The Cost of Frequent Moves

Relocating is part of military life, but for SOF families, it can feel like an unending cycle. Each PCS (Permanent Change of Station) comes with a cost—financially, emotionally, and socially.

The Financial Burden

Moving isn’t cheap. Even with military reimbursements, the out-of-pocket expenses of packing, travel, and setting up a new home add up. For SOF spouses, these costs are compounded by the challenge of finding new employment in every location.

Emotional Toll on Families

Every move means uprooting children from schools, friends, and routines. It means saying goodbye to a support network and starting over. For spouses, it’s another round of rebuilding—finding new doctors, schools, and sometimes even a sense of identity.

Strategies for Coping

• Plan Ahead: Start researching your new location as soon as orders come in.

• Build a Portable Career: Consider remote work or roles that allow for flexibility.

• Stay Connected: Use social media and military spouse groups to maintain relationships and create new ones.