Settling in to your new home after a move is just as difficult as lugging all your possessions from one place to the next. When you're in the military and move frequently, getting acclimated to your new duty station is part of the moving process where you'll get a lot of practice. While it may be easier for you to get settled in quickly the more you move, it still helps to have a few pointers to guide your way.
Read on for some helpful tips on how you and your family can adjust to your new home after a
PCS move.
Unpacking
As with most moves, the process of settling in begins as soon as you arrive at your new home and begin unpacking. While packing your belongings at your old home may have been stressful enough, having to unpack everything and arrange your belongings in your new home can be just as stressful. Here are some tips on how to navigate this difficult portion of the move:
- Unpack your children's belongings first. Moving is hard, but it can be especially difficult for young children. When your children are happy and occupied, things tend to be much easier. Although you may want to unpack the kitchen and living room areas first, setting up your kids' rooms will allow them additional time to get accustomed to their new home while you unpack the rest of the house.
- Get everyone involved. Having everyone pitch in with unpacking is the best way to get you and your family on the fast track to settling in. Have your children unpack their own belongings-- this will give them a sense of independence and allow them to have some control over this aspect of the move. In turn, it will help them get acquainted with their new surroundings much quicker.
- Bring out the old comforts of home. One of the hardest parts of settling in to a new home is missing the comforts of your old home, the little things that were familiar to you. Unpack your favorite piece of furniture and curl up with your comfortable old blanket and favorite movie after a long day of unpacking to help you feel better about your new digs.
Getting involved in your new community
Settling in after a
military move isn't easy, especially when you frequently move from place to place every few years. When you move often, you'll find that it becomes increasingly difficult to get accustomed to any one place for a long enough period of time to feel truly comfortable there. However, getting involved with your local community can go a long way. The military offers plenty of resources to help get you and your family acclimated:
- Get acquainted with your new installation. When you arrive at your new duty station, visit the installation if your home is located nearby. Attend one of the newcomers' briefings that are typically held each month to welcome new families to the area. Meeting new people and making new friends, especially friends in similar situations, will help you adjust much more quickly to your new home.
- Use available resources. There is never a shortage of resources available to families of military service members to help with planning a move, getting settled in, and preparing for deployment. Family readiness groups are available at most installations and can provide you with helpful materials on all of the local programs and services available in the area for families.
- Explore your new community. Get to know every area of your new community and your new installation. Obtain a new resident's packet from the base's Family Support Center or from the town's Chamber of Commerce or Welcome Center and learn all there is to know about the town.
Other tips
- Keep your routine intact. As humans, we are creatures of habit. Anything that disturbs our routine is usually not welcomed, and this includes moving. In the first few months following your move, stick as closely as possible to your daily routine to allow you and your family to adjust more naturally to your new home.
- Sign your children up for extracurricular activities. Not only does this get your children involved in the community through sports, dance classes or theater groups, but it also allows you to get involved by meeting other parents and volunteering your time. Also, visit your installation and see what activities they have to offer. They may have swimming pools, horseback riding, a bowling alley, youth center or other fun activities for younger kids.
- Stay in touch with old friends. Maintaining contact with your old friends is an important part of the transition process when you're settling in--especially for your children. Encourage them to stay in touch with their old friends. With the Internet and social media, staying in touch is much easier these days, but make sure to monitor your child's Internet usage and stress the importance of making new connections.