Being a part of the Air Force, you may learn what it's like to move more often than your civilian counterparts. You can get orders to a new base, be moved from one section of base housing to another, or move when your time is done with the Air Force. Plan to be flexible during peak permanent change of station (PCS) season and understand what is expected from your base in order to have a successful move. Does this Spark an idea?
Preparation
Start planning your move early. Mark your calendar with important dates right away. Contact the traffic management office (TMO) as soon as you have orders to schedule your moving date. Be sure to keep your utilities on until after this date in case there is an unforeseen conflict.
TMO will need estimated weights of your items and personal moving dates to complete a shipment application. You should estimate about 1,000-1,500 lbs. for every fully furnished room ("Spangdahlem Air Base").
Get rid of any unnecessary and unauthorized items before your move. TMO maintains a list of items that are not authorized and/or hazardous. Remove items from small areas that movers are not required to enter. These areas include attics and crawl spaces.
Clean your residence and prepare your items for packing. TMO may require you to reschedule your date if your house is dirty, cluttered, infested with pests or unsanitary. You can be charged for all the costs associated with the attempted move. Be sure to defrost, dry and disconnect all appliances. Unplug all electronics as well.
Keep all of your personal and professional items separate. Books, papers, passports, travel tickets, jewelry, coins and small pets should be identified to movers as not intended for shipment. Carry these items in your suitcases for safekeeping and handy reference.
Use a video camera with a date stamp to record the condition of your items. Get close up to furniture and other valuables on the camera. Have valuables appraised as well. In the event that your items are damaged this evidence will help get you reimbursed.
Moving Day
The movers will not be able to move your household items if there is snow or ice on your driveway or sidewalk. Clear the way for the movers prior to their arrival. Arrange for pet care so there are no hindrances during moving day. You or a designated party must be at your residence between the hours the moving company tells you; typically it is from 0800 to 1700.
You will be required to sign an inventory checklist at the end of the day. Monitor the movers as they wrap and handle your items to ensure this checklist is accurate. Make sure all the items you want to be shipped are packed before the movers leave.
Tags: your items, your move, your residence