The problem: You are preparing for deployment and don’t know where to start! Keep reading because: This pre-deployment checklist and Ultimate Deployment Guide will tell you everything you need to know about how to get ready for deployment!

Here is the pre-deployment checklist every military spouse needs to complete

When you first learn that your spouse will deploy, there will probably be some tears and frustration. It’s normal to feel afraid, nervous, and intimidated, especially if it is their first deployment. But once you pull yourself together, you’ll likely switch into planning mode. There are things to be done. Bills to schedule. A freezer to stock. And lots of legal paperwork to take care of. The shear length of the to-do list can be overwhelming. So I’m here to break it down for you.

I’ve created the Ultimate Guide to help you handle Deployment Like a Boss! It has 28 pages of deployment topics, ranging from legal paperwork to giving birth during deployment, sending care packages, meal planning, and resources for military kids. The Guide is available as a download here, or you can buy it directly from Amazon!

You can download the Deployment Guide here, or see it in action:

If you aren’t ready for 28 pages of checklists and planner entries, then just save the file on your computer or print out a few pages that you like the best. The first section, which covers pre-deployment essentials like gathering paperwork, emergency phone numbers, passwords, and getting your financials in order, are all discussed below. So for a sneak peek of Part 1 of the deployment guide, read on!

33 things a military spouse should complete before deployment

Paperwork:

• Power of Attorney
• Family Care Plan
• Wills and RED (Record of Emergency Data) form
• Renew spouse ID card, driver’s license, car registration, etc. if anything will expire during deployment
• Have a copy of the deployment orders

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Bills and Budgets

• Make a new deployment budget together, decide who will pay bills and when.
• Set up allotments from service member paycheck, if desired.
• Write down ALL passwords to access banking accounts, online bills, MyPay, Military LES forms, etc.
• Adjust TV or Internet subscriptions, insurance, and phone plans to save money during deployment. Get credit card rate reduction (USAA will drop to 4%).
• If service member will use a credit card, call company to alert them to out-of-country travel
• Make sure service member’s wallet includes proper credit or ATM cards, phone cards (if needed), and NOT your ID card!

Emergency Contact

• Know how to contact the unit FRG or FRO and how to send a Red Cross message
• Give your emergency contacts to the unit FRO in case they are needed
• Get contact information for the service member’s family
• Get the service member’s deployment address. Know full rank and unit name.
• Know about base resources for financial issues (NMCRS), legal issues (Base Legal), or medical issues (Tricare or hospital).
• Meet your neighbors, consider who could help in different emergency situations.

Car Maintenance

• Get an oil change for all vehicles, especially if you are going to put one in storage.
• Check tires for tread and tire pressure. Have them replaced or aligned if necessary.
• Get any replacement parts or maintenance that you have been “meaning to take care of.”
• Make sure your car insurance and registration documents are up-to-date and paid for the next few months. Copies should be kept in the vehicle.
• If your state requires a smog or other inspection before renewing the registration, schedule an appointment now.
• Discuss storage and maintenance options for the service member’s vehicle during deployment. If not being used, it should still be driven weekly to prevent tire damage and allowed to idle to charge the battery. If the vehicle is stick shift, make sure the spouse at home knows how to drive it!

Home Maintenance

• Walk through house together and make sure the spouse remaining behind knows where the circuit breaker box is, how to shut off water, and where any other heating/cooling controls are located. Discuss upcoming maintenance on any major appliances or systems.
• Write down contact numbers for emergency problems… plumber, electrician, neighbor who is handy, etc.
• If you live on base, file any maintenance requests with the Housing office.
• Make a spare set of keys for house and car, in case you lock yourself out.

Doctor’s Appointments

• If service member will need new glasses or contacts during deployment, schedule a checkup before they leave to get a prescription.
• Think ahead for your own doctor and dentist appointments, as well as the kids’ checkups or specialty visits.

Fun Things:

• Order care package materials from the Post Office (for free!)
• Write “Open When…” letters (Open when you’re lonely, having a bad day, etc. Slip these in the first care package or your service member’s bag, so they can read them any time.)
• Take family photos
• Plan date nights

All of these topics are included in the Ultimate Deployment Guide, along with many other resources to help you handle deployment like a boss. Download your copy of the Deployment Guide today and start feeling more prepared for what lies ahead.

I recently went on Facebook Live to answer viewer questions about preparing for deployment. You can see the full video by clicking here.