EP 17: Relocation Resource: Loan Closet / Lending Locker

On episode 17, I give you the run down on the Loaner Closet or Lending Locker (it has various names) resource that the military provides during your relocation or PCS move. Almost all bases have one and it is a service that provides household items during your PCS either in or out of the duty station while you are waiting for your goods to arrive. There is definitely going to be a time when you are without your things and this resource is helpful to reduce costs and makes it so you don’t have to buy duplicate items.

The resource will be located at your base's family/community center. In order to use the resource you need to show your military ID and your PCS orders. When you go into the loan closet you will most likely fill out a form with contact info and mark down on an inventory sheet what you are taking.

The average check out window for items is 30 days for CONUS stations. A few bases policy was 2 weeks for check out time. OCONUS the check out time is usually 90 days. Usually you can get an extension if you still need the items. Makes sure to clean the stuff before you return it. And this service doesn’t take personal donations.

So what’s available? Kitchen stuff is going to be the most important items for day to day use. Things like plates, bowls, cups, silverware, pots, pans, bakewear, knives, mugs, can openers, etc. Some bases also have small appliances like coffee pots, blenders, tvs, and irons. It’s all first some first serve but you might luck out and find air mattresses, sleeping cots, or futons available. Most bases listed some baby items like high chairs, pack and plays, strollers. One big thing to note: no one is going to provide linens. So when you are packing for your upcoming PCS pack linens with you for when you're in limbo and sleeping on an air mattress.

Today’s shout out is to the subscription box for military spouses, Brave Crate. It is a box full of products, calendars, challenges, and inspiration to help you get through and count down the months until your soldier returns from deployment. Check it out on instagram.
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EP 16: Stability & Staying at the Same Duty Station w/ Michelle McGann

On this episode I talk with Michelle about the opportunity and her family’s decision to stay at one duty station for another 5 years. So Michelle will be at the same duty station for 8 years (10 years for her husband) which isn’t really normal by military standards.

They decided to stay because, for one no one likes moving. But more importantly because Michelle has established a career, they have purchased their home, and they have great friends. Pros of staying at one base: really making it your home, knowing the area better, keeping the same doctor, being at the same church, getting to know people better, and having stability while there are unknowns like trainings and deployments. Cons: not getting to experience other places.

I ask about having friends come in and out of her life while she stays at the same base. She gives some great advice that any military spouse should take: continue to expand your friend group, even when you think you have a good one. Then we talk Michelle’s job and how lucky she has been to have a great career but staying in the lower 48 states was needed.

I ask her about routines and Michelle says they aren’t routine people and hey, that’s okay. They don’t like routines but they love the stability and knowing they have a home to come back to especially since Michelle travels for work and her husband has trainings and deployments.

I ask her what she likes about Fort Bragg because being in one duty station would not be fun if you didn’t like that duty station! She says it has everything a person could want. It’s driving distance to the beach, major cities and airports and just 4 hours to the mountains. She also mentions how Fayetteville is an awesome town and the people have great respect for their military community.

Michelle’s Instagram 

Michelle’s Podcast

Podcast Info

Instagram @hurryupandwait_

EP 15: Preparing for PCS Pack Out Day

This episode is all about preparing for the day the movers come to pack out your household goods. I know it might seem like since the military is moving you, you shouldn’t have to do any prepping but if you want a smooth move for yourself then there are a few things you should do. Most of these things will make it easier for your future self when you go to unpack your goods, some of these things are to help with making the moving day as easy as possible, and some things are to help with everyone’s sanity. 

First, clean! Vacuum out your couches, dust of places that haven’t been seen in a while (like the tops of printers), and wash your towels and linens. Declutter and then declutter some more. 1st episode of this podcast on declutter before a PCS. Don’t forget to remove all the garbage from your house. Have you heard that horror story of people’s trash getting backed with their stuff or what about someones plunger getting packed with their clothes! ewww. 

That leads me to my second point, organize. You need to separate shipments. What are you packing and taking with you on your flight or in the car? Do you have an unaccompanied baggage shipment? If so, separate those and remove them from the area where the movers will be. Locking things in your car or in a bathroom is a good idea. This is especially crucial for important documents and necessary items, like medication. 

You need to remove the photos and shelves from the walls. Put similar items in gallon size ziplocks things like pens and pencils, silverware, hair ties and bobby pins etc. This just makes it easier for your to find things later. The movers won’t care if this is done or not they will pack everything the way it is when they come into your home. Every company is different but this is a pretty good list of items the movers won’t pack. 

Next, be prepared to label your boxes on the day of the move. I print out categories on the Avery 3x4 labels but a big sharpie pen will do and just walk around and label the boxes as the packers are packing. You probably should provide water for your packers and also getting a light lunch or box of donuts is nice although not necessary. 

Last, if you have kids or pets it is a good idea to arrange day care for them on the day the packers come. It is a long stressful day(s) even for adults! 

Podcast instagram: @hurryupandwait_

EP 14: Safety While Your Spouse is Away w/ Emily

On this episode I chat with Emily to learn some awesome tips and tricks to stay safe while your spouse is away. Lots of these tips can apply for anytime but as military spouses at some point we are going to be without our spouse so these are some extra precautions to take. First, I ask Emily to walk us through what we need to do to keep our home safe. Emily mentions things like securing your garage door, security system and making sure you have well groomed bushes and trees. And she answers the question if dogs really prevent home intruders and gives us some cool data on the topic. 

We then chat about personal safety and Emily advices to never jog with headphones and to make sure to always be aware of your surroundings. She also gives some good advice if you are sitting in your car: keep it in either reserve or drive so if something happens you can go right away. If you can go shopping during the day time and park near lights and security cameras. 

Other things to know, get the phone numbers list from your spouse for who to call in their unit if you have an emergency. If you are an Air Force spouse find out who the key spouse is and for Army & Navy get the FRG contact info. Remember OPSEC: you don’t want to put your husband or his unit in danger. Also be aware of what you say out loud around strangers or post on social media, you don’t want someone knowing you are going to be home alone for 6 months. 

We talk owning a firearm. The rules to know about carrying, your specific state, military base, and car regulations surrounding firearms. Emily gives great advice on proper firearm safety and skills because this is a very serious weapon. 

Emily’s Instagram

Emily’s blog: Blush and Blue Jeans

Podcast Info:

Instagram @hurryupandwait_

EP 13: Traveling while living OCONUS

On this episode, I talk through the logistics, options, and how to make the most of traveling while living OCONUS. I have taken about one trip a month for the last three years since living OCONUS in Naples, Italy and I have visited about 28 different countries. I tell you my favorite way to look for airfare which is with Google Flights, I know some people really like Skyscanner too. You are going to find the cheapest flights on airlines like Ryanair and Easyjet where you pay for just a seat and if you want anything extra like drinks on the flight or checked luggage you will be paying extra! 

Next, I talk you through lodging and the three main options are hotels, hostels, or airbnbs (or your preferred apartment rental site.) I do most of my reservations of hotels and hostels through booking.com . No matter what accommodation you choose, I believe the main factor should be LOCATION. Remember the bed in Europe will be smaller and not all hotels have a 24/7 front desk. 

You can rent a car almost anywhere. Some countries require an international driving permit, like Greece. You can get it through AAA and it’s like $20. Read the terms and condition on the rental car sites cause that will give you info about the deposit amount and if you can drive into other countries. Now if you aren’t gonna rent a car I recommend tours and booking through the companies actual website. I touch on the taxi system and Ubers. And the amazing bike sharing systems that a lot of big cities have. 

I try to ease your mind about the possible language barrier and give you three key phrases to know! I recommend the best places to get the local currency and remind you to tell your bank if you are traveling. 

Then, I give you tips for buying tickets at the big attractions. Cause no one wants to spend their trip waiting in line after line. Even if you do buy tickets ahead of time (which I recommend) book the early tick slots so you can keep the crowdedness of the place. 

Remember I am taking on this topic from the perspective of living OCONUS in Europe. I think some of the advice is universal but it is probably not the same in Korea or Japan.