Base TMO, JPPSO send winter moving tips

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The 436th Aerial Port Squadron Traffic Management Office wants to remind Team Dover of some of the dangers associated with winter moves and recommend some safe-moving tips.

One difficulty which could possibly affect members is inclement weather.

Members moving during the winter months should be aware that snow and sleet storms may delay pickup and delivery of their household goods.

To minimize inconvenience should a storm occur, the Joint Personal Property Shipping Office recommends Airmen plan an extra day or two between their scheduled pickup and departure dates.

Additionally, the JPPSO recommends Airmen leave their phone and other utilities connected until all property has been picked up. Also, driveways, walkways and outdoor-storage sheds must be cleared of snow and ice. Failure to do so could delay the move.

When moving day arrives, the TMO staff wants to make the move as painless as possible.

"Wake up early and be ready for the movers," said Master Sgt. Tyrone Hunter, 436th APS, Personal Property and Passenger Travel Section chief. "Get pets under control before movers arrive; perhaps keep them with a neighbor.

"Also, make sure cash, jewelry, important documents (passports, birth certificates, airline tickets) and valuable items are secure," said Sergeant Hunter.

Attention to detail is also very important, said the sergeant. Verify the mover's inventory is detailed, complete and accurate.

"Don't accept any 'miscellaneous' labels or entries, especially for valuable items," said Sergeant Hunter. "If the inventory is inaccurate, tell the carrier's representative and write down a disagreement statement at the bottom of the inventory in the space marked for exceptions."

Also, Airmen should be sure to disconnect electrical appliances (washer, dryer, stereo components) and ensure their outdoor items, such as play equipment or lawn furniture, have been disassembled and are free of snow or ice, he said. This will ensure the movers can readily access and pack these items.

There are other considerations for overseas moves, said Sergeant Hunter. Airmen should be sure their overseas shipments have seals applied to the container and are recorded on the descriptive inventory prior to removal from the residence.

The sergeant also reminds Dover Airmen to do a final walkthrough prior to the carrier departing to ensure all inventoried items have been removed from the residence and loaded on the truck.

"Lastly, keep the JPPSO's phone number on hand," said Sergeant Hunter. "If any problems or questions arise, call JPPSO."

In case of problems on packing, pickup or delivery days, call (800) 235-7776. This number is operational 7:30 am through 6:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. After hours, call the standby office at (978) 987-6546 and leave a voice mail to include a complete call-back phone number.

For additional information, visit the Air Force Move Website at: http://afmove.hq.af.mil.