Posted on Feb 26, 2018
First PCS Move. What is your best tip for a military move?
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This is our first PCS move as a family. Our inventory is finished and the packers come late next week. I want to make sure I have everything squared away. I'll post more details in comments. What am I missing and/or what is your best tip for a military move?
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Responses: 8
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A few pearls I've learned the hard way:
-Keep items, such as small valuables, clearly separated from everything else. You might want to keep them in a closet or someplace like that. My wife had a jewelry box that we clearly told our movers not to pack, but they did so anyway. By the time we realized what happened it was too late. Half the jewelry didn't arrive, but we couldn't prove they stole it because it was never listed on the inventory.
-Make sure they accurately annotate the condition of your items. My last mover annotated everything as damaged on our inventory (even wedding gifts that were brand new). Presumably that way they don't have to pay for actually damaging anything. They used some odd type of codes, which I didn't "decode" until after the fact.
-Make sure they don't damage your property. Rather than put down floor coverings and actually picking up boxes like they were supposed to they just drug items all over our hardwood floors, causing almost a 1000 dollars in damage. It took almost a year to get the damage reimbursed.
The actual day of the move can be a whirlwind. Movers often work in teams and they will work on different rooms simultaneously. That can make it hard to really keep track of what is going on. Just keep your head on a swivel and do your best to keep on top of things. Good luck!
-Keep items, such as small valuables, clearly separated from everything else. You might want to keep them in a closet or someplace like that. My wife had a jewelry box that we clearly told our movers not to pack, but they did so anyway. By the time we realized what happened it was too late. Half the jewelry didn't arrive, but we couldn't prove they stole it because it was never listed on the inventory.
-Make sure they accurately annotate the condition of your items. My last mover annotated everything as damaged on our inventory (even wedding gifts that were brand new). Presumably that way they don't have to pay for actually damaging anything. They used some odd type of codes, which I didn't "decode" until after the fact.
-Make sure they don't damage your property. Rather than put down floor coverings and actually picking up boxes like they were supposed to they just drug items all over our hardwood floors, causing almost a 1000 dollars in damage. It took almost a year to get the damage reimbursed.
The actual day of the move can be a whirlwind. Movers often work in teams and they will work on different rooms simultaneously. That can make it hard to really keep track of what is going on. Just keep your head on a swivel and do your best to keep on top of things. Good luck!
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Norah Julmis
Thank you! That's pretty shady! I've got valuables I'm taking with me in a "do not pack" closet. I heard about video taping working electronics and furniture condition, etc. so I'll be doing that the night before. My father is flying down to "supervise" as well. Thank you for the comment!
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Always assume anything you have the packers take, could be lost or broken in a million pieces. If it’s really valuable to you, conisder taking it yourself. I’m a big fan of the partial DITY move...by loading my SUV down to the max, I paid her off in just 2 moves across the country.
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Get rid of extra junk now. Your Grandmas antique China? Move that your self.
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LTC Jason Mackay
We had a do not pack room, usually a small bathroom, with a huge ass sign DO NOT PACK, including signs on our kids.
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Norah Julmis
Yea, I'm making a list with things that need to be done the few days before. I should be done going through the rest of our belongings by this weekend. We have a walk in closet my husband uses for his military gear that he's moving himself at the end of March. I'm making it my DNP room (with a sign!).
I think some of it depends on the packing/moving company you get stuck with. The inventory gal from the company was great and assured me all my furniture would be wrapped/padded and to get extra boxes and packing material for all my breakable crap (which is a lot).
I think some of it depends on the packing/moving company you get stuck with. The inventory gal from the company was great and assured me all my furniture would be wrapped/padded and to get extra boxes and packing material for all my breakable crap (which is a lot).
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LTC Jason Mackay
His pro gear is either 600 or 800 lbs they deduct from your weight. Let them move it. Just inventory and photo graph
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