Moving is stressful for anyone, but when you’re a military family, it becomes an even greater challenge. PCSing can be overwhelming – I’ve been there a time or two! Finding new schools, adjusting to different communities, and managing logistics is a lot.
Preparing for Your Move Early
Preparation is key when moving. Start by creating a moving checklist. Include tasks like notifying your landlord, scheduling movers, and organizing important documents. Early preparation ensures that you won’t miss any crucial steps.
Creating a Detailed PCS Checklist
A detailed checklist will keep you organized. Break down tasks into manageable parts. For example, list items to pack, people to notify, and documents to gather. Check off each task as you complete them.
Gathering Important Documents
Ensure you have all essential documents, including medical records, school transcripts, and military orders. Keep these documents in a safe, accessible place. Having everything organized will simplify the moving process.
Notifying Necessary Contacts
Notify your landlord, utility companies, and any other necessary contacts about your move. This ensures a smooth transition of services. Update your address with the post office, banks, and other institutions.
Deciding Where to Move
Deciding where to move is a critical step. Research potential locations thoroughly. Look into factors like housing, schools, and community amenities. This will help you choose the best place for your family. Be sure to check out the section of our website called “Explore” where you can look at many of the local neighborhoods!
Researching Your New Base
Researching your new base, such as NAS Jacksonville, NS Kings Bay, or NS Mayport, is vital. Learn about the base facilities, housing options, and community resources. This will help you feel more prepared and comfortable in your new environment. You can check out the base housing floor plans:
Exploring Housing Options
Explore various housing options, including on-base housing and off-base rentals as well as the option to purchase. Jacksonville is actually a very robust market to buy – and super affordable too! The average military family spends less than $5,000 when purchasing a home in Jacksonville. Each option has its pros and cons. Consider your family’s needs and preferences when making a decision. One of my favorite websites for exploring new areas is HERE. You can search Jacksonville by area and get a feel for the different neighborhoods.
Evaluating Local Schools
If you have school-aged children, evaluating local schools is crucial. Look into school ratings, extracurricular activities, and support services. This will help you find the best educational environment for your children. Two of my favorite resources for incoming military families are Niche.com and Greatschools.org
At Niche.com you can enter a particular school and it will give you the letter grade for that school based on a variety of factors. Likewise, you can put a home’s physical address inside Greatschools.org and it will tell you what schools are zoned for that address. As well as neighboring schools too! (Fun Fact: Jacksonville is a school-of-choice area. You dont have to be zoned for a particular school to have the opportunity to attend it.)
Moving Day Logistics
Moving day can be hectic, but proper planning can help. Ensure you have a clear plan for the day. This will streamline the process and reduce stress.
Coordinating with Movers
Coordinate with your movers to ensure they know your plan. Provide clear instructions and contact information. Good communication will prevent misunderstandings and delays. If you’re moving on base you MUST call and confirm multiple times that your drivers have base access.
Keeping Essentials Accessible
We highly recommend packing a “First Week Box” with all of your essentials. This box will contain the items you need for every room of the house, for the first week or so. Below you can request a copy of our First Week Box Checklist for free, delivered directly to your inbox so you can print it out or use the digital version.
Keep this box with you during the move. This ensures you have what you need without searching through boxes.
Managing Kids and Pets
If you have kids or pets, managing them on moving day is crucial. Arrange for a babysitter or pet sitter if possible. This will allow you to focus on the move without additional stress. In Jacksonville, you can utilize KidsPark. An hourly drop in center, no reservations required and its completely play based! And for pets, be sure to check out your local Pet Paradise as they also offer doggy daycare.
Settling into Your New Home
Once you arrive at your new home, take steps to settle in. Unpack systematically and get familiar with your new surroundings. This will help you feel at home more quickly.
Unpacking Efficiently
Unpack one room at a time. Start with essential rooms, like the kitchen and bedrooms. This will make the process more organized and less overwhelming.
Getting to Know Your New Community
Getting to know your new community is important. Attend local events, introduce yourself to neighbors, and explore nearby amenities. This will help you feel connected and comfortable.
Finding Local Services
Locate local services, such as grocery stores, healthcare providers, and schools. Familiarize yourself with their locations and hours. Knowing where essential services are will make your transition smoother.
Building a Support Network
Building a support network is essential for military families. Connect with other military families and local organizations. This will provide emotional support and practical assistance.
Joining Military Spouse Groups
Join military spouse groups online or in person. These groups offer a wealth of information and support. They can help you adjust to your new location and meet new friends.
Two of our top Spouse Group Communities are:
Participating in Community Events
Participate in community events and activities. This is a great way to meet people and get involved. It will help you feel more integrated into your new community.
Check out the following resources:
Relocating as a military family comes with unique challenges, but with proper planning and a positive mindset, it can be a smooth and rewarding experience. By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle each step of the moving process with confidence. For personalized assistance, feel free to give me a call! I’d be happy to talk to you more about all that Jacksonville has to offer.
Need more resources? Check out our guide to New Construction in Jacksonville and the surrounding areas including: St Johns, Nassau, St Augustine and more.