Moving season picks up as summer draws near

  • Published
  • By Traffic Management Office
  • 17th Logistics Readiness Squadron
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  (Editor's note: This is part one of a two-part series on how to make the moving process go smoothly. Part two will appear in the May 14 issue of the Monitor.)

Spring's here and the busy summer moving season is quickly approaching. To help ease some of the burden of moving, the Traffic Management Office offers key moving tips.

Moving volume is highest in the summer months: June, July and August, so plan to be flexible when selecting a household goods pickup date with TMO. Avoid scheduling a pickup on the closing date of a residence; the last day of residency in an apartment; the date of termination of a lease or the day a crew is to start cleaning the residence. There can be unforeseen circumstances and scheduling a pickup on these days leaves no room for last-minute adjustments. Another good idea is to leave the telephone and other utilities connected until all of the property has been picked up.

Peak moving season means appointments are limited and not everyone can choose to move on the last day of the month. The moving industry suggests scheduling a two-day pickup date because it provides flexibility in case unforeseen events happen. With that goal in mind, Personal Property Counselors at TMO will ask for primary and alternate packing and pickup dates.

A good move depends on how prepared you are when the movers arrive.

If there are other shipments scheduled for pickup, such as baggage or non-temporary storage, ensure these items are separated and not co-mingled with other shipments. All appliances, including those mounted on the wall, must be disconnected. If plumbing, electrical or carpentry work is required to remove any appliance, the property owner should arrange and pay for that work to be done in advance.

The residence must be clean, organized and free of bug infestations. Make sure that all laundry and dishes are clean prior to packing. The movers can refuse to pack and pick up items if the household goods or home are not clean and organized. The member will be responsible for all costs associated with the failed pickup.

Keep track of what you have and how much it's worth. Expensive and valuable items such as artwork, collectibles and heirlooms should be appraised prior to the move. Although the government will not pay for any pre-appraisals, it can be used in the event of lost or damaged items. Use a video camera or take close-up pictures to record the condition of the furniture and to document valuables, too. Small or extremely valuable items such as bonds, jewelry, coin collections, passports, birth certificates, medications and items of great sentimental value should not be packed. These and any purchase receipts, pictures, videotape cataloging and appraisals should be hand-carried.

Next week's topic on summer moving and how to make it easier will cover what to do once the movers arrive. More tips to help get ready for the move are available at www.move.mil.