One of the most stressful aspects of being in a military family is having to move on a regular basis. It can be difficult for children because they have to frequently change schools, and spouses may suffer as well because they have to find a job at each new location. While picking up and moving is hard, there are several ways to make the process a bit easier, experts say.
Always have a plan
The amount of notice a family receives before a move can vary. They may have a significant amount of time to prepare for a move or they could have a change in location thrust upon them with very short notice. As a result, it's best to always have a plan in place. Penske Truck Rental suggests military families keep important information, from phone numbers to receipts to checklists, all in one place so that when it comes time to move, they'll be ready.
"As soon as you receive your permanent change of station orders, you should start your move process," John Johnson, branch chief for Surface Deployment and Distribution Command Personal Property Directorate Quality Assurance Division, told Air Force News. "Requesting your pickup and delivery dates as soon as possible will ensure a better chance of getting the dates you want."
Go it alone
The government offers to move the belongings of military families when they have to relocate, but the do-it-yourself (DITY) move has become a popular option. Though having all of their belongs moved for them may appeal to some families, the DITY option offers more control over the process. Additionally, the military provides a certain cost for moving, and if families keep their costs under the limit they will be reimbursed.
Check out the new area
After everything is unpacked, it's a smart idea for military families to head out and explore their new locale. This is important for a number of reasons, but chiefly it will give them an opportunity to get to know their neighborhood, on and off base. Additionally, it offers an chance to check out the schools, meet the people and become familiar with the services available. Not only that, but it may help ease the transition process for parents and children alike.