Military & Deployment
Homecoming Preparation Checklist
Free
18 itemsWelcome them home with calm, not chaos. This free homecoming preparation checklist gives you a 18-item head start so nothing important slips through the cracks. it's been shaped by real families using it in real moments — the kind you don't get a second chance to prepare for. Use it as-is, or open it in Checkbloom to customise every item, share it with anyone by link (no account required on their end), and tick things off together in real time from any phone. When you're offline, changes queue and sync the moment you're back. Every Checkbloom template is free to preview and free to download as a PDF. Create a list from this template and share it with anyone by link — they can check items off in real time with no account or app download required.
What's on the list
- Confirm arrival date and time with the unit
- Plan transport to the homecoming location
- Make signs with the kids
- Take care of last-minute haircuts and outfits
- Stock the fridge with favourite foods
- Plan a low-key first dinner at home
- Make the bedroom feel restful and welcoming
- Wash the sheets and air the room
- Limit visitors for the first few days
- Let kids reconnect at their own pace
- Be patient with sleep being off for a while
- Have important paperwork ready to discuss later
- Plan no big decisions in the first week
- Have favourite snacks and drinks in the car
- Charge cameras and phones for photos
- Take time off work if possible
- Plan one quiet outing for later in the week
- Be gentle with yourselves on reunion day
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