A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move can be a challenging experience for military families. The process often involves uprooting your life, leaving behind familiar surroundings, and starting anew in a different location. One of the key challenges during a PCS move is finding suitable temporary housing that meets the needs of your family. In this blog post, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to help military families navigate the complexities of temporary housing during a PCS move, ensuring a smooth and stress-free transition.
1. Understanding the Temporary Housing Options Available
When it comes to temporary housing during a PCS move, military families have several options to consider. Each option comes with its own set of advantages and considerations, making it essential to choose the one that best suits your family’s needs and circumstances.
On-Base Temporary Lodging: Most military installations offer temporary lodging facilities (TLFs) for families during a PCS move. These accommodations are typically furnished and include basic amenities such as kitchen facilities, laundry services, and internet access. Staying on base can be convenient, as it keeps you close to work and provides easy access to on-base resources and support services.
Extended-Stay Hotels: Extended-stay hotels are a popular choice for military families during a PCS move, especially if on-base lodging is unavailable or doesn’t meet your needs. These hotels offer more space than traditional hotel rooms, often including kitchenettes and living areas, making them a comfortable option for families. Many extended-stay hotels also offer discounts for military personnel, which can help reduce costs.
Short-Term Rentals: Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO provide a wide range of short-term rental options, from fully furnished apartments to entire houses. This option allows for greater flexibility and can provide a more home-like environment, especially for families with pets or those who need more space. It’s important to book early, especially in high-demand areas, to ensure availability.
Corporate Housing: Corporate housing is another option that provides fully furnished accommodations, typically in apartment complexes. These rentals are designed for longer stays and offer the comfort of home with the convenience of hotel amenities. Corporate housing can be a good choice for families who need temporary housing for several weeks or months.
Staying with Family or Friends: If you have family or friends in the area of your new assignment, staying with them can be a cost-effective and comforting option. This choice can also provide emotional support during the transition. However, it’s important to set clear expectations and boundaries to ensure everyone’s comfort.
2. Key Considerations When Choosing Temporary Housing
Selecting the right temporary housing during a PCS move involves more than just finding a place to stay. Several factors should be taken into account to ensure the housing meets your family’s needs and provides a comfortable and stress-free living environment.
Proximity to Base: One of the most important factors to consider is the proximity of your temporary housing to your new duty station. Staying close to base can reduce commute times, making it easier to attend work, check-in, and access base amenities. It also provides a sense of connection to the military community during the transition period.
Family Needs: Consider the specific needs of your family when choosing temporary housing. This includes the number of bedrooms required, the availability of kitchen facilities, and whether the housing is pet-friendly. Families with young children may also want to consider access to safe play areas or proximity to schools.
Budget: Budget is a critical consideration during a PCS move, especially since relocation expenses can add up quickly. Take advantage of military discounts, Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowances, and other financial resources available to help offset the cost of temporary housing. It’s also a good idea to compare rates and explore multiple options to find the best value for your money.
Duration of Stay: The length of your stay will also impact your choice of temporary housing. For short stays, on-base lodging or extended-stay hotels may be sufficient. However, if you anticipate a longer transition period, such as waiting for your permanent housing to become available, a short-term rental or corporate housing may be more suitable.
Flexibility: Flexibility is key during a PCS move, as plans can change unexpectedly. Choose temporary housing that offers flexible lease terms or easy cancellation policies, allowing you to adjust your stay as needed without incurring additional costs.
3. Tips for a Smooth Temporary Housing Experience
Navigating temporary housing during a PCS move can be a complex process, but with the right approach, you can ensure a smooth and successful experience. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your temporary housing situation:
Book Early: As soon as you receive your PCS orders, start researching and booking temporary housing. Popular options, especially on-base lodging, can fill up quickly, so it’s important to secure your accommodations as early as possible.
Stay Organized: Keep all your housing-related documents, such as rental agreements, contact information, and receipts, in one place. Staying organized will help you manage the logistics of your move and ensure you have everything you need when it’s time to check out or file for reimbursements.
Communicate with Your New Unit: Stay in close communication with your new unit or base housing office. They can provide valuable information about on-base housing availability, recommend local resources, and assist with any challenges you may encounter during your move.
Make It Homey: Even though your stay is temporary, making your temporary housing feel like home can ease the stress of the transition. Bring along a few personal items, such as family photos or favorite blankets, to create a sense of familiarity and comfort.
Explore the Area: Use your time in temporary housing to explore your new community. Visit local attractions, find nearby grocery stores, and locate essential services such as healthcare providers. Familiarizing yourself with the area will make the transition to your permanent home much smoother.
4. Overcoming Common Challenges in Temporary Housing
While temporary housing is a practical solution during a PCS move, it can come with its own set of challenges. Here’s how to address some of the most common issues:
Limited Space: Temporary housing, especially on-base lodging or extended-stay hotels, may have limited space compared to your permanent home. To overcome this, pack strategically, bringing only the essentials and utilizing storage solutions like under-bed bins or collapsible organizers.
Lack of Familiarity: Staying in an unfamiliar place can be unsettling, especially for children. Help your family adjust by establishing routines, setting up a designated play or study area, and spending quality time together. Encourage your children to stay connected with friends from your previous location through video calls or online games.
Uncertainty: The uncertainty of not knowing how long you’ll need temporary housing can be stressful. To mitigate this, maintain open communication with your real estate agent or housing office to stay informed about the status of your permanent housing. Having a backup plan in place, such as an extended stay option, can also provide peace of mind.
5. Temporary Housing Success Stories
Many military families have successfully navigated the challenges of temporary housing during a PCS move, finding solutions that worked for their unique situations. For example, one family was able to secure a comfortable extended-stay hotel near their new duty station, thanks to early planning and utilizing military discounts. They enjoyed the convenience of having kitchen facilities, which allowed them to maintain their family routines and save on dining costs.
Another family opted for a short-term rental through Airbnb, giving them the space and privacy they needed while waiting for their permanent home to be ready. The rental’s pet-friendly policy meant they could keep their beloved dog with them, easing the transition for everyone.
These success stories highlight the importance of planning, flexibility, and making the most of available resources during a PCS move.
Navigating temporary housing during a PCS move requires careful consideration, planning, and flexibility. By understanding the available options, considering your family’s specific needs, and staying organized throughout the process, you can ensure a smooth and successful transition to your new location.
If you’re preparing for a PCS move and need assistance with finding temporary housing or securing your permanent home, our team is here to help. We specialize in working with military families and understand the unique challenges you face during relocation. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you throughout your move and help you find the perfect home in your new community. Let us be your trusted partner during this important transition!