Moving is stressful. According to WikiAnswers, the typical American family moves once every six years. However, that often doesn't involve a move across state lines or even into another town. In the military, moves are more frequent - on average every three years - and more extensive.

With a permanent change of station, or PCS, some concerns are assuaged, such as having to hire movers or finding a job for the service member. However, others still run rampant, especially when it is the first time that a spouse or partner will be going along.

"I am giving up a great job and fear not finding anything, let alone one as great. The network I've built up is here, and maybe my college degree won't be as well recognized or appreciated in the next place," said Lynn, who'll be moving with her boyfriend when he PCS's in the next six months from Joint Base Lewis-McChord.  (Editor's note: She asked to keep her last name private.)

"I worry about how to fill my time while looking for a new job. I'm not a stay-at-home kind of person, so I need to figure out how to job hunt and not go crazy," she added.

The good news is that there are experienced military wives who've been there and can offer guidance.

"When job hunting, see if there is a local chamber or business association you can join in advance. Then see if they can send out your resume to the group of business owners," said Tammy Usie, military spouse and independent business owner. "There may also be a Young Professionals Group or a trade association you can join that has a local chapter.

Then use those contacts to meet people and score interviews."

Betsy Eves, a relatively new military spouse who has never left Washington state, worries whether her family will be able to afford living off post in the new location. Veteran wives Maria Nischwitz and Michelle Ocampo have both dealt with that and recommend a few sites that can help in the search for housing.

Militarybyowner.com lists housing for sale or rent near military installations, and the Automated Housing Referral Network - at www.ahrn.com - is a Department of Defense sponsored site that lists rentals as well as referrals to real estate agents who work specifically with military relocations and customers.

Those who have PCS'd before have tips for dealing with the actual move as well.

"Request to have your household goods crated for the move. Your stuff is handled better, and the transportation office at JBLM told us we can all have it crated for any move. People just don't know that is an option," said Ocampo, who recently PCS'd to Fort Irwin, Calif., with her daughters and husband, Maj. Ryan Ocampo. "Also, take high value pieces with you - like jewelry, school records for the kids, wedding albums, and vehicle titles. You don't want those getting lost."

"Always remember to leave some essentials out to actually take with you. A pizza pan, Pyrex dish and some silverware will go a long way when waiting for household goods to show up," advised Jenny Geist.

In case you forget something, most installations have a borrowing closet that allows families to check out basic items such as air mattresses, pots or a high chair while they wait for the movers.

At the end of the day, the best advice is to be flexible.