photo albums, Pack these items in a suitcase along with receipts, videotape of valuables and appraisals.