Dawn M. Smith
Dawn M. Smith has made a career out of being a relocation pro. As a military spouse with 10+ moves under her belt, she's evolved from a reluctant mover to a master of converting cardboard box mountain nightmares into customized homes. She's constantly updating her skills to improve all aspects of moving. Her specialties include strategic (with a dose of luck) house hunting, home buying, selling, and renting, and attempting to create Pinterest-worthy spaces within landlord-approved decorating. When not decoding neighborhood demographics for readers, Dawn teaches companies how to serve military families and their best interests. She also travels and explores historic districts with her family, always scouting her next possible address after Army retirement. In addition to MilitaryByOwner, Dawn's relocation advice has appeared in Angi, The Spruce, Forbes Home Advisor, the PODS Blog, and Military OneSource.
June 29, 2026
Travel Tips
What are the best stops during a cross-country PCS move? Choose from these fun stops on I-90 between Seattle and Boston to make a pit stop, take a break, or spend a few nights.
June 25, 2026
PCS Moves
Learn what it's like to PCS to the Pentagon, including housing options, commuting realities, schools, military family resources, and the best places to live in the National Capital Region.
June 19, 2026
Selling a Home
What home improvements give the best ROI before selling? Discover affordable ways to boost your home's value with these six easy fixes.
June 16, 2026
Military Life
If you're wondering about the best kid-friendly things to do in Hampton Roads, VA, start with this list. Your family won't run out of things to do!
June 15, 2026
Renting a Home
How do you house hunt long-distance? Plan and prepare with these tips, especially tailored for military families navigating relocation challenges.
June 11, 2026
Home Maintenance
Simplify summer home maintenance with practical tips and a checklist to keep your home in top shape while enjoying the season's warm weather.
June 03, 2026
Home Buying
When it comes to buying a home, military families need to decide on their essential non-negotiables. Learn how to set your list, from budget and location to future rental potential.
June 01, 2026
Military Life
Discover fascinating and surprising facts about the U.S. Army as it celebrates its birthday, from its origins to presidential connections and iconic taglines.
May 26, 2026
Selling a Home
Enhance your home's curb appeal with key upgrades and maintenance to attract buyers and maximize your home sale potential. Start here with these tips for staging your house to sell.
May 23, 2026
Marine Corps Bases
What is it like to live near the beach at Camp Lejeune? From housing costs to flood insurance and commute times, learn the best beach towns for military families renting or buying near base.
May 19, 2026
Military Life
Learn about the latest efforts to support military spouse employment during PCS moves, including information about transferring licensure, reimbursement programs, and portable careers for military spo...
May 16, 2026
Home Financing
A VA loan assumption can be a money saver if you're the right military home buyer. Here's what you need to know before starting the process.