For FamiliesRealities of Relocating

The Realities
of Relocating

Moving impacts so much more than housing.

Moving Is More
Than Finding a House

Whether a role requires frequent moves or prevents the family from moving too, figuring out when to move, or not, can be challenging for families. Some will move often, while others may feel torn when a family member’s career takes them away from home, leading to possible long-term separations.

Frequent moves, or the inability to move, comes with significant challenges that ripple throughout every facet of life. What happens if you stay? What happens if you go? There are many aspects to consider, both positive and negative.

The cost of moving or living separately can strain budgets and impacts long-term financial health. But some moves can be financially beneficial, depending on the housing and job markets.

Adjusting to new school systems can affect children’s academic success and social circles. However, a new school can have more robust supports and offer a fresh start.

Spouses may struggle to maintain steady, meaningful employment. They may sometimes choose to live apart to manage both careers. However, in some moves, new career opportunities abound.

Moving can disrupt access to consistent medical care and support. Yet, when moving to an urban centre, there may be greater access to medical resources.

Frequent relocations might mean losing friends and starting over, causing loneliness and stress. And some moves allow families to connect more deeply and develop stronger relationships internally and with other families.

“Every time we move, we have new things to consider. Can we afford to maintain our current standard for housing where we are going? Can we afford to move, or do we live separately? Will I find a way to belong in this community? Where will the kids sleep when it’s my turn with them? How does this impact caring for our aging parents? How will we manage our ongoing medical needs?”

– Dual service couple navigating a move

Moves, Managed

Garnet Families is working to better understand the experiences of defence and public safety families around having to move, or not being able to move with their loved one who is serving. We see moves as not simply changing houses, but as situations that impact a family’s finances, careers, relationships, education, healthcare, and more—for better, or for worse.

Sometimes moving can be a good thing: More access to resources, a strong school system, closer proximity to existing relationships. But each move always requires a conversation, demands consideration, and comes with its own challenges and consequences.

Keep
Exploring

Balancing
Work and Family

Facing Risk

Managing
Complex Identities

For Leaders

GARNET FAMILIES RESOURCE

PSPNET Families

Check out PSPNET Families for their topics on navigating risk. PSPNET Families also offers a range of information and skill-building resources, along with internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy, in their Spouse & Significant Other Wellbeing course for public safety families.

Spouse or Significant Other Wellbeing Course

A self-guided, cognitive behavioural therapy program for PSP spouses or significant others.

Resources: The Realities of Relocating

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Our latest research and evidence-based resources for defence and public safety families facing the consequences of having to–or not being able to–move.

Published Research

Understanding the experiences of Canadian military families

Published Research

Caring for children and youth from Canada’s military families

Published Research

Use of mental health services by children and youth in Ontario military families compared with the general population

Published Research

What family physicians need to know about Canadian military families

Events: The Realities of Relocating

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Find a better way forward, together, with our events providing support to those facing decisions about the consequences related to frequent moves. These online events connect you with others and allow you to engage in supportive conversations. All are welcome.