Military moves can affect your entire family. The more
military moves you make, the more you get used to moving from place-to-place frequently and the stress and exhaustion it causes. However, there are some parts of the process that become easier the more you experience them.
If you're a military spouse, it's important to learn these tricks of the trade that will make your life much easier each time you move. Read on for some helpful tips for military spouses to cope with moving.
Stay organized and stay ahead
The best way to avoid becoming overwhelmed and easily stressed during a military move is to stay organized and as far ahead of the process as you can. When you're experiencing your first few moves as a military spouse, you may find it hard to stay ahead of because you're just learning the ropes. However, the more practice you have, the better you'll be at staying organized.
- Start planning as soon as possible. In the case of military moves, "as soon as possible" means "the second you learn of the move". It's important not to delay when it comes to military moves and the sooner you begin planning, the easier life will be for you in the months leading up to the move.
- Organization is the key to a stress-free move. Being organized for your military move means a lot more than packing your items neatly and labeling all of your boxes. It also means keeping everything related to your move – all of the paperwork, names, email addresses and phone numbers of everyone helping to coordinate your move – in one place. It also means making a checklist of all of the tasks that need to be completed prior to your move so you can stay on top of everything.
- Allow each move to be an opportunity to de-clutter and reorganize your life. While many people choose to see a move as something stressful, you can opt for an alternative perspective and look at each military move as an opportunity to remove unnecessary clutter from your life and home. The benefit of moving frequently is that all of the packing and unpacking helps you determine the belongings you need and the ones you can do without. Preparing for a military move can help you start fresh wherever you end up.
Use the resources at your disposal
One of the benefits of military moves is that the government provides you with many resources to make your life a little bit easier. There are entitlement programs that will cover many of the costs associated with your move, as well as numerous resources located at each base to help you and your family cope with the move. Here are a few examples of the some of the resources you can use as a military spouse:
Make it a point to visit the Family Support Center. Each base will have a Family Support Center with helpful resources that will ease you into the transition and help you get started once you arrive at your new home. For example, Family Support Centers often offer starter kits while you wait for your belongings to be delivered, filled with essential items like kitchenware, linens, and bathroom toiletries. This is also a good time to get to know other military wives or husbands that are going through the same thing you are.
- If you have children, the School Liaison Officer is there to help. Moving from place to place is not only tough on you, but it's also tough on your children. They have to jump from school to school; changing classes, teachers and curriculum frequently. Sometimes, these circumstances make it easy for children to fall behind, so having the right support system is important. Find the School Liaison Officer at your base to help your children adjust to the move and find the right school for them in your new town.
- Maintain steady communication with all involved. Good communication is the key to staying organized which is the key to a successful move. Make sure you keep an open line of communication with everyone involved with your move--including the movers, the many helpful resources available on the base, and your own family-- to ensure that everything goes smoothly come moving day.
Learn all you can and do your research
Since many military moves aren't something you can plan far in advance, you'll often find yourself learning some of these tricks of the trade on the fly. You'll also have less time to research where you're moving to and teach yourself the ins and outs of the
PCS process. However, it's important to use the time you have to learn all you can about the impending move.
For example, each PCS will have a PCS briefing where you can get some valuable information on your move. Take notes and obtain as much information as you can. Also, research the town or city you're moving to beforehand, including finding the nearest school, doctor's office, and supermarket so you're prepared when you arrive. Be sure to discuss all of your research with your spouse, to let him or her know you have everything under control.
Don't be afraid to let your emotions show
Moving is difficult, and moving frequently is something you can never really get used to, even as a military spouse. Moving will take a toll on you, physically, mentally and emotionally, so if you feel that you need to let it out every once in a while, that's OK. Make sure to maintain an open discourse between yourself and the rest of your family, especially your spouse. He or she may be very busy with a current assignment, so set aside some time to talk. If you have children, or other family members directly affected by your move, be sure to talk with everyone -- be a support system for each other.