Moms Prepare for Departure!

5 ways I prepare my house for my husband to leave.

Being a mom of little kids can be challenging on its own, but when you have a spouse who travels for work or military duty, it adds an extra layer of complexity to your daily routine. Preparing for your spouse's departure requires planning and organization to ensure a smooth transition during their absence. Here are five practical tips to help you prepare your household for your spouse's time away.

Do Bare Minimal Laundry -

Unless you’re reading this from a nudist colony, you know how essential it is to have enough clean clothes for everyone in the family. I do just enough laundry to get us through to re-entry day,  for myself and the boys. On the day before my husband leaves, I do a marathon laundry session. Once I have enough outfits for everyone to be clothed for the duration of the trip, I stop. All of the clothes (mine included) go into one laundry basket that I leave in the hallway. Every morning I pull out an outfit for everyone and we thrive.

Create a Departure Calendar -

Creating a departure calendar can be immensely helpful in keeping track of important dates and events during your spouse's absence. We use a physical calendar (download the one we use for free here!) to mark down departure and return dates, important milestones, school events, medical appointments, and any other significant occasions. This will give you a clear overview of what's ahead and allow you to plan accordingly. We also use it to track fun things to tell daddy about the day when we FaceTime.

Stock Up on Groceries and Meal Prep -

Grocery shopping and meal preparation are stressful even when your spouse isn’t traveling. You might think the dreaded “what’s for dinner” question can be avoided now that your spouse is traveling but, its unavoidable. Before your spouse leaves, stock up on essential groceries and non-perishable items, think “shop your pantry”. I am a huge fan of preparing some freezer-friendly meals that you can easily heat up during busy days. This will save you time and ensure you have nutritious meals ready for you and your little ones.

Bathe the Kids Before Departure -

Bathing the kids a day before your spouse's departure, even if it isn't a scheduled bath night, can be a time-saving trick. This way, you'll buy yourself an extra day before the next bath is necessary. In the absence of your partner, managing bath time routines can be more challenging, so this simple trick can be a lifesaver, especially during hectic days.

Charge Up Electronic Devices -

Let's face it; electronic devices and screen time can be a mom's best friend when you need a moment to catch your breath or attend to other responsibilities. It never fails, the minute you need the iPad, its dead. Maybe we should talk to someone at Apple about that.. I make sure to charge up all electronic devices before my husband leaves. Whether it's tablets, smartphones, or laptops, having them ready to use will come in handy when you’re at the end of your rope and need quiet time.

Preparing for your spouse's departure can be overwhelming, but with a bit of planning and organization, you can make the transition smoother for yourself and your little ones. By following these five essential tips - you'll be better equipped to handle the challenges that come with being a mom while your spouse is away. Remember to reach out for support from friends, family, or other military spouses during this time. You've got this, and you're not alone!