Military moves are part of the soldier’s life—but they’re not easy, especially at the beginning. While a military moving company can take care of all the hard tasks like packing your objects, loading the moving van, and ensuring they reach safely to your new home, you’re still responsible for the hardest part: breaking the news to your family.
Informing your family about an upcoming move can be difficult and even scary—especially if you have young kids. Luckily, there are some things you can do to make this process easier for them.
5 Things to Do When Breaking the News of Your Military Relocation to Family
1. Prepare Before the Conversation
It’s important to prepare yourself for the conversation to offer reassurance and real answers to the questions that will probably come. Take time to gather the essential details, like:
- Where you’re moving and why (PCS orders, deployment, etc.)
- When you’re moving
- How long will you be gone
Being informed helps answer their questions calmly and clearly, which can reduce anxiety and confusion. You can add some ice cream to the fridge, too—no serious conversation can go wrong over a sweet treat!
2. Choose the Right Time and Setting
Pick a time when everyone can be present and is not distracted or stressed. A calm, private setting helps make space for emotional reactions.
Nevertheless, make sure to tell them as soon as possible. This gives them time to process the news, ask questions, and research their new home before they actually get there. Moreover, it shows respect for their feelings and allows for a more honest, supportive dialogue.
3. Be Honest but Reassuring
Share the facts openly, but also focus on the positives where possible (such as career growth, new experiences, support from the military community). Acknowledge the challenges, too. This helps build trust and shows them you’re taking their emotions seriously while maintaining optimism.
4. Involve Them in the Process
Let them be part of the move—let them help pack, plan visits, or research your new duty station together. If they’re also well-used to military moves, you can play games, like 20 questions, to see if they can guess your next location, or bet on how many Taco Bells you’ll find next to the station.
Inclusion can reduce helplessness or distance, especially for children or aging parents.
5. Emphasize Ways to Stay Connected
Nothing can be more disheartening than not knowing when you’ll be able to see each other again.
To reassure your family, discuss how you’ll stay in touch after the move (video calls, visits, care packages, social media updates) and set up a communication plan. Go over possible visit times, too, so that they have moments to look forward to.
Knowing how they’ll stay close despite the distance eases emotional stress and reinforces your commitment to the relationship.
Make Your Relocation Easier with a Military Moving Company!
Moving is second nature for military families, but that doesn’t mean it becomes easier. Even the most seasoned white veterans can have a hard time packing their entire home, decluttering what they don’t need, and breaking the news to their families.
During these changing times, it’s important to be honest and empathetic with them. And if you need a pair of extra hands, taking care of packing and loading boxes while you focus on your family, Pink Zebra Moving can help. We’re a military moving company well-seasoned with urgent relocations—so find a location near you and reach out!