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.
Podcast Info
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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. 

EP 12: Fort Campbell, KY Base Spotlight with Shania Shovlowsky

On this episode of the Hurry Up and Wait podcast I talk to Shaniaabout the army base Fort Campbell, Kentucky. I plan on spotlighting military instillations throughout this podcast so hopefully this is the first of many.

Shania has been living at Fort Campbell for a little over a year and has so much insight. We dive into what housing is like on base and she lets us know what communities on base to stay away from! Then we talk about schools and childcare. People will choose to live on base just to send their kids to the base schools, that’s how good they are. Shania talks about the recreation options on base like pools, gyms, movie theater, bowling alley etc. And then she mentions some awesome actives that the USO and MWR puts on. I ask about safety and Shania mentions “gate runners” which is a term I had never heard of. I guess they are people that just don’t stop at the gate and the whole base has to be shut down until they are found… talk about annoying. Shania get’s honest about how gossipy the people on the base are and what it’s like to try and meet other spouses at Fort Campbell. Shania even started a group to help spouses meet each other. She creates a whole calendar with events for each month. If you are stationed in Fort Campbell check out the group, it looks awesome.

Then, I direction the conversation to the surrounding areas and towns: cause let's be real, we aren’t just gonna stay on the base when being stationed at one. There are two towns near Fort Campbell: Clarksville, TN and Hopkinsville KY. There are many parks and recreational activities like Land Between the Lakesand Tiebreaker. Restaurants to try: Strawberry Alley Ale Works, Blackhorse Brewery, the Grilled CheeserieFood Truck, NYPD, and Golly G's ice cream.

We chat about cost of living in the area. Hint: it’s cheaper than the majority of states in America. Shania than compares Fort Campbell to where she grew up (New Jersey.) Turns out people are friendlier in Kentucky then they are in the New Jersey. However, the trade off is there are more bugs and bigger ones too in Kentucky.

And remember: a must when being stationed at Fort Campbell is venturing to Nashville. It is about an hour and fifteen minutes away. It is perfect for singles, couples, and even kids.

Shania’s instagram: home.sweet.military.home

EP 11: What to Pack in Your Unaccompanied Baggage / Express Shipment

On today’s episode I talk about logistics and what to pack in your unaccompanied baggage, also known as express shipment. (Downloadable PDF). First, you get this shipment if you are PCSing to or from an OCONUS location as well as your regular household goods shipment. People do this shipment one of three ways, I believe. The majority of people send some things a head of time in hopes they will be there or be close to being there once they arrive at the OCNOUS location. Another option is to keep the stuff that will go in this shipment out of your HHG and send it right before you leave. (This makes more sense if you are going from an OCONUS location back to CONUS and I explain more about this in the episode.) And the last option is to not to an express shipment at all and keep everything in your household goods shipment.

Logistical things to know:
-The express shipment doesn’t always arrive faster than your HHG especially during summer peak PCS season. This is because your express shipment travels space available on a military flight so if they have more important things to ship your stuff will get bumped.

-When PCSing to an OCONUS location remember they almost always have a lending closet available and loaner furniture. So you might not need as much stuff as you think you need. You can probably borrow stuff.

-Your going to be able to find places to buy things at your OCONUS location when you are in need of something.

Categories of things you should take, I go into specific examples of things in the category in the episode: Electronics, Clothes, Linens, Kitchen Stuff, Entertainment, Kid items, Pet Items, Military Gear, Bathroom, Medical, Living Room, Cleaning, Misc.

Podcast Info:
Instagram @hurryupandwait_

EP 10: Life of a Flight Surgeon's Wife w/ Kdee Kolle

Today I chat with Kdee Kolle about her life as a flight surgeon’s wife! Her and her husband have known each other since high school and being a doctor is something he always wanted to do. Their family has had a very exciting and unique journey since he joined the Navy. There has been many schools, trainings, they have had two babies, and PCSed three times in three years, so lots going on. Her advice is to celebrate all the minor victories and little things along the way.

She gives insight and tips for someone who’s spouse might have an irregular and unpredictable work schedule. Kdee says give yourself, your spouse, and your kids a lot of grace when going through a difficult season of life. Have things planned but also have low expectations for how that plan is going to go cause things always change. Speaking of change- their family have PCSed three times in the last three years! Her biggest advice is to make sure you know the schedule of how things are happening with your PCS and don’t stress too much cause somehow it all works out! 

Kdee’s outlook on their journey is so wonderfully optimistic and their family seems to be thriving in this military life!  

Kdee's instagram and blog

Podcast Info:
Instagram @hurryupandwait_
Blog: Hurry Up and Wait Podcast

EP9: Transitioning out of Military Life w/ Carly Croy

On episode nine I talk with Carly Croy about her and her husbands transitions out of the military. Her husband has been in six years and he is now ETSing. We talk logistics like terminal leave, moving to your new home location, using the GI bill, future healthcare, and classes that the military offers when service members get out.  

I ask her about future plans and fears that comes with entering the civilian world. We both agree the military is nice because you get a lot of benefits and a built-in community. Carly says the military world sometimes feels like your half adulting. She is nervous about going from that to having to figure everything out on their own. However, he is so optimistic about the future and not having to deal with all the unknowns the military brings. She is so excited to have her husband around all the time and be able to explore many possibilities. 

She gives the advice to family and friends of someone who is transitioning out of the military. Then she gives advice to any family ETSing: you have to take everything one step at a time, find the good in this season of life and hold onto that. 

Carly’s Blog

Carly’s Instagram @carly_croy

Podcast Info:
Instagram @hurryupandwait_
Blog: Hurry Up and Wait Podcast

EP8: Apprehension about Bringing Kids into Military Life

On this episode I get pretty personal and discuss my apprehensions about bring children into this military life. Yes, I am probably overthinking this but my husband and I are going to try to have kids soon and their childhoods will look a lot different than either of ours since they will be kids of an active duty service member. My kids probably won’t be around their grandparents and cousins as much as I was growing up, there dad will be gone for extended periods of time, they will move towns and school fairly frequently at least compared to my own childhood when I didn’t move at all! 

I think my biggest apprehensions comes because they will grow up in a totally different way than I did. I only know my own childhood perspective and theirs will be so much different. I know that I will be the stable factor in their lives and that is a lot of pressure on me to stay physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy while taking care of dogs, home, businesses. All while my husband is away. 

Listen to me talk through it all on today's show. 

Podcast Info:
Instagram @hurryupandwait_
Blog: Hurry Up and Wait Podcast

EP7: How to Fly Space-A with Jessica Baddeley

Today on the podcast I talk with Jessica Baddeley and she is telling me all about how to fly Space-A. Space-A means space available and is a service the military provides for members and families in certain situations. If there is space available on a military flight that is already going somewhere you could possibility get on that flight for free! However, it’s not that easy.

Jessica tells us exactly where to start in the processes by going to SpaceA.net and then finding your terminal's Facebook page to get information on flights that might be going out near you. She then explains what documents you need in order to fly Space A this also depends on what category you are in, which she explains as well. 

Jessica then lays out what you should be doing 2 weeks before you want to fly, 48 hours, and the day of! She makes is clear that you are giving your time instead of your money. It takes her on average about 18 hours to get from Hawaii to California and the flight is only 5 hours. That is a lot of waiting time. But hey, if you are saving $1500 it’s worth it! 

We talk about the worst times to fly Space-A because it is so busy: summer, holidays, and school holidays! So even if you don’t have school age children check the calendar of your local area and the area you are going to and make sure it won’t be busy because school is out. Jessica also gives good tips on what to bring like wear layers, get this ear protection (for kids), and everyone must wear closed toed shoes! 

Find Jessica here:
Instagram: @msjbaddeley
Facebook: Jessica Baddeley @bfitjourney

Podcast Info:
Instagram @hurryupandwait_
Blog: Hurry Up and Wait Podcast