How Military Families Can Make a House a Home When They’re Constantly on the Move

Although no military family is the same as another, there is one thing most military families have in common: the ongoing challenges presented by the Permanent Change of Station (PCS). To civilians, this is the frequent moves that are sometimes described by those who lived through them as the lifestyle of the “military brat.” Moving is inevitable for military families, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less of a hurdle for your family from an emotional standpoint.

It can be hard to consider a new house a home until it is broken in and filled with family memorabilia. In this blog, we want to offer military families tips on how to make each house feel more like home right away, filled with love.

Before you go

Plan your move in a way that keeps your family comfortable. Give them plenty of time to say goodbye to friends and relatives. Encourage them to exchange contact information. If they don’t have an address book, help them start one if they’re old enough.

Involve your children in sorting, organizing, and packing. Moving is a great time to declutter, but don’t force them to give up a special toy or stuffed animal. Save that conversation for another time.

Make sure everyone understands the moving process. Explain where you’re going, how the move will unfold, and where you’ll live. Share as many details about the new location as possible.

During the move

Moving is stressful no matter how often you do it—especially for your family. Kids, in particular, benefit from having a role on moving day. Assign each child a task, or better yet, let them choose one. Make sure everyone feels included in the plan. Remind each family member they are a valuable part of the team.

In the new house

Being in a new house can feel strange at first. However, a few confident steps can help your family feel at ease:

• Let your children choose how to decorate and arrange their new room.
• Look for furnishings and decorative elements that appeal to your sense of style but don’t break the budget; rental furniture and even style and accent items is ideal for a family on the go and helps you quickly turn an empty house into a cozy home.
• A coat of paint is a relatively easy way to give a room a different look and some personality.
• Help your children hang photos of their friends and family members in their rooms along with posters of their favorite bands, teams, and movies to create a comfortable feel right away.
• Hang family photos in the hallway and shared spaces—and do this as one of your first tasks.
• Explore and investigate your new neighborhood with your kids; find interesting looking places to visit and things to do that might be fun.
• Make use of online resources like the Military Child Education Coalition website as you transition into your new town.
• Cook a familiar meal as soon as the dishes and pots are unpacked.
• Look for the neighborhood park, after-school activities, and other places for your kids to meet new friends that have some of the same interests.
• Help your children get the new address down cold right when you get into the new home.

Moving ahead together

As you settle in, get a look and feel you all love by working on your new home together. Whether you’re all seasoned pros with the PCS by now or gearing up for your first time, doing it as a family really does make it easier.