Changes to Your New Home

New Home Changes

I have moved over 15 times and about 1/2 of those were in my adult life.  Moving is what we do in the military.  Change is inevitable.

Moving can be a fun, yet exhausting adventure.  When you move in to your new place, you either want to start packing immediately or crash because of all of the packing, the move itself, and the unloading.

However, how often do you think of the little things you need to change?

Here are 5 changes you need to do when you buy your new house.

Changes to Your Home

*This post may contain affiliate links – if you purchase something from this post, I receive a small commission with NO extra cost to you. To see my full disclosure click here. Thanks for supporting us!

Change the Locks

You never know if the last owner/tenant still have keys to YOUR new house. This is the most important change you can make for the security of your family. 

You can buy new locks at a home improvement store (I recommend a deadbolt lock for all exterior doors – including the garage). If you are not handy, consider hiring a recommended local locksmith to change the locks.

Included in this – check all your windows and be sure they are locked.

Throw Out the First Ice Batch

The first ice from the automatic ice maker should go down the drain.  Hopefully, the appliances received a good cleaning – perhaps with bleach. If not, go ahead and give it a good clean and then throw out the first batch. You don’t want any residual in your cold drinks while unpacking all those boxes. 

Change the Toilet Seats

You just bought a house. I know, you are probably very low on money. However, this may be one area of upgrade or change you may want to invest in if possible. 

A toilet seat costs on average $15-30.  We changed the porcelain ones that were standard on ours to nice elongated durable plastic ones.

Mow Overgrown Grass

Seems pretty obvious, right?  Well this usually gets put on the back burner.  However, if you have outdoor pets or kids, you want to get this under control fast. 

Overgrown grass is home to slithering creatures such as snakes (which can be dangerous depending on the area), ticks, fleas, and more. 

Children may not want to be cooped up in your house and the backyard can be a perfect outlet for them while you are unpacking.  Spend a few hours focusing on the yard to give yourself the time you need to organize indoors.

Changes to Your New Home

Change the Batteries in the Smoke Alarms

There is nothing worse than waking up Day 3 at 3am to the annoying chirping sound of the smoke alarm.  It gets the dogs barking which then wakes up the children, and you are now an official zombie.  Go buy a few packs of 9-volt batteries and change them.  

Getting ready to move? Get your PCS guides here.

Doing a DITY move? Read 5 tips that I swear by here.

If you found this advice, or any of my advice helpful, please consider buying from one of my affiliates at no additional cost to you and supporting The Military Move. When you click and make a purchase within 24 hours (at no additional charge), we receive a small donation. Thank you!

Kelsey Ramirez

About the Author

Kelsey Ramirez is a Real Estate Broker in western Washington. She is also a veteran elementary school teacher, military wife, and mom to two daughters.  She is the founder of The Military Move, a military-based website to help families in the PCS process. Kelsey loves to travel, write, and create amazing content.  She has her Masters in Technology, which she uses to learn all new things digital.

With three decades of military support, Kelsey’s mission is to help new and existing military families in their unique adventures through all military topics including PCSing, budgeting, school choice and rights, housing, and especially just being a military spouse.

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Why It’s Absolutely Fine to Stalk Your Movers

Stalking your movers
Keeping Your Eyes on Your Movers

Why I Stalk the Government Movers

There are opposing views to this idea, and that is okay! Some feel the need to stay out of the movers way and let them do their job. 

But the other group feel compelled to be more “involved,” and that is perfectly okay.  After all, the stuff in your home is your stuff – everything you have worked for or been gifted.  You are placing that in someone else’s hands.

Let me give you some examples: When we filed an insurance claim after a hurricane hit our home – I made sure my roofer and I were there to ensure that he saw everything.  When my father was having his house built, he went every week to see the work site.  As a teacher, I welcomed parents in to see my method of teaching – it is their child.

There is oversight in many jobs. I don’t just walk away from a teller and trust that he/she will deposit my money because that is his/her job. So personally, I am not just going to sit on my couch while they do theirs. But that is me.

So if you are the type that “hovers,” you have the right too and should – but remember, they have a job to do so you can provide conversation while you do so to not make it so awkward.

To Feed or Not to Feed

You may be anxious to do a government move after hearing the horror stories from other military families.  However, many veterans have come up with ways to show appreciation towards the movers and perhaps also woo them into being more careful with their stuff.

First, the question comes up each year in spouse groups about what to do with military movers.  Should you feed them, tip them, etc.

Bridget from https://nuttyhiker.com says – “ I feed them lunch (usually pizza) and also have water’s and Gatorade as well as snacks for them.”

Diane from www.thewanderingrd.com states, “We always feed the movers lunch and provide plenty of bottled water. We typically give them some options and ask their preference. No, I don’t make them eat healthy! It’s more about pleasing them…When we lived overseas, I asked around and the convention was to provide some American “delicacies” like Coke and homemade chocolate chip cookies, which they took home to their families.”

Amy from Mehmomblog.wordpress.com says, “Our first move when the movers packed us we just got Gatorade and had bottled water available. Our budget was tight so we didn’t buy food, but they really appreciated the Gatorade. We’ve been overseas since then so we get the movers American snacks and chips they don’t have here. I always make sure there’s enough for them to take home and share with their families.”

Sybil from mamasandcoffee.com adds, “When they 1st arrive I let them know what areas to pack vs. staying with us (I try to put those items in a small closet or bathroom).”

Government Moves/Movers

*This post may contain affiliate links – if you purchase something from this post, I receive a small commission with NO extra cost to you. To see my full disclosure click here. Thanks for supporting us!

Stalking the Government Movers

When your movers come, they will each pick a room and will start packing up your goods. 

First things first, I pack ALL irreplaceable valuables in my household goods container that always travels with me.  This includes all my jewelry, my laptop, my PCS notebook (which you can sign up for below to get FREE), my hard drive with thousands of family photos, cash, and any family heirlooms that I deem appropriate.

PCS Notebook

Remember, the packers are going to go through everything that is not already in a sealed box, so if you have some things you would rather not be seen – go ahead a box those ahead of time.

However, if you are going overseas – it cannot be packed as it must be inspected by the packers (so perhaps put your valuables or dirty secrets into your personal luggage).

Secondly, IF both of you can be home, great.  I am not afraid to stalk my movers during government moves.  Why? Because I want to make sure my stuff is being taken care of and appropriately boxed. 

This IS your STUFF. Remember that.

We moved between rooms focusing on the bedrooms or rooms that had things that may “walk away.” This is uncommon, but it does happen. 

Personally, I have a DITY move labeling process that I do when we move ourselves.  The movers will have their process to by labeling each box (you will find stickers on things years after your moves).  However, you may be able to convince them to allow you to use this common method too.

Click here for the post on my method complete with your downloadable checklist.

Moving Guide

Transferring the Moving Boxes/Furniture

This is where my heart stops.  Watching my stuff be handled. 

Why?

Because this is where furniture gets dinged and scratched. I watched my $4,000 bedroom set that was our wedding gift to ourselves get 4 separate dings (1 on the outbound, 3 on the inbound). 

Not to mention the walls and door frames.  Yes, our drywall got so many chips from moving furniture up and down stairs.  However, I stalked them by watching them. They were more careful when I was there watching it going in and out.  They may not like it, but it’s MY stuff. 

All your stuff will be put on a moving truck (depending on the size of your HHG, it could be with other HHG’s too), which is why I use my labeling method.

Helpful Hints to Know

Packers will pack EVERYTHING (except the no can do list).

Yes, they will pack the trash bins with trash in them – it happens – ALL THE TIME.

They will pack your dirty, smelly laundry in the laundry basket – yes, it happens!

Things Government Movers Will Not Pack

Click here to see the full downloadable PDF from the State Department.

10 Things to Pack Yourself

Have experiences or comments you would like to share? Put them in the comments below.

If you found this advice, or any of my advice helpful, please consider buying from one of my affiliates at no additional cost to you and supporting The Military Move. When you click and make a purchase within 24 hours (at no additional charge), we receive a small donation. Thank you!

Kelsey Ramirez

About the Author

Kelsey Ramirez is a Real Estate Broker in western Washington. She is also a veteran elementary school teacher, military wife, and mom to two daughters.  She is the founder of The Military Move, a military-based website to help families in the PCS process. Kelsey loves to travel, write, and create amazing content.  She has her Masters in Technology, which she uses to learn all new things digital.

With three decades of military support, Kelsey’s mission is to help new and existing military families in their unique adventures through all military topics including PCSing, budgeting, school choice and rights, housing, and especially just being a military spouse.

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The Complete Moving Guide

Complete Moving Guide

I have made several military moves in my lifetime.  From California to South Carolina, Maryland to Georgia, I have learned a few tricks along the way to create a quick and easy complete DIY guide. 

Moving can be one of the most stressful experiences for any person.  Whether you are doing it yourself or having help, there are countless things that are bound to…well drive you a little nuts. 

Even government moves can be stressful.  It really depends on what type of person you are and what you prefer.

Moving Stress Free Guides

*This post contains affiliate links – if you purchase something from this post, I receive a small commission with NO extra cost to you. To see my full disclosure click here. Thanks for supporting us!

Getting Prepared

I love having a plan.  It helps me lower my stress and know just what I intend to do.  I have created a moving checklist and how-to guide to help any first-time or veteran mover.  You can download it by signing up below for FREE. 

I will also give you my FREE PCS Notebook Guide to show you all the important things that I keep together.  This has helped me complete all necessary things with our rentals/mortgage, registering for schools, bordering animals, and much more.

Moving Guide

Get your Moving Day Checklist Here

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Another part of moving is making sure you have everything organized beside just your household goods.  You need to have your life basically organized so that when you travel to your new location, you are ready to go. 

Need to register the kids for school? No problem. Need to get your car insurance redirected? No issues. 

A few weeks ago, I had to go to the DMV to get a hard copy of my car title (since I like to have it on hand).  The lady was shocked at my PCS Binder and how organized I was – she even thanked me.

Guess what! I want to give it to you for FREE – just for reading because I know you will LOVE it, and it will help you complete your mover’s toolbox.

Enter you info below and it will be emailed right over to you.

PCS Comprehensive Checklist

Additionally, when you sign up, you will receive your PCS Expense and Budget Worksheet to help determine your costs for your DITY move.

PCS Budget Worksheet
Preview of Document
The lady was shocked at my PCS Binder - she even thanked me.

Government Moves

When you do a government move – ALWAYS do the counseling.  Either the active member or the spouse – do not skip this. 

“Why? I’m too busy!”

No, you’re not! Not for this! Make yourself available.

When you do a government move, you are giving them most if not all of your stuff.  Some may get damaged or lost, and you need to know the process to file a claim to get that started. 

You will have POC’s – point of contacts – you will need to save in your phone as well. It is a very detailed and drawn out process and can be the deciding point of how much money you receive.

I have an upcoming post on how to deal with government moves/movers in greater detail that you can check out.

DITY Moves

Are you doing a Do-IT-Yourself move?

Many service members like these moves because they can keep an eye on their stuff – keeping them in control.  Some believe they can do it cheaper than a full government move allowing them to make some money.

I have done both moves and both have their pros and cons.  Shoot me any questions you may have in the comments below.

We made a good amount of money on our DITY move and you can check out some of my tips here.

Tips for DIY Moves
Many service members like these moves because they can keep an eye on their stuff.

If you found this advice, or any of my advice helpful, please consider buying from one of my affiliates at no additional cost to you and supporting The Military Move. When you click and make a purchase within 24 hours (at no additional charge), we receive a small donation. Thank you!

Kelsey Ramirez

About the Author

Kelsey Ramirez is a Real Estate Broker in western Washington. She is also a veteran elementary school teacher, military wife, and mom to two daughters.  She is the founder of The Military Move, a military-based website to help families in the PCS process. Kelsey loves to travel, write, and create amazing content.  She has her Masters in Technology, which she uses to learn all new things digital.

With three decades of military support, Kelsey’s mission is to help new and existing military families in their unique adventures through all military topics including PCSing, budgeting, school choice and rights, housing, and especially just being a military spouse.

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San Diego Travel Guide

San Diego Travel Guide

San Diego is one of my favorite cities in the United States.  I mean like #2 in my top 5.  My dad often had training on Coronado Island in his F-16 back in the 90’s, and me remember my stepmother driving my sister and me in our Cadillac DeVille from Tucson, Arizona to San Diego.

We would bike all over Coronado, stop at local mom and pop places and eat ice cream, and enjoy the parks and beaches.

When my dad became a commercial pilot, I begged to go on one of his San Diego layovers.  When I did go, I made him take me all over.  I had some of the best cheesecake in a delightful cafe in the Gas Lamp Quarter, walked around Seaport Village, shopped in Westfield Horton Open Plaza, and even casually had a drink in the famous Top Gun Diner, which is Kansas City Barbeque.

Travel Guide for San Diego

*This post contains affiliate links – if you purchase something from this post, I receive a small commission with NO extra cost to you. To see my full disclosure click here. Thanks for supporting us!

As you start planning your trip, look over the options in the provided infographic below.  These are some of the top rated restaurants, hotels, things to do, and tours.  When you find what you want to do, click on my CityPASS below, and you can save up to 50%.

San Diego Travel Guide

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San Diego Travel Guide

San Diego Travel Guide

With a father that flys for a major airline, I am aware of travel necessities. Be sure to check my guide on travel essentials for the whole family.

Also be sure to check out the airline and airport travel tips YOU NEED in order to have a smooth trip.  It will keep you up-to-date on the following:

  • specific airport arrival times,
  • baggage costs,
  • traveling with children, and
  • a way to get through security quicker.
Airline Travel Tips

Do you have a favorite place in San Diego that you love to visit?  Tell us in the comments below!

If you found this advice, or any of my advice helpful, please consider buying from one of my affiliates at no additional cost to you and supporting The Military Move. When you click and make a purchase within 24 hours (at no additional charge), we receive a small donation. Thank you!
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Kelsey Ramirez

About the Author

Kelsey Ramirez is a Real Estate Broker in western Washington. She is also a veteran elementary school teacher, military wife, and mom to two daughters.  She is the founder of The Military Move, a military-based website to help families in the PCS process. Kelsey loves to travel, write, and create amazing content.  She has her Masters in Technology, which she uses to learn all new things digital.

With three decades of military support, Kelsey’s mission is to help new and existing military families in their unique adventures through all military topics including PCSing, budgeting, school choice and rights, housing, and especially just being a military spouse.

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Key West Travel Guide

Key West header

Are you feeling drinks on tropical beaches?  But you haven’t applied or renewed your passport.  I am totally in this boat with you.  After months of teaching and then being pregnant, I could use a vacation on the beach.  However, the Caribbean is not on my list! Key West – although is!

Key West Beaches

Look at that!! Do you see it? I see a perfect place for a hammock!

Key West is known for their beaches, tours, and nightlife on Duval Street.   Spend the morning watching dolphins or taking an aerial tour, followed by a few hours of sunshine on one of Key West’s sandy white beaches, and then go have drinks at popular places such as Irish Kevin’s or Sloppy Joes.

Key West City Guide

*This post contains affiliate links – if you purchase something from this post, I receive a small commission with NO extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting us! To see my full disclosure – please check here.

Key West is also known for their fishing.

More of the history buff – check out Fort Zachary.

In this week’s travel guide – you will find something for everyone.  However, you may want to include a stay at one of the many bed and breakfast locations on the island.

Check out:

Key West Bed and Breakfast

The Conch House Heritage Inn

 

Key West Travel Guide

Key West Travel Guide

 

Military Links and Information

If you are military – check out the various helpful links that will help you in Key West from my friend’s website UJ Space A Info including Space-A information, military lodging, medical centers, and base guides.

Discounts on Activities

Find deals on activities with City-Discovery by clicking below.

Find the Best tours, Excursions & Activities with City Discovery

As an avid traveler, I have had the pleasure of traveling to many countries. Be sure to check my guide on travel essentials for the whole family.

Essentials for Trips

Traveled to Key West? What are the must-sees, dining, and hotels? Tell me in the comments below.

If you found this advice, or any of my advice helpful, please consider buying from one of my affiliates at no additional cost to you and supporting The Military Move. When you click and make a purchase within 24 hours (at no additional charge), we receive a small donation. Thank you!

Kelsey Ramirez

About the Author

Kelsey Ramirez is a Real Estate Broker in western Washington. She is also a veteran elementary school teacher, military wife, and mom to two daughters.  She is the founder of The Military Move, a military-based website to help families in the PCS process. Kelsey loves to travel, write, and create amazing content.  She has her Masters in Technology, which she uses to learn all new things digital.

With three decades of military support, Kelsey’s mission is to help new and existing military families in their unique adventures through all military topics including PCSing, budgeting, school choice and rights, housing, and especially just being a military spouse.

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Seattle Quick Guide

Header for Seattle's City Guide

Sleepless in Seattle, Grey’s Anatomy, Frasier, An Officer and a Gentleman.

All cinemSpace Needle Seattleatic or television  that may come to mind when you think of the beautiful city of Seattle. 

It could be the Space Needle, the Puget Sound, Starbucks, or Pike Place.  Whatever it is, Seattle has many treasures within the beautiful city that is known for it’s rainy weather. Surrounded by mountains, water, and forests, many locals enjoy the scenery of this Washington town.

Becoming a local? You can benefit from different services found at the Seattle Government website found here.

The Quick Guide below is a list that will help you navigate the city on your next vacation or upcoming move to the city. 

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Ferry boat riding is a MUST.  Take a trip to Bainbridge Island, Kingston, or Bremerton.

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Bainbridge Island

However, in downtown Seattle, you must check out a few places.  The Space Needle has multiple things to do for couples and families.  Pike Market has an assortment of vendors and restaurants to check out.Save

Pike Market

There is a hidden alley, I like to call the “Gum Wall.” It is one of those things you see once and go “Okay, I’ve seen it!”

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Gum Wall

 

The Quick Guide below is a list that will help you navigate the city on your next vacation or upcoming move to the city. 

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Seattle Travel Guide

*This post contains affiliate links – if you purchase something from this post, I receive a small commission with NO extra cost to you. To see my full disclosure click here. Thanks for supporting us!

CityPass will get you all the best deals on the most iconic spots of Seattle with savings to you! Click above to save!

The Great Wheel
Seattle Infographic

With a father that flys for a major airline, I am aware of travel necessities. Be sure to check my guide on travel essentials for the whole family.Essentials for Trips

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Be sure to check out my airline and airport travel tips before you go to make sure your trip goes smoothly.  You will find airport arrival times, baggage information for each airline, tips for flying with children, and a tip for Active Duty to get through security fast. 

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Airline Travel Tips

If you found this advice, or any of my advice helpful, please consider buying from one of my affiliates at no additional cost to you and supporting The Military Move. When you click and make a purchase within 24 hours (at no additional charge), we receive a small donation. Thank you!

Kelsey Ramirez

About the Author

Kelsey Ramirez is a Real Estate Broker in western Washington. She is also a veteran elementary school teacher, military wife, and mom to two daughters.  She is the founder of The Military Move, a military-based website to help families in the PCS process. Kelsey loves to travel, write, and create amazing content.  She has her Masters in Technology, which she uses to learn all new things digital.

With three decades of military support, Kelsey’s mission is to help new and existing military families in their unique adventures through all military topics including PCSing, budgeting, school choice and rights, housing, and especially just being a military spouse.

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Boston – Quick Guide

Boston City Guide

Boston Travel Guide

Boston, the capital of Massachusetts, is one of the oldest cities in the United States.  Additionally, it is home to the Boston Red Sox, Celtics, and New England Patriots, it also hosts academics such as Harvard and Boston College.  One of the most well known events is the Boston Marathon, which is held on the third Monday of April. 

Pinterest Pin Boston Travel Guide

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*This post contains affiliate links – if you purchase something from this post, I receive a small commission with NO extra cost to you. To see my full disclosure click here. Thanks for supporting us!

Boston played an important role in the American Revolution, which can be seen in the museums that surround the area.  Paul Revere, a revolutionary fighter, was instrumental in the war against the British famously riding on horseback to warn colonists.

If you are traveling or moving to the area, find things that may interest you, your family, or your possible guests.

CityPass will get you all the best deals on the most iconic spots of Boston with savings to you! Click above to save!

Boston City Guide

With a father that flys for a major airline, I am aware of travel necessities. Be sure to check my guide on travel essentials for the whole family.Essentials for Trips

To reserve one of the hotels above or any number of hotels in the area – I recommend Hotels.com.  Create an account and earn free stays – my husband and I have done this through our military and personal travels.

Search Here for Hotels.com Best Hotel Deals!

or

Receive up to a 25% discount for booking on your mobile device at Hotels.com.

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Flying to Boston? Airport travel is one of the most stressful parts of people’s trips.  Check out the airport and airline tips that provide specific airport arrival times, baggage information for each airline, and helpful info on traveling with children.Airport Travel Tips You Need

Kelsey Ramirez

About the Author

Kelsey Ramirez is a Real Estate Broker in western Washington. She is also a veteran elementary school teacher, military wife, and mom to two daughters.  She is the founder of The Military Move, a military-based website to help families in the PCS process. Kelsey loves to travel, write, and create amazing content.  She has her Masters in Technology, which she uses to learn all new things digital.

With three decades of military support, Kelsey’s mission is to help new and existing military families in their unique adventures through all military topics including PCSing, budgeting, school choice and rights, housing, and especially just being a military spouse.

Continue Reading

How to Stay Physically Stable During a PCS

Keeping it together during a PCS

“Wait. What’s a PCS?”

That was me almost twenty years ago when my husband suggested we get married during his PCS from Alaska to Florida. Oh, young and ignorant me … back when military speak was not a part of my world. I have come to truly love and appreciate so many amazing and wonderful things about military life.

But PCSing, otherwise known as Permanent Change of Station, otherwise known as moving all your household goods and family to a different military base, is not one of them.

Moving boxes

I am about 17 years into married life. I married my husband, and I married the Air Force way of life. As someone who grew up in the same house her entire life, I was rather fascinated by the concept of moving often and excited about all the opportunities. And to be honest, I still get excited about new homes and new places.

But after 7 PCS’s and 9 moves, I also dread the transition. Because no matter how many times you do it and how good you are at rolling with all the craziness, moving is still considered one of the very top stressors in life. And we military families do it over and over.  And over. We eventually become so seasoned at it that we start using PCS as a verb!

Let’s face it — it’s a very stressful time. You try to organize your stuff (which basically means giving a lot of stuff away to Goodwill and making piles of what you don’t want packed), deal with the mountains of paperwork, determine what things you need for the interim (because sometimes it’s door-to-door and sometimes it’s weeks upon weeks for overseas moves), do your best to make sure your kids aren’t too sad or angry about moving, go to a gazillion farewell events, and try to ensure everything is set up on the other end so your arrival is as pleasant as possible. Good heavens, I’m exhausted just thinking about it.Healthy Tips for a PCS Move

As someone who has been in the health and wellness business for many years, I have learned how to make the transition period as healthy as possible. Because all that stress and physical exertion and lack of stability really make us a lot more susceptible to abandoning our healthy ways, succumbing to poor choices, and just plain getting sick.

It’s so easy to just eat McDonald’s and ignore what your body really needs during this hectic time. And if there’s one thing that makes PCS’s worse, it’s a bug that the whole family passes around. Stay tuned for the story when the stomach flu hit our entire family while our household goods were being delivered. Awesome.

So you know how we all try to plan ahead to make our moving as painless as possible? Most of the time we don’t really factor in ways to maintain our health because we have so many other things to worry about.

But it’s SO worth it. Here are some tips to help keep everyone healthy during a PCS — physically, mentally, and emotionally. These are big topics which each deserve a very long blog post, but hopefully I can hit the major points.

1. Support your digestion.

When I talk to my kids about digestion, the conversation usually turns into one about poop. That is basically life with boys in a nutshell. However, bowel movements are a good indication of how things are going with your digestion. Good digestion is absolutely imperative for good health.

We need to eat high quality, nutrient dense food that we can digest properly and break down into the proper usable forms for our bodies to utilize. All those carbs, proteins, and fats are used by our cells to perform necessary functions of life.

So when we are not eating high quality food and/or digesting our food properly, our cells are not getting the nourishment they need to do ALL THE THINGS. And let’s face it, there is nothing like a PCS to create a ridiculously long list of things that absolutely have to get done within a specified amount of time.

Make it a point choose better — pick Chipotle over McDonald’s. Don’t survive on Domino’s pizza. And to support your digestion properly, you need to slow down, take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate your meal, chew your food slowly, avoid carbonated beverages while eating because they can halt digestion, and eat balanced meals.

Shoving french fries and a Diet Coke in your face while standing up in the kitchen, surrounded by the sounds of packing tape and sharpies, is not going to cut it. You have to seek out nutrient dense food that is going to nourish your body. Good things to consider during this time are adding in some digestive enzymes and an essential oil to allow your body to get into that parasympathetic mode (rest and digest) to truly digest and assimilate your food.

And guess what?

You’ll poop on a regular basis and that is a very good thing.

2. Support your immune system.

There is nothing worse than being sick in the midst of a PCS. I’ve had a moving truck with all our stuff on it go missing for a week as well as had a bunch of furniture ruined, but nothing compares to getting hit with the stomach flu while our household goods were being delivered.

Stretched out on the floor of my new closet trying not to vomit or pass out while the moving guys were piling boxes around me. Then watching each of my family members succumb to it as the delivery guys looked on in absolute horror. THE WORST.

Anyway … most of the time when people think about taking care of their immune systems, they equate Probioticsit with washing their hands frequently and avoiding sick people. While these things are definitely helpful, we want to really nourish our immune systems so we are strong enough to handle the germs that are inevitably going to surface during a PCS.

Did you know approximately 80% or our immune systems are located in the gut? So we want to truly support gut health, which includes the nutrient dense food and healthy digestion we already addressed.

When we are not digesting properly, our small intestines get overwhelmed and our immune systems take a beating. A very important way to boost your immune system is to provide it with healthy gut bacteria. While eating high quality yogurt products can be helpful, it is more effective to call in the big guns in the forms of probiotics, collagen peptides powder, and fermented foods (think kombucha, kimchi, or sauerkraut).

All of these things are hugely beneficial to gut health and immunity, which are SO important during a PCS. Because of two words: STOMACH FLU.

3. Keep your blood sugar levels regulated.

Oh man, this is a tough one during a PCS. There is NOTHING I crave more during the craziness of moving than caffeine and sugary baked goods. Give me a Venti Starbucks anything and all the Krispy DonutsKreme donuts that I bought “for the packers” because I want to show my appreciation for their hard work.

Unfortunately, filling your body with sugar and caffeine to just GET IT DONE is not doing your body any favors. Doing this just causes our blood sugar levels to skyrocket (we all know that jittery feeling we can get from a sugary caffeine rush). And while you may get a big jolt of adrenaline initially, there is the inevitable crash that follows … at which point we often reach for more caffeine or sugar.

Aside from the terrible damage this can do to your health because blood sugar disregulation diseases are an epidemic, this rollercoaster is going to really wreck your energy levels, cause your adrenal health to suffer, weaken your immune systems, and negatively affect digestion.

Don’t get me wrong, I know a PCS without any caffeine and sugar is completely and totally unrealistic — I may be all about health and wellness but I’m not delusional. Just try to balance the caffeine and sugar out with some protein and healthy fats.

Eat a handful of cashews with your coffee. Eat a hard boiled egg with that donut. (I was going to say half a donut but who am I kidding?) These little things will do so much to keep your body healthy and balanced. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. So keep it fueled for the long haul.

4. Move your body.

ExerciseI know what you’re thinking. Move??? I never stop moving during a PCS! I feel you on that. But moving amidst chaos is very different than moving intentionally for the purpose of exercise.

I truly believe everyone has a different fitness personality — some people’s bodies love the super challenging workouts that feel like punishment (I don’t get you guys but more power to you), and some people like more of a gentle, mind-body kind of thing.

So do whatever your body likes, even if it’s just for 10 minutes. Go for a walk or run, go into an empty room with stray pieces of packing tape and do some Pilates, or squeeze in a quick session at the gym. Focus on breathing and how your body feels.

Get your blood pumping and the oxygen flowing to all your muscles. I could go into a big explanation of why exercise is good for your body, but do I really need to? Don’t make a bunch of excuses. Just do it.

5. Make sleep a priority.

Sleeping familyYes, I know this is insanely hard. But the payoff is HUGE. When we don’t sleep enough, we basically turn into toddlers. We tend to be cranky, irritable, and quick to overreact to everything and anything. And there are always insane moments that occur during a PCS — we need to be calm and collected, not freaking out about trying to find box #127 because it has the Keurig in it.

(Even though that is a legit reason to lose your mind.)

Not to mention lack of sleep is linked to compromised immunity, increased inflammation, decreased concentration and productivity, overeating and poor food choices, and increased periods of anxiety and depression. Trust me, I have stayed up way too late getting things in order and woken up super early to be ready for the chaos just like you.

And you know what?

That was dumb and didn’t help anything. I just end up being a hot mess and 9 times out of 10 the packers and movers show up late anyway. So just go to bed and get a solid eight hours of sleep.

6. Put in the time and effort to prep.

To Do ListYou know it’s coming. Most of usually get a few months notice before the PCS hurricane descends, so use your time wisely. I have a list of things I do to prep:

  • I do a huge commissary run and buy all the healthy food and snacks our family usually eats. Even though we all enjoy the occasional treat, being able to grab an apple with almond butter, a Larabar, or a bag of trail mix is great when hunger strikes. And it’s so much nicer for your body than that candy bar at the gas station.
  • I scope out the food choices on both ends of the move. I know where the nearest grocery stores and healthier food joints are located, because eating out is just gonna happen no matter how well I plan.
  • I stock up on all the vitamins and supplements we need to last us through the days/weeks/months of transition. And yes, this health nut has a whole lot of them.
  • I bring everyone’s favorite pillows and blankets because they are comforting and we all sleep better. It’s so worth the extra suitcase.
  • I pack a separate bag of all our personal care products to include soap, toothpaste, shampoo, lotions, and skincare. Mostly because I am very particular about using safer products that aren’t harmful to our bodies, but also because using our regular items seems more “normal” and eliminates the possibility of irritation and reactions.
 

I know this may all seem like more stuff to put on your to-do list, but there really is something to be said for making the PCS transition feel as much like “home” as possible. Our bodies are having to deal with major change no matter what we do, so doing these things just makes it easier for our bodies to adjust.

PCSing is rough. It really doesn’t matter if you’re moving across the world or just a few hundred miles. Life as we know it is uprooted and transplanted, and our bodies needs some extra support.

I hope you will keep these things in mind the next time Uncle Sam informs you of your next adventure, because I promise you will enjoy the new location a whole lot faster and with a much better attitude when you’re not sick and exhausted. Military life is exciting and full of adventures, so let’s not allow the PCS’s to steal that joy.

What tips do you have to help you stay healthy during a PCS?  Let us know in the comments below.

Amanda Koch
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Amanda Koch

Amanda Koch is a Nutritional Therapy Consultant, Pilates Master Trainer, and Director with Beautycounter. After dealing with personal health challenges to include infertility, multiple miscarriages, chronic pain, depression and anxiety, she made healing changes in her life with real food, healthy movement, and safer products. She strives to provide resources for women to live well balanced lives which are realistic and effective. She currently lives in Alaska with her Air Force husband and two boys — healthy, happy, and well.

Visit my Website or Email to contact me.

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New Orleans – Quick Guide

New Orleans Blog Post Header

In the Coast Guard world, orders are cut from winter until spring typically.  One of my friends, a fellow Coastie wife, had the unfortunate circumstance of her husband’s orders being pulled three, yes three, separate times.  Long story short, he ended up qualifying for Warrant Officer and was finally given official orders to New Orleans – I believe these will stick.

As a part of a new series, I will be highlighting a military city for those visiting or moving to the area.  Perhaps, it will even help those that currently live there discover their new “home” town.  I have heard such amazing things about this city and base all of my information off of reviews.

Travel Guide – New Orleans

New Orleans - Quick Guide

New Orleans is known best for their annual Mardi Gras festival in February.  To start planning for next year’s festival – visit here. However, the city has many exciting things to do all throughout the year including many other festivals, such as the Jazz and Heritage Festival, NOLA Music and Arts Festival, or one of the many inspired cajun events.  For a full calendar of events, check out this website.

To request your city or one you are interested in – contact me with the subject – City Quick Guide.

With a father that flys for a major airline, I am aware of travel necessities. Be sure to check my guide on travel essentials for the adults in the family.

Essentials for Trips

Also, check out the tips for airlines and airports that can help make your trip smoother.

Airport Travel Tips You Need

Check out the activities you want to do in New Orleans by booking below with CityDiscovery.

Find the Best tours, Excursions & Activities with City Discovery

If you have visited New Orleans and have a favorite hotel, restaurant, or thing to do not listed – leave it in the comments below.

Kelsey Ramirez

About the Author

Kelsey Ramirez is a Real Estate Broker in western Washington. She is also a veteran elementary school teacher, military wife, and mom to two daughters.  She is the founder of The Military Move, a military-based website to help families in the PCS process. Kelsey loves to travel, write, and create amazing content.  She has her Masters in Technology, which she uses to learn all new things digital.

With three decades of military support, Kelsey’s mission is to help new and existing military families in their unique adventures through all military topics including PCSing, budgeting, school choice and rights, housing, and especially just being a military spouse.

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