VALUABLE TIPS

1. Have expensive and valuable items (e.g., artwork, collectibles, heirlooms) appraised. The Government does not pay for the appraisals, but consider this part of your investment in the event of loss or damage. Attempt to locate original purchase receipts for your more expensive items and keep them separate from the rest of your shipment. Consider using a video camera or taking close-up pictures to record the condition of your furniture, working condition of your stereo, television and the actual appearance of your expensive and/or valuable items prior to the HHG pack/pickup dates. This could help in the event you must file a Loss/Damage Claim.

2. Do not ship small, extremely valuable items such as stocks, bonds, jewelry, coins/coin collections, and items of great sentimental value such as photo albums. Pack them in your suitcases and hand-carry them, as well as your purchase receipts, pictures, and appraisals.

3. Protecting Your PII on International Shipments. Public Law allows for certain data elements on an ocean vessel manifest that may contain PII to be shared with parties outside the DoD. To protect your PII, visit the Official DOD Customer Moving Portal, select “Moving Guide”, and click on “Overseas Moves (OCONUS)”, and then download the “Vessel Manifest Confidentiality Request Form”. Once completed, send it to the email address identified on the form. Approvals can take up to 90 days to process, but once approved, it is good for 2 years.

4. Tipping and/or supplying meals, snacks, or other refreshments to moving company representatives is discouraged. Providing monetary tips and meals as a “cost of doing business” sets unrealistic demands on service members and civilian employees least capable of providing this “service.” Please report any TSP requesting or requiring a tip to your Joint Personal Property Shipping Office (JPPSO) for possible punitive actions.