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This post shares realistic DITY (Do-It-Yourself) military moving tips to help you stay sane during a PCS move. It reminds military families to protect their marriage, take care of themselves, and lean on faith and community amid the stress. The guide includes trusted DITY move resources, like Military OneSource, DFAS, PCS Grades, and DITY Moving Mama, with step-by-step guides, safety checklists, and printable tools to make your personally procured move smoother and more organized.

This post encourages military spouses to seek mentors who can guide, support, and inspire them through the unique challenges of military life. The author explains that mentorship provides wisdom, connection, and accountability helping spouses grow in faith, family, and personal goals. It outlines different types of mentors (parenting, spiritual, financial, marriage, entrepreneurial, etc.) and offers practical steps for finding them, such as joining base chapel programs, MOPS groups, or local activities. It also lists military spouse mentoring resources like MSAN, ACP, and SECO for ongoing support.

This post encourages military spouses to become entrepreneurs and highlights free resources that make starting a business easier. Featuring Ashlee Sullivan, founder of Woman + Warrior, it shows how creativity and determination can turn challenges like frequent moves and underemployment into opportunity. It lists top organizations offering training, mentoring, and funding guidance, including National Military Spouse Network, The Rosie Network, MilSpo Project, SBA Boots to Business, and Military OneSource. Military spouses can successfully build flexible, meaningful businesses that move with their lifestyle.

This post breaks down military event dress codes so spouses know exactly what to wear and feel confident at every occasion. For semi-formal events, choose cocktail-length dresses (knee to ankle) that are elegant but modest. Formal events call for full-length gowns avoid revealing cuts. Casual events mean “elevated casual”: nice jeans, neat tops, and clean shoes. Business dress ranges from smart casual to business professional, with trousers and blouses being most common. When unsure, try “high-low dressing” mixing dressy and casual pieces for balanced style.

When you’re stationed far from a military installation, building community takes extra effort but it’s absolutely doable. Start by getting involved in a local church or small group, joining hobby meetups or local clubs, and connecting with parents through schools or parks. Consider book clubs for easy conversation and introduce yourself to neighbors even small gestures like sharing cookies can spark lasting friendships. The key is to take initiative and reach out first most people are looking for genuine connection too.

This post highlights the childcare support available during a PCS move, especially for overwhelmed military spouses handling kids and HHG delivery alone. Many Air Force bases offer 20 free hours of childcare per child at both the gaining and losing installation, and a newer pilot program may reimburse families up to $1,500 if they can’t access CDC care within 30 days of arriving. These benefits help families manage work, unpacking, and the chaos of moving. Spouses should contact their Family Support Center to check availability and eligibility.

I wrote three posts with tips on moving for military couples, see the other posts here: Overseas Military Moves (OCONUS) and childcare help provided by the military when moving.

I wrote three posts with tips on moving for military couples, see the other posts here: DITY moves versus Military-Contracted Movers and Childcare Help Provided by the Military when Moving.

Part 1 explains why military spouses must intentionally build community because constant moves and shifting friendships can leave you isolated fast. The author shares how she went from lonely to thriving by making the first move: inviting people for coffee, meeting moms at the park, visiting new spouses with cookies, and offering simple hospitality (not perfection). She also recommends using installation spouse groups, networking through social media, and asking friends for connections before you PCS. Community doesn’t just happen you create it by being the friend you wish you had.