Tuesday, October 23, 2007

A True Moving Story

My husband told me of a conversation he had with one of his fellow service members on the USS John C. Stennis. I met this man and his wife a few weeks ago, very nice couple that I am looking forward to getting to know better.
This couple had moved here recently, and had packed their personal vehicle differently this time than the last time they moved....
Several years ago, they moved from the Norfolk, VA area. Their belongings were stored for a time before they arrived at their new duty station. When they arrived at their destination, their belongings did not. When they called the navy to find out when their household goods were to arrive, they were told about a "problem". Apparently, a levy had broken near where their goods were being stored, and had flooded the storage lockers. Everything was gone, everything!
People think that the navy pays for everything when service members move. Far from the truth, in the case of damage. The navy offers service members extra insurance, but if the service member chooses not to purchase it, then service members need to have receipts. If not, the military pays for replacement value at 2X depreciation.
In other words, if you have a tv that you bought 7 years ago for $700 and you don't have the receipt, you're doing good to get $50 for it.
This couple lost everything. The husband said that they actually did have receipts for many of their items. But, guess where their receipts were? Yup, in their personal goods shipment. Flooded, in a warehouse. Gone.
Moral of the story: When you move, be sure to pack your personal inventory list, pictures of your personal inventory, and most importantly, pack your receipts in the car and transport them with you!
For more moving tips, feel free to contact us for a free brochure.

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