SUMMER MOVING TIPS: Getting ready for the movers Published May 7, 2010 By 17th Logistics Readiness Squadron Traffic Management Office GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- (Editor's note: This is the second part of a two-part series on how to make the moving process go smoothly.) The Traffic Management Office's goal is to exceed our customers' expectations by providing timely and efficient quality movement of Department of Defense and personal property. Our motivated and professional employees are dedicated to providing the best valued service to meet the customer's needs. Last week the TMO provided moving tips on how to get ready for the movers. Topics included keeping things clean and organized, and what to do with your valuables. This week TMO will provide tips on what to do once the movers arrive. Have pets under control before the movers arrive. A good idea is to have someone keep the pets until the move is complete. The property owner, or someone designated in writing, must be in the residence the entire time the movers are there packing and removing the goods; this is usually between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. While they are wrapping and packing, make sure everything is wrapped individually and adequately. The movers also have certain responsibilities during the move. Prior to packing day, the movers should contact the owner for a pre-move survey. The survey gives the movers an idea of how many cartons they'll need and whether anything will require special handling. During the packing, the movers should pack linen, clothing and bedding with new, clean packing materials. Mirrors, pictures and glass tabletops are packed in specially designed cartons. Rugs and rug pads should be rolled and protected, while small throw rugs can be folded. Each carton should be clearly marked with its general contents. Professional books, papers and equipment are packed in separate cartons and each carton should be identified as Professional Books, Papers, and Equipment. These cartons should be separately weighed and annotated on the inventory. Property owner's should ensure each carton and loose items, like ladders or rakes, have an inventory tag. Make sure all boxes and loose items are listed on the inventory the mover prepares before signing. Description of major items should be accurately completed. Overseas shipments should have seals applied to the container which are recorded in the descriptive inventory section. Walk through the house and check each room to ensure all items were placed on the truck by the movers prior to them leaving. If there are any problems or questions, call 325-654-3702 or 325-654-3713 weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. After these hours, call 210-846-2027. If needed, leave a voice mail and a representative will return your call.
