By tapping the right resources and making some meaningful connections, your new destination will feel like home in no time.
On average, military families move every 2.5 years. Relocating is one of the many sacrifices made by military families, and it can take its toll in many ways, including adjusting to new schools, finding childcare or work, establishing a new home, and more.
Connecting to your new community can help you feel more settled and at home in your new location.
Tips for a Smooth Adjustment
All the planning and hard work that goes into making a successful move can be overwhelming, and you might not know where to begin once you get there.
Here are some tips for getting into the swing of things from organizations like the Military Family Advisory Network and Military OneSource:
- Make your health and wellness a priority. Our bodies and minds can handle stress better when we’re keeping ourselves healthy. Amid your to-do list, make time to exercise and rest. Eat a well-balanced diet full of foods that properly fuel your body. Even something as simple as a healthy breakfast can jumpstart your day.
- Give yourself grace. It’s OK to miss your old duty station or community and feel overwhelmed or nervous about your move. Give yourself plenty of time to create a home and build connections. Relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or short yoga sessions, can be helpful when you feel overwhelmed. Scroll through some of these short relaxation videos from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or try these mindfulness exercises on the Chill Drills app by Military OneSource.
- Start online. Start researching your neighborhood, local school system, and community. See if you can find a community Facebook group, or a local spouse or base group where you can ask questions or get recommendations for a fun park, a good running route, the best pizza, and more. If you have the time, start this process before you move, so you have some connections when you get there.
- Prioritize. Set up what matters to you and your family first. For example, if the dishes are still in boxes, but you’re able to find a home church that makes you feel welcome, do that first. If your kids thrive in sports, get over to the rec center or find a community pool. Establish these important things for your family first, even if it means leaving a few boxes for a later time.
- Explore. It may seem impossible when you’re trying to establish your home and figure out a new routine. Consider setting time aside to attend a local event or explore a new area.
- Consider volunteering. Volunteering can be a great way to find a sense of purpose in your new community. Get involved with a cause you care about and connect with like-minded people in the process.
- Contact TRICARE. Your TRICARE eligibility doesn’t change when you move, and you’re covered by your current plan on your way to your new location, but moving may change your health plan options. Notify TRICARE of your move, especially if you’ve relocated to a different region or abroad. Update your primary care provider and ensure you’re connected to the additional services you need.
- Connect with others. Moving takes effort and energy you might not feel you have, but finding people you share an interest with is integral in feeling comfortable and connected in your new community. Connect with other military families through your Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Program. Find a spouse networking group to help you navigate a career transition and explore the local job market. See if you can find a Blue Star Families event to attend in your area. Social connections are important to your health and wellness.
- Use the resources designed to support you. The military understands the sacrifices you’re making on behalf of your country, and there are resources and services ready to support you. Whether you need counseling, career support, childcare referrals, or a friendly face to welcome you in, the resources below are a great place to start.
Resources to Support a Successful Relocation
- Military OneSource’s Military and Family Life Counseling program provides free, confidential counseling to Service members and their families and survivors on or near installations. Counselors can help you navigate issues such as stress management, adjustment difficulties, and more.
- Blue Star Families has chapters and communities all over the world and provides programming and resources to help you connect with neighbors and organizations to reduce feelings of isolation and stress that can come with frequent moves.
- Your installation’s Relocation Assistance Program provides consultations on everything from spouse employment to stress management, newcomer’s orientations and welcome packets, loan closets, financial assistance referrals, utility setup, and more.
- Military Sponsorship, usually assigned through your unit, can provide you with a friendly face and a wealth of knowledge to tap into. Your sponsor can help you throughout the moving process with things like filing your travel voucher, showing you around the installation, helping you learn more about schools or child care, and more. If you haven’t already been contacted by a sponsor, you can request one through your local Military and Family Support Center.
- School liaisons and your installation’s youth sponsorship program are great resources if you have children. School liaisons can assist you with transferring credits, registering for classes, getting involved with extracurricular activities, and more. Youth sponsorship programs can help your children meet other military-connected children and participate in familiar activities to help ease their transition.
- The Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program offers career coaching, access to specialists, help with interview prep, and more.
- The Armed Services YMCA offers programs designed to help you build support networks, connect to your military community, and ease the challenges of military life.
By tapping into the right resources and making meaningful connections, your new destination will feel like home in no time.