Written by Dawn M. Smith exclusively for Military Crashpad®®
Securing new housing and temporary lodging are some of the biggest headaches of PCS prep. Military Crashpad®® has you covered for parts of your journey, but this must-read list of resources can help ease all of the pain with reviews to discounts. It’s all here to help military members make the most of their transition.
Housing
Automated Housing Referral Network (AHRN)
Since 2004, AHRN has been a leading resource for providing servicemembers with housing options. Their site allows searches for on-base and off-base choices. AHRN has connections for both advertising property and connecting with potential roommates. Two unique features on their website include a business directory curated especially for military families and a special discount and comparison chart for utility providers like AT&T and Comcast.
One of the most trusted names in the military relocation business, MilitaryByOwner continues to serve advertising clients with current listings that move for-sale and rental houses in a hurry, but they are also a go-to source for military members looking for a new home. Free, in-depth e-books on military selling, buying, renting, travel, and even property management are available to anyone who wants a more painless PCS experience. Signing up for their newsletter ensures you don’t miss hot properties and informative blog posts.
Founded and operated by veterans and military spouses, MILLIE walks the military walk because their information comes straight from people who have been there and done that. Agent Heroes is a vetted real estate agent network at the ready to serve, while MILLIE Scouts provide eyes, ears, and helping hands for those renters/buyers and landlords who cannot be near their preferred properties. The installation guides and information packed moving toolkits are spot on too.
Two military spouses who work as real estate agents noticed the ongoing need for qualified agents who understood the nitty-gritty of the military lifestyle, even the lingo, and acronyms! The MilHousing network connects military families across the country with pre-screened and military family recommended agents who know exactly what a VA Loan is and how to work with BAH rates. For extra military life-related info, tune into their podcast, MilHousing Nation.
“Giving a voice to our fellow military & veteran families,” is PCSgrades’ tagline and it’s fitting because the site operates on reviews from military families. Their thoughts on neighborhoods, base housing, real estate agents, mortgage lenders, and moving companies are recorded for the entire military community to benefit from other like-minded families’ experiences. It only takes one heartfelt recommendation to avoid a PCS disaster!
Bonus Resources:
Months out from your move date, join your base’s or city’s local Facebook groups and Nextdoor to get legit feedback on your new destination. Tips for moving in, doctors, dentists, and so much more are eagerly offered by group members.
Online publications dedicated to your city are full of helpful ideas to settle in. Look specifically for military spouse or veteran penned guides. Start with Pinterest, and search for “City Guide for _____.” Don’t be afraid to reach out to the author, they’ll likely be glad to share their hard-earned knowledge.
Lodging
You’re going to need a place to stay while traveling to the new house you’ve found. There are more choices dedicated to serving military families than ever before. Plus, many options are FINALLY considering pets as family members and allow their stay too.
Searching for temporary military housing that provides all the comforts of home? Look no further, because Military Crashpad®® is revolutionizing the way servicemembers and their families thrive while on a TDY or on a PCS. In a traditional home setting, occupants are furnished with weekly housekeeping, in-home chef service, high-end finishes and appliances, pet-friendly properties, and fees that match your allotments per orders.
In order to bridge the gap between the services and their branch specific lodging options, this website was designed as a one-stop shop to make it easy to choose the best on-base temporary lodging.
Discounts for hotel stays are always welcome and Military Bridge has collected the top 20 hotel chains that offer a reduced price for service members. Always remember to verify the pet policy before arriving!
Armed Forces Recreation Centers
Hopefully, by now you’ve taken advantage of the deals these resort properties offer. If your next PCS home is Hawaii, Florida, Germany, or South Korea, take advantage of these AFRC locations.
How does camping sound? The National Park Service operates 417 sites across the country and offers military members a free annual pass.
Known for expert guidance on most topics, including relocation, Military OneSource also has a hidden gem—a guide to the best kept military campground secrets. This 84-page directory contains the details on every government-owned outlet for tents, RVs, and, cabins in each state.
If you’re on the road again and headed for a new TDY or PCS adventure, let Military Crashpad®serve as a comfortable landing spot. The fully equipped homes are designed with military members and their family’s relocation needs in mind.
I really appreciate your information about military relocation services. It’s so great that there are real estate agents who can help with relocation. My cousin might need help finding a new house.