Movers unpack belongings for resident on Wheeler Army Airfield in a previous year. (Photo by Karen A. Iwamoto)
Levi K. Hookano
Chief of Claims
Office of the Staff Judge Advocate
25th Infantry Division
SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii -- With the summer permanent change of station, or PCS, season approaching, it is important to know what you can do to best protect valuables, your time, and your sanity while moving yourself and your belongings around the world.
Here are some things you can do before, during, and after your PCS move that will save you from headaches later.
If there is one thing you take away from this article, it is to keep excellent records of your property. Also keep in mind that as of 2017, all personnel claims are filed online at www.move.mil and not through the local Area Claims Office. The Center for Personnel Claims Support (CPCS) can be reached at 502-626-3000 and at https://JAGCNet.army.mil/PClaims or usarmy.knox.hqda-otjag.mbx.cpcs@mail.mil.
Before you PCS
Document, document, document! Create your own inventory of all of your belongings before packing them up.
• Log as much information as possible about your items, such as make, model, and serial numbers.
• Take pictures and/or video of your items so that you can visually document their condition prior to packing and shipping.
• If you have them, gather receipts for items.
• Do not pack expensive jewelry or valuable documents with your household goods.These should be hand carried if possible.
• If you have unique or heirloom items, you may want to pay to get them appraised.
• Consider getting private insurance for your valuables, which may not receive full replacement value.
Every three to five years, military personnel usually have to make a PCS move. (Courtesy photo)
During your PCS
When the movers arrive, you still have much work to do. The following will help to keep the process in check:
• Make sure your own inventory list matches up with the manifest developed by the movers.
• Number your boxes (1 of 20, 4 of 50, etc.) so that you can account for any missing boxes upon delivery.
• Review documents noting any pre-existing damage to your property. Make sure items in good condition are not actually labeled as damaged before transport.
• Any discrepancies should be noted before signing any paperwork.
Also, when your household goods arrive at their destination there is still more you can do to protect yourself and your things:
• Be there to supervise the delivery of your property.
• Let the movers unpack as much as possible. The more you handle your things during delivery, the more the company can claim that it was you that damaged items rather than their employees.
• Ensure that all of your boxes have arrived by checking them off of your own inventory sheet.
• Be sure to document all discrepancies in the condition of your items on the appropriate paperwork.
• Keep all the damaged items and boxes in the event an inspection needs to take place.
A permanent change of station can be stressful for Soldiers and their families. However, the right tools and the right planning can help ensure that even a major move goes smoothly. (Photo by Mark Brown, Lend Lease)
After your PCS
If there is any damage or loss of your household goods, or HHG, you will need to file a claim. As of June 2017, all personnel claims are now handled exclusively by the U.S. Army Center for Personnel Claims Support (CPCS) at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Claims are filed online at www.move.mil and not through the local Area Claims Office. There are strict requirements to filing a claim, and the following will help you through that process:
• Report all loss and damages to the Transportation Service Provider (TSP) within 75 days of delivery and submit Form 1850/1851 by mail, fax, or email. Keep a copy of your confirmation.
• Submit your claim to the TSP within 9 months of delivery for full replacement value through www.move.mil.
• If you are not satisfied with the TSP settlement, you may transfer your claim to the Government through BOTH www.move.mil and https://www.JAGCNET.army.mil/Pclaims.
• You have two years to file your claim with the government or your claim may be denied and you risk forfeiting all or part of a full replacement value claim.
These tips will help you to have a smoother PCS move and alleviate potential headaches. The CPCS can be reached at 502-626-3000 and at https://JAGCNet.army.mil/PClaims or usarmy.knox.hqda-otjag.mbx.cpcs@mail.mil.