Family life in the military comes with its own unique set of stressors. Don’t let moving be one more thing to add to the list! Military moves are a little different than regular moves since it is not uncommon to get little or no notice! Whether it is your first move, or your fifteenth, with careful planning and organization, you and your family can transition into your new home smoothly.
Think Ahead
Once you know moving is imminent, take every opportunity to grab spare boxes! Check with your local grocery and liquor stores. These merchants tend to have boxes that are just the right size for packing everything from dishes to dog toys! Check with the manager, and leave your number. This way, they can contact you when they’ve just stocked the shelves and have empty boxes ready for pick up.
Make Some Decisions
Once there was a time when you thought that lava lamp added just the right touch to your home’s décor. Think things through. Do you really need it? Could someone else use it? Go through your items (especially those that have been stashed in closets for years), and decide what really needs to make the move with you. Not only will this make packing and loading easier, but your new home will be beautifully clutter-free!
Stay away from the Unknown
It’s always frustrating to reach into a moving box hoping for a bath towel, and pulling out a thick, wooly sweater instead! Label, label, label! Not only will clearly marked boxes help the movers in placing your items in the right rooms, but it will help you to know right where everything is until you’ve had time to get it all unpacked.
It’s A Wrap
Breakage can be a big risk when moving. You’ll want to make sure to carefully wrap any breakable items, however, it doesn’t have to break the bank! Rather than buying costly bubble wrap to cover your precious cargo, use your own items instead. Bedsheets, pillowcases, towels, and blankets are all great ways to protect your most fragile items
We Salute You
As you transition into your new community, look for local shops, restaurants, and service centers that offer discounts to veterans, and active-duty military members. Check out https://militarybenefits.info/military-discounts/ for a long list of nationwide companies that participate.
For a comprehensive resource on military life topics, ranging from fitness to finance, you can visit https://www.militaryonesource.mil/ Here you can find hundreds of articles that can help you as you settle into your new home.
