For those you who are just checking in, I am moving. We are not transferring, just moving off base into a rental home. Now usually I counsel military families to take advantage of base housing, so why am I not taking my own advice? Here are the reasons (in order of importance) we decided to move off base.
1. We wanted to live closer to friends and church. Almost all of our friends live off base, about 30 minutes away. Many times we say no to activities because we don’t want to deal with the traffic or the drive. Moving to a different city will help us stay better connected to our church family.
2. We pay a whole lot of money, for not a whole lot of house. We currently live in a 5 bedroom townhome. Even though it is 5 bedrooms it is not a “big” house. I estimate it is between 1700-1800 square feet. We do not have a yard. There is almost no storage in this house. While it is possible to make it work in this house, if there is an alternative, why spend time and money constantly coming up with creative ideas so we can “fit” into our current house.
3. I am tired of dealing with the company that manages the housing on base. Over the past eighteen months we have dealt with a company that refused to let our family use the community pool (too many kids). Failed to provide written copies of many of its so called “policies.” Failed to fix our appliances in a timely manner; oven broken for a month, fridge still making funny noises (going on two months), broken microwave for over a month, etc… I feel like every day I have to put on my gloves in order to prepare for my fight with the housing office in order to get things repaired or to be able to enjoy the same amenities that everyone else enjoys on base.
4. Since we are now being billed for utilities, living on base is not always the “cheapest” option.
Since last December we have been praying about our housing situation. I felt strongly that we needed to move into this one particular neighborhood, but I also didn’t think we should buy a house since we didn’t have a sizable enough down payment. I checked for rentals, but I hadn’t seen any for this neighborhood until last Friday night.
We called the number and come to find out the house I found is owned by a friend of a friend. We saw the house on Saturday and fell in love. It has everything I could have ever dreamed of in a house including a large lot on a cul-de-sac, and a finished basement! It was even in our price range! Before I got too carried away with the house I did the math and found out that renting this house could potentially cost us about $100 more a month during the hottest summer or coldest winter.
After we had the facts we discussed whether the off-base house was worth $100 a month. We decided that since we had room in our budget we could afford to pay a little more in order to get significantly more.
Everything fell into place so perfectly, I am thankful we waited on God’s timing instead of relying on our own timing.
I cannot tell you how excited I am about moving off base. I have one neighbor who I will really miss, but she is moving soon too, so I would be missing her anyway!
For now I am busy driving around the base looking for free boxes. So far we have spent $16 on packing tape, but we have found boxes and packing paper galore since this is moving season for the military. I am hoping to keep the move costs under $200. We are renting a large truck so we can do the move in one day, and that will be our biggest expense. I must say that the military community is great for helping each other out. Just today I had a lady knock on my door and ask if I would like her boxes. She noticed that my porch was covered in boxes and assumed I was moving out.
Even though we are moving to a larger home, I am still feeling the Itch to Pitch. Everything I can pass along, is one more thing I don’t have to pack up and load on the truck!
To the reader who asked if we will still be able to live on half our income if we move off base; I haven’t done a full calculation, but we should be able to maintain our savings goals in the new house. Once we move in I’ll redo the budget and post an update.
So, if I am a little scarce over the next few weeks it’s because I’m packing and pitching! Pictures coming soon.
Alice says
Good luck with the move! We are moving as well but to a new country (Germany). We managed to save on boxes because we kept our boxes from our last move, so we didn’t buy any new ones. I look forward to your pictures.
hotpants™ says
They wouldn’t let you use the pool because you have too many kids? That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.
Sherry says
I’m so excited for y’all! 😀 Praying your move goes well.
Base housing definitely has advantages and disadvantages. Dh told me that when our utilities are paid by us that we will probably move off base as our house isn’t well insulated and would cost a lot to keep up winter and summer.
Nancy M. says
Congratulations on finding a great home! It really sounds worth it to me! I hope you’ll have an easy move.
JustAnotherSAHM says
Congratulations on your new home!
How nice it will be to have a yard for the kiddos!
I hope the move goes smoothly for you & that you are able to score tons of free boxes!
Michele says
Congratulations on your upcoming move! I hope it all goes smoothly. Sounds like it was meant to be!
Netta says
I enjoy that WAY you write & WHAT you write!
We’ve moved numerous times in our now 20 yrs. of marriage, so I relate to “box hunting.” Many times I’ve found them in garbage areas of apartment bld. complexes and inside grocery stores as they stock at night (24 hr. stores).
Thinking of you as you pack!
Serenity says
Congrads on your upcoming move! Being patient and waiting on God really does WORK and I am very thankful for your testimony to that 🙂
By the way, someone said that 2,600 a month should be enough to find something easily. I have really learned that prices are not comparable state to state. When hubby and I were in college in Arkansas (ten years ago) and nice rental home was 400$ a month with very cheap utilities. When we moved to Colorado (9 years ago) a “decent” rental home was 1200 a month. Now we live near Flint, Michigan and we just bought a home for 160,000 that was worth 300,000 five years ago. So while someone in Arkansas thinks I spent way too much my friends in Colorado think I hit the real estate jack pot 🙂 In all seriousness neither is true but that is what happens when you compare two areas like that. It’s not a fair comparison.
Congratulations again and I hope your move goes smoothly 🙂
TheHappyHousewife says
We actually live in one of the most expensive housing areas in the U.S. so even though $2600 seems like a lot of money, around here it doesn’t go very far. The average home price around here is over $350,000 and property taxes and utilities are very high too. You can find cheaper housing, but then you are living in a high crime area. This isn’t where we would chose to live, but home is where the Navy sends us.
I am not too worried about the landlords, they come highly recommended by people we trust.
Thanks for the packing tips!
Toni
Monica @ DailyDwelling says
It sounds like the perfect move for you. Living on post has lots of pros and cons….all of your reasons for moving off base sound very reasonable. Good luck in finding all the boxes you need and keeping the moving costs down. Can’t wait to read your updates!
Shannon says
Hi,
Just a thought for you on boxes. Look on Craigslist under free in your area. That is how most people here in Tucson get/get rid of their boxes. Also, post that you are looking for boxes on that site and that you are willing to pick them up. Hopefully, this will help you. God Bless you on your move!
Shannon
Tracy says
Congrats on your move. Have you ever tried Freecycle.com? I often see people offering or asking for boxes and packing supplies. If you post that you’re looking for some, you may get some quick replies and end up with free boxes. You do have to pick them up yourself, but still…
Good luck!
paula says
Wow been awhile sence we have been in base housing….I thouhgt about going back to it but now I am glad where we are….BAH does not meet all our needs up here in good old Vermont but it helps alot….
good luck
L2L says
Oh my oh my, I’m getting nervous about moving back to the States now!!! So much has changed with housing it seems. Now I see why so many people opt to buy houses when they move back. And thank you, thank you, thank you for pointing out we DO NOT live in housing for free. Ugh I get so mad when people say that!!!!
April in CT says
We haven’t lived on base housing since it went privatized (not many on post housing options for Coast Guard anyways), but that sounds horrible. Kids can’t use the pool? Ridiculous.
I try to stick to the motto of everything happens for a reason though and I’m SO excited y’all found what you were looking for. I wish you and your family a smooth transition into your new home!! Have fun and enjoy.
jolyn says
Extra for utilities??
Too many kids for the pool??
Unbelievable. Very happy for you and your move! Looking forward to seeing pictures. You know, in your spare time and all;)
Lawanda says
Are you moving closer to WV? 😀
tara mcmillan says
Hi there!
We are in Northern Virginia, and in base housing.
We just moved and found boxes on craigslist. It’s great that you will be near your church! That’s always important…for us we move around a lot home is practically the church.
TheHappyHousewife says
When we moved to here from Virginia Beach I found almost all my boxes on Craig’s List. It was great. Since we live on post I tried the driving around method and it has worked well :). I actually have all the boxes I need, I think!
Toni
Katena Dyser says
We also live on base and the lies they tell you. I was wondering how much do ultities run. We are in the process of new orders soon and debating if we should go into housing or what. We have never had free housing we have always given up our BAH. I am glad everything has fallen into place and love all the comments from your new neighbors. I thought the community pool was for everyone regardless of how many kids you have. thanks and congrats. Cora is getting so big and beautiful
TheHappyHousewife says
Yes, the community pool is for everyone, we ended up going to the President of the corporate office to have the policy changed regarding the pool. As for utilities, it depends on whether you have gas or electric, and the size of your house. We give up our BAH too to live on base, over $2600 a month! It just wasn’t worth it anymore.
Toni
Young Wife says
I’m excited for you! More storage, a yard and working appliances plus being closer to church family! Sounds like it’s worth $100 more a month. We’re trying to sell our house. I’m constantly giving things away or giving boxes of stuff to people who are having garage sales. Some things just aren’t worth moving.
Tina says
sounds perfect! I’m so happy that you guys have found such a nice place. I’m trying to figure out what town you are relocating to. We live in Hanover, right by Arundel Mills Mall. I can’t decide if you’ve gone towards the Millersville area, the Pasadena area or the Columbia area…hmmmmm…..all are so nice!!
Ashlee says
I’m new to your blog. I really like it! I’m very happy to come and read at such a happy time. Congrats on the move. That’s so exciting! I hope everything goes smoothly!!
Jaime says
Yay for getting off post! After fighting with the housing office, going to see the commander and STILL having absolutely no results, we have decided we are also going to move off post, probably in September. Our BAH is very low, however, so we’re really struggling to find something we can afford. It doesn’t help that we live in such a dangerous area!
Anyway, congrats on the new home and that everything worked out so well and post pics of the new house when you get a chance! 🙂
TheHappyHousewife says
Jaime-
Have you looked into some of the apartments or townhomes in Piney Orchard? You might be able to find something over there in your BAH range.
Toni
Julie says
Good luck with the move, sounds like you will enjoy the new house.
Jennifer says
It sounds like it was meant to be, good luck with everything.
MNKristy says
Congratulations! I love when things fall into place like that…it helps confirm that things were meant to be. That sure was quick though…you just sort of sprung it on your readers. I sure hope that you will all be very happy in your new home and that it will be a great fit for your family. Best of luck!
Janelle says
Good Luck with the move. I laughed out loud at your reasons to move off base as we have been there too (in 3 different states)S! I usually love living on base as the community can be really great but since it has been privatized it has really changed. I even had a person in the housing office tell me that I should be thankful that I get “free housing”. We are currently renting in NoVa and waiting on the Marine Corps to decide what to do with us. Thanks for your blog. I enjoy the updates and especially the info on the commissary. Can’t wait to hear about your new neighborhood!