Moving tips for military families

The arrival of new permanent change of station (PCS) orders usually means that a military family will soon be moving out of state in order to live closer to another base. Relocation is a regular part of life for these families, but the process isn’t always easy. Taking basic steps and following a regular routine can eliminate many of the common stressors associated with military moving.

Attend briefings
Offbeat Homes writes that military spouses should attend PCS briefings and take note of any important information. Active-duty soldiers are focused on learning about their new assignments and responsibilities, and bringing significant others to these events can prevent missing any key points about the relocation process. The news source notes that some bases provide timelines and checklists to streamline packing and transport procedures.

Explain the move to children
Moving is a part of military life that is difficult for children. Kids can struggle to adapt to new homes and may feel out of place once they aren’t near their friends. Parents should sit their children down as soon as the PCS orders come in and explain that they’ll be relocating in the near future. Kids should be encouraged to spend time with their peers and exchange contact information so they can stay in touch after the move.

Save ahead
Many military families are eligible for allowances that cover some relocation expenses, such as paying for military moving services, hotel rooms and gas while traveling. Some stipends don’t cover an expenditure’s entire cost, so movers should make financial preparations before moving.

Additionally, some allowances are reimbursements so you’ll be responsible for covering your expenses until you arrive at a new base. You may not be eligible for every allowance either and be forced to use your own money. Saving small portions of every paycheck can help you make sure that you can afford to pay for every necessity without hurting your long-term finances.

Research nearby neighborhoods
Many bases allow military families to live off-site and usually provide financial assistance for residential housing. Most facilities provide service members with housing options and real estate listings. Researching neighborhoods can help movers find comfortable homes and avoid temporary housing options when they arrive.

Spouses and soldiers can ask their friends for recommendations, as well. Because relocation is such a regular part of military life, many families can provide valuable insights into the neighborhoods that offer the most amenities and how much financial assistance movers can expect.