Pieces of Home

Moving is always hard, and not only for military teens. The smell of moving boxes, school paperwork, and saying goodbyes. Every time I look at a blank wall, I see something new—a blank canvas of possibilities.

As a fellow military kid, I know how hard it is to fill up those giant voids surrounding you. Here are a couple of my favorite things to do and some meaningful and interesting things to display when moving into a new place, both inside and outside the house.

Quirky Additions To Make Your Home Feel Warmer

First, posters. I don't put them up often, but when I do, they mean a lot. Collages of old friends from afar, of photos taken around the world, and just series and books that you like are awesome to display, like a personality wall! As of today, I have tons of posters I haven't had the chance to put up in my new room (yet).

Second, physical music. In this day and age, everyone uses streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music (eye roll). However, a personal preference of mine is to have my music physically with me. I have a very deep connection with music. I used to be part of a band, and I sing for fun as well. To expand on what I mean by physical music, I own CDs and vinyl records, which I keep at home, and outside, I carry iPods, which used to belong to my parents. Having these artifacts of time past on display can hold memories or simply look aesthetic. 

Third, shelves. Shelves are wooden blocks of infinite possibilities. All you need to do is put it on your wall, and then, boom! Instant extra space. Feel free to mix and match all my suggestions from here on these bad boys of creativity.

Little Friends and Worlds to Connect In

Fourth, plants. I am a huge lover of herbs over flowers, but that might be a bit of a hot take… I’ve gotten a lot of hate for that, haha. Having a plant (even if it’s fake) adds a splash of color and personality. Succulents are hardy and sharp-edged, flowers have deep symbolism, and herbs have a nice scent and taste. 

Fifth, a phone is crucial to a teen in the twenty-first century. Phones have texting applications, meaning that people can continue to communicate, even over thousands of miles. When a kid stationed in California gets notice of her dad’s PCS orders, a phone can help her keep in contact with the people she’ll have to leave behind.

Next, we have to talk about plushies! Wherever I go, whether it is a competition, program, or simply a trip, I always need to bring a little guy with me. One of my favorites is Dolphus, a frog that I got as a gift, whom I named after Dolphus Raymond from the book To Kill a Mockingbird. He can fit in almost any bag (purses are an exception), and he’s so tiny and squeezable! I’d recommend an emotional support plushie for everyone. It’s given me support when I’m nervous, and it’s nice to have someone to vent to.

Finally, to end this off, books! To a nerdy milteen like me, books are the ultimate thing to have on road trips and airplanes. I personally enjoy history or fantasy books as I travel! It’s always amazing to get sucked into another world via warm ink and the comforting smell of books. 

I hope you enjoyed this guide to my essentials when moving on PCS! I know it’s a bit different for everyone, but here, I’ve tried to show some of the most important things my sister and I brought on all of our trips.