Fort Campbell
KEY CONTACTS
Housing Services Office
2702 Michigan Avenue
Fort Campbell, KY 44223
PH: (270) 798-3808
Campbell Crossing, LLC
On Post Housing
2702 Michigan Avenue
Fort Campbell, KY 44223
PH: (931) 431-9003
Army Community Service
2702 Michigan Avenue
Fort Campbell, KY 44223
PH: (270) 798-9874
Most installation services will be available Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. As always, call first to confirm hours and availability of services.
Helpful hint: Contact these offices early in the week during the morning time
About Fort Campbell
Occupying a generous portion of the border between Kentucky and Tennessee, Fort Campbell supports the second largest military population in the Army. The Screaming Eagles of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), the 5th Special Forces Group, and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment all call this base home. The Sabalauski Air Assault School (famed for being the “10 toughest days in the Army”), Pathfinder Course, Rappel Master, and FRIES/SPIES Master are just a few of the other schools and qualification courses available at Fort Campbell.
A majority of Fort Campbell is located in Tennessee, but the post office that serves the base is just across the Kentucky border, giving on-post residents and the installation itself the designation of being located in Kentucky. Clarksville, TN and Hopkinsville, KY are the two larger towns that serve the base. The base boasts modern facilities, including a huge new commissary, a Starbucks, parks, splash pads, and updated housing.
Clarksville is growing but keeps a mindful eye on preserving its history and “small-town” feel. It’s only about 40 minutes north of Nashville, and some areas between the two cities are gaining popularity for being “bedroom communities” for Nashville (i.e., where you go to sleep). The low cost of living, home prices, and absence of state income tax are all perks to living in Tennessee. You get the rural, country lifestyle but with the option of a thriving metro area just a short drive down I-24. Kentucky towns offer the same beautiful rolling hills, sprawling farms, and gracious Southern hospitality as Tennessee but with a bit more land and a greater horse-to-person ratio. Into organic produce, pastured beef, and forested pork? (It’s a thing—we checked!) You can actually get to know your farmer or rancher, if you’re so inclined! The Nashville music scene bleeds into Clarksville, influencing the caliber of music at festivals, community concerts, karaoke bars, and even church ensembles. Austin Peay University provides an abundance of cultural, sporting, and community events. Parks, shops, restaurants, wineries, breweries, and entertainment options round out the fairly solid amenities that you’ll find here.
Summers are long, hot, and humid, with frequent storms, and you will most likely see snow in the winter. The local communities are friendly, laid-back, and markedly blue collar, and they love their military! The customs and values are a perfect representation of the “Bible Belt” on which it lies, so don’t make plans for a Sunday without checking if a business is open. Being central to most of the United States makes travel convenient, especially because we’re always displaced from friends and family!
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Nearby Neighborhoods
Popular Neighborhoods
Nearby Attractions
- Dunbar Cave State Park
- Customs House Museum
- Beachaven Vineyards & Winery
- Fort Defiance Civil War Park
Downtown Clarksville
About
The Cumberland and Red Rivers meander quietly around this quaint downtown historic district that has been the pride of Clarksville since 1795. On Franklin Street, shops and restaurants showcase local foods and wares, and an expansive mural on the side of an old brick building demonstrates Clarksville’s reverence for their historic buildings and churches. Steeples punctuate the skyline, and a rustic turnstile railroad bridge spans the river. Austin Peay State University offers sports, arts, and cultural events, as well as a healthy supply of students to invigorate the community.
Downtown’s culinary scene boasts a popular brewery and several kitschy restaurants with welcoming patios. The retro Roxy Regional Theatre is a throwback to an earlier era and has become a beacon for the arts with live performances, art displays, and summer drama camps for kids. The parks are impressive and are a great way to spend an afternoon by the water. Feel like taking a boat down the river to Nashville? You can do that!
Neighbors
Residents are active, and you’ll find the areas closest to downtown are fairly walkable. With the many parks and the Clarksville Greenway (an abandoned track bed turned trail), outdoor recreation is easy and encouraged. Students, younger couples, and singles—military and local—all love the downtown area.
Neighborhood Feel
Apartments and lofts above the shops and restaurants in the center of downtown are popular for younger residents, as are the many apartment buildings and small rental homes. As with most older downtown areas, there are a pockets of elegant, historic homes, as well as some neglected areas. The “neighborhoods” downtown are more like cul-de-sacs and known by street names. Here you’ll find gorgeous older homes with mature landscaping and core residents who have called Clarksville home for generations. Right by the river you’ll also find luxury lofts and townhomes that have stunning views!
Neighborhood Info | Downtown Clarksville
Points of Interest
- Austin Peay State University
- McGregor Park
- Liberty Park & Clarksville Marina
- Clarksville Greenway
- Downtown Market – Weekly open-air market
- Fort Defiance Civil War Park
- Strawberry Alley – Host to “Jammin in the Alley,” a seasonal, live music street festival
Big Plus
- Though hard to find, there are beautiful historic homes bursting with character and charm.
- People travel from all over to take advantage of the Greenway, parks, festivals, markets, and entertainment downtown.
- Fantastic restaurants and sophisticated nightlife provide lots of opportunities to go out on the town.
Things to Consider
- There isn’t a lot of turnover in single-family homes, and rentals are typically “by the room” to accommodate the student population. If something does open up, word-of-mouth sales and rentals are common.
- If you find the perfect loft, consider the noise from the street below. The convenience of being able to walk home from a brewery or street festival can definitely make up for that, though.
- It’s an older district, and with that often comes small, older homes and some neglected areas. HOAs don’t really exist to govern landscaping (or lack thereof) or the amount of “lawn furniture” adorning your neighbor’s yard.
School Scoop
- Moore Magnet Elementary is a popular magnet Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) school worth looking into.
- Most of the private preschools in the area are located at the various churches downtown.
- tennessee has what’s called intradistrict choice, meaning your child can attend any school in or outside the district upon approval. Students at low performing schools can attend a different school in their district. Children can also attend charter schools. Low-income students are eligible for scholarship funding to attend private schools. Under the federal No child Left Behind law, students attending a Title I school designated as “in need of improvement” have the right to attend a higher performing school in the district.
Highlighted Areas
- Glenwood Drive
- Porter’s Bluff
- Willow Bend
Tiny Town
About
As cute as the name sounds, booming growth in this area is causing it to sound like a misnomer! The area off of Exit 1 on Interstate 24 is generally referred to by the Tiny Town Road that skirts the southern boundary of Fort Campbell. Proximity to post, easy access to I-24, and low cost of living are all contributing factors to its rise in popularity. With the reinvigorated residential focus, commerce is quickly following, and new restaurants and brand-name shops are regularly moving in.
Neighbors
Given its proximity to Fort Campbell, you will definitely see uniforms here. Plenty of Clarksville locals also call Tiny Town home. It’s family friendly, with parks and an abundance of single-family homes.
Neighborhood Feel
The neighborhoods vary in size, structure, and age. You can have a single-street development with brand new construction or older, more established subdivisions with homes built in the 1980s and beyond. There are pockets of “less loved” homes, so do your research before you buy or rent.
Neighborhood Info | Tiny TOwn
Points of Interest
- The Great Escape Regal Cinemas
- Robert Clark Park
- Shoppes at Peachers Mill (Publix)
Big Plus
- Tiny Town is close to Nashville, TN or Hopkinsville, KY for commuting spouses.
- This area offers low cost of living and affordable homes in a range of styles.
- Great commute to Fort Campbell! You’re practically right outside the gate.
Things to Consider
- You’re very close to the gate. Sometimes that comes with some lower-end establishments and you can find a few in this area. Just investigate the neighborhood, ask your friends, or ask a real estate agent!
- Make sure you investigate the area before making a decision. It’s not recommended to rent or buy sight unseen in this area.
- Traffic on Tiny Town Road can be intense. Speed limits are low, and there are generously placed traffic lights with many, many subdivisions feeding onto the same road (with commuters all getting on the road at the same times). Even though you’re closer to the gate, the stop-and-go traffic can sometimes create a comparable commute to those traveling from Exit 8.
School Scoop
- The public schools in Clarksville are in the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System.
- Tiny Town is zoned to West Creek High School, Northeast High School, Barkers Mill Elementary and Hazelwood Elementary which all came highly recommended amongst the spouses we surveyed.
- Tennessee has what’s called intradistrict choice, meaning your child can attend any school in or outside the district upon approval. Students at low-performing schools can attend a different school in their district. Children can also attend charter schools. Low-income students are eligible for scholarship funding to attend private schools. Under the federal No Child Left Behind law, students attending a Title I school designated as “in need of improvement” have the right to attend a higher performing school in the district.
Highlighted Areas
- Fields of Northmeade
- Sunset Meadows
- West Creek Farms
- Arbour Greene South
St. Bethlehem/Rossview
About
Most locals refer to residential areas around Fort Campbell by the corresponding exit off of Interstate I-24. In this case “Exit 4” and “Exit 8” are interchangeable with St. Bethlehem (west of I-24) and Rossview (east of I-24). If there were an Exit 6, which there’s not, it would be included here as well.
St. Bethlehem, or “St. B,” is the area surrounding the city’s shopping district located on Wilma Rudolph Boulevard. It stretches up to meet Tiny Town to the north and downtown Clarksville to the south. Newcomers to Clarksville will probably become acquainted with this area quickly as it’s home to most of the big-box stores and day-to-day shopping you’ll need (Hobby Lobby, Walmart, Lowe’s, Best Buy, etc.). You’ll find yourself planning your days around trips to Wilma Rudolph, so if you “need to live near Target,” then this is your place.
Rossview is also accessible from Exit 4, but is most commonly associated with Exit 8 and occupies a sweeping portion of land east of the interstate. It’s quieter and mostly residential, with subdivisions galore in all their master-planned glory, but it’s still convenient to the shopping and restaurants on Wilma Rudolph Boulevard as well. The arrival of several manufacturing companies, retail businesses, and a 270-bed hospital has ushered in growth and jobs and transformed a once sleepy farming community into a popular suburban area.
Neighbors
Military families love both of these areas, and you’ll see them in full force on either side of the interstate. There’s a good mix of locals as well with it being so close to the center of town, and there are several manufacturing plants that employ the area’s residents. Southern hospitality is the standard, and neighbors look out for each other. In the newer, planned communities in Rossview, expect to get to know your community well with holiday BBQs at the clubhouse and events sponsored by the HOA.
Neighborhood Feel
The subdivisions in Rossview boast tight-knit communities and a very family-friendly vibe. Parks in the center of the neighborhood beckon children outdoors, and events like the Fourth of July Crawfish Boil foster a village mentality. Runners and dog walkers are always out, and kids play in spacious yards. You can watch the combines bring in the harvest practically in your backyard, or even feed apples to horses at neighboring ranches.
In St. Bethlehem, you’ll also experience tight-knit communities, but with more of a city pace. Homes are a bit cozier, and you may not have an HOA, but that doesn’t mean you sacrifice the community feel. Get out there and meet your neighbors! The Tennessee sunshine is great for exploring the outdoors and being active.
Neighborhood Info | St. Bethlehem/Rossview
Points of Interest
- Dunbar Cave
- Governor’s Square Mall
- Tennova Healthcare
- Beachaven Vineyard and Winery – A popular venue for music-infused events, like Jazz on the Lawn and DJ on the Dock
Big Plus
- In the center of the shopping district on Wilma Rudolph are name-brand, big-box stores like Target, Panera, Hobby Lobby, Best Buy, Lowe’s, and many others.
- Both neighborhoods offer easy access to I-24, commutes to Fort Campbell, or trips to Nashville.
- There are a lot of affordable single-family homes in St. Bethlehem, and new construction is starting to become available as well.
- Rossview homes are huge, and the neighborhoods are very well planned and maintained.
Things to Consider
- Watch the school zones in the St. Bethlehem area, especially if you have older students. Do your research on the schools and interview the schools to see which one will be a good fit for your child.
- Some of the older homes in St. Bethlehem can be a little run down and less loved than others. Be sure to do your research before buying or renting. We don’t recommend renting or buying sight unseen in this area, so be sure to enlist the help of an experienced real estate agent.
- Homes in St. Bethlehem (to the west of I-24) are considered to be some of the most affordable in Clarksville. There is a variety of home sizes and styles to choose from and you can find new builds, but they may have smaller lots in town than you’ll find out in the country.
- Rossview homes (east of I-24) are larger and the subdivisions are more suburban in style. Home prices reflect the jump in size, and you’ll see some homes in the $250,000 range, but $300s to mid-$400s is not uncommon. With that also comes established HOAs and community amenities like parks, pools, and trails.
School Scoop
- St. Bethlehem is zoned to some great elementary schools, including St. Bethlehem Elementary, Glenellen Elementary, and Rossview Elementary. The high schools are either Kenwood (north of Wilma Rudolph Blvd.) or Rossview (south of Wilma Rudolph Blvd.). Rossview schools are highly recommended by the spouses we’ve asked and are a draw for families to live in this area.
- Tennessee has what’s called intradistrict choice, meaning your child can attend any school in or outside the district upon approval. Students at low-performing schools can attend a different school in their district. Children can also attend charter schools. Low-income students are eligible for scholarship funding to attend private schools. Under the federal No Child Left Behind law, students attending a Title I school designated as “in need of improvement” have the right to attend a higher performing school in the district.
Highlighted Areas
- Glen Ellen Landing
- Chalet Hills
- Hickory Wild
- Boyer Farms
- Farmington
Sango/Adams
About
The sprawl from Clarksville, Fort Campbell, and even Nashville is starting to reach the Sango and Adams areas of Clarksville. Family-friendly, spacious communities and desirable schools are tradeoffs for the longer commute to Fort Campbell, but worth it for many military families.
Southwest of I-24, off of Exit 11, is Sango. The name “Sango” came from the colloquial slang for ginseng, a medicinal plant found in the forests. Ginseng was referred to as “sang” by locals and eventually an “O” was added to form Sango. Today, the Sango area schools are a huge draw for families, and the home development is booming.
Adams is northeast of I-24, also off of Exit 11, and has a similar population and style.
Neighbors
The houses are sprawling, relatively expensive, and home to some of Clarksville’s affluent. Though very popular among military families, it’s a long commute to base, at closer to 45 minutes. Farmers, local families, and even Nashville commuters are drawn to the quiet of outer Clarksville.
Neighborhood Feel
The homes here are pricey and upscale. There are older neighborhoods with large homes and established landscaping as well as farmland turned master-planned communities with “McMansions.”
Neighborhood Info | Sango/Adams
Points of Interest
- Eastland Green Golf Course
- Rotary Park
- Port Royal State Park
Big Plus
- This area is home to some very desirable schools.
- Think beautiful, upscale homes on rolling Tennessee hills.
- It’s a very easy 30-minute drive down to Nashville, opening up employment opportunities for spouses and access to the activities the Music City has to offer.
- All the restaurants, music, events, and sports (Tennessee Titans, anyone?) you can dream of are right down the road in Nashville.
Things to Consider
- Homes are considered to be “pricey,” and the commute can be hard. The OPTEMPO (or Operational Tempo) is super high for most units at Fort Campbell. Work is tough and hours can be long, so adding a 30- to 45-minute commute for some is an important consideration. Also, if a spouse is involved with FRG or plans to be on post frequently, you may consider living closer to base.
School Scoop
- Sango is mostly zoned to Rossview High School. Adams is zoned to Jo Byrns High School. Carmel Elementary and Sango Elementary were both highly recommended by spouses we’ve spoken with.
- Tennessee has what’s called intradistrict choice, meaning your child can attend any school in or outside the district upon approval. Students at low-performing schools can attend a different school in their district. Children can also attend charter schools. Low-income students are eligible for scholarship funding to attend private schools. Under the federal No Child Left Behind law, students attending a Title I school designated as “in need of improvement” have the right to attend a higher performing school in the district.
Highlighted Areas
- Savannah West
- Willow Brook
- La Mesa
- Stone’s Manor
- Sheffield Woods
- Poplar Hills
Woodlawn
About
Expansion from Clarksville is also creeping westward into communities like Woodlawn. Between Dover and Clarksville, Woodlawn is an established community with easy access to Fort Campbell through the western gates. It’s rural and farm-filled, and if you have horses (or simply like them), this is your spot. The stables on Fort Campbell are actually located just inside Gate 10.
Neighbors
Neighbors here are a little more distant, literally. Homes can be spaced a half a mile or more from each other. There are only a couple of small neighborhoods, but the theme of “space” carries over there as well. There are some military here, mostly those who like rural, open spaces. Most of the residents are farmers or locals who have lived here for generations.
Neighborhood Feel
Ranch-style homes and farmhouses are typically positioned on generously sized lots with mature trees. There aren’t many “subdivisions” per se, and most homes are set back off the streets. You’ll have to make a concerted effort to get to know your neighbors since you won’t necessarily share space with them as you do in more densely populated neighborhoods.
Neighborhood Info | Woodlawn
Points of Interest
- Woodlawn Park
- Fort Campbell Riding Stables
Big Plus
- Little League Baseball and other sports are taken very seriously here!
- This area affords quiet, rural living with the opportunity to own some serious acreage.
- Residents pay no city taxes.
Things to Consider
- Woodlawn is a small community with the basics, so if you need hustle and bustle or have to be less than 10 minutes away from the action, you may want to look closer to town.
- There isn’t much by way of shops, restaurants, or amenities, so you may have to travel to Clarksville for more than just your daily needs.
School Scoop
- Public schools in Woodlawn belong to the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System.
- Tennessee has what’s called intradistrict choice, meaning your child can attend any school in or outside the district upon approval. Students at low-performing schools can attend a different school in their district. Children can also attend charter schools. Low-income students are eligible for scholarship funding to attend private schools. Under the federal No Child Left Behind law, students attending a Title I school designated as “in need of improvement” have the right to attend a higher performing school in the district.
Highlighted Areas
- Liberty Park
Oak Grove
About
Oak Grove was founded in 1828 and was primarily a farming community. Now it sits directly across the highway from Fort Campbell and is a popular choice for those looking to have a short commute and to be on the Kentucky side of the border. Oak Grove is immensely proud of Fort Campbell and the Soldiers and families who call it home. The self-proclaimed “Hometown of Fort Campbell” is nestled between the gate and Interstate 24, providing an easy commute and access to Nashville or Hopkinsville.
Neighbors
You’ll find longtime residents mixed in with a healthy representation of military families.
Neighborhood Feel
There are several new residential developments popping up in Oak Grove to meet the demand of military families looking for affordable housing near post. Small ranch-style homes and bungalows are common, as well as a few mobile home communities.
Neighborhood Info | Oak Grove
Points of Interest
- 1890s School House
- War Memorial Walking Trail
- Oak Grove Racing, Gaming and Hotel
Big Plus
- Oak Grove is a quiet and rural community that has most of your everyday essentials in the form of a Walmart Supercenter.
- Fort Campbell Boulevard runs north/south
through town and provides easy access to either Hopkinsville, KY or Clarksville, TN.
Things to Consider
- Oak Grove is primarily a “bedroom community” for Fort Campbell, and you’ll need to head to Clarksville or Hopkinsville for entertainment and activities.
- It’s right outside the gate, and with that convenience oftentimes comes the lower-end establishments that gravitate to military gates.
- If you have school-aged children, you’ll definitely want to research the area schools and make sure it is a good fit for your student.
School Scoop
- Public schools in Oak Grove are part of the
Christian County Public Schools.
Highlighted Areas
- New Britton
- Eagles Rest
- Kentucky Ridge
- Rose Edd Estates
Hopkinsville
About
What started as a small settlement in 1794 has now grown into the city of Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Over the past 200-plus years, it has evolved from an agricultural center to an expanding industrial town of around 30,000 residents. Hopkinsville is proud of its history, and that is reflected in the revitalized downtown. This is small-town living with big-city amenities. Sprinkle in fantastic green spaces, parks, and outdoor recreational opportunities, and you have a great city to consider!
Neighbors
According to the city’s website, 1 in 10 of Hopkinsville residents are military. Families love the area for the kid-friendly activities and affordable housing.
Neighborhood Feel
There are a variety of homes in Hopkinsville and most at very affordable price points. Some homes are small and date back to the 1960s and 1970s, while others are brand new and spacious! The historic district has classic older homes, full of character and charm, as well as sprawling Victorian mansions. You can also find a few lofts downtown if you need less space and a walkable neighborhood.
Neighborhood Info | Hopkinsville
Points of Interest
- Trail of Tears Commemorative Park
- Alhambra Historic Theater
- Downtown Farmers’ Market
- Annual Western Kentucky State Fair
- Tie Breaker Family Aquatic Center
- Amish Farm Communities
- Blue Springs Resort – 22-acre spring-fed rock quarry and popular scuba diving destination
Big Plus
- Living in this area adds up: low cost of living, reasonable home prices, and lower taxes than Clarksville, Tennessee. Plus, there’s no state income tax or sales tax on groceries or new cars!
- Imagine a quaint, tree-lined, “main-street” downtown area with classic ice cream parlors, a vintage theater, historic churches, boutiques, and friendly locals.
- The drive to Fort Campbell is scenic, taking you through rolling hills and farmland.
School Scoop
- Public schools in Hopkinsville are part of the Christian County Public Schools.
Things to Consider
- Some people we spoke to consider Hopkinsville to be pretty far out. As far as commutes go, it’s reasonable to Fort Campbell, but it’s definitely over an hour to
Nashville. - The nightlife is practically nonexistent, so if that’s a priority, you may be left wanting.
- Some of the neighborhoods can be less safe from crime, and we would definitely advise that you do your research. It is not recommended to buy or rent sight unseen here. Having the support of an experienced real estate agent is extremely helpful in this market.
Highlighted Areas
- Historic Downtown
- Hunters Ridge
- Wadlington Place
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7 Reasons You Should Consider Buying a Home
1. TAX ADVANTAGES
To encourage homeownership, the IRS has provided many tax breaks for owning a home. Credits may be available for specific home improvements, such as using clean energy or for qualified first-time home buyers. The way most homeowners see those advantages is through income tax itemization and deductions like mortgage interest and real estate taxes.
2. STABALIZE MONTHLY HOME COSTS
Owning your own house is one of the safest bets on stabilizing your monthly home costs. There’s no worry of rent getting increased significantly after each year of living in someone else’s home. Additionally, when you answer to yourself, there is no worry of landlord changes or unexpected lease termination.
3. HOUSE HACKING
Generally speaking, house hacking is a smart strategy that involves renting out a portion of your primary residence as a means of generating income to offset your own living expenses. Think turning your finished basement or mother-in-law quarters into an AirBnB! Or consider purchasing a multi-unit duplex or triplex: live on one side and rent out the other! If your home making money while you’re living in it doesn’t sound like your thing, there’s always renting it out after you PCS as an income generating investment property.
4. Increased Privacy
Generally speaking, house hacking is a smart strategy that involves renting out a portion of your primary residence as a means of generating income to offset your own living expenses. Think turning your finished basement or mother-in-law quarters into an AirBnB! Or consider purchasing a multi-unit duplex or triplex: live on one side and rent out the other! If your home making money while you’re living in it doesn’t sound like your thing, there’s always renting it out after you PCS as an income generating investment property.
5. Pets Are Welcome!
For those who choose to rent instead of buying, it can be extremely difficult to find rentals who allow for your
four-legged, furry friends. Landlords often require hefty pet deposits or place heavy restrictions on the number of pets and breeds they allow—if they will even allow pets. When considering quality of life, including beloved pets and the indoor and outdoor space available to them matters. Having the flexibility to include ALL members of your family as a homeowner is priceless!
6. Pride of Ownership
One of the greatest benefits of owning your own home is the pride of ownership that comes along with it. Not only are homeowners more inclined to take good care of their investment with routine maintenance and cleaning, but also they are free to make design choices ranging from hanging artwork on the walls, to paint colors, to customization of closets, electronics, and more. As military families who relocate frequently, having your home reflect who you really are feels important.
7. Safe and Stable Long Term Investment + Forced Savings
Owning a home has historically been one of the safest, lowest risk financial investments that tends to have long-term stability and success. As your home value appreciates and your mortgage balance decreases, what’s left is growing equity with an eventual paid off home. Making a monthly house payment is akin to setting aside a specific amount each month into a savings account—it’s a little difficult to access in the moment, but over time it can build into something significant in the form of equity.
FIVE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU IN YOUR RELOCATION PROCESS
Your PCS is underway!
The home buying and moving transition process has begun. Now what? If it feels like there are a million things to do, don’t fret because you don’t have to do them all yourself. During the relocation process, there are many service providers that can assist you in making your move a smooth one.
Consider these five resources to help you in the process
1. MOVING COMPANIES
Sure, the military offers transportation and relocation services, but many service members decide to coordinate the transfer of household goods themselves. Not only can you often earn money on the difference between moving costs and weight allowances, but you can be assured that you have more control over your belongings. Services that moving companies offer can range from delivery of boxes and pods for the “you-pack” model all the way to full-service logistics companies that will do all of the packing, loading, driving, and unpacking for you.
2. STORAGE
Whether you need to store your household goods for a few weeks until you close on your home or you decide that you have more stuff than square footage, storage companies abound. Sizes, conditions, and contracts vary widely so be sure to do your homework before you commit. Particularly in climates with extreme cold, heat, or humidity, it is important to consider using only climate-controlled storage to ensure the protection of your furniture and temporarily unused items.
3. TEMPORARY HOUSING
It is not uncommon for there to be a short gap of time during a military move between when you arrive at your new duty station and your new home being available to inhabit. No longer are hotels the only option for sticking out a few days or weeks during the wait. Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO) and Airbnb are great options to make you feel more at home while you wait for your home. In fact, why not take advantage of seeing your new city through the eyes of a tourist? Find a location near new local attractions and dining and enjoy a few days of getting to know the lay of the land.
4. USPS/IRS
Once you get settled in at your new home, it’s important that you alert agencies that will make sure your current and up-to-date address is on file. The United States Postal Service (USPS) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are two of the most important and by doing so, any important mail or documents in your name should be forwarded or sent along to your new address. It’s also a good idea to notify banks, credit card companies, and other debt collectors of a change of address. These days nearly all of these transactions can be handled online.
5. DISCARD & DONATE SERVICES
No matter how much you purge, toss, organize, minimize, or donate before you pack up the moving truck, it never fails that after you get unpacked on the other side there seems to be more stuff to declutter. Discard and donate services can help with this. Many are a phone call away and will happily come to your residence for a pickup. Others are structured where you simply drop off at a store. A lot of these services are charitable organizations and will offer you documentation for your own taxes based on your donation. It’s a win-win: you downsize by donating, and someone else benefits from your use of your items.
