Be prepared for summer moving season

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Robert DuPont
  • 90th Logistics Readiness Squadron
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  With the peak personal property movement season here, there are a few very important things that can be done to ensure the transition to the next duty station is as smooth as possible. The first step is to contact the local Personal Property Processing Office upon receipt of orders. Seeking assistance immediately will accomplish several key things: increasing the possibility of receiving the requested or alternate pack and pick up dates, added flexibility will allow adjustment if the preferred pack and pick up dates cannot be accommodated, provide the Joint Personal Property Shipping Office time to secure a Transportation Service Provider to conduct the move, and allow time for the selected TSP to arrange a pre-move survey and align the necessary manpower and equipment needed to meet the requirements.

Another very important thing to ensure a smooth transition to the next duty station is to purge the household of those items that haven't been used in the past 12 months or are no longer need. Many people accumulate things over the years and some of these items are forgotten until it's time to move. Disposing of or donating these unneeded items will lessen the possibility of exceeding the household goods weight allowance which, in turn, will reduce the potential to be billed for expenses above the allowable limit. The local PPPO can assist with determining the maximum cost for moving expenses.

Additionally, alert the PPPO if a TSP hasn't made contact 10 days prior to the first requested pack and pick up dates. Even though the business rules used to regulate personal property scheduling and movement require the TSP to establish contact within 3 days of accepting the shipment to arrange a pre-move survey, making contact with PPPO will initiate the necessary inquiry to the JPPSO to ensure the move is on track and allow time for unavoidable adjustments. With nearly 50,000 personal property moves anticipated during the two and a half month peak personal property movement season, this is an added measure used to eliminate or mitigate any unforeseen complications with honoring your move requests.

Finally, a very important thing to ensure a smooth transition to the next duty station is to arrange movement of personal property before or after the peak household goods movement season, if possible.

Understandably, many factors necessitate the need to move during the busiest time of the year; however, if possible, it is recommended to move property during an off peak period, typically before May 15 or after July 30.