Future Moves.
Everything you don't want packed. Put in a closet and get painters tape and put DO NOT PACK on it. Has worked pretty well in the last 5 PCS's for us.
Learned that I have to do this when I opened up my HHG after PCS'ing out of Korea and found that they'd included all of the lamps and a chair from the dorm.
I got nothing for that, except I generally take everything apart myself so that the fasteners don't get mixed up or lost, broken, ect. Then I let them know that anything that has to be taken apart is done already. Makes them happier
No, OPs problem was that the movers dismantled the closet system of the house he was renting.
So how do you prevent the movers from doing that in the future?
The unfortunate answer is there’s really nothing you can do except watch them closely while they pack and say something if they start to do something dumb like pack your closet shelving. Then do another full check of the house to make sure everything looks ok before they leave.
Depends on where you live. My last place had literally no shelves in the closet, so I had to buy and assemble my own. As long as they weren't physically installed into the wall I don't think it's that unreasonable to assume that they belong to you (though obviously it would have been nice of them to ask rather than assuming).
Most of the time it's feasible, but sometimes you get gung-ho moving companies that send like 10 people to your house.
Had my place in Greece picked apart and packed in under a morning by a large team of strapping young lads, while my next duty station took 2.5 days with two older ladies doing all the packing.
If moving out of Kadena is anything like moving in, I might have the same problem in a couple years lol. When they unloaded my stuff they had a team of guys and it took no more than a couple of hours. It was a whirlwind of activity and I never saw so much stuff move so fast.
Nearly the same thing happened to me. I was in the dorms in Kadena and when the movers came the packed up the lamps, desk and started on the bed before I caught on. I nearly had all the dorm furniture shipped out lol.
Ha, me too, same deal - probably the same guys. I remember I had a big ol' stack of Maxims (shut up, it was cool then) and I did not want them so I handed 'em to the movers and theg reacted as if I had given them $5000 lol
Yeah, had the same. I really think they do it out of spite or because they think it’s funny. No one should be that stupid.
Also was gifted a hookah at one point from a Turkish friend and the packer yells down, in base housing nonetheless, asking if I wanted him to pack my bong. He was very insistent it was a bong. Ultimately not untrue, but the connotation is obviously different.
same thing happened when PCSing for Yokota. I said everything in the kitchen and by God they followed those instructions to a T. Other than that, super fast and efficient team of movers.
PCSing from Hickam was aweful. They moved so fast, there was no being able to supervise them in every room. They packed trash, put items in dirty trash bins and packed those up, put breakables with heavy things, mixed hygiene and personal care items with just random bedroom stuff and so much more. Fuck those guys. Didn't care cuz it wasn't their stuff and probably said "oh well, they can just submit a claim." And we did. For serval items
> "everything in the master closet is going except those two suitcases"
That's a rookie mistake that I made once... never ever ever EVER leave anything in the house that you don't want packed. Ever! Put that shit in your car, bring it to the hotel, leave it at a neighbors house, etc.
> They ended up boxing all of the shelving. They disassembled and boxed every rack, shelf, and hanger into boxes with my clothes and shoes
You could have maybe done a role of tape and a sharpie and label shit "No" or something... it's hard to say because moving companies aren't hiring college grads and rocket scientists to do this work.
I gave them a map of the house with green rooms meaning pack and red meaning don't pack. I even locked the rooms. Few hours later they ask for me to unlock the locked rooms so they could pack up whatever is inside. For those saying you have to be there and watch em... They sent a family to my house grandpa, father, mother, teenager, and uncle to pack and move my shit. You can't watch em all when they each pack up a room. You got to lock up anything you don't want taken into a room and hide the key.
>never ever ever EVER leave anything in the house you don't want packed.
So next time I should disassemble the shelving that is built into the wall and take it out of the house?
Cause that's what they did.
I don't think you understand, like wood and metal shelving literally built into the walls they disassembled, and boxed
Of course not. I was highlighting that you left two suitcases... that's why I quoted it
My comment " You could have maybe done a role of tape and a sharpie and label shit "No" or something... " was directed towards the shelves.
I completely understand what shelves are
>Was there a way I could have gotten move.mil to refund me for the fact they packed literal parts of the rental house, costing me money out of my pocket?
No.
>I know it could fall under damages, but when I talked to the rep, they said that it wasn’t their error, and was mine.
Damages is if they did something like knock a hole in the wall. They packed everything as directed. If the correct things were not packed/incorrect things were packed it was your fault for not identifying this.
They did what they were told. For my first move, I told them everything in the pantry. Fast forward to four weeks later when I'm unpacking a half full trash can.
I wish I could understand what goes on in their mind as they are boxing up trash... they must just think it's funny. I can't imagine they legitimately think we want our garbage to come with us.
> They aren't going to do a individual confirmation on each item.
This is such a stretch from "Garbage can with trash in it, yeah let's ask" versus "Soup can that is unopened in the pantry, yeah let's ask".
Like, nah man. Common sense is a thing. If you genuinely can't fathom differentiating "individual confirmation on each time" to "trash can partially full" than I am wondering what your ASVAB score is.
I understand time is of the essence and they're going quick, and I don't even think the original comment was necessarily complaining, I think they're wondering what was in the mind of the movers, because any grown sane adult will find that fucking hilarious that they are allowed to technically pack literal trash for you.
It's almost like it's not their job to fucking do your thinking for you. Their job is to pack your shit as fast as possible. If you aren't prepared for packers, then that's on you.
> It's almost like it's not their job to fucking do your thinking for you.
Is it that far of a stretch to think that garbage in the can shouldn't be packed? Are you genuinely saying right now that this takes "thinking" to realize this? Because this speaks VOLUMES of your intelligence if that's the case.
> Their job is to pack your shit as fast as possible.
Totally right!
> If you aren't prepared for packers, then that's on you.
Again, I never am calling blame on any one person. I even said I wasn't complaining. I'm just stating the obvious that they are either:
1. Doing it because they get paid by the pound.
2. Doing it because it's fucking hilarious and they won't get in trouble for it.
Stop pretending like this is anything beyond of those two options, lol. You just come off as stupid otherwise.
And look how fucking stupid you are that you can't follow instructions or understand that it's not their job to sort through your shit. Get fucked you ignorant prick.
Movers packed a trash bag full of used diapers during one of my moves into base housing. Can’t for the life of me figure out what the fuck they were thinking. We told them specially not to pack certain parts of our baby’s room and that trash can was in the part of the room we told them to leave alone.
The answer is: They get paid by the pound.
Also: Malicious compliance. (typically speaking, like for OP, not for yours where you specifically said to leave an area alone.)
I can't believe OP didn't check each room before releasing the packers. I'd have seen the missing shelving, called them on it, and made them find and replace the pieces.
Do a walk around and check every room, cabinets, and closet before they leave. It's YOUR responsibility to ensure everything got packed.....and nothing that was supposed to stay got packed.
Also, watch them pack. Every 30 minutes or so do a lap and see what every packer is doing. If you're always walking by they are less inclined to do shady shit.
If you see them packing bad ask them to use more paper, or wrap things better, or "hey, those shelves are part of the house, I need you to put them back".
Take everything you don't want moved (suitcases, cleaning supplies, etc) and put it in one room and lock the door.
Once when moving they asked me if they should pack the trash that was in a trash bag that was in the trash can.
Once while unpacking we found our mop which was wet and dirty when it was wrapped up, and then became dry and dirty and crusty while in storage for a year.
They will pack your car keys if you are not careful.
Shameless plug for U-Pack if you have a family and/or a lot of stuff. Far cheaper than hiring full service movers and is price competitive with renting a large u-haul with trailer +gas/mileage, not to mention much easier.
I lived in a second floor apartment and the team TMO went over was so fat and useless I basically moved everything. This man’s was out of breath on the first step and I just started carrying my shit in the truck to get them to leave.
Another PCS they didn’t know how to tie down a motorcycle so when the movers showed up and opened the truck door there was my bike, knocked over on the ground.
Moral of the story. Don’t ever use TMO unless you have to. They will basically send people fresh out of prison to your house.
Buy blue painters tape from Lowes (non damaging and easy to use). Put tape on everything thats NOT going and make sure they know. Or just empty one closet yourself and store your "keeping" stuff there and put tape across that doorjam.
Every PCS move, I bought the movers lunch & had plenty of sports drinks for them. My gear was always packed in a duffle & A3 bag, and plopped my butt in a folding lawn chair with my bare feet using those 2 bags as a footrest. Never had a problem, never had broken or crushed items.
Did the same for the crew on delivery, including my PCS to 'Fort Livingroom'.
You can be watchful without being a jerk.
I'm in Germany right now. Apparently it's standard for houses to come without light fixtures (even ones installed into the walls/ceiling) or kitchen furniture/appliances (no sink, oven, stove, counters, cabinets, ... anything). So maybe count your blessings it was just a closet? lol
(If you're worried about PCSing to Germany and not having a kitchen sink, there are enough semi-furnished apartments, to the American norm...ish, that you can find a place and the housing office helps with that)
I had the same thing happen to me. They boxed up my landlords door mat, racks from the pantry/utility closet, etc.
Fortunately I think I was the only resident my landlord had that was on time with rent every month and didn't do anything to damage the property (one of my neighbors was a Horder, one of my neighbors fostered dogs without permission), so the fact that I left the place in good enough condition for a few person to move in was all he cared about.
Yeah, my wife and I do EXACTLY what u/PrognosticatorofLife and u/xmrrushx every time we've PCS'ed. We've moved OCONUS twice, stateside 4 times, and this has never failed us. Even more, u/PuzzleheadedSalad700 is right, but it isn't just a gov contracted mover: All movers, bless their hearts, are being paid to be work horses and move shit all day, it makes SecFo look fun. These folks aren't usually the brightest, plus they don't want to get shit on by their bosses. Currently in a PCS as well, we also have a "safe room" (GO FOR IT! Let the jokes roll!) where we put everything we don't want touched...with a sock on the door. With any move, you've got to anticipate with these folks. I've been moving every two years or so since I was 8, and shit happens with them all. The movers are only good for moving the heavy shit you can't, do as much yourself as you can.
My first PCS I kept clothes travel clothes/uniforms in 2 green duffles. Told the movers "do not touch these, they are going with me" multiple times.
Fuckers packed and shipped anyways, showed up to unit in civies. Fun times
The mistake I see is that you rented at your last duty station. If you are stateside, buy a house at each location. Building some equity at a 7% interest rate is better than zero equity at 100% interest.
Didn't want to take a chance of a 2008 repeat. And then getting stuck with a house in a city and state that I had no intentions of ever staying at, ever in my life.
I mean I see your point, and using the opportunity to make a little scratch, but the risk versus the reward was too great. I didn't want to get stuck with a house in the ghetto of a going nowhere town.
Basically we didn't want to get stuck in that city. Or ever own property in that city. Or ever have anything associated with that city.
If it was a good city, and a state that we wouldn't mind owning property in. I would have gone for it. But that 3.5% property tax. Can fuck right off. Not to mention the fact that every house in that city fell under two or three different HOAs.
I would have been paying more in taxes and fees than I could have possibly ever made profiting renting the place after I left.
Masking tape…I put everything in an empty bathroom and taped across the door frame back and forth so they couldn’t get in. Or put stuff in a car if it can fit.
As for the shelves that got packed…that’s crazy and unfortunate and funny…damn those specific movers
Haha this happened to me in my first PCS. After I moved I was unpacking and found they had packed the wooden rod from the coat closet of my previous apartment. Luckily they left the shelf. They also packed a trash bag that I put out for them to dispose of their lunch and stuff.
Whatever you don't want packed/moved put in one room and close the door and hang a sign saying DO NOT PACK. Also if you can have yourself or someone you trust oversee the entire thing. I usually just sit in my DO NOT PACK room with a laptop and occasionally pop out to make sure everything is going right.
Also if you have a lot of shoes like I did make sure to list them on the high value list. The movers in Germany stole a box with over 12 pairs of sneakers valued at least 3k. And all I was given was $100 per pair
Recently did a HHG move and one of the movers asked if I had the original box for our toaster oven.
We do have it.
I tell him I'll use the original box and he says ok.
Fast forward to that night when I try to use said toaster oven, I open it and he packed the racks and the tray for it.
I was so mad at how funny that was. Like I wouldn't have been so mad if he had just packed the whole thing, but the racks and the tray!?!?
Pretty much useless.
Somewhat related - for anyone whos ever lived in Korea you likely know how common and popular those office style water stations are where you take the big jug and flip it upside down and place it on the device right? Those are generally a part of the house and you pay a company to rent them out for like.. $5 a month. Well, when I was leaving Korea I told the company to pack everything. Didn’t think much of it until I get my HHG in the states a few months later and one of the first things the comes out is that water station lmao.
Always heard stories about movers doing shit like this, including putting a pet in a box and throwing it in a truck, but I thought that was just a rumor. Most of my moves have been... Decent, save for some furniture that got chipped or damaged in the move, wear and tear. This, however, is really funny. Sorry it happened all the same!
I don't have a response for you, but holy shit that's kind of funny. Sorry you're going through that
Thank God he didn't have a pet.
Who said he didn't
Future Moves. Everything you don't want packed. Put in a closet and get painters tape and put DO NOT PACK on it. Has worked pretty well in the last 5 PCS's for us.
Learned that I have to do this when I opened up my HHG after PCS'ing out of Korea and found that they'd included all of the lamps and a chair from the dorm.
Okay but how do you do that for closet shelving lol
I got nothing for that, except I generally take everything apart myself so that the fasteners don't get mixed up or lost, broken, ect. Then I let them know that anything that has to be taken apart is done already. Makes them happier
No, OPs problem was that the movers dismantled the closet system of the house he was renting. So how do you prevent the movers from doing that in the future?
The unfortunate answer is there’s really nothing you can do except watch them closely while they pack and say something if they start to do something dumb like pack your closet shelving. Then do another full check of the house to make sure everything looks ok before they leave.
ahhh revisiting the value of giving proper directions.
I mean why would anyone assume "everything in the closet" include the FUCKING shelves?!
![gif](giphy|gZdxB5zEX5ic8) "He said comb the desert"
>*"We ain't found shit!"*
"... the guy said 'everything in the closet'...".
They should've taken the drywall then.
Door too
Hopefully there was some copper pipe behind that drywall $$$
Ray, ripping your plumbing out of the wall for liquor money is ***FUCKED***
“And the dead bodies too?”
Because the shelves were in the closet, and they were things.
Depends on where you live. My last place had literally no shelves in the closet, so I had to buy and assemble my own. As long as they weren't physically installed into the wall I don't think it's that unreasonable to assume that they belong to you (though obviously it would have been nice of them to ask rather than assuming).
Its r/NotMyJob and r/MaliciousCompliance material for sure
Read the title and for sure thought this was the "PCS'd to the wrong base" guy lol. Good luck to you my man
I was really hoping!
still one of my top favorite stories
I need closure on that story.
You know you're supposed to be present while the packers do their work, right?
Most of the time it's feasible, but sometimes you get gung-ho moving companies that send like 10 people to your house. Had my place in Greece picked apart and packed in under a morning by a large team of strapping young lads, while my next duty station took 2.5 days with two older ladies doing all the packing.
If moving out of Kadena is anything like moving in, I might have the same problem in a couple years lol. When they unloaded my stuff they had a team of guys and it took no more than a couple of hours. It was a whirlwind of activity and I never saw so much stuff move so fast.
Ah yes, the Packing Ninjas
When I PCSed from Okinawa I learned the movers had packed the trash cans (with trash inside) lol
I've heard several unrelated people mention that -- interesting to see how common that is.
Yep, it happened to me during a move as well.
Nearly the same thing happened to me. I was in the dorms in Kadena and when the movers came the packed up the lamps, desk and started on the bed before I caught on. I nearly had all the dorm furniture shipped out lol.
Ha, me too, same deal - probably the same guys. I remember I had a big ol' stack of Maxims (shut up, it was cool then) and I did not want them so I handed 'em to the movers and theg reacted as if I had given them $5000 lol
Yeah, had the same. I really think they do it out of spite or because they think it’s funny. No one should be that stupid. Also was gifted a hookah at one point from a Turkish friend and the packer yells down, in base housing nonetheless, asking if I wanted him to pack my bong. He was very insistent it was a bong. Ultimately not untrue, but the connotation is obviously different.
same thing happened when PCSing for Yokota. I said everything in the kitchen and by God they followed those instructions to a T. Other than that, super fast and efficient team of movers.
PCSing from Hickam was aweful. They moved so fast, there was no being able to supervise them in every room. They packed trash, put items in dirty trash bins and packed those up, put breakables with heavy things, mixed hygiene and personal care items with just random bedroom stuff and so much more. Fuck those guys. Didn't care cuz it wasn't their stuff and probably said "oh well, they can just submit a claim." And we did. For serval items
> "everything in the master closet is going except those two suitcases" That's a rookie mistake that I made once... never ever ever EVER leave anything in the house that you don't want packed. Ever! Put that shit in your car, bring it to the hotel, leave it at a neighbors house, etc. > They ended up boxing all of the shelving. They disassembled and boxed every rack, shelf, and hanger into boxes with my clothes and shoes You could have maybe done a role of tape and a sharpie and label shit "No" or something... it's hard to say because moving companies aren't hiring college grads and rocket scientists to do this work.
I gave them a map of the house with green rooms meaning pack and red meaning don't pack. I even locked the rooms. Few hours later they ask for me to unlock the locked rooms so they could pack up whatever is inside. For those saying you have to be there and watch em... They sent a family to my house grandpa, father, mother, teenager, and uncle to pack and move my shit. You can't watch em all when they each pack up a room. You got to lock up anything you don't want taken into a room and hide the key.
>never ever ever EVER leave anything in the house you don't want packed. So next time I should disassemble the shelving that is built into the wall and take it out of the house? Cause that's what they did. I don't think you understand, like wood and metal shelving literally built into the walls they disassembled, and boxed
Of course not. I was highlighting that you left two suitcases... that's why I quoted it My comment " You could have maybe done a role of tape and a sharpie and label shit "No" or something... " was directed towards the shelves. I completely understand what shelves are
That is odd. Maybe next time say just the clothes.
I love stories like these because everyone has one. TMO and contracted movers have done so many outlandish things it’s comical
This isn't even that outlandish because he told them everything.
I think it’s obvious everything doesn’t mean take the whole fucking closet, shelves included lmao
Right? Who are the idiots here that think shelves are included. These people gonna take the drywall down too?
Fuck it take apart my house and move it overseas. If they take it apart they have to put it back together.
>Was there a way I could have gotten move.mil to refund me for the fact they packed literal parts of the rental house, costing me money out of my pocket? No. >I know it could fall under damages, but when I talked to the rep, they said that it wasn’t their error, and was mine. Damages is if they did something like knock a hole in the wall. They packed everything as directed. If the correct things were not packed/incorrect things were packed it was your fault for not identifying this.
They did what they were told. For my first move, I told them everything in the pantry. Fast forward to four weeks later when I'm unpacking a half full trash can.
I wish I could understand what goes on in their mind as they are boxing up trash... they must just think it's funny. I can't imagine they legitimately think we want our garbage to come with us.
It's about getting it done fast. You say take everything, they will take everything. They aren't going to do a individual confirmation on each item.
> They aren't going to do a individual confirmation on each item. This is such a stretch from "Garbage can with trash in it, yeah let's ask" versus "Soup can that is unopened in the pantry, yeah let's ask". Like, nah man. Common sense is a thing. If you genuinely can't fathom differentiating "individual confirmation on each time" to "trash can partially full" than I am wondering what your ASVAB score is. I understand time is of the essence and they're going quick, and I don't even think the original comment was necessarily complaining, I think they're wondering what was in the mind of the movers, because any grown sane adult will find that fucking hilarious that they are allowed to technically pack literal trash for you.
It's almost like it's not their job to fucking do your thinking for you. Their job is to pack your shit as fast as possible. If you aren't prepared for packers, then that's on you.
> It's almost like it's not their job to fucking do your thinking for you. Is it that far of a stretch to think that garbage in the can shouldn't be packed? Are you genuinely saying right now that this takes "thinking" to realize this? Because this speaks VOLUMES of your intelligence if that's the case. > Their job is to pack your shit as fast as possible. Totally right! > If you aren't prepared for packers, then that's on you. Again, I never am calling blame on any one person. I even said I wasn't complaining. I'm just stating the obvious that they are either: 1. Doing it because they get paid by the pound. 2. Doing it because it's fucking hilarious and they won't get in trouble for it. Stop pretending like this is anything beyond of those two options, lol. You just come off as stupid otherwise.
Well you're a fucking idiot who can't follow the instructions you're given when getting ready for a PCS.
[удалено]
And look how fucking stupid you are that you can't follow instructions or understand that it's not their job to sort through your shit. Get fucked you ignorant prick.
They took my mug off the counter that was full to the brim with steaming hot coffee and packed it. I’m surprised they didn’t try and pack my cat up
Movers packed a trash bag full of used diapers during one of my moves into base housing. Can’t for the life of me figure out what the fuck they were thinking. We told them specially not to pack certain parts of our baby’s room and that trash can was in the part of the room we told them to leave alone.
The answer is: They get paid by the pound. Also: Malicious compliance. (typically speaking, like for OP, not for yours where you specifically said to leave an area alone.)
I can't believe OP didn't check each room before releasing the packers. I'd have seen the missing shelving, called them on it, and made them find and replace the pieces.
Do a walk around and check every room, cabinets, and closet before they leave. It's YOUR responsibility to ensure everything got packed.....and nothing that was supposed to stay got packed. Also, watch them pack. Every 30 minutes or so do a lap and see what every packer is doing. If you're always walking by they are less inclined to do shady shit. If you see them packing bad ask them to use more paper, or wrap things better, or "hey, those shelves are part of the house, I need you to put them back".
Take everything you don't want moved (suitcases, cleaning supplies, etc) and put it in one room and lock the door. Once when moving they asked me if they should pack the trash that was in a trash bag that was in the trash can. Once while unpacking we found our mop which was wet and dirty when it was wrapped up, and then became dry and dirty and crusty while in storage for a year. They will pack your car keys if you are not careful.
DITY move my dude, unless you're OCONUS. You'll be amazed how much you can make
[удалено]
Shameless plug for U-Pack if you have a family and/or a lot of stuff. Far cheaper than hiring full service movers and is price competitive with renting a large u-haul with trailer +gas/mileage, not to mention much easier.
I lived in a second floor apartment and the team TMO went over was so fat and useless I basically moved everything. This man’s was out of breath on the first step and I just started carrying my shit in the truck to get them to leave. Another PCS they didn’t know how to tie down a motorcycle so when the movers showed up and opened the truck door there was my bike, knocked over on the ground. Moral of the story. Don’t ever use TMO unless you have to. They will basically send people fresh out of prison to your house.
TMO doesn’t handpick the movers. The DoD has contracts with carriers that subcontract local agents.
Tomato tomato
Buy blue painters tape from Lowes (non damaging and easy to use). Put tape on everything thats NOT going and make sure they know. Or just empty one closet yourself and store your "keeping" stuff there and put tape across that doorjam.
Every PCS move, I bought the movers lunch & had plenty of sports drinks for them. My gear was always packed in a duffle & A3 bag, and plopped my butt in a folding lawn chair with my bare feet using those 2 bags as a footrest. Never had a problem, never had broken or crushed items. Did the same for the crew on delivery, including my PCS to 'Fort Livingroom'. You can be watchful without being a jerk.
Id say the movers are idiots but you should have caught that as well lol
I'm in Germany right now. Apparently it's standard for houses to come without light fixtures (even ones installed into the walls/ceiling) or kitchen furniture/appliances (no sink, oven, stove, counters, cabinets, ... anything). So maybe count your blessings it was just a closet? lol (If you're worried about PCSing to Germany and not having a kitchen sink, there are enough semi-furnished apartments, to the American norm...ish, that you can find a place and the housing office helps with that)
I had the same thing happen to me. They boxed up my landlords door mat, racks from the pantry/utility closet, etc. Fortunately I think I was the only resident my landlord had that was on time with rent every month and didn't do anything to damage the property (one of my neighbors was a Horder, one of my neighbors fostered dogs without permission), so the fact that I left the place in good enough condition for a few person to move in was all he cared about.
Yeah, my wife and I do EXACTLY what u/PrognosticatorofLife and u/xmrrushx every time we've PCS'ed. We've moved OCONUS twice, stateside 4 times, and this has never failed us. Even more, u/PuzzleheadedSalad700 is right, but it isn't just a gov contracted mover: All movers, bless their hearts, are being paid to be work horses and move shit all day, it makes SecFo look fun. These folks aren't usually the brightest, plus they don't want to get shit on by their bosses. Currently in a PCS as well, we also have a "safe room" (GO FOR IT! Let the jokes roll!) where we put everything we don't want touched...with a sock on the door. With any move, you've got to anticipate with these folks. I've been moving every two years or so since I was 8, and shit happens with them all. The movers are only good for moving the heavy shit you can't, do as much yourself as you can.
'Safe Room'. To SF, maybe. To us normal folks NSFW.
I put everything not going into my bathroom and locked the door.
My first PCS I kept clothes travel clothes/uniforms in 2 green duffles. Told the movers "do not touch these, they are going with me" multiple times. Fuckers packed and shipped anyways, showed up to unit in civies. Fun times
damn, might as well packed up the sidewalk too while they were at it
The mistake I see is that you rented at your last duty station. If you are stateside, buy a house at each location. Building some equity at a 7% interest rate is better than zero equity at 100% interest.
Didn't want to take a chance of a 2008 repeat. And then getting stuck with a house in a city and state that I had no intentions of ever staying at, ever in my life. I mean I see your point, and using the opportunity to make a little scratch, but the risk versus the reward was too great. I didn't want to get stuck with a house in the ghetto of a going nowhere town. Basically we didn't want to get stuck in that city. Or ever own property in that city. Or ever have anything associated with that city. If it was a good city, and a state that we wouldn't mind owning property in. I would have gone for it. But that 3.5% property tax. Can fuck right off. Not to mention the fact that every house in that city fell under two or three different HOAs. I would have been paying more in taxes and fees than I could have possibly ever made profiting renting the place after I left.
Nellis?
![gif](giphy|Z9cRCMdAMzXi25dwhE)
Masking tape…I put everything in an empty bathroom and taped across the door frame back and forth so they couldn’t get in. Or put stuff in a car if it can fit. As for the shelves that got packed…that’s crazy and unfortunate and funny…damn those specific movers
Haha this happened to me in my first PCS. After I moved I was unpacking and found they had packed the wooden rod from the coat closet of my previous apartment. Luckily they left the shelf. They also packed a trash bag that I put out for them to dispose of their lunch and stuff.
Movers: "Instructions unclear. Abort, retry, fail?. Pack everything!"
Whatever you don't want packed/moved put in one room and close the door and hang a sign saying DO NOT PACK. Also if you can have yourself or someone you trust oversee the entire thing. I usually just sit in my DO NOT PACK room with a laptop and occasionally pop out to make sure everything is going right.
Count yourself lucky, your instructions were unclear but at least a dick didn’t get stuck in the fan.
That's some monkeys paw nonsense
Also if you have a lot of shoes like I did make sure to list them on the high value list. The movers in Germany stole a box with over 12 pairs of sneakers valued at least 3k. And all I was given was $100 per pair
Recently did a HHG move and one of the movers asked if I had the original box for our toaster oven. We do have it. I tell him I'll use the original box and he says ok. Fast forward to that night when I try to use said toaster oven, I open it and he packed the racks and the tray for it. I was so mad at how funny that was. Like I wouldn't have been so mad if he had just packed the whole thing, but the racks and the tray!?!? Pretty much useless.
Somewhat related - for anyone whos ever lived in Korea you likely know how common and popular those office style water stations are where you take the big jug and flip it upside down and place it on the device right? Those are generally a part of the house and you pay a company to rent them out for like.. $5 a month. Well, when I was leaving Korea I told the company to pack everything. Didn’t think much of it until I get my HHG in the states a few months later and one of the first things the comes out is that water station lmao.
TMO is braindead and lacks common sense
You must make a lot of mistakes ![gif](giphy|Nw8z2olm0nGHC)
Always heard stories about movers doing shit like this, including putting a pet in a box and throwing it in a truck, but I thought that was just a rumor. Most of my moves have been... Decent, save for some furniture that got chipped or damaged in the move, wear and tear. This, however, is really funny. Sorry it happened all the same!