How to Navigate Brookfield as a Canadian Military Member (Without Losing Your Mind)

If you’ve ever received a posting message, you know it can feel like a game of “Who Can Fill Out the Most Forms Before Coffee?” Welcome to the magical world of Brookfield (aka BGRS – Brookfield Global Relocation Services). Don’t worry: this guide will help you move without pulling your hair out—or at least leave a little left for styling.

Your Posting Message Is Your New Best Friend

That little email or memo is more powerful than a double espresso. It’s your ticket to:

Registering with Brookfield
Unlocking your relocation funds
Planning travel, house hunting, and survival meals

Tip: Don’t procrastinate. The sooner you register, the sooner you can start claiming envelopes and pretending you know what “custom envelope” actually means.

The Three Mystical Envelopes (Yes, They’re Real)

Brookfield reimburses expenses through three envelopes. Think of them as treasure chests… if the treasure was receipts and bureaucracy.

Core Envelope

Mandatory stuff you must spend to move:

Travel
Shipment of your 27 boxes of stuff (or just the essentials—who are we kidding?)
Temporary lodging

Custom Envelope

Think “house sale/purchase expenses.” If you paid it, Brookfield might cover it… as long as you don’t try to claim your cat’s emotional support counseling.

Personalized Envelope

This one is flexible. Savings you create (like skipping the fancy hotel or using a friend’s couch) can be used for other stuff. It’s basically Brookfield’s way of saying, “Congrats, adulting pays off.”

The Portal: Friend or Frustrating Foe

Yes, there’s an online portal where you:

Upload receipts
Track claims
Submit photos of questionable grocery items for reimbursement

But remember: the portal is like that coworker who answers your question with another question. Always follow up with your Brookfield advisor in writing. Your future self will thank you when you’re not arguing over why they didn’t cover your fourth latte.

Receipts, Receipts, Receipts… Did We Mention Receipts?

Brookfield loves receipts. They want proof of every dollar. Hotels, fuel, moving supplies, legal fees, inspections—you name it.

Pro Tip: Use a folder or cloud storage called: “Posting — Year — Brookfield: Receipts or Regret”

Trust me, it’ll save tears later.

House Hunting Trips: Not a Vacation

You get limited days to scout your new home—think of it as a military exercise with furniture shopping.

Usually 7 days total for travel + house hunting
Up to 2 adults
Must stick to hotel and travel rules

Cheeky Tip: Book a hotel with a kitchen. You’ll save money, eat better, and still have energy to argue with realtors.

What Brookfield Will (and Won’t) Cover

Will cover:

Lawyer fees
Appraisals and inspections
Moving trucks

Won’t cover:

Home renovations
Fancy appliances (unless included in the sale)
Your addiction to online moving supplies

Rule of thumb: If it makes your move “fancier” than necessary, Brookfield probably won’t pay for it.

Temporary Storage and Lodging: Your Safety Net

Sometimes your old house sells early, or your new place isn’t ready. Brookfield can cover:

Short-term storage
Temporary lodging
Meals (within reason—no lobster dinners at every hotel)

Plan ahead, or your “temporary” stay could become a permanent camping trip.

Advisors Are Your Secret Weapon

Your Brookfield advisor can save you from:

Misunderstood rules
Rejected claims
Random bouts of stress

Always communicate in writing. Emails are your shield, your sword, and your witness if things go sideways.

Patience Is a Virtue

Claims can take time. Typical wait times:

Small claims: 2–5 business days
Large claims: 1–2 weeks
Peak posting season: longer (brace yourself)

Follow up politely, but prepare to practice your meditation skills.

Tap Into CAF Wisdom

Other members have been there, done that, got the T-shirt, and probably cried over their receipts. Ask:

Your unit personnel
Online groups
Realtors familiar with military moves

Someone else’s tip can save you hundreds—and your sanity.

Final Thoughts

Brookfield doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Organize your receipts, communicate clearly, and understand your envelopes. With a bit of preparation (and a sense of humor), you can survive your move—and maybe even enjoy it.

Remember: moving is temporary; funny stories about Brookfield last forever.