Staying in a Temporary Lodging Facility (TLF) can feel daunting with kids. You’re already moving and feeling displaced, there is so much uncertainty surrounding when you can move onto base or into your new house, it all feels like chaos. Set yourself up for success by following these TLF hacks to make your stay a little easier.
10 items to make your TLF stay with kids easier:
1. Medicine Box
Let’s face it, kids get sick at the most inconvenient times. Like in the middle of a hotel stay during a PCS. Be sure you’re fully stocked for emergencies with Tylenol, a thermometer, bandages, allergy medicine, special lotions or anything else you or your children may need in a pinch.
2. DoD Library Card
Before you PCS, make sure you have a DoD library account set up. This way, when you’re staying at your outgoing or gaining bases TLF, you can take your kids to the library. An outing and entertainment you don’t have to permanently store or take with you? Perfect.
3. Snacks
If there’s one thing parents know, it’s that their child will always ask for a snack. No matter where they are. And who wants to be stuck snack-less in a hotel or lodging at 8 pm? Bring a bag of snacks for those late-night cravings.
4. Toys and Games
Hear me out—balloons and colored painter’s tape. Basically, toys that don’t take up too much space and provide open-ended play. These truly work for any age child. Need to make a car track on the floor? Tape. Want to play a game of monkey in the middle? Balloons. You can also bring some colored paper, craft supplies or other small items. Card games are also great because they are compact.
5. Audiobooks or a Portable Audio Player
Audiobooks or other portable audio players for children are great resources to keep with you. Don’t have one? Consider investing before you PCS. Things like a Tonie player, audiobooks or a designated music playlist will help entertain your child without being another big toy to fit in the car.
6. Outdoor Play Gear
Things like a ball, frisbee or jump rope encourage your child to get some fresh air out of the room you’re currently staying in. Having these will give them a change of scenery and allow them to burn off some of that cooped-up energy.
7. Bathing Suits
Like the library card, swimming is an activity to get out of your temporary lodging. Bonus, it only needs a small item that doesn’t take up much space during travel. Be sure to bring the appropriate swimwear and safety gear your children need to go swimming. Most bases have indoor pools. Or, if you’re staying at an off-base location like a hotel, check ahead to see if they have a pool.
8. Separate bags, packing cubes, or XL Ziploc baggies
Separate bags, packing cubes, or even just Ziploc bags will help keep things separated when living in a tight space. You can use separate tote bags for things like everyone’s toiletries, toys or snacks. XL Ziploc bags are great for stuffed animals, games, or other smaller things you don’t want to misplace. Depending on how long you’ll be in temporary lodging, consider packing one bag with everyone’s clothes in it. This may cut down on bulky items in your small space. In this case, use packing cubes to keep everyone’s clothing separated.
Don’t forget a laundry bag for clothes. This will be especially helpful if you have to take your things to a laundry mat or separate laundry location!
9. Small Batch of Cleaning Items
Having housekeeping is nice. But in some circumstances (especially if you have crawling babies or mouthy kids!) you’ll want to be reassured areas are extra clean. Bring sanitizer wipes and hand sanitizer. If you have the space, you may even want a handheld dust buster, too. If your children have sensitive skin, consider bringing your own laundry detergent.
10. Memory Keeper
Something to keep memories along the way would be a great gift to your older child. Whether it’s a Polaroid camera, a travel journal or an empty scrapbook, consider giving them a way to stay creative and busy during your temporary living. This is also great for holding on to these (slightly chaotic) memories for years to come!
What would you add to our list? Comment below with your best TLF hack!