Peak move season, get ready!
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Almost 65 percent of all DOD household goods moves are performed during the summer peak season May 15 through Sept. 30. Unfortunately, many service members who moved during last year's peak season experienced some dissatisfaction with the process. To improve customer service, many improvements ranging from simple things such as easier to find personal property processing office customer service phone numbers to more technical fixes like improved defense personal property system performance.
DPS has gone through many changes and upgrades to improve the moving experience since the last peak season. The web pages were changed to make the system more user-friendly, the speed and functionality of the system has been upgraded to decrease lock-ups and improve processing times, and the claims module has been redeveloped to enable easier navigation and faster claims completion.
Moving is stressful and any issue that impedes the move process places a burden on the members and their families. While this year may see some uncontrollable problems, such as driver availability, we expect the system improvements will greatly enhance the overall experience for DOD members. Below are some helpful tips to reduce stress, marginalize potential problems and make your move a successful one:
· Visit www.move.mil, review the "IT'S YOUR MOVE" pamphlets and other information under the "DOD Service Members and Civilians" section.
· Contact the personal property office at 754-6911 or the Lakehurst office at (732) 323-1008 as soon as you have orders.
· Be sure to bring the required paperwork into one of the personal property offices soon after completing the on-line counseling.
· When self-counseling and a problem with the system is encountered, contact the DPS helpdesk at (800) 462-2176 option 5. If a person has entitlement questions, contact the local office.
· Requested pick up dates must be at least three weeks in advance
· Provide both primary and alternate move dates and be flexible with these dates.
· Remember to obtain and keep numbers and points of contact from the transportation service provider conducting the move and keep in contact with them throughout the move.
· Contact the personal property office here for questions prior to moving, contact the TSP with questions after the property has picked up. If the TSP does not satisfy concerns, contact JPPSO-NJ Quality Control Section at 562-2681.
· Move dates will be confirmed by your TSP within 10 business days after paperwork has been provided to the local PPPO.
· Never schedule a pickup on the following days:
- Closing date of a residence
- The last day of residency in an apartment or the day of termination of a lease
- The day a cleaning crew is to start cleaning
Another move option to consider is performing a personally procured move. These moves allow service members to control their own move dates and avoid any delay between arriving to a new assignment and receiving their personal property. Members are also reimbursed 95 percent of the cost of a government move.