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Housing on military bases is usually beige walls and flooring, but these tips can make a cookie cutter house feel like your custom home. Keep in mind things that work for one house, may not work in the next townhouse, apartment or duplex. Whether it’s your first home or tenth, if you stay flexible and get creative, your moves will be less stressful and easier on your wallet.

Make it Feel Like Home

Varying big and small frames in a layout will turn your family photos into a work of art.

• Family photos are a great way to instantly make your new house a home. Use frames that can be hung or placed on a table for maximum flexibility.
• A vintage map is an instant wall decoration that can display the travels of your military career.
• Wall decals are the easiest ways to give any kids room a hint of whimsy without having to paint. The elegant quotes and sophisticated designs work well in a family room or kitchen. Plus when you move, they peel off without damaging the paint.
• Lighting is usually lacking in military housing. Lamps or chandeliers are a great investment to make your house cozy and unique move after move.
• Curtains can make a huge statement in a beige room. Before you shell out big bucks for the perfect drapes, look at a Marshall’s, Ross or TJ Maxx in your area. They usually have a variety of curtains for much less. Also, look for a curtain rod that is adjustable to fit any future home.
• Consider buying a mirror instead of a large painting or poster. Mirrors are less expensive and will always go with the decor.
• Place candles and air fresheners around the house to hide the dust or pet odor of a former resident. They will instantly make you feel more comfortable in your new home

Space Saving Solutions

• Many military homes are low on space and storage. Invest in quality furniture that will be serve a number of purposes and last throughout multiple moves. A sofa bed, an ottoman with storage and end tables with drawers will be great in every type of home.
• Choose a general color scheme for your entire home. This goes for wood colors and accent decorations. At some point everything will need to mix and match with every other piece in your home.
• Books can be expensive and add a lot to your weight limit for moving. Get a library card at your new station and read your heart out without adding clutter.
• When considering a china cabinet or armoire, look for a corner model. There will always be a corner to place it in, but there may not always be a nice big wall. Plus, they have a surprising amount of storage because they’re so deep.
• Every few months go through all belongings and closets to get rid of anything you have used in a year or more. It will make moving easier and you’ll think twice before buying anything new.

Avoid knick-knacks and neutral colors for housing on military bases.

What to Avoid

• Don’t buy a specific piece of furniture to fit into a nook. It probably won’t have a place to go in the next place.
• Don’t buy light colored furniture, curtains or rugs because the walls will be light in every military home. Use your decor to make the home unique and vibrant.
• Don’t buy custom drapes or valances because no two window are the same. Look for drapery treatments that can adjust for any future home.
• Don’t get caught up in buying furniture specific to the area. Beach decor will not look right in Tennessee. On the other hand, if you loved a piece from a country you lived in, it can make your new home a perfect reflection of your families personal experience in the military.

Channel your creativity to make a new use of old things. This goes for the stuff you already have as well as things you may find on the clearance aisles of hardware stores. If you stick with a color scheme throughout your home and stay flexible on layout, you’ll be settled in your new home in no time.

Photos courtesy of Ame Otoko and Pamela Heywood.

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