Aside from a couple of incredibly organized friends who don’t have to account for children, pets, and other such accoutrements that make house hunting more challenging, most military families who received orders for a summer move have not yet found a home. For the most part, fortunately, they’ve moved beyond the denial stage to accept the reality of the situation—moving will happen this summer, so the two processes of packing and house hunting must begin!

Military moves are expensive! Somehow, despite Dislocation Allowance (DLA), reimbursement from a Personally Procured Move (DITY), and even a complete household goods move by military movers, little costs add up. In addition, there’s the house-hunting trip and boarding and daycare during the move for anxious pets and busy children. Then, you can’t forget the cost of replacing your curtains, area rugs, and other such items that no longer fit your new space, as well as replacing the random pots, pans, and coffee machines that magically disappear en route.