Temporary military lodging isn’t so bad until it starts to feel a little less temporary and a lot more permanent! That can make the feelings of displacement that accompany any relocation grow.
But as with anything to do with military life, rolling with the PCS punches is part of it! Let’s take a look at a few things you can do to make the most of an extended stay in military lodging.
1. Keep your routines in place.
Living in temporary military lodging isn’t normal. But your routine can be. Provide consistency for the family by creating a new normal, so everyday life feels dependable again. While your spouse reports for duty, try to re-establish familiar schedules like meal and nap times for little ones.
While routine is immeasurably valuable for helping kids adjust during a military move, remember that venturing out for a few unexpected treats is a great way to make the whole military lodging experience a little more fun and exciting. Your temporary stay strategy is all about balance, just like everything in life!
2. Cook if you can.
If cooking is a big part of your normal routine, then cut back on eating out and get creative about preparing your meals.
"While staying at TLF or hotels, we often purchase simple and easy-to-prepare foods at local grocery stores that can be grilled at a nearby park grill hut or a disposable hibachi grill. It’s not much different than what we do when we’re camping. We even eat outside if the weather’s agreeable." -Jennifer Lambert, A Sacred Balance
If there ever was a time for a picnic in the park, it's while living in temporary housing! Cooking on site or bringing packed meals can be exciting, especially for families who haven’t camped together yet. Plus, exploring new parks and recreation sites sets up the family for future fun times after the boxes are unpacked.
3. Get to know the area... and stay busy!
Embrace the fact that you don’t have a house to settle into yet after your PCS move, and explore the area around you while you can. Soon, you'll be busy unpacking, sorting, and setting up your new home.
Need some ideas? Try these!
- Be tourists. Google the popular spots in town, read reviews, and check them out.
- Try some local restaurants. Dine in to get a taste of the local culture.
- Volunteer in the community. Get personal with the locals and volunteer your time out in town.
- Sit somewhere and people-watch. Let conversations come up organically, or sit on your computer and feel part of the local crowd, whether that means sipping coffee at a local shop or letting your kids wear themselves out at the playground.
Staying busy doesn't mean breaking the bank! While there are plenty of adventures to spend your money on, you can also find entertainment in free or inexpensive things.
"I always made sure we had something to do, somewhere to go, or something to see. We actually took up Geocaching since it's a free, fun activity and let us explore whatever area we're in." -Jessica Lynn Writes
And don't forget the military amenities at your new duty station. Find out if the base has a bowling alley, library, pool, or movie theater. You’re also eligible to participate in any on-base events like holiday or seasonal parties planned by the MWR (Morale, Welfare, & Recreation) offices.
Photo by martin-dm from Getty Images Signature via Canva
4. Suppress the urge to shop.
When looking around a temporary space that houses very few things you own, it’s tempting to go out and buy some filler items while waiting for your household goods to arrive. It's hard, but try not to. While buying some games for the family is certainly okay (and a good idea), filling a new toy box is not wise!
After the movers show up with all your stuff, the things you haven’t seen in weeks or months will feel new again. Your kids will feel renewed excitement with toys that seemed otherwise forgotten. Then, if they get bored or outgrow them, you can find them a new home and get something new for your kids.
Need another reason to keep shopping to a minimum? Your budget. Why spend money on unnecessary things when you can spend it on experiences while you explore your new duty station?
What Military Families Need to Know About Long-Term Storage will help you understand your storage options.
5. Keep it simple in temporary military lodging.
There’s nothing quite like "camping out" to simplify life. Busyness is somehow connected to our stuff. And once it’s gone, there’s often a feeling of freedom and an ability to unplug a little.
If you have kids, embrace the initial boredom stage as they adjust to having less and help them find ways to entertain themselves. Without the responsibilities involved in maintaining a home, you may have more time to slow down.
6. Unpack your bags and stop living out of suitcases!
Even though you’ll have to pack again to move to your more permanent home, it makes sense to unpack your most-used items. Rummaging through your bag to find everyday things leads to frustration.
Instead, find a home for your clothes, toiletries, and other items the family uses regularly. The inconvenience of repacking your hung-up clothing will outweigh the headache caused by the time spent digging for your underwear every day.
As you take the final step of your PCS and move into your new home, remember that some good things can come from a long stay in temporary lodging if you learn to embrace its unique sense of freedom.
Want more PCS tips? Download the free PCS resources we've created just for you, like the guide below.
