May is National Moving Month - Let us help Published May 15, 2015 By Balfour Beatty Communities WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Did you know that May is the busiest season for relocation and has been recognized as National Moving Month? For the military, it is also known as the start of permanent change of station (PCS) season. As the privatized military housing partner for Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., Balfour Beatty Communities (BBC) would like to take a moment to share some moving tips and offer support to prospective residents planning to make Whiteman AFB their new home and current residents relocating to a new military installation. Whether arriving or departing, we understand that an organized move is ideal. Below are tips to help you plan a stress-free move. · The essentials - Don't forget to update your driver's license, change your address and share your new address with friends and family, post office, utility companies, insurance companies, banks and financial institutions, creditors, health providers, schools, subscriptions, travel/auto clubs, and other organizations. · Are you moving with children? Keep your children in the loop and talk openly about the move. Filling your children in on the big change sooner rather than later will give them extra time to process. Be available to talk and let them express their concerns openly. A writing journal may also give them the opportunity to write down favorite memories and jot down their thoughts and feelings. · Explore the area as a family. Spending time to research the area to see what fun things there are to do in your new town can build excitement for your new home and community. To find local groups online to learn more about activities and events in the area, like our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/WhitemanHomes · There are plenty of ways to plan for a sustainable move like condensing and simplifying belongings by hosting a yard sale or donating; saving newspapers and coupon flyers for packing materials; and visiting local stores to stock up on excess boxes that may otherwise be discarded. · If you are moving with pets, be sure to research state/province leash laws, pet ordinances, and pet licensing requirements applicable to your new location and check in with your new leasing community office regarding pet policies. Reach out to your current vet for a copy of your pet's medical records as well as any travel advice or vet recommendations in your new area. They may also offer some tricks to lessen the stress caused by traveling. If you are moving to Whiteman AFB, give our community management office a call to explore all available housing options open to you and your family at (660) 687-0559. Our resident specialists are on-hand to share local community information to assist your family in getting settled. If you are a current Balfour Beatty Communities resident planning on relocating to another BBC military property, be sure to inquire about our PCS Rewards Program. We want to reward our loyal residents. If you choose to reside with us at your new location, you will be able to take advantage of the following benefits: · Fast and easy relocation: Our staff will assist you with the move coordination between locations. · Hassle-free search: Avoid the stress by staying with what you already know. · Incentive reward: Repeat residents who leave a BBC location and move to a new BBC location where they sign a lease will receive a $100 reward! Contact your management office at (660) 687-0559 for details. For a full list of BBC-managed military housing properties, visit: http//balfourbeattycommunities.com/our-company/military-installations.aspx We look forward to welcoming you home.