Fort Benning
KEY CONTACTS
Housing Office
The Villages of Benning
Welcome Center and Leasing Office
601 Lumpkin St.
Fort Benning, GA 31905
PH: 888) 880-6530
Fax: (706) 689-9897
Army Community Service
7117 Baltzell Ave.
Bldg. 7
Fort Benning, GA 31905
PH: (706) 545-4043
DSN: (312) 835-4043
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 Benning
Fort Benning straddles the southern portion of the Georgia-Alabama state line and is nestled between Phenix City, AL and Columbus, GA. Dubbed the U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence, Fort Benning is home to Basic Training, Airborne, and Ranger School. You’ll also likely spend time here if you’re a member of the Ranger Regiment, Armor, Infantry, or Military Intelligence units.
PCSing to Fort Benning should come as welcome news with all the area has to offer. Easy access to parks, trails, and whitewater rafting on the Chattahoochee River can satisfy the adventurer’s spirit. While exploring Columbus’ quaint MidTown provides mellow Southern charm, Uptown Columbus has a vibrant independent shopping and restaurant scene, a farmers’ market, and year-round running and bike races. “Big-box” shopping is just a quick drive away in North Columbus. Across the river in Alabama, you can easily find a more low-key, rural lifestyle to escape to. Living in south Georgia, you’re ideally positioned just a few hours from bustling Atlanta, the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, as well as Florida’s tranquil Emerald Coast.
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Nearby Neighborhoods
Popular Neighborhoods
Nearby Attractions
- National Infantry Museum
- Columbus Botanical Gardens
- Coca-Cola Space Science Center
- Chattahoochee Riverwalk
Midland
About
Located just east of North Columbus, Midland, GA offers a variety of neighborhoods with an “out in the country” feel. The pace is a bit slower here; however, it’s just a stone’s throw from all the shopping and restaurants in North Columbus. Midland is also close to Flat Rock Park, a charming community park located on a fishing lake with picturesque walking and biking trails, abundant green space, and a playground for an afternoon picnic or playdate for the little ones.
Neighbors
Throughout Columbus, you’ll never find yourself too far removed from the military, but in Midland you’ll also find many of the city’s executives and working professionals. Most residents in Midland are married couples; some have children and some do not. You’ll find diversity and affluence in this family-friendly locale.
Neighborhood Feel
Midland is considered “rural,” but don’t confuse that with “old”! More than half of the homes here were built after 1999. The predominance of single-family homes and close-knit neighborhoods fosters strong community ties. It sits just on the edge of the greater Columbus area, which helps the Midland neighborhoods feel insulated from the traffic and development of Columbus.
Neighborhood Info | Midland
Points of Interest
- Flat Rock Park – Scenic green space for hiking, exploring, fishing, and enjoying the great outdoors
- Callaway Gardens – A public garden and golf resort with a nature center and water sports; locals love escaping to this picturesque refuge
Big Plus
- It’s close to shops, restaurants, movie theaters, and other amenities, but not smack in the middle of it all, so you won’t have to battle city traffic
- There are a variety of home styles and neighborhoods to choose from, and newer construction is more abundant here.
Things to Consider
- Driving to Fort Benning from Midland is a bit of a longer commute, but still reasonable. Beware that traffic jams do happen, and depending on the time of day, congestion could add 30-60 minutes to your commute.
- While there are a lot of new neighborhoods, there are also some older areas that haven’t been maintained as well. It’s recommended to investigate the area thoroughly before you buy. Working with an experienced real estate agent can be of tremendous value in this market.
By the Numbers
- Population: 11,500
- Household Income: $98,900
- Median Home Value: Home values change rapidly in this market, so ask your real estate agent for a local market analysis.
School Scoop
- The public schools in Midland are part of Muscogee County School District, and include Midland Academy (K-5), Mathews Elementary School, Midland Middle, Aaron Cohn Middle School, and Shaw High School.
- There have been several rezoning initiatives passed impacting the homes in Midland, so be sure to research the district and zoned schools carefully. Muscogee County School District also offers several specialized magnet schools that might be of interest to your student.
- Students in Georgia are eligible to attend any school in or out of their district, contingent on available space and acceptance by the school, but transportation is at the parent’s expense. Any student zoned in a Title I school (there are several in Muscogee County) has the right to attend a higher performing school, but this could be located anywhere in the district. Title I schools are schools that have been granted supplemental funds by the government based on a high number or high percentage of low-income students in attendance to help bridge the achievement gap.
- There are state-sponsored scholarships available for special education students to attend private schools.
- Brookstone School (private), Shaw High School, Northside High School, and Calvary Christian School (private) are very sought-after schools in this area.
Highlighted Areas
- Beaver Run
- Garrett Pines
- Garrett Creek
Midtown
About
If you’re looking for old-town charm, then this is your stop! With six National Register Historic Districts, MidTown embodies Southern charm. The tree-lined streets and central recreational park promote a strong sense of community. Choose from craftsman-style homes of the 1930s and ‘40s in some neighborhoods or find mid-century ranches in others. With unique shops and restaurants, MidTown is its own little oasis. You won’t have to travel far for your day-to-day needs.
Neighbors
As a more established area of town, you’ll find a healthy mix of locals born and bred in MidTown alongside military families. Residents range in age from newlyweds to retirees.
Neighborhood Feel
This area has a lot of charm with mature landscaping and ancient trees. It’s also a fairly busy community, and the buzz gives it a downtown Savannah, Georgia feel. Some neighborhoods are better suited for walking than others, but residents take advantage of Weracoba Park at Lakebottom, an expansive community park that is always alive with activity.
Neighborhood Info | Midtown
Points of Interest
- Weracoba Park – The largest park in Columbus, with a running track, athletic fields, picnic tables, playgrounds, tennis courts, and even an amphitheater, all in the heart of MidTown
- The Village on 13th and St. Elmo – Revitalized shopping centers with independent retailers and restaurants along with many recognizable brands
- AFLAC’s International Headquarters
- Columbus Aquatic Center
- Columbus Public Library
- The Columbus Museum and Olmstead Gardens
- Veteran’s Memorial Park
Big Plus
- MidTown, as the name suggests, is close to Uptown, North Columbus, Alabama, and Fort Benning. Any destination listed is just minutes away.
- With so much history and charm, people love the unique homes in MidTown.
- The lifestyle is very active with access to an abundance of parks and outdoor shopping.
- Its close proximity to Fort Benning and the desirable locale make it relatively easy to find renters or a rental for yourself if you’re not interested in buying.
- Columbus High School, a liberal arts magnet program, calls MidTown home and is one of the top-ranked public high schools in the country. Columbus High School uses a lottery system to accept students.
Things to Consider
- MidTown is in a rejuvenation period, and there are many homes that have been thoughtfully restored. However, there are still many that retain the quirks of older homes and may be in need of some TLC.
- Every neighborhood in MidTown has its pros and cons, some with great houses and some that need a little TLC. It’s important that you like the surroundings of a house if you choose to live here, as some streets are “transitional,” with homes that have been restored alongside fixer-uppers.
- Overall, MidTown is relatively safe, but the area can still be “hit or miss.” It’s important to research the area before buying and it’s not recommended to buy sight unseen. Working with an experienced real estate agent can be of tremendous value in this market.
By the Numbers
- Population: 20,400
- Household Income: $33,000
- Median Home Value: Home values change rapidly in this market, so ask your real estate agent for a local market analysis.
School Scoop
- The public schools in MidTown Columbus are part of Muscogee County School District. There are also several private school options in the vicinity such as Wynnbrook Christian School and St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School.
- MidTown boasts several popular public schools, including Columbus High School and St. Elmo Center for Gifted Education.
- Research the school district you’re purchasing into. Students in Georgia are eligible to attend any school in or out of their district contingent on available space and acceptance by the school, but transportation is at the parent’s expense. Any student zoned in a Title I school (there are several in Muscogee County) has the right to attend a higher performing school, but this could be located anywhere in the district. Title I schools are schools that have been granted supplemental funds by the government based a high number or high percentage of low-income students in attendance to help bridge the achievement gap.
- There are state-sponsored scholarships available for special education students to attend private schools.
Highlighted Areas
- Overlook – Gorgeous homes with quiet, old-town charm
- Club View – Lovely homes near Clubview Elementary School, a magnet International Baccalaureate elementary program and Georgia charter school
Fort Mitchell
About
Located just beyond the back gate of Fort Benning, Fort Mitchell is an unincorporated community in Russell County, Alabama. The area was originally a garrisoned fort intended to provide defense during the Creek War (1813-1814). It also served as a base for one of the last campaigns in the War of 1812. The community is the home of the Fort Mitchell Historic Site, declared a National Historic Landmark in 1990, and Fort Mitchell National Cemetery, established in 1987 for the internment of all U.S. veterans.
Neighbors
This community is very family friendly and consists of predominantly military residents. Made up of mostly newer homes, it offers updated styles and sizes that complement any size family. The area is also home to a significant number of retirees. Though “fort” is in the name, Fort Mitchell is not a gated community like Fort Benning.
Neighborhood Feel
As a newer community, the houses are minimally landscaped with a few small trees, but do offer spacious yards. There are wide, newly paved and well-lit streets that are welcoming to walkers, joggers, and bikers any time of the day. You’ll often see kids playing outside in front yards and around the neighborhoods in the afternoons.
Neighborhood Info | Fort Mitchell
Points of Interest
- Fort Mitchell is in a fairly rural area. The closest activities are at Fort Benning or in North Columbus.
Big Plus
- Fort Mitchell offers the quiet of the countryside and an easy commute to Fort Benning.
- Your money can go further in Fort Mitchell than in Columbus. This allows families to live in larger, newer homes and have more yard space while paying less per square foot.
- High numbers of military residents give Fort Mitchell the “on-post” feel without actually being on post.
- The close proximity to Fort Benning makes it relatively easy to find renters or to find a home to rent yourself if you’re not buying. There’s a steady flow of incoming and outgoing military residents.
Things to Consider
- Shopping is a hike. Most residents either drive on post or travel 20 minutes into Columbus for groceries and other errands.
- Though Fort Mitchell is a short commute to the back gate of Fort Benning, if you or your spouse work on Kelly Hill, Sand Hill, or Harmony Church, add an extra 15 to 20 minutes to your commute once you’re inside the gate.
- The public schools in this area are part of Russell County School District, which includes Mt. Olive Primary and Intermediate Schools, and Russell County High School.
- Some parts of Fort Mitchell only offer satellite internet, so be aware of this as you browse homes.
- The newer communities still have a good bit of construction going on and quite a few vacant properties. There are also several builders in the area. If you are buying a new build, check the BBB to review the builder’s background.
By the Numbers
- Population: 8,000
- Household Income: $72,500
- Median Home Value: Home values change rapidly in this market, so ask your real estate agent for a local market analysis.
School Scoop
- The public schools in this area are part of Russell County School District.
- Students in the Fort Mitchell area can opt to attend Phenix City School District schools with an additional waiver.
- In accordance with the federal No Child Left Behind law, any student zoned in a Title I school has the right to attend a higher performing school in the district. It’s recommended that you research the school district before buying. Title I schools are schools that have been granted supplemental funds by the government based a high number or high percentage of low-income students in attendance to help
bridge the achievement gap.
Highlighted Areas
- Two popular neighborhoods are Patriot’s Point and Riverside Estates, but are by no means the only ones to choose from!
NOrth Columbus
About
North Columbus is where the locals go for shopping and a night out on the town. This bustling area is where you’ll find many recognizable shops and go-to brands. If you “need to be near a Target,” this is your place! It’s considered the hub of Columbus and is home to movie theaters, great restaurants, and hotels.
Neighbors
While each neighborhood offers their own homegrown blend of local flavor, you’ll frequently spot uniforms in the area. Some of the city’s wealthiest families reside in North Columbus, but there are still very reasonably priced homes to be found. This area is highly attractive to families as well as retirees.
Neighborhood Feel
Here you can find anything from quiet, golf course living to high-rise apartments and everything in between. Most homes and neighborhoods are established with mature landscaping, but you’ll frequently smell fresh paint and see baby trees. Some neighborhoods can be quite pricey and are home to Columbus’ professional community.
Neighborhood Info | North Columbus
Points of Interest
- Columbus Park Crossing – Major outdoor shopping center that features staple brands such as Bed Bath and Beyond, Barnes and Noble, Pier One Imports, DICK’S Sporting Goods, Gap, Jason’s Deli, Petco, and more
- Flat Rock Park – Scenic green space for hiking, exploring, fishing, and enjoying the great outdoors
- CORTA Tennis Courts – Premier place to play tennis for kids and adults
- Treadstone Climbing Gym – Indoor climbing gym that’s fun for all ages
Big Plus
- This area is right in the heart of shops, restaurants, movie theaters, and other amenities.
- There are a variety of home styles and neighborhoods to choose from.
- Desirable schools attract families with school-age children.
Things to Consider
- The commute is a bit longer (20-30 minutes on average), and traffic around the shopping centers can be thick during peak times.
- While there are a lot of new neighborhoods, there are also some older areas that haven’t been maintained as well. It’s recommended to investigate the area thoroughly before you buy. Working with an experienced real estate agent can be of tremendous value in this market.
By the Numbers
- Population: 69,000
- Household Income: $50,500
- Median Home Value: Home values change rapidly in this market, so ask your real estate agent for a local market analysis.
School Scoop
- The public schools in North Columbus are part of Muscogee County School District. The highest rated school in this area is Britt David Elementary Computer Magnet Academy, a system-wide magnet school.
- Research the school district you’re purchasing into. Students in Georgia are eligible to attend any school in or out of their district contingent on available space and acceptance by the school, but transportation is at the parent’s expense. Any student zoned in a Title I school (there are several in Muscogee County) has the right to attend a higher performing school, but this could be located anywhere in the district. Title I schools are schools that have been granted supplemental funds by the government based a high number or high percentage of low-income students in attendance to help bridge the achievement gap.
- Brookstone School (private), Shaw High School, Northside High School, and Calvary Christian School (private) are very sought-after schools in this area.
- There are state-sponsored scholarships available for special education students to attend private schools.
Highlighted Areas
- Maple Ridge
- Green Island Hills
- Whitesville Road
- Double Churches Road
Phenix City
About
Just over the Chattahoochee River in Alabama, there are plenty of great neighborhoods that you should check out.
Phenix City, Alabama is located just minutes west of Columbus and all of its amenities. There are many types of neighborhoods and houses to choose from. The property tax in Alabama is actually lower than Georgia’s, so that is definitely something to consider.
Smiths Station, Alabama is a bit farther out, but is great for those who want to be a bit more out in the country with more land and quiet surroundings.
Neighbors
There are a lot of military service members as well as local residents who live in Phenix City. Many military choose to retire here as well, so it is a pretty military-friendly community.
Neighborhood Feel
Phenix City offers a lot of variety in neighborhoods, from more established to brand new. Like anywhere, some neighborhoods are safer than others, but overall, Phenix City is a pretty safe area.
There aren’t a lot of dining and shopping options in Phenix City, but it is just minutes from Columbus and all of its restaurants, shops, and entertainment. That’s not to say that there is nothing in Phenix City; in fact, there is a Publix Grocery Store and a few strip malls that have shops and food, but most of your errands will require you to venture into Columbus.
Phenix City is easily accessible to Uptown Columbus, North Columbus, and Fort Benning by a few different routes. Smiths Station is a bit farther west, toward Opelika and Auburn (which could be a huge plus if you’re a War Eagle fan!), and has even fewer options for dining and shopping than Phenix City. The commute is a bit farther to Columbus and Fort Benning, but is definitely still reasonable.
Neighborhood Info | Phenix City
Points of Interest
- In Smiths Station, the City Center and Wacoochee Valley, which is a little farther west, are both areas worth looking into. Again, Smiths Station offers a more quiet and private area to live in than Columbus or Phenix City.
- Lake Oliver is easily accessed from the Phenix City area. It is a lake created by the Chattahoochee River. People like to fish and take small boats around this lake.
Big Plus
- Phenix City is close to Columbus but offers a bit more house/land for the price.
- There are great outdoor activities around the area.
- This area is a bit quieter and more peaceful than other areas in Columbus.
Things to Consider
- Families have several options for school within Phenix City Schools, but many also consider the private schools just over the river in Columbus. Do your research and explore your options before committing.
- The commute can be a bit long depending on where you are in Phenix City/Smiths Station.
- Shops and restaurants are not as prominent in these areas, and most people venture into Columbus for errands.
- Depending on how far out you are, internet and phone can be weak or you might only be able to use satellite providers.
By the Numbers
- Population: 50,000
- Household Income: $42,000
- Median Home Value: Home values change rapidly in this market, so ask your real estate agent for a local market analysis.
School Scoop
- In accordance with the federal No Child Left Behind law, any student zoned to a Title I school has the right to attend a higher performing school in the district. It is recommended that you research the school district before buying.
- There are a couple of magnet schools in the Phenix City area, so do some research to look at your options. The private school options in Columbus, Brookstone Academy, St. Luke’s School, and Wynnbrook Christian
School, are also within a reasonable drive.
Highlighted Areas
- Summerville Road is a major road in Phenix City that a lot of neighborhoods reside off of and are worth checking out.
- Lee Road and Auburn Road also offer neighborhoods that might suit your needs.
- It is easy to hop on 280/80 and get to North Columbus or Uptown from here.
Uptown Columbus
About
Looking for a downtown city feel? Then Uptown is precisely where you want to be. Overlooking the Chattahoochee River between Georgia and Alabama, Uptown is host to many restaurants and bars, providing easy access to the Columbus nightlife. The historic neighborhoods just beyond the center of Uptown offer idyllic “old-world” charm.
Neighbors
Laid-back, loft-dwelling students and young professionals are typically who you’ll see residing in this waterfront neighborhood. Residents here are predominately single or young married couples without kids. As with any city living, you’ll pay a premium for space, so it may not be ideal for large families.
Neighborhood Feel
A farmers’ market, eclectic shopping, craft breweries, and independent coffee shops accentuate the vibrant streets of Uptown Columbus. Restored industrial buildings make for hip living spaces, replete with exposed beams, brick, and tons of rustic charm. Just outside the main drag of Uptown, you’ll find the historic district and homes with all the coveted quirks and character that older homes exude.
Neighborhood Info | Uptown Columbus
Points of Interest
- Uptown is home to a Saturday farmers’ market, Friday Night Concert Series, the First Friday Artwalk, festivals, races, and several other community events.
- Columbus State University owns a large portion of the Uptown area and is a major contributor to making the area so vibrant and friendly. Degree-seeking spouses could also take advantage of its proximity!
- The man-made urban rapids, Whitewater Express, offers an adrenaline fix for the mild to extreme adventure seeker. There you’ll find kayaking, rafting, and ziplining right on the Chattahoochee River
Big Plus
- Uptown is home to an array of shops, restaurants, bars, and other social scenes.
- Steeped in history and charm, Uptown offers unique living spaces that many adore.
- There’s a very active community here. You’ll find running and biking clubs as well as adventures on and around the river (kayaking, ziplining, canoeing). There are frequent races that add excitement and energy to the streets.
- Conveniently located near most nightlife, festivals, and daytime activities, this is a great locale for singles and young couples.
- There’s a vibrant art scene for theater aficionados, along with concerts, wine tastings, and regular community events generously sprinkled throughout the year.
Things to Consider
- Uptown is still in a “rejuvenation” period, so along with the unique new shops and restaurants, you may also find some neglected or transitional areas. However, it is clear that the Columbus community is making significant efforts to revitalize and further improve Uptown living.
- Though it has many refreshed apartments and houses, the area can still be “hit or miss,” so it’s important to thoroughly investigate the area before buying. It’s not recommended to buy sight unseen in this area. Working with an experienced real estate agent can be of tremendous value in this market.
By the Numbers
- Population: 6,500
- Household Income: $25,300
- Median Home Value: Home values change rapidly in this market, so ask your real estate agent for a local market analysis.
School Scoop
- The public schools in Uptown Columbus are part of Muscogee County School District. St. Luke School (private) is located in Uptown and several other private schools are within a 15 minute drive.
- Research the school district you’re purchasing into. Students in Georgia are eligible to attend any school in or out of their district contingent on available space and acceptance by the school, but transportation is at the parent’s expense. Any student zoned in a Title I school (there are several in Muscogee County) has the right to attend a higher performing school, but this could be located anywhere in the district. Title I schools are schools that have been granted supplemental funds by the government based a high number or high percentage of low-income students in attendance to help bridge the achievement gap.
- There are state-sponsored scholarships available for special education students to attend private schools.
Highlighted Areas
- 11th Street Lofts offer unique luxury apartments that have been converted from industrial buildings. The floor plans range from studio lofts (600 square feet) to 2 bed/2 bath apartments (1,600 square feet). Nestled right in the middle of Uptown, these lofts exemplify the rustic charm of historic Columbus. Rents range from $875 to $1,500.
- Eagle and Phenix properties have also been thoughtfully converted from industrial mills and are located right on the riverfront. Here you’ll find the charm of exposed brick
and beams, but with gourmet kitchens and stainless steel appliances. There are typically apartments for rent as well as condos available for purchase. Rents range from $860 to over $2,000.
Looking at relocating?
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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.
