Military families have to make many sacrifices, one of which is frequent relocations. From finding a new home and furniture rental to getting settled into the community, the process can seem overwhelming. Below are a few tips to help you make your new house and community feel more like home.
Setting Up Your New Home
When your PCS orders come in, you likely won’t have very long to prepare for your move, so make sure not to procrastinate. Traveling light will help make your move less stressful. It can also earn you a bit of profit if you choose a Do It Yourself (DITY) move. Services like furniture rental can cut down even further on the amount of belongings you have to move.
Once you get to your new home, arrange your furniture rental in a comfortable way. Then unpack all of your most important belongings. Personal touches like pictures of family and friends, family heirlooms, and other beloved objects will make your new place feel like home much more quickly.
Immerse Yourself In Your New Community
Moving can be hard on everyone in the family from the youngest members to the oldest. Settling in and making new friends is the best way to allay any remaining anxiety. A great way to get started is to research your new community online before you move then get to exploring the neighborhood as soon as you can. Treat it like an exciting adventure and be sure to get all members involved in neighborhood outings.
Military family centers are wonderful resources for family relocation information and advice. Once you arrive at your new location there are also likely to be organizations dedicated to helping new military families settle into the community. Be sure to take advantage of both of these organizations.
Finally, don’t forget groups out in the civilian world. Transfer any club memberships from your old location to the new. Find a new place of worship. Get involved at your children’s school and sign your kids up for any extracurriculars they are interested in.
Stay In Touch With Old Friends
Moving away doesn’t have to mean losing friends. Social media is a great way to keep in touch. Status updates and pictures of your new place will keep family and friends connected to your new life. Of course, it’s always nice to hear someone’s voice and have a personal conversation, so be sure to give loved ones a call from time to time. Voice Over Internet Phone (VOIP) services, like Skype, even allow you to chat face-to-face with others for free or very cheap.
Once you get settled in, be sure to extend a warm welcome to other new families! Check out our Housewarming Party Ideas pinboard on Pinterest for party and housewarming gift ideas. If you’re looking for more information on PCS moves, www.military.com is a great resource.
