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How Often Do Military Families Move?

Posted: September 10, 2024
A military man holds a small U-Haul moving box while standing in his home preparing for a military move. The answer to “how often do military families move” is about 2.5 years.

How often do military families move? Military families move quite frequently. In fact, military families typically move every 2.5 years. While new experiences are exciting, they also bring significant challenges, especially when it comes to mitigating stress.

Military families also must consider finances, finding supportive resources, and preparing for military moves. Navigating these frequent relocations can be overwhelming, but with the right preparation and support, you can make each move smoother and less stressful.

Whether you know ahead of time or at the last minute about your permanent change of station move, the Moving Help® Marketplace can assist you with all your labor-only needs with our moving labor Service Providers.

The Outcome of Frequent Military Moves on Families

Families will have a military move on average every 2.5 years for those in the military, according to mfan.org. A military move will happen because of PCS orders. Families in the military move frequently for several reasons:

Moving Help Service Providers help load a U-Box storage container for a military couple preparing for a PCS move. The answer to “how often do military families move” is about 2.5 years.
  • Operational requirements
  • Fill empty jobs
  • The needs of the military
  • Additional education or training
  • Medical facilities

Challenges Faced Because of Frequent Moving

While moving from one location to another location limits the chances of long-term emotional attachment, it does leave other challenges for families. Families will face:

  • Moving costs (which we’ll discuss later)
  • Starting anew
  • Finding a home
  • Having new home lives
  • Time availability
A woman in the military holds a moving box while her husband, who is also in the military, carries a moving box into their new home.

Moving isn’t cheap even with government programs and resources to help make moving easier for families in the military. By moving so frequently, families are consistently starting anew while also trying to find a home to buy or rent.

It can be hard for families in the military who have children by creating a new home life every time you move. Additionally, a military family might not have a ton of time for a military relocation. Both spouses might have jobs, or one spouse might have to complete all the moving needs on their own.

The Effects on Children’s Education and Social Life

A man in the military carries a box while looking at his daughter, who is also carrying a moving box, as they prepare for a military move.

When it comes to moving, children can have a difficult time with moving. Considering when you answer the question to “How often do military families move” is about every 2.5 years, it makes sense.

Children might have to move during the school year or between the school year. This also makes it difficult for children to make friends and build relationships.

Additionally, depending on how young a family’s children are age-wise, they might be confused as to why they’re moving so much. Having ongoing discussions with your children about moving will be beneficial.

Financial Considerations for Military Families During Moves

Moving can be expensive for military families even with reimbursement. A military relocation can be tax deductible, which is important to remember. While some expenses are reimbursed, sometimes not all temporary lodging and food aren’t covered.

The government does reimburse part of your move, but it could take a while to receive your reimbursement. The military also has some supportive resources that you could qualify for when it comes to moving, according to mfan.org. These resources include:

An obvious tip is to manage your finances effectively. It’s wise to save as much as possible with your finances for a future military relocation move that’s bound to happen eventually. Setting aside funds will help alleviate some of the financial stress. 

Support Resources for Military Families

While military families will oversee their military relocation, that doesn’t mean they must do it alone. The government has plenty of support resources for military moves. Community organizations also may offer relocation support.

The Defense Department provides multiple resources to make a move as easy and safe as possible for families. Here are some resources for you to utilize:

  • Ask other military friends and family
A woman holds hands with her son and daughter as they walk down a sidewalk in their new neighborhood. The answer to “how often do military families move” is about 2.5 years.

All these resources can give you information, tools, checklists, tips, and advice on how to best move to your new home.

Mitigating Stress and Emotional Impact of Military Moves

Even if you have the perfect military move, you’ll have no doubt have stress and emotions running high trying to get everything done.

A military couple stands in front of their new home. The woman is holding the keys to their new home.

It’s important to have a strong support system and network during a military move. Whether that’s talking to friends, family, or a therapist. This way, you have someone you can talk it out with when things get frustrating.

If you have children, it’s important to discuss the military move with them. If possible, you should try to let your children be involved with certain aspects of military moves.

While changes are occurring around you and your family, it’s a healthy idea to keep — or at least maintain — a routine or schedule to create a sense of familiarity.

As always, seek out mental health resources before, during, or after a military move.

Preparing for a Military Move

When it comes to moving — not just for military moves — you should create a moving checklist and timeline. It’s also helpful to pack and organize belongings in an efficient way, such as labeling all the items in your moving boxes and creating a packing station in one spot in each room.

Moving Help also has some helpful resources for you when it comes to a permanent change of station move:

Our Moving Help articles can help answer some common questions you might have about PCS moves. Moving Help’s experienced labor-only Service Providers — including some who are veterans themselves — can make your military move smoother and less stressful.

A man in the military holds his wife’s hand with one hand and his daughter’s hand with the other. The woman holds their son’s hand with her free hand as they all walk together in a park. The answer to “how often do military families move” is about 2.5 years.

Make Your Military Move Easier Today

The answer to the question, “How often do military families move?” is quite often, and it’s about every 2.5 years on average for moving. That’s why being prepared and organized is so crucial.

The government and community organizations also have resources and support to help make your military move transition as smooth as possible. Family, friends, and therapists can help with the mental health of you and your family.

Need some help packing, unloading, and more? Look no further than the Moving Help Marketplace. Our labor-only providers — some who are veterans — can take the stress off your shoulders by making your move as easy as possible. Find Moving Helpers in your area today.