1 .Decide whether to live on or off post:

Choosing a home will be the most important decision you make. Each kaserne and base will be different. Your first choice will be whether to live on or off post. Use this list to help you decide. If you choose to live off post or the wait is too long for on-post housing, you'll need to visit the Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) calculator to find out what your cap on rent is. Army installations still require those E-5 and junior to live on post. If you are on an Air Force installation, that rule does not apply. 

2. Ship one or two vehicles:

The military will pay to ship one vehicle. There is endless debate on whether to bring a super large vehicle like a full-sized truck. I say, if it is paid for, bring it. ou will learn how to deal with narrow roads and parking spaces and parking garages that have lower ceilings (know the height of your vehicle). Many folks buy their second vehicle on post with European specs, meaning it can't be taken back stateside. Others ship a second vehicle on their own dime -- anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 to have it shipped. If you have a lien on your vehicle, you may not be able to ship it. 

3. Decide which belongings to store and which to ship: 

This is a tough one. On post, you'll have at least one room-size storage room in the basement or a shed. Off-post housing consists of smaller and awkward room sizing. People sometimes have problems getting a queen-sized box spring up the stairs -- so buy split box springs. Stairways can be narrow and steep here. There may not be room for sectional sofas or even a complete dining room set. We left all of our 110-volt stand mixers, our expensive vacuum and 110-volt holiday decorations in storage, although on-post housing in most locations will have both 110- and 220-volt outlets. 

4. If you have a GSM cell phone with a SIM slot, bring it:

There is no use for CDMA technology (like Verizon phones). Don't bother bringing those. As long as your cell phone is unlocked, you will be able to use it in Germany. Do talk to others and find out which provider has the best coverage in your area. You may even wait to see which provider has the best coverage in your new home. Until then, there are 10-20 Euro prepaid cell phones you can give to your kids or guests to use or that do double duty as a backup cell phone.

5. Research TV watching options:

If you live on post, you automatically get AFN TV straight out of the wall with no set up required. Off post requires the purchase of an antenna and receiver costing hundreds of dollars. Look for a secondhand set and make sure it is a digital model. Or you can do what we did and purchase an Apple TV or Roku device (or other smart TV or receiver) and watch your favorite shows on your TV. You will need a VPN service to unlock certain subscriptions and websites such as Netflix and Hulu Plus. 

6. Find out how you will pay your bills:

I recommend keeping your current bank account and getting a local on-post account to handle ATM cash transactions and the paying of your German bills. 

7. Definitely get ADAC roadside assistance:

The cost is less than 100 Euros a year and the benefits are priceless. Without it, a simple tow from a few miles away can cost over 100 Euros ... one way. Some stateside providers do provide roadside assistance overseas, but many times it is not generous enough and you may find yourself looking for your own towing company and then filing for reimbursement later. 

8. Stock up on routine car parts:

I purchased things like oil filters, snow tires, windshield wipers and other typical car parts to bring with us overseas. There is typically a car care center on-post just like stateside. You won't totally be on your own. If you go off post, know that American car parts are super expensive AND there can be a long wait involved in getting those part. Each military community has an auto crafts center and many will have folks who can do the work for you or have someone on-hand who can walk you through an oil change or other simple repair.