4 Military Relocating Tips for Families

As a member of the military, you can expect to get moved around to where your country needs you. It means you and your family can see the world together and enjoy all kinds of different environments. That being said, the frequent relocations can be stressful and especially difficult for children if not executed properly. 

Luckily, there are a few tips and tricks you can employ to make the whole move go just a bit easier.  

1. Plan, Plan, Plan

It’s easy to underestimate how time-consuming and expensive moving across the country can be. Even if this is your second or third move as a family, it’s easy to forget and underestimate the challenge.

Proper planning and organization for a household move are essential. This planning should cover a wealth of areas. You need to plan financially and save up enough money leading up to the move to be comfortable. 

Don’t forget to factor the costs of gas, hotels, tolls when you think about driving cross country. Be realistic about your budget. Want to hire a moving company? Make sure you can fit their rate squarely into your budget.

This applies to logistics and arrangements, as well. Do you know what route your taking, where you’re staying along the way, and have you made reservations? Are your things organized so they can be easily unpacked when you arrive? You’ll want to get settled as soon as you can.

Planning can really take a lot of the stress and chaos out of the process.

2. Create A Moving Binder

As part of your planning and organization process, put together a moving binder. This can be a go-to place for all your moving needs. Within a binder, you can keep things like an itemized inventory, maps for your route, contracts with moving companies, and other such paperwork.

It’s best to split a moving binder up by tabs to keep it easy to navigate. You can include anything you find helpful in a binder, as it will become a one-stop reference point for all your moving needs.

If you want to stay on top of things, you can do two binders: one from your old house and one for your new one.

3. Reduce the Clutter

A fundamental way to make a move easier is to reduce the amount of stuff you’re moving so that there’s less that needs to be moved. 

Scale back your belongings as much as possible before the movers arrive. If you haven’t used an item in two years, there’s a good chance you don’t need it. For military families – whatever stayed in the boxes the last time you moved more than likely doesn’t have to make the trip to your next destination.

This is also an excellent time to eliminate things that are inexpensive and replaceable like shower curtains, toilet brushes, and throw rugs.

Kitchen items like spices, uneaten food, as well as products like cleaners or laundry detergent, should be discarded. Use up what you can before moving, then donate what’s left to a friend or neighbor.

4. Keep Important Items Separate

Military families often move long distances. To manage that, you probably will rely on a moving company to help you get from point A to point B.

During the moving process, your important personal documents will be inaccessible for a bit. Keep these documents close and secure during your move by keeping them with you. 

When you’re packing, sort through and gather important documents like birth certificates, passports, vehicle registration, insurance cards, medical records. Pack them separately and bring them with you in your own car. 

Also, pack an essentials box with things you will need your first night or two in your home. Include things like toilet paper, blankets, medicines, contact solution and so forth. This was you’ll know exactly where they are when you arrive. You’ll lose no time getting comfortable or having to worry during your first night.

 Military Relocating Tips 

While there’s a lot to love about the hustle of military life, the frequent moves can be a hassle. The above military relocating tips can help you get through these times with less stress.

Need help with your move? Reach out to us for a quote whenever you need it. 

5 Family-Friendly Tampa Suburbs

Are you looking for a family-friendly suburban neighborhood near Tampa?

The City of Tampa is a popular place that people of all ages call their home. In fact, more than 150 people move to Tampa each day! With explosive development in the city’s Downtown Water District, the population of 385,000 people is expected to grow. 

One of the excellent real estate advantages for families in the Tampa area is the number of great neighborhoods. Each suburb has its own unique personality and benefits. 

But where are the best places to live in the Tampa area while you raise a family? Read on to learn about a few family-friendly Tampa suburbs!

1. Hyde Park

Hyde Park is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Tampa and a beautiful place to call home.

Its location in South Tampa – just minutes from downtown and within walking distance to many shops and restaurants – makes it a convenient place to live, work, and play. 

Hyde Park Village is a walkable area with a small park and many great places to eat and shop. The Village hosts many kid-friendly events, including a Christmas tree lighting ceremony and a pumpkin patch before Halloween!

2. Davis Islands

Davis Islands is a popular suburb that allows you to raise your family in an area set away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

Located just a few minutes from Downtown Tampa, the neighborhood is situated on two human-made islands.

The neighborhood has a population of just over 5,500 people and is a peaceful area to reside, in part, because there is only one entrance onto the island. 

3. Carrollwood 

Carrollwood is a suburb that is well-known for being a family-friendly place in the north part of the city.

Among its family-friendly benefits, Carrollwood has a mix of walking trails, public parks, playgrounds, as well as locally-owned boutiques and restaurants. Carrollwood was one of the first established suburbs in the Tampa Bay area. It’s close to downtown Tampa, the airport, and local cuisine. 

4. Westchase 

Since it was founded in 1991, Westchase has become one of the premier neighborhoods for families in the Tampa Bay area.

Located halfway between Tampa and Palm Harbor, it’s home to more than 21,000 people and has an excellent location for access to Tampa or Pinellas County. 

Your family will love visiting all the shops and restaurants built near the neighborhood. They will also enjoy using the amenities exclusive to residents, such as pools, golf courses, and parks.

5. FishHawk 

FishHawk is a community development district located in east-central Hillsborough County. 

In recent years, it has become an increasingly more popular place for families to move because it offers newer homes set away from the sights and sounds of the city.

FishHawk is named after Little FishHawk Creek, which connects the Alafia River to Lithia Springs. You and your family can enjoy living in the peaceful part of the country but be able to take a short car ride into the city. 

Call the Tampa Area Home

The best Tampa suburbs are the ones that fit the needs of you and your family.

Tampa is a fun city that’s an exciting place to call home regardless of where you live. But before you move into the city, you will need to narrow down the perfect area for you and your family and pack up all your belongings to start your new life.

At Community Moving & Storage, we are a team of movers with decades of experience in and around Tampa. We are dedicated to helping people find the best solutions to their moving needs and take pride in our focus on customer service.Contact us today to learn more. We can help make your move to Tampa a smooth one!

Moving Your Family Long Distance? 5 Tips for Road Trips with Kids

If you’re relocating your family to another state, there’s no doubt you’ve been going over the logistics for months. From making plans with your moving company to ensuring your new home is ready, a long-distance move involves many steps.

To top it off, you have to make the trip. This may seem like the easiest part, but if you have kids, it can be a challenge.

Here are five tips for successful road trips with kids.

1. Schedule Breaks

It’s important to keep in mind that young children tire much quicker than adults. They can also become restless when having to sit for long periods.

Plan your route and make sure to schedule plenty of breaks so that everybody can stretch their legs. This might add a little time to your trip, but your kids will be much more comfortable.

2. Pack Plenty of Healthy Snacks

Your kids are bound to get hungry throughout the trip. However, this doesn’t mean you need to stop at fast-food restaurants.

Pack a cooler with snacks and drinks that are both convenient and healthy. Things like dried fruits, trail mix, and bottled water will come in handy.

You should also pack some sweet treats to reward your kids for good behavior. Include some for yourself too.

3. Keep Your Kids Entertained

Let’s face it; long road trips can get boring. It’s also harder for young kids to stay patient.

Bringing some entertainment along is the best way to help your children pass the time. The great thing is, there are countless options.

Digital games on a tablet will provide hours of entertainment. You could also teach your kids some classic road trip games like I spy or the license plate game. 

4. Be Ready for Messes

Kids tend to make messes during road trips. Spills are bound to happen, and the car will inevitably accumulate trash.

To make cleanup easier, keep some disposable wet wipes on hand. You should also bring a large zip lock bag for trash.

If you’re traveling with an infant, make sure you have a changing pad and plenty of extra clothes in your travel bag.

5. Stay Safe

During a road trip, the most important thing is the safety of your kids. You’ll need to bring some things along to assist you in the event of an emergency.

A travel first-aid kit is a must. You should also have medicine on hand. Bring along children’s Tylenol, medicine for stomach aches, and something for motion sickness.

It’s also a good idea to bring blankets for your kids, especially if you’re traveling during cold weather.

Make Road Trips with Kids as Easy as Possible  

Making a long-distance move with your family is an exciting time. All you have to do is conquer the road trip, and you can start your new life.

Use these tips for road trips with kids and make the most out of your adventure.

We provide professional moving services in the Tampa area. Contact us for help today.