A MilSpouse Checklist for Before Your Spouse Deploys
By Sierra Martinez | Senior Manager, Digital Marketing & Innovation
If your spouse is getting ready to deploy, the weeks leading up to it can feel like a whirlwind. Between briefings, packing lists, workups, and trying to spend meaningful time together, it's easy to forget the practical things that can make deployment life easier.
The truth is, you'll never have everything figured out, but getting a few important things organized before they leave can be incredibly helpful for you while they're gone. That's why I've put together a simple list to help you prep.
1. Organize Important Documents
Make sure you know where all of the important documents are (and that you can access them quickly if needed). This includes items like:
- Birth certificates
- Social Security cards
- Military IDs
- Marriage license
- Passports
- Insurance policies
- Vehicle titles/registrations
- Copies of orders
- Medical records
- Power of Attorney
2. Power of Attorney (POA)
A power of attorney helps you manage whatever needs to be done for your spouse while they're away. You can usually get these done on your installation, but if you are not local to a base, connect with Military OneSource to figure out where to go and what type of POA will be best for your family, as you will need specific ones for different things (i.e., banking, vehicle, medical).
3. Review Your Finances Together
Make sure you have access to bill pay and bank accounts. Check out our latest webinar, New Money Mindset, to help you make this conversation as stress-free as possible. You'll want to:
- Confirm bill due dates
- Set up automatic payments (if able)
- Review any savings or emergency funds
- Understand deployment pay changes
- Make sure both of you can access accounts
4. Communication
Communication during deployment can be unpredictable, but remember: OPSEC rules are here to protect your partner and their unit. My husband always says, "Loose lips sink ships." That's why:
- Dates and locations are never for your social feeds (Now is also a good time to review your privacy settings!)
- Keep unit talk offline
- You are not required to share every detail with everyone
5. Handle Home Maintenance
All those little things that you don't think about until they're happening (i.e., replacing the batteries in your smoke detectors; why does it always go off at 3 AM?!), try to knock them out today.
- Change out the batteries in your smoke detectors
- Check your dryer vents and air filters
- Take care of pest control
- Perform car maintenance (oil change, filter replacement, and tire rotation)
6. Know Your Support Network
Much like life, deployments are better when you do them with community. Make sure you:
- Have the unit support contact information
- Identify friends or neighbors you can call for help
- Attend the unit's family events while your spouse is away. It'll help you see and meet all the incredible people who are going through this with you.
7. Plan for the Hard Days
There will be days when you feel alone, sad, angry, and a multitude of other things. That is okay. To help you get through these times, try to:
- Schedule regular check-ins with your people
- Keep a journal
- Maintain a routine
- Spend time making care packages
Deployment prep isn't just about logistics; it's about setting yourself up for success emotionally and practically. Nothing will make saying see you later easy, but prepping for the months ahead can help the difficult days feel more manageable. If you're looking for additional deployment resources, I have gathered some here. If there's something that's worked for you or a resource you think would help others, please share it in the comments below.
Thank you for being a valued member of Blue Star Families, and remember, you are not alone.