If you or your spouse is a military member, then you are familiar with the reality of a military Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move. This is when a military member has orders to move from one duty station to another. It is a regular occurrence for most military families. A U.S. soldier can expect at least one station change every 30 to 48 months.
Moving can be extremely stressful, whether it is from one city to another or across the country. There are so many choices you have to make during your Corpus Christi TX military relocation, and a lot of paperwork, too. It also involves a lot of coordination, especially if you’re moving a family.
That’s why I’m here to assist you.
Hi, I’m Elizabeth Straessle, you top real estate agent in Corpus Christi TX. I have been in the real estate industry since 2002. As a Military Relocation Specialist, I specialize in handling the real estate issues of the military community. I understand your needs and concerns and I am well-informed on military real estate moves, benefits, and requirements.
Once you have received your PCS orders, it’s time to get yourself and your family organized for the relocation process.
Get to know your new home
Located on the South Texas coast, Corpus Christi has earned nicknames like “Texas Riviera”, “The Real Windy City”, and “Sparkling City by the Sea.” Spanning six counties, it offers diverse neighborhoods, suburbs, and islands. It is one of the fastest growing large cities in Texas, with over 300,000 people calling it home.
The city is served by five different public school districts. There are also a number of private and charter schools from the elementary school level all the way up through high school. Moreover, there are several major institutions of higher learning in the city including Del Mar College, Coastal Bend College, Our Lady of Corpus Christi, a private Catholic university, and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
There are plenty of things to do and sights to see in Corpus Christi. You can visit the popular North Beach area, where you'll find the Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington Museum. You can also take the entire family and spend time in the Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens and Nature Center or the Hans and Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge.
Finding a home near Corpus Christi TX
Naval Air Station (NAS) Corpus Christi is located on the southeast side of the city. As a training base, NAS Corpus Christi emphasizes basic flight maneuvering and traffic pattern operations. The base has more than 10,250 employees from all parts of the country.
Military families who are looking to live off-base can find homes for sale in the communities of Corpus Christi, Bishop, Orange Grove, Odem, and Robstown. You can choose from a good mix of home styles, including duplexes, town homes, and single-family homes. You'll also find several Corpus Christi homes for rent.
At some point in your military journey, you will find yourself preparing for your PCS move.
Do remember that a military relocation can be much more challenging than a civilian relocation. You have to deal with plenty of red tape, paperwork, and jargon. You also have to navigate your way through rules and regulations.
Though it can be a little intimidating, being prepared and organized can help you get a solid running start on a smooth military relocation to Corpus Christi TX.
Here are some tips to make your PCS move as hassle-free as possible:
- Plan early
Sometimes you will have plenty of notice before your move. Your notice could arrive months ahead if you're lucky. However, there might also be times when you will be given little time to prepare, perhaps just a few weeks. Because of this uncertainty, you and your family should get used to preparing for relocation in case your notice arrives unexpectedly.
The best way to prepare for your military relocation is to get started early
Getting started with the preparation as early as possible will make the process of moving from one location to another less complicated. Once you receive a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Order, it’s time to immediately jump into action. Some of the things you could do to prepare early are as follows:
- Sort and Donate
Since you have a weight limit for moving your household goods, it doesn’t make sense to move stuff that you won’t use anymore. You will need to get rid of items that you simply don't need.
The best and most organized way to do this is to sort through each of your rooms and take items that you no longer need. If a particular item hasn't been used for a long time or will no longer be used in the foreseeable future, then it is time for you to let it go. Go through each shelf, drawer, cabinet, and closet in your home. Determine whether or not you wish to use those items in your new home.
Sometimes, heavier items could also get in the way of your military relocation. Take a look at your home before moving and check to see if any bulky items can be used in your new home.
If you have time, consider having a yard sale to get rid of all of your extra stuff and earn a few extra bucks while you're at it. You can also just donate everything to those who need them the most. By donating your things, you're not only helping others but also saving up precious time when you need to relocate as soon as possible.
Think of your move as the perfect opportunity to declutter and simplify your life
- Keep a List and be organized
Aside from planning ahead of time, staying organized will also help you stay on top of your PCS move to Corpus Christi TX. Always keep records of your receipts, personal documents, and any orders or forms from your base. Although listing down your things is quite a tedious process, this step is important so that no item would be lost in their place.
Whether or not you are the one doing the packing, it pays to keep a list of all your boxes and their contents. Remember to take special note of boxes which contain items that you will need to have unpacked first.
- Prepare your Children
Moving can be especially difficult for children. They will have to leave their friends and school behind. So how can you prepare your children for the upcoming move?
Try to explain to them from the very start that this will be a common practice for the entire family due to the nature of your work. Get a feel of what your child is like or how they think in order to come up with the best approach as possible.
Expect that there will be some sadness and perhaps anger when you tell your children that you are relocating. However, you have to highlight the excitement of traveling to a new place, having a new home, and meeting new friends.
You can also get the children involved in the decluttering process, packing, and planning for your move.
- Find New Housing
Another step that you have to do is to determine if you will have on-base housing or will need to buy a home for you and your family off-base.
If you decide to live off-base, you will need the help of a real estate professional who can connect you with the best home that fits your needs and lifestyle.
Let me help you with your Corpus Christi TX military relocation.
Call me, Elizabeth Straessle, at 361-444-3908 today! My goal is to provide you with the best real estate service you and your family deserve.
Thank you for your service and welcome home!
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