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New Electronic Health Records System Coming Soon for Military Families

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If you’ve ever transferred between military treatment facilities (MTFs), you know how frustrating it can be reciting your complete medical history over and over.

New Electronic Health Records System Coming Soon for Military Families

This new medical records system will mean less paperwork for providers and patients. You won’t have to fill out a medical history form each time you see a new military doctor or dentist.

Before February of this year, MTFs did not have a computer system that allowed them to share medical and dental records easily. It was a very frustrating process for medical professionals and patients alike. You could find yourself repeating your information from a first responder to a nurse and then again to a doctor. If you got sent to another clinic, you might repeat that information yet again.

Luckily, a new electronic health records system, known as MHS GENESIS, was introduced this year.

What is the MHS GENESIS system?

MHS GENESIS is the new electronic health records system that will keep track of health information for the Military Health System (MHS) through secure technology.

It is an integrated medical and dental electronic health record that will be able to give medical professionals an electronic record of your health information. Basically, it is an electronic copy of all your medical and dental information.

It will eventually be accessible to all medical professionals at any military treatment facility. With MHS GENESIS, you will no longer need to recite your medial history to your new doctor every time you PCS. You also won’t need to pick up your medical records or dental records before you move. Your provider will be able to see your family’s entire medical and dental history in one place.

MHS GENESIS will also mean less paperwork for providers and patients. You won’t have to fill out a medical history form each time you see a new military doctor or dentist. MHS GENESIS will have information stored on all care that has been provided for you. This also means that there will be less of a chance for inaccurate information given or received. You will no longer need to try to remember the dates of previous surgeries or vaccines for example.

More than 800 subject matter experts came together to create MHS GENESIS. This includes medical professionals such as doctors and nurses as well as computer system professionals such as information technologists. MHS GENESIS will replace all of the systems that are currently used; that’s more than 50 systems that will be narrowed down to one single system. This includes replacing DoD health care systems such as: AHLTA, Composite Health Care System, inpatient, and parts of the Theater Medical Information Program-Joint.

More than 9.4 million Department of Defense beneficiaries and about 205,000 Military Health System professionals around the world will benefit from using MHS GENESIS.

MHS GENESIS Patient Portal

The MHS GENESIS Patient Portal launched in February. It is a secure website that provides access for you and health care providers to your medical information. Through the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal you can:

  • Review your current health information
  • Schedule medical and dental appointments for both yourself and your dependents
  • Request prescription renewals
  • Send and receive secure messages with your doctor or nurse
  • Review medical notes and certain lab and test results
  • Complete the pre-visit dental health history questionnaire
  • View, download or print health data
  • Receive alerts from the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal to schedule wellness exams

When is MHS GENESIS available?

MHS GENESIS is being rolled out in waves, starting with several small military treatment facilities in the Pacific Northwest. In February the system launched at Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington.

“We are following a path of going from our smallest to our largest deployment, so we can again take the lessons learned from each deployment so we can make the next deployment even more successful, efficient, and streamlined,”

said Stacy Cummings, the program executive officer for the Program Executive Office, Defense Healthcare Management Systems.

MHS GENESIS was scheduled to go live at Naval Hospital Oak Harbor in May; Naval Hospital Bremerton in June; and Madigan Army Medical Center in July, but at the time of writing this article there have been no updates given.

Those that have used the system have said it is a flexible and user-friendly system. The plan is to have MHS GENESIS in place in all MTFs by 2022. This will connect 55 hospitals and more than 350 clinics worldwide. They will announce when each location will go live as that time approaches.

You can access the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal here once it is available to you.

Veterans Affairs Embraces MHS GENESIS

In June Secretary of Veterans Affairs David Shulkin announced that the VA would be adopting the same electronic health records system, MHS GENESIS. This will be great for service members that transition out of the military and receive medical care through the VA.

What are your questions or concerns about the MHS GENESIS health record system?

11 Companies That Will Let You Move Within Their Corporation When You Move

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PCS time often means that military spouses are forced to hand in their notices. But there are some awesome companies that will let military spouses transfer their jobs when they move.

11 Companies That Will Let You Move Within Their Corporation When You Move

Do you work for a military spouse-friendly employer? Are you looking to work for one?

11 Companies That Will Let You Move Within Their Corporation When You Move

Comcast-NBC Universal

This media heavy hitter is the top-rated employer by Military Friendly for 2017. Not only has Comcast-NBC Universal committed to hiring 10,000 veterans and military spouses, they make it easy to balance work and life. There are military advisory committees, the option to move to part-time during deployments and job relocation assistance. Even if there is not a position with the company at the next duty station, Comcast-NBC Universal will help military spouses find their next position.

Hilton

Hilton has committed to hiring 10,000 military spouses and veterans by 2018. In addition to this commitment, Hilton has properties around the world. While not explicitly stated, it is implied that military spouses hired at one Hilton location may be able to transfer to another location. There are also remote positions available.

Adecco

Adecco is a staffing agency that provides temporary workers in a variety of fields. According to Rachelle Chapman, Military Liaison and Senior Manager for Strategic Partnerships, temping is a great fit for military spouses. Adecco has national reach, which allows military spouses to continue to work through Adecco to find new temporary employment after a PCS. Plus, there is the ability to work in several fields which will diversify your skill set.

Starbucks

Along with a great cup of coffee, Starbucks offers competitive job benefits for military spouses. There are expanded education benefits, flexible scheduling and the opportunity to transfer to another Starbucks location following a PCS. Starbucks has also created 32 military-friendly stores across the United States. These stores are primarily operated by military spouses and veterans.

U.S. Government Agencies

Military bases are often a hub of federal employment. Military spouses can leverage their recent PCS to receive hiring preference. There are positions in a wide variety of career fields and for those with different levels of education or experience. Spouses can claim hiring preference for 2 years following their sponsor’s PCS orders.

Being hired for a federal position does require work and lots of documentation. However, you can register in advance of your next PCS move to facilitate easier job searching and hiring.

AAFES

Every military base has one. Your local AAFES Exchange is a great place for military spouses to seek employment. Military spouses can readily transfer their position to another AAFES location too. To be eligible, spouses must:

  • be PCSing with their sponsor
  • have worked for AAFES for at least 6 months
  • have at least satisfactory employee evaluations
  • and be transferring withing the same employment category

MCCS

For Marine Corps spouses, working for Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) is a great option. There are opportunities across a variety of fields available and military spouses can claim preference. There are positions available at Marine bases in the United States and overseas.

La Quinta

La Quinta Inns & Suites are located nationwide. For many military families, La Quinta provides a welcome pet-friendly refuge during PCS season. The hotel chain also has a military spouse and veteran hiring initiative in place. According to their website, La Quinta offers jobs in a variety of roles that are transferable and has the opportunity to promote within the company.

Booz Allen Hamilton

Booz Allen Hamilton is a diverse company and a leader across many sectors. Having been founded by a veteran and working closely with the DoD, Booz Allen Hamilton is committed to employing military spouses and veterans. They have dedicated military hiring programs and offer benefits to military spouses and veterans. According to first-person stories featured on their website, military spouses have been able to transfer jobs within the company after PCSing.

L Brands

L Brands’ stores are ubiquitous in malls across the world: Bath & Body Works; Victoria’s Secret, La Senza and Henri Bendel. The company employs over 88,000 people across their brands and corporate office. L Brands frequently promotes from within its current employee pool and offers relocation. While there is no specific military spouse or veteran hiring program, with stores located around the world, you stand a great chance of being able to transfer to another location.

Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo has made a commitment to support veterans and military families. The banking firm has opportunities to translate military service into job skills. They also provide relocation assistance for spouses who are moving because of their family member’s military service. Wells Fargo will help employees to find a similar job in their next location. There are more services dedicated to hiring veterans, but there are also military support teams and initiatives within the company.

Do you work for a company that allows you to move your job with you? Give them a shout out in the comments. Thank them for being a military spouse-friendly employer.

How to Move Your Plants with You to Your New Duty Station

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When trying to make that rental property or on-post house feel like home, if you are anything like me, adding something green and growing is a must. Two (green) thumbs up if that new home also has room on the back deck from some container gardening, or better yet, enough yard space for a garden.

But no matter how hard you work to cultivate that bumper crop of cucumbers or nurture the philodendron that has occupied the corner of your living room for so long it’s practically a family member, PCSing often means you have to leave your plants behind.

How to Move Your Plants with You to Your New Duty Station

Have you moved your plants from one duty station to another?

But, if you happen to be preparing for a CONUS PCS, then you may just be able to take some of your little leafy friends with you. It just takes a little bit of planning.

Before you move any plant, make sure you check local laws for both the state you are departing and the one you are about to call home.

Some states restrict or prohibit the import or export of some types of plants. The reasons are many. The most common of which is that some plants can destroy or negatively impact local habitats, so check the law first.

House Plants

Some packing companies will allow you to ship plants, especially if the pick-up and delivery dates are a week or less apart. If your mover will ship plants, ask if they have special boxes for just this sort of thing.

If not, you can prepare your plants for shipment by lining the inside of a sturdy box (big enough to completely surround your plant) with plastic. You’ll also need enough bubble wrap to pack the plant in the box to keep it from tipping over.  You might also consider cutting some holes in the side or top of the box to let as much light into the box as possible without damaging the integrity and sturdiness of the box.

Oh, and make sure your plants are the last thing on the truck. It will help make sure they don’t get damaged because something heavy gets stacked on top and it will ensure they are the first thing off the truck when the movers arrive at your new address.

Most indoor plants can survive in the darkened conditions of a packing box with a good watering for about 3 to 5 days. If it’s going to be longer than that before your household goods arrive, then consider shipping it ahead to a friend or ask a neighbor to ship it to you after you get to your duty station.

If your plan is to keep your plants with you, say in the back of your car while you are moving, just make sure you give them some time in the sun and if temperatures get extreme (too hot or too cold) take them inside with you when you stop to rest for the night.

Outdoor Plants

For outdoor plants, the process gets a little trickier. You can give yourself a head start by planning for a potential move when your first plan your garden. And just like house plants, if you are going to ship an outdoor plant, the trip can’t be more than 3 to 5 days inside a box.

Bulbs are a great option for replanting. Daffodils, tulips, peonies and countless others all start with a bulb. While you can dig up bulbs at any time during the year, it’s best to try to pull them out of the ground before spring (this might mean the previous fall if you have a heavy winter season.) Allow your bulbs to dry a bit away from sun and wind and then store them in a paper bag. They are fragile, so pack them like you would anything else that is breakable.

Small shrubs and trees can also be transported without too much hassle. When removing them for transport, just make sure you keep the entire root ball intact. Wrap the entire ball in plastic, and then use paper or plastic wrap to ensure the remainder of the plant isn’t damaged during the move.

If taking a big bush or tree with you isn’t possible, consider taking a cutting. Roses, violets, begonias, citrus trees, poinsettias and geraniums are popular option. Take the time to research the best way to take a cutting for each type of plant and just like the other options, try to limit the time the cuttings are without sunlight and water to no more than 5 days.

If you happen to grow plants with seeds that are easily harvested, like watermelon or squash, take the time to dry the seeds, then store them in a paper envelope and when the season is right, plant the newest generation at your new home.

Have you moved your plants from one duty station to another? What tips would you offer?

5 Creative and Useful Ways to Welcome Your New Neighbor

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It’s PCS season. You are either moving into a new neighborhood or someone new is moving into your neighborhood.

Finding a friendly face can make all the difference in adjusting to a new home. Here are 5 creative ideas on how to welcome your new neighbors.

5 Creative and Useful Ways to Welcome Your New Neighbor

No matter what you do to welcome your new neighbors, just reaching out to say hi is enough to make them feel happy.

5 Creative and Useful Ways to Welcome Your New Neighbor

Deliver a Home-Cooked Meal

There’s nothing quite like home-cooked food when you’ve been eating out during a PCS. Think about how long you actually go without a good home-cooked meal when moving. You stop cooking ahead of packing to make sure everything is clean, organized and ready to be boxed up. Then your kitchen gets packed and you find your family eating out until everything is unpacked in your new home. That can be a lot of takeout meals or at least microwaved dinners.

Welcome your new neighbors with something you’ve cooked. It doesn’t need to be a whole meal. You could make lasagna, enchiladas, a pasta dish or a breakfast casserole. A one plate meal makes clean up easy for the new family and they will be grateful to have a home-cooked meal. You could also bake cookies, brownies or sweet bread. Anything homemade will be welcomed over takeout.

Give Them Your Favorite Local Takeout Menus

If you aren’t that ambitious or you just aren’t sure what the family likes to eat, bring them local takeout menus. It can be fun trying new restaurants when moving to a new area, but it also can be intimidating. You don’t want to waste your money on something that turns out not to be good. If you don’t know anyone locally to ask their opinion on restaurants, you just have to try them and find out first-hand.

A list of good restaurants and perhaps restaurants to avoid is a great welcome gift to new neighbors. You likely have some takeout menus in your junk drawer at home so you won’t even have to make a trip out.

Offer to Pick Up Basic Essentials from the Commissary

Unpacking is a daunting task. You have to get most of the boxes out of the kitchen before you can go to the commissary and get groceries in order to make a meal.

Welcome your new neighbors by offering to pick up a few basic things for them when you go to the commissary. A gallon of milk, a loaf of bread, a dozen eggs or some fresh fruit can go a long way in making someone feel at home.

Bringing over a few basics is a good way to make friends and help them settle in. Of course they will have to do a big shopping trip at some point, but bringing over some basics to get them started is really nice.

Share Your Knowledge About the Area

Finding your way around a new city can take a long time. Having a neighbor that knows the area in and out can be great. You can offer suggestions on where to eat, shop, play and explore.

Ask your new neighbors what kind of things they like to do. If they like to be outdoors, perhaps you could share information on good hiking and camping locations or outdoor recreation facilities. If the family has young children, let them know where child-friendly places are. Is there a zoo, aquarium, botanical gardens or children’s museum nearby? Let them know about traffic too. What time is rush hour and are there any roads to avoid at certain times? Valuable information can be as good of a welcome gift as a physical present.

Bring Over a Welcome Basket

If you are a creative and crafty person and want to bring over a gift, Pinterest has plenty of ideas for welcome baskets. There are a lot of clever and puny sayings to go with them as well.

One idea would be to make a movie night basket. You could put together a movie, movie theater tickets or Red Box code for a free movie night along with popcorn. Add a note that says “Just poppin’ in to say welcome to the neighborhood.”

Another idea would be to drop off a house plant with a note that says “We’re so glad the Navy (or whichever branch is applicable) planted you here.”

There are tons of ideas like these available online or perhaps you are clever enough to come up with one of your own.

No matter what you do to welcome your new neighbors, just reaching out to say hi is enough to make them feel happy. Take the first step in making friends and go over and introduce yourself. Who knows, it could be your next best friend moving in.

What is the best welcome gift you’ve received from your neighbors?

Why a PCS Stinks for Military Kids and Tips to Make It Better

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While supporting a parent’s military career, military children are asked to leave behind the familiar and embark on the unknown. The school they finally learned their way around, the best friends they’ve made and even the perfect bedroom must be given up when the PCS orders are cut.

Managing that transition as parent can be especially hard when you are worried about household goods and travel plans.

But here is an easy-to-remember acronym to help you mitigate any of the fears and angst your kids might have about PCSing: Frame, Acknowledge, Include, Re-engage and Support.

Why PCSing Stinks for Military Kids and Tips to Make It Better

Try these 5 tips to smooth the PCS transition for your military child.

Frame the PCS in a Positive Light

Kids are so quick to pick up on our moods and fears, so even though you might be freaking out about moving to someplace you’ve never heard of, try to frame the idea of moving in a positive way.

Try to think of moving as your next great family adventure.

Talk about how moving helps your family support their service member parent and why their service is so important. Emphasize the positive possibilities like making new friends, seeing different parts of the country or world, trying new foods, and remind them that you get to do it all as a family.

Acknowledge Your Child’s Feelings

A certain amount of resistance and fear about a move is to be expected and completely natural. Make sure you acknowledge any fears your children might have about moving and discuss ways to overcome those fears.

It’s OK to share that you are a little nervous about the move yourself, but don’t stew in those feelings. Take steps to help keep your frame of mind positive.

Include Your Children in the Planning Process

Try to include your kids in the planning stages, if they are old enough. Things like having them help with your pre-packing garage sale or planning the route you will be taking as you travel between duty stations can help kids feel like they have a role in your move.

If you can, incorporate some leave time during your transition and include some quality family time as part of your relocation process. A weeklong cross-country road trip means you’ll have the opportunity to stop and see things you’ve never seen before and may never see again. Create memories that will give your family something to laugh, cry or smile about. You don’t have to spend a ton of money, there are all kinds of amazing sites across the country (and abroad) that just require your time and appreciation. A little online research can help you find those kind of places.

And while you’re surfing the web, spend some time learning about your new duty station and then daydream together about things you’d like to do or see when you arrive.

Re-Engage in Normal ASAP

This part takes a little bit of planning on your part, but it’s another way to include your kids before the move. If you’ve got a soccer player or dancer or artist-in-the-making, find at least one activity you know they will enjoy and try to get them involved right away. It will give them something to look forward to and create a sense of the familiar in a new place.

Also, when it comes to unpacking, consider setting up your children’s rooms first. The sooner you can get back into your family routines, the better.

Before you leave your old duty station, be sure you get good contact information – cell phone numbers, emails and mailing addresses for friends you are leaving behind. A regular letter or Skype session is a great way to stay connected and it can really help kids who are moving (and those who are left behind) feel a little less isolated.

Support Your Child Through This Transition

No matter how many plans we make, there will always be that bump in the road we can’t possibly prepare for. Make a point to really talk to your kids about their feelings and listen to their concerns during your transition and after you arrive at your duty station (and for months afterward!).

Change is hard. Remind them that their feelings are normal. Then make sure you talk about things you can do as a family to help make the transition a little easier.

Have a conversation with your military child about moving. Ask them: What aspects of the PCS do you think stink? How can I make moving better for you?

Healthy Meals You Can Make When You’re Living in a Hotel

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With suitcases and PCS orders in hand, many of us will be spending our summer nights trying to keep ourselves and the kids entertained, be it a movie night or at the hotel pool.

Healthy Meals You Can Make When You're Living in a Hotel

You can keep your family fed and content while living in a hotel. Here are our tips for healthy eating when you are living in a hotel for an extended period of time.

The normally easy chore of figuring out what to eat, however, often becomes a debate over which fast-food joint or sit-down restaurant to dine in. But for those of us watching our budgets and our waistlines, what we wouldn’t give for a wholesome, healthy home-cooked meal.

What if I told you it was possible to save money and still eat healthy, even without the convenience of a full kitchen?

Keep the family fed and content while living in a hotel?

You can do it. Here’s how.

Assemble Your Make-Shift Kitchen

First, a little preparation is necessary. If you know that you’ll be away from home and want to try to avoid eating out every night, consider buying or bringing an electric griddle and crockpot. Between the two of them, you can cook just about anything.

You’ll also need a large tote that you can push under the bed or store in a closet as your make-shift pantry. Stock it with non-perishable must-have items like cereal, a handful of your favorite spices (we like garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper), a box of your favorite baking mix, a couple cans of cream-of-something soup, canned beans and other vegetables, your favorite sweetener (sugar, stevia or maple syrup) and olive oil.

Toss in a good kitchen knife, a couple of wooden spoons, some resealable kitchen bags and a cutting board, and you’re all set.

Bonus points if you have a small blender or food processor (like a Ninja) and can manage to bring it along. It can make things like homemade salad dressing, salsa, smoothies or even a margarita.

Bonus tip: If you do stop for a quick bite to eat here and there, consider keeping any unused condiment packets. They come in handy and generally don’t require refrigeration.

Plan Your Meals

This is kind of an eat-at-home staple chore, but if you’ve decided to choose homemade while traveling, it’s even more important. The key is planning meals that won’t require a lot of refrigerated ingredients. Even still, be prepared to shop every few days, if not daily.

Not sure what to plan? Here are some easy, no-cook recipes to inspire you.

Breakfast Options

If you have access to a refrigerator, a half-gallon of milk and a wholesome, vitamin-packed cereal can make breakfast a snap. Pair it with a banana and half of an English muffin with a bit of peanut butter and you’ve got the kind of balanced breakfast all the cereal commercials boast about.

No refrigerator? Consider buying the small, vacuum-sealed boxes of milk or powdered milk from the baking aisle. The small quantity of each box makes it easy to only use what you need.

Not a cereal person? Go continental. A couple of fresh-baked bagels or croissants, a little hard cheese and fruit makes for the perfect morning meal.

Wants something a little more special? Try some overnight oats. Just mix equal parts of oats and milk or yogurt. Then add fruit, spice and sweetener: add pumpkin puree, a drizzle of maple syrup and a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice (like this recipe) or try slicing in bananas and a couple of tablespoons of hazelnut spread. Mix the ingredients in a cup or bowl and leave in the refrigerator overnight (6 to 8 hours) and presto-chango, you’ve got a hearty, healthy and delicious breakfast with absolutely zero cooking!

Simple Entrees That You Can Prepare in Your Hotel Room

If you’re anything like me, warmer temperatures bring the desire to eat light. Thankfully, lighter fare lends itself to easy preparation.

If you have your electric griddle, try cooking up a couple of chicken breasts (or purchase a rotisserie chicken), dice it up and toss it in a bowl with a chopped head of broccoli, some sunflower seeds and a handful of sliced grapes. Add a little bit of sour cream, yogurt or mayo and you’ve got a delicious chicken salad that goes great on a sandwich or is perfect for topping your favorite crackers.

Are you a seafood lover? Fresh seafood is what summer is all about at my house. Fresh fish or shrimp is quick to cook or you can even drop it in a resealable bag with some citrus juice and spices. Cooking is not required. Check out this recipe for no-cook shrimp, Mediterranean style.

Easier still, skip the meat and look to beans for your protein like in this delicious Southwest Salad. Just chop, toss and dig in.

Do you have any amazing meals that you’ve prepared in a hotel room? Submit your recipes to MilitaryShoppers’ monthly recipe contest today.

5 Tips for Getting Your Security Deposit Back

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It’s PCS season and that means it’s time to move out of your rental. How did your family treat the home you rented? Do you deserve to get part or all of your security deposit back?

No doubt you’re going to be putting down a security deposit on your next home so it would be nice to get this one back. Here are 5 tips to getting your security deposit back.

5 Tips for Getting Your Security Deposit Back for Your Rental Home

What tips do you have for getting your security deposit back?

Document the Condition of the Rental the Day You Move In

Getting a full refund of your security deposit starts on the first day of renting. It is important to document the condition of the home you are renting at the beginning of that rental period.

When you first moved in, you should have gotten a checklist from the rental company. This list is where you document any damage that the home currently has.

Some rental companies and owners are very lenient, while others are very strict. They may also be very nice at the beginning of your rental period and make you think you don’t need to document every detail. Don’t fall for that. Write down everything. You don’t want them to come back at the end of your rental time and say you caused any damage to the home that you did not cause, no matter how big or small.

Take time to thoroughly inspect each room and the outside of the home. Write down any holes in the walls or floors and any marks, scratches or dents on surfaces.

If there are screens on the windows or doors, note any damage to them.

Look at the garage door. Are there any dents?

Check the rugs for spots. Make sure they were cleaned before you moved in.

Take photos of any damage. Make a copy of those pictures and submit them with the checklist. Have the rental company manager co-sign this list and keep a copy in your records.

Read Your Lease Carefully and Note What You Are Responsible For

Your lease should state whether the tenant or owner is responsible for certain situations. Sometimes random things are thrown in there, such as calking. In some homes the owner is responsible for a burst pipe, while tenants are responsible in others. You should know this before disaster strikes. Pest control can also vary between those responsible.

If you want to get back your entire security deposit, make sure you know what you are required to do.

You also need to know the rules and if you don’t agree with something, talk to the property manager or owner before you sign the lease. Does the lease say no walking or riding bikes on the grass? If you aren’t likely to follow that, find out if you can have it removed from the contract. Many companies use a standard lease. You can likely get an amendment added to the lease.

Fix Damages Before Your Move Out Inspection

Once you know what you are responsible for, make sure you fix anything you need to. Did your child write on the walls? Don’t lose your security deposit over that. Clean the walls. Did your teenager hang up every poster they own? If you have an abundant amount of holes in the walls, fill them in.

Did your pet damage anything? You likely had to make a pet deposit before you moved in. That doesn’t necessarily cover the damages they caused. Check windowsills and stairs for chew marks. Try to buff out any scratches a pet made in the floors.

If you broke a screen, a towel rack or doorknob, make sure to replace them. It will likely be cheaper than the rental company paying someone to fix it and will keep you from getting a full refund on your security deposit.

Clean the Home Before the Move Out Inspection

Look at your lease to see if you need to hire a professional to clean or if you can do it yourself. Some rental companies require a receipt from a cleaning company or at least a carpet cleaning company. Follow the cleaning rules to make sure you get your security deposit back.

Know what needs to be cleaned as well. Do you need to clean the oven? Read your lease to find out how you need to leave the yard if you have one. Do you need to pick up pet litter or mow the grass? Ensure everything is clean before your move out walk through if you want your security deposit back.

Do a Final Walk Through with the Rental Company and Follow Up to Make Sure You Get Your Security Deposit Back

To get your security deposit back, make sure you do a final walk through with the rental company. Have the checklist you did when you moved in so that you can refer to it if they say you caused damage to something you know was already damaged.

Likewise, make a checklist of items you did damage, but did not repair. Have the rental company sign off on the list to agree what is damaged so that they do not spring anything on you later.

Finally, follow up with the company to ensure you get your security deposit back quickly. Each state has a set time frame that security deposits must be returned by.

What are your tips for getting your security deposit back when moving out of your rental home? Share them in the comments section.

How to Get Your Kids to Pitch in with Your PCS Purge

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“And that’s how one-third of my closet ended up at the Goodwill, children.”

That’s me, literally every time we PCS.

I’m, honestly, pretty great at getting rid of EVERYTHING when we move.

My kids, not so much.

Even with just 2 small children, the amount of clothes, toys and books is astounding. The next time we PCS, I’ll be looking for them to help me out, using these tips.

8 Ways Your Kids Can Pitch In During Your Pre-PCS Purge

Teach your kids how to get rid of unwanted or unused items by having them help with a PCS purge of their toys, books or clothes.

8 Ways Your Kids Can Pitch In During Your PCS Purge

Throw Away Everything That Is Broken, Damaged or Missing Pieces

Kids break stuff, misplace pieces and lose interest. Before you start any sort of declutter, go through all the stuff your kids have together. Weed out everything busted, down a few bits or boring. This means kid’s meal toys, dried out markers, chunky Play-Doh and cars with only one wheel.

Then get a big trash bag and put it all in.

Regift Your Old Toys to Younger Children

Kids grow out of toys, it’s true. Instead of just shoving all the old toys in a bag at midnight, let your kids share the love to younger kiddos.

With your children, go through their stash and talk about which toys they are too big for now. Make a list of younger children you know. Try to match toys to children.

Then use up your leftover gift wrap and deliver the toys. Be sure to check with each child’s respective parents first.

Donate Gently Used Books to Your Local Library

Like toys, children can age out of books. Of course, there are the sentimental favorites that your kids will always want to hang on to. All of those other books can hit the road.

Instead of just trashing them, check with the local library or your children’s schools and teachers. Libraries usually hold annual book sales to raise money. Schools, and especially teachers, always need extra books. So drop off a few boxes!

Have a Mini-Closet Purge

This one’s for the girls (although, boys are totally welcome)! As you are going through your closet, have your daughter(s) go through their doll clothes. To make it even more fun, be super enthusiastic about watching the Barbie fashion show!

Figure out which shoes are missing partners, any buttons that are busted and if any Velcro has lost its grip. All of these can go in the trash bag.

Host a Clothing Swap with Other Parents

Get together with your other parent friends and swap out those clothes. This is great for you and the kids. With littler ones, you can lead the charge to declutter the closet.

For older children, have them help you. Do a fashion show together to check what fits or what your kiddo doesn’t like anymore.

Then host a party to do the actual swapping. Organize the clothes by size and/or gender, set out some appetizers and drinks, then go to town! Everyone walks away with new-to-you clothes. Everything left over goes to charity.

Decide to Keep Only Your Favorites

For those with stuffed animal (or any other kind of toy) overload, make decluttering into a game. Toss everything out into the middle of the room, turn on some tunes and dance like crazy. When the music stops, grab a stuffed animal and decide if it’s a favorite. Have your child explain why s/he likes it so much. Favorites go back on the bed or into the toy box. Everything left on the floor gets donated.

Create a Schoolwork Photo Book

School aged kids come home with reams of papers and projects and just stuff. Some of it is valuable, but most of it is not. Do some prep work throughout the school year by getting rid of the junk as you go.

For things that you or your child love, but don’t want to drag all over creation, take a photo or scan it. Later, pick your absolute favorites and order a photo book for the school year. A slim photo book is easier to bring with you than that living museum display.

For everything else, pick up an artist’s portfolio with pockets. Label each pocket with a year and stash a few of the best artwork and schoolwork in there.

Let your child lead the charge on which items to scan, trash or stash. Definitely put in your two cents and keep some of your own favorites.

Organize a Yard Sale

For older kids, let them pick items to sell at a yard sale. And then let them keep the money. Seriously, that’s it. Be sure to highlight the fact that selling more things could equal more money.

They can use the money for ANYTHING once you get to the new duty station. A little parental nudge encouraging them to not spend the money on more stuff is absolutely permitted.

How do your kids pitch in before a PCS? What are your family rituals that help make the PCS process go smoothly? Tell us in the comments section!

How to File for Unemployment When You PCS

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In the 18 years I’ve called myself an Army wife, we have PCSed 9 times. In those same 18 years, I’ve held 16 different jobs and a handful of temp positions.

Up until recently, the longest I had ever a job with the same company was 2 years. Some of that transition was thanks to low pay or lay-offs. Other jobs came and went because of our expanding family.

But the vast majority of jobs lost (and gained) have been because of a PCS.

As if picking up and moving from one side of the country (or world) to the other isn’t stressful enough.

No, there is nothing like worrying about making ends meet while searching for your next house-to-call-home, unpacking your household goods, and just getting a general lay of the land.

Want to find something that utilizes your skill set and offers competitive pay too? Teleporting to Mars might be easier.

How to File for Unemployment When You PCS

Have you filed for unemployment related to a PCS?

Thankfully, most states recognize the unique and transient nature of our particular lifestyle. State legislatures have eased or expanded unemployment benefits to include military spouses who voluntarily leave jobs to follow active-duty service members.

While your unemployment benefits won’t finance a tropical vacation or help put a new car in the driveway, they can help to ease the financial strain of a lost job and give you a little more time to get settled.

What Military Spouses Need to Know About Unemployment Benefits

When we PCSed for the first time, the internet was barely a thing. And Google, well, it was just a number. If a PCS is in your future (when is it not?), then while you are scouring online rental listings and local happenings, carve out a few minutes to check out unemployment benefits for your state.

Remember, unemployment is filed in the state where you are currently employed, not the one you are moving to.

Forty-six states offer some kind of unemployment benefit to military spouses (only North Dakota, Ohio, Louisiana, and Idaho do not.) But, every state is different in its requirements, so don’t just assume you’ll qualify. Check out this list for links to unemployment information in your state.

Get Familiar with Dates and Requirements Related to Unemployment Benefits

While researching eligibility, pay special attention to deadline and cut off dates and requirements for seeking employment once you reach your new duty station. Some states allow trailing spouses to terminate employment 30 days prior to the report date printed on your orders, for others it may only be 15 or 10 days. Plan accordingly.

Also, pretty much every unemployment program requires that recipients be actively searching for a new job. Often there are weekly or bi-weekly reporting requirements.

If you are planning on taking vacation in conjunction with your PCS move, make sure you schedule some time to begin your job search while you are enjoying your time off.

Make Copies of Your Service Member’s PCS Orders

To qualify for unemployment under the military spouse or trailing spouse option, you will need to provide a copy of your active duty spouse’s PCS orders. Just make sure the orders include provisions for accompanying dependents.

If they don’t, you may not be eligible for unemployment benefits. Check your orders and get them amended if need be.

Research Lateral Positions Within Your Current Company

Some states will require military spouses to take lateral positions within a company if one is available in conjunction with or in lieu of unemployment benefits. And the only way to know is to learn the laws that apply to your state.

If you can, make an appointment or call your local labor office. They should be able to help you find the information you need and explain the application process.

And while you’re at it, visit with your employer’s HR department. Many companies have programs to help employees transfer upon relocation.

Find Job Hunting Resources Right Away

Don’t wait until you’re neck-deep in packing tape and inventory sheets to start scoping job resources.

Don’t wait until you’re already feeling the pinch of a lost second income.

Do yourself a favor and start your job search as soon as you find out where you’ll be moving. Use social media to network with military spouses already in the area and contact Fleet and Family Services or Army Community Services at your new duty location. They often have an employment counselor on staff who can help you find job resources while you are transitioning in.

Sites like Indeed.com can give you an idea about the companies and jobs available in surrounding areas. Identify companies you might be interesting in work for and start making connections with recruiters if you can. Just make sure you are clear about your start date availability.

Have you filed for unemployment related to a PCS? Tell us about your experience in the comments section.

 

5 Steps You Can Take Today to Make Your PCS Go Smoothly This Summer

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It’s PCS season and this year your family is one of many that will be moving. Do you have a PCS strategy?

5 Steps You Can Take Today to Make Your PCS Go Smoothly This Summer

What things do you do to make your PCS go smoothly?

Taking time to get organized before the big day can save a lot of time and some big headaches. Don’t wait until the last minute. Follow these 5 steps today to make your PCS go smoothly this summer.

Get Organized

The key to a successful PCS is planning. Sure you can just wing it, but wouldn’t it be nice to not get all stressed out?

Planning and staying organized will make this PCS a smooth one.

It all starts with a list. Organize your thoughts and put them down on paper or in your computer. Ask yourself, what do you need to accomplish and when does it need to be done?

Some of the main things to consider include: where you are going to live, where your children will go to school (if applicable), and if you will move yourself or have the military move you.

Is military housing available and would you want to live there?

If not, do you want to rent or buy a home?

If you have school-age children, what type of school do you want them to go to? You’ll need to decide if you want to look into public school, private school or the school at your military installation (if there is one).

Talk to your spouse and decide if your family wants to do all the work a PCS requires or if you want to get professionals to come help. Once you’ve made these key decisions, you can move on to the next steps.

Make a PCS Binder

Having a PCS binder is a great way to stay organized. Keeping all of the important documents and lists that you’ll need for the move in an easily accessible place is extremely helpful. Your PCS binder could include things such as:

  • Your PCS checklist
  • Important documents: birth certificates, marriage license, insurance information, Social Security cards and passports as well as car titles and military orders
  • Medical and dental records
  • School records
  • Pet records: complete shot records, especially rabies
  • Household goods inventory that includes a list of the serial numbers on electronic devises, the inventory list from the moving company and their contact information with delivery dates
  • Budget section with receipts folder
  • Important contacts: key contacts for the new command, utilities, insurance, schools, etc.

Purge

You’ve been putting it off, but now it’s time to finally purge your house of all the things your family doesn’t need.

The less you have to pack, the less you have to unpack and find a new place for.

Don’t get overwhelmed. Set time aside to do one room at a time.

When deciding what to keep and what to part with, consider the environment you’re moving to. You might not need those snowsuits any longer if you are PCSing to Florida. Decide what you can part with and then label bags for donation and resale as you go through your home. Once you’re done combing through the house you’ll be more organized and have less things to pack.

Prepare for the Movers

We have all heard horror stories about what movers have packed. To avoid having your own horror story, strategically place items together you want to stay together.

Labeling is extremely helpful. You can designate a different color for each room so you can quickly identify which room boxes go in at the next house. This can be done with colored tape attached to each box.

Move things that you don’t want packed to a designated room and label the door “Do Not Pack.” Things that you want to keep out for use before you move should also be labeled “Do Not Pack.”

Consider wrapping delicate items yourself. Wash dishes and empty the dishwasher before the movers arrive. Ask a friend to watch your children while the movers are there so you can give your full attention to the process.

Get to Know Your New Location

Think about the things you do and the places that you go to often. If you are a Starbucks junkie, look up how many are in the area. Does your family like to go to the zoo or aquarium? Look to see if there is one in that town.

Connect with other military spouses at the next command. Making friends in a new town is important and this is a great place to start. Reach out to the Ombudsman or key spouse. They should be able to help you get to know the area. They can also introduce you to other military spouses.

Look into community pages online. You’ll find information on local events and great places to go. You can begin to network as well. The more you get to know the area, the more confidence you’ll have when you PCS.

What steps do you take to make your PCS go smoothly? Share your tips in the comments section.