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TMO offers tips for a successful moving day

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  • By the Traffic Management Office
SPANGDHALEM AIR BASE, Germany --  Many Sabers are making warm weather to-do lists. If a permanent change of station move is on your list, there are three easy things you can do to make it go smooth. If you plan ahead, remain flexible, and have a good understanding of the moving process then your upcoming PCS will be a walk in the park.

Summer is the peak PCS season, making it the busiest time of the year for the 52nd Logistics Readiness Squadron's Traffic Management Office. The earlier people initiate the moving process with TMO, the more likely they are to avoid the added pressures of last-minute problems.

Here are a few quick tips to guide you in planning and preparing for your move.

Mark your calendar
As you begin marking your calendar with PCS related dates, flexibility is key. During peak season -- April to mid-September -- the Air Force floods the carrier industry with a tremendous demand, which causes the last days of the month to book up first. Due to this, we suggest not turning off utilities until after your property has been scheduled for pick up. Contact TMO as soon as your orders are in hand to ensure you get the moving date you want.

Know your Weights and Dates
TMO needs your weights and dates to set up an appointment to complete your shipment application and brief you on your entitlements, PCS shipment options, and moving procedures. TMO requires estimated weights for all projected shipments; estimate 1,000 - 1,500 pounds per fully furnished room. In addition, TMO needs primary and alternate pack and pickup dates in case the company cannot fulfill your first request. Finally, it is recommended that you book your personal property shipments before booking your airline travel with Passenger Travel and SATO.

The bottom line is a PCS move can be challenging but also gratifying as long as you take an active part in the moving process. It all begins with a visit to your TMO/Personal Property Shipping Office as soon as PCS orders are published.

You can contact us any time for shipment information even though PCS orders have not been published; however, TMO cannot contract or commit moving services without PCS orders.

For more information, visit TMO in building 103, call 452-6068 or go to www.move.mil. If any problems are encountered during household goods pick up, contact TMO quality control at 425-6027 or 06565-61-6027.

Important hints to help along the way 
Weeks/days before your move
 Dispose of unnecessary items to avoid an overweight shipmente.
 Discard unauthorized items, such as hazardous materials. TMO can provide a list of these items.
 Do not include items in shipments that you obtained for personal business.
 Sometime before the move, a company representative will contact you to accomplish a pre-move survey. This survey is necessary so the company can visit and observe your household goods items. This will help them to prepare the material/equipment needed to service your move.
 A pre-move survey can also be accomplished over the phone depending on the estimated weight of your household goods. TMO can clarify this requirement.
 Prepare your house for packing. Your residence must be clean and orderly. No dirty dishes or clothing, clutter, or unsanitary condition from pet or pest infestation. Should these conditions exist, you will need to correct the problem. If moving date(s) are rescheduled, you may incur an attempted pick-up charge.
 Remove items from small spaces and attics. Movers are not required to go into these areas.
 If you are shipping appliances, such as a washer, dryer, refrigerator or freezer, items should be empty, defrosted and dry.
 Disconnect and prepare all electrical components for the move. Original boxes in good condition can be provided to the moving agent for reuse.
 Segregate your professional books, papers and equipment so that they are packed and marked separately. It is your responsibility to identify PBP&E.
 Separate items scheduled for other shipments so that they are not commingled.
 Items not intended for shipment, such as passports and airline tickets, jewelry, coins or small pets, should be placed in an area not accessible to the local agent.
 Be prepared for an agricultural inspection. All outdoor items must be free from soil and pest infestation prior to shipment.
 Items containing oil and/or gas must be drained and purged.
 When possible, use a video or digital camera to record the condition of your personal property preferably with a date stamp.

Day of move
 Get up early and eat a hearty breakfast to help you cope with the day.
 You or your designated agent is required to be available at residence 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 During peak season, expect moving agent to stay past 5 p.m. to finish a job.
 Place pets in a secure area.
 Clear walkways of snow, ice and other hazards.
 Monitor the wrapping and packing of your items.
 Moving personnel are allowed a break(s) during the course of the job; take this opportunity for you to rest as well.
 Although not required, you can offer the crew refreshments -- non-alcoholic drinks are recommended.
 Before signing the inventory at the end of the day, check it for accuracy. If you disagree with a description, you have the right to disagree and note it in the remarks section.
 Before the moving agent leaves, make sure all items you want shipped have been packed and loaded on the truck or shipping crates. Once the carrier leaves, they are not required to return for forgotten items.
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