Out of Country Moving....

Good morning B.,

I'm a military wife almost at the end of our Journey and what a wonderful journey it has been. We moved twice to Germany. One of the first things you need to do is get passports for each of you, that is done through the military at no cost to you. I would advise you to get a civilian passport as well because sometimes you are not allowed to travel for pleasure with the military passport. I was told; I'm not sure of this one that you can't take your personal vehicle to Japan with you, I'm not sure of this one so please ask. As soon as you get your orders make all of the arrangements for transportation, they will be able to tell you what you can and can't take with you. Start downsizing now if there are some things that you need to get rid of. I know that Japan has limitations that Germany don't have. I'm going to try and add this link if not please google Camp Zama and look around there is a lot of information online.
http://www.usarj.army.mil/information/zama/personnel/Livi....

1. DECIDING WHAT TO SHIP:

You will receive Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders if it is determined that you are eligible for a Government-funded move. Once youve received your PCS orders, youll need to decide what Household Goods (HHG) you want to ship, what you want to put into Non-temporary Storage (NTS), and if you want to ship a car. The maximum allowable weight of HHG to be shipped is 4,500 pounds. You are authorized NTS of HHG during your 36 month tour of duty, and can ship one vehicle.

2. HOUSEHOLD GOODS:

You are authorized two types of shipment to Japan: hold baggage (unaccompanied baggage) and household goods. Japan is an administratively weight restricted area which means that your personal property of household goods shipment is limited to 4,500 pounds of your Joint Travel Regulation Allowance. SUGGESTIONS:

1. If you are traveling in the winter do not bring your spring clothes, ship them. You will be staying in temporary housing and your storage space will be limited.

2. If you are a single and/or unaccompanied person bring as little furniture as possible; your space, although comfortable is VERY limited. If you have a computer, bring your own desk. You will have enough space.

3. Almost everyone accumulates additional items during an overseas tour. Shipping light from the states will give you room to ship accumulated treasures home without incurring excess charges.

MUST KNOW *ACS does not loan out linens. Limited supplies are available from the the Housing Furnishing Mgt. Br. ###-###-####). If possible, pack some of your own linens in case housing becomes available before you receive your hold baggage.

3. FURNITURE AND APPLIANCES:

You are eligible for loaner of major appliances and furniture from the Department of Public Works (DPW). In any event, you should be advised NOT to bring major appliances such as washers and dryers, refrigerators, stoves. Due to the difference in cycles of the electricity, US appliances that use timers of any sort do not work properly here. Appliances that depend on clocks/timers will lose 10 seconds per minute (10 minutes per hour). Appliances with motors operate at a slower speed due to the 50 cycle electrical supply, but should continue to serve adequately. Freezers are not recommended for shipment to Japan since space is limited in quarters.

Because the houses, apartments, and the rooms themselves are often smaller here than in the US, many people coming overseas will store some of their furniture. However, think before you put items in storage. Can you do without these items for 3-5 years?

Special Note: You must complete and return the Non-temporary Storage Form included with the In-processing Forms section when you choose to store your furnishings.

4. ELECTRICITY:

IMPORTANT!! Average electrical current supplied to most Japanese homes is only 30 to 50 Amps, at 100 volts and 50 cycles. The average home in the U.S. is supplied with at least 100 Amps (usually 150-200), at 120 volts and 60 cycles. CHOOSE CAREFULLY the electrical appliances you wish to bring to Japan.

Most kitchen appliances will work well enough, but those that depend on clocks/timers will lose 10 seconds per minute (10 minutes per hour). Appliances with motors operate at a slower speed due to the 50 cycle electrical supply, but should continue to serve adequately. A transformer may increase the voltage from 100 to 120, but it WILL NOT adjust the cycles from 50 to 60.*If you live on post you will not need a transformer to use your own appliances. Leave electric clocks at home since they will not keep accurate time on 50 cycle current. Freezers are not recommended for shipment to Japan since space is limited in quarters.

5. SHIPMENT OF A CAR:

The rules have just recently changed to allow a civilian employee who is authorized, to ship a car back to the Continental United States (CONUS) even if one was not shipped to the overseas area. The old situation, where you lost your entitlement to ship a POV to the CONUS if you didn't ship one to the overseas area, is now gone. Check with your local Transportation Office for details.

There are restrictions on shipment of autos to some overseas areas. Military and civilian personnel who want to ship vehicles overseas must now present an original certificate of title or a certified copy of the title, according to U.S. Customs Service regulations. If the vehicle is leased or has a lien, the shipper must also present a letter from the lien-holder authorizing shipment. Vehicle Processing Centers (VPCs) will no longer ship POVs to locations outside the continental U.S. without the title and a lien-holder release letter. Center personnel have been instructed to hold POVs for no more than 30 days while the employee (military or civilian) secures the release from the lien-holder. VPCs will reject all POVs without the required letter of authorization from the lien-holder. Shippers are encouraged to review the MTMC pamphlet "Shipping Your POV". For general questions, telephone the MTMC at 1-800-756-MTMC or DSN ###-###-####.

So you've decided to ship your car - when should you do that? It can take six weeks or longer for the car to arrive at your overseas destination. Because there is no authorization for reimbursement of a rental car, you should put some thought into when it is best to ship your car. It is usually cheaper to rent a car in the US than overseas, or you may have a second car to drive in the US that you can't ship but can use until you leave. Many people try to plan on splitting the difference, to be without a car for a little while on either end. Your sponsor and others in the overseas location are usually good about giving you a ride for a while, at least until you get your overseas driver's license and your bearings in your new country. They aren't looking for second jobs as chauffeurs, however. When you finally pick up your car overseas, it must be inspected, and registered. You will be required to have proof of insurance, a warning triangle and a first aid kit (both may be purchased in the PX) to pick up your vehicle.

If you ship your car, keep and bring with you your stateside vehicle registration. Also, KEEP your shipping documents for the duration of your overseas tour, even if you replace the vehicle.

6. WHEN PHYSICAL EXAMS ARE REQUIRED:

If your gaining Civilian Personnel Advisory Center (CPAC) informs you of a requirement for a physical examination, treatment or immunization that is required by the position or your overseas assignment, you are to immediately make arrangements with the closest Department of Defense medical treatment facility at no cost to you. (For dependent family members: only the necessary immunizations required for overseas travel will be paid by Government; employee will pay the costs of all medical treatments or examinations for dependents). Immunizations required for any "personal" foreign travel will not be at Government expense.

Under certain circumstances you can be reimbursed for authorized examination by a private physician and expenses. These are:

1) No medical treatment facilities are at the processing activity and no federally-designated medical examiners are available; or

2) Workload at federal medical facility precludes scheduling a medical examination without a serious delay in processing the selectee for movement overseas. The authorization MUST be provided to you in writing by the personnel office or appropriate Federal medical officer before you can go to private physician. If authorized, you must obtain an itemized receipt for the medical services. The claim for reimbursement is initiated upon arrival at the overseas duty location. Reimbursement is not authorized if you voluntarily elect to use a private physician rather than an available Federal medical officer. Under no circumstances will accompanying examinations for family members be reimbursed.

7. PRIVATELY OWNED FIREARMS:

Privately owned firearms may be shipped to Japan, but shipment of handguns is strongly discouraged. If a handgun is shipped, it must be delivered promptly into the custody of designated military authorities who will store it, releasing it to you only for use in officially sponsored shooting activities or practice for such activities. Hunting and sporting rifles and shotguns may be imported and stored in individual quarters or the arms room , but the owner must obtain a Japanese gun permit to transport the firearms off post.

8. SHIPMENT OF PETS INTO JAPAN:

Pets may be brought to Japan as excess baggage on AMC charter flights (Category B) that land at Yokota AB or on commercial flights that land at Narita. Pets may also be shipped as commercial cargo to arrive at Narita. Shipment of pets is at the owners expense whether moving as excess baggage or commercial cargo. Excess baggage is usually the cheaper of the two. In either case, it is extremely important that required documentation be in order. Additional information on pets can be obtained from information provided in this booklet or under the title "Pets in the Life in Japan" Section of the USARJ/9th TAACOM Home Page at for U.S. ARMY IN JAPAN

b. Accompanying pets shipped as excess baggage may be cleared upon arrival at Narita provided you have all required documents: A rabies vaccination no less than 30 or no more than 360 days old, a veterinarian health certificate issued within the previous 10 days, and a completed USFJ Form 380 (Customs Free Import or Export of Cargo or Customs Declaration).

c. Pets shipped as air freight: The same documents required for pets shipped as excess baggage are necessary for those shipped as air freight. Quarantine and Customs offices are open Monday through Friday 0830-1700 hours. However, no new customers are accepted for processing after 1600 hours. On Saturday these offices are open 0830 through 1230 hours, with no new customers accepted for processing after 1100 hours. Sundays and Japanese holidays the offices are closed. If you hand carry your papers through quarantine and customs yourself, there is no charge, However, if you use the service of a broker there will be a brokerage charge of approximately 20,000 yen.

d. Pet storage charges: For pets left in storage at Narita pending clearance and pick up, the first 56 hours are free. Thereafter, feeding and storage charges accrue at actual expense incurred as determined by airport authorities.

f. USFJ Form 380: This document (3 copies) is required to affect

customs-free entry of your pet into Japan. For pets accompanying the owner as excess baggage on the same flight, the form should be obtained in advance through the cooperation of your sponsor. You should provide your sponsor with information; i.e, canine or feline, breed, sex, weight, color, age, and approximate value. Your sponsor can obtain USFJ Form 380 and mail the required copies to you. You must have properly completed copies of USFJ Form 380 when clearing Japanese Quarantine and Customs. If you do not have this form you may be required to leave your pet at the airport and return later with the completed form to affect clearance and pick-up. For pets shipped as air freight, you should report to the USA Veterinary Office, Bldg 681, telephone ###-###-#### after your arrival at Camp Zama to obtain the required USFJ Form 380.

g. Again, quarantine, customs clearance, and transport of your pet from Narita is an individual responsibility. Transport of a pet at Government expense is not authorized. However, pets accompanying owners as excess baggage may be transported in the vehicle from the airport to Camp Zama on a space-available basis provided there is no undue delay and/or inconvenience to the other travelers.

h. The local housing policy does not permit pets to be kept in temporary lodging facilities. You should coordinate with your sponsor to make arrangements to have your pet boarded at the Zama Veterinary Kennel.

This just might be too long, if so go to google.

Have a blessed move, Lenay

Can't tell you much about traveling and settling logistics, but Japan is an amazing place. The people are nice, impeccably dressed, wildly interesting, and the food is incredible. You may want to learn Japanese since many folks are shy about speaking English, and they'll respect you more if you speak Japanese. I experienced a little culture shock, especially in the area of gender equality/respect issues and crowded subway behavior, but other than that, I enjoyed it immensely! I would recommend a getting a book on Japan and it's culture, places to visit. Good luck!

I would call the passport office cause I dont know if you need a passport since the laws have changed since I was in the military.Especially sisnce it takes a long time for someone to get passport.The Army will come to your house a pack everythingt for your move.But if there are things you want to take with you make sure you put it somewhere that it wont get packed.You also might need to be updated on your shouts.Your husbnad should be able to find out what needs to be done but I would call and check on passports

I'm not sure how the Army does it, but in the Marine Corps, they will have you go though PCS (change of station) meetings so you are breifed on what you, and your child need to do and have before the move. Along with what you should do with your pets if you have any. I know there are shots that you'll need before you can go, and yes, passports too. With us, TMO will do an advance move on items that you'll want to get right way which they'll pack up about 3 weeks before you go and then come back and pack the rest of your stuff. They should also tell you about temporary housing that you'll get if an appartment or house isn't available yet and all that stuff.

Best to get on this all now. With only 6 months left, you'll want to make sure your Ts are crossed and Is dotted!! Get your hubby on the ball to find out what all needs to be done and when!!

Good luck and have a safe move!!
S.

I see taht you have received plenty of fantastic advice. Know this - the move is always a bit stressful but you are going to love Japan! I have lived there twice (though I am married to Air Force, I lived as a an english teacher prior to marrying) and I greatly enjoyed it. Practically all military I have talked with that have been stationed there just loved it, which was so surprising to me since it is so vastly different from western culture. The military throws money at you while you are there and there are plenty of traveling opportunities. Don't miss China, if you can help it.
As military, you have the best of all worlds - access to all things American including postage and food and all things Japanese off base. I hope you enjoy it as much as everyone, including myself. Eat and see everything!! happy moving!

Hi B.!

I was in the Air Force for 10 years and have moved plenty of times! I hope I can ease your worries!! First, the Army will not let him forget to get your passports or anything like that. Your husband will get a checklist to help him get everything done!! Just make sure he completes his checklist!! Ha, ha. I have lived overseas also and LOVED it!! I would go back today if I could. It is hard at first but remember you are going to a military base...they speak English and have been there for a long time!! Many people do this and there are procedures established to ensure it goes smoothly. The Army is spending a lot of money moving you guys...they will not forget about you!! A good friend of mine moved recently to Japan and the airline offered them a bed that connects to the window for their toddler. I would call the airline once you get your tickets and ask if this is possible or what kind of accomidations they have. The best thing about the military is that no matter where you go, it is like moving anywhere in the states. Everyone will help. Also, see if your husband knows someone there already or can get a sponsor of some sort. Jump online and see if the base offers a support group for spouses. It will help you to know people when you arrive!! It makes it easier to leave friends and family behind. Have fun!!!!! It will be great!!!

Idk about Japan, but we were overseas and I flew alot with my son. something that helped on the takeoff and touchdown were special "presents" I wrapped and he could open them during those times that he HAD to stay sitting. cereal is a great snack with not alot of sugar, I also made sandwiches and brought different kinds of crackers to eat and fruit.
Also, we would get up about every hour if allowed and go to the bathroom to wash our hands. 1, it gets him out of his seat, and 2 they do NOT disinfect ANYTHING, not even the trays we eat off of, plus he liked playing in the water, LOL. and bring your stroller if he still sits in one, they will let u check that at the gate. Also, I didnt pack a carryon suitcase, I packed bags, 1 of those was a backpack I could carry, one i could put on the stroller and I put extra clothes for once we landed for him. DVD was great but be prepared, they asked me to put headphones on him (even tho I could hear ppl talking louder than the player). He also like our Nintendo DS, he didnt know much what to do with it, but he liked pushing the buttons and they make cartoons for it as well. gl and email if you need any other suggestions and congrats on getting Japan!

Relax, travel and have fun.

Ask you hubby to contact his command in Japan and find out what you need to pack out. I've heard in some places in Japan you should't bring a lot of furniture because the size of the home, other places are a bit bigger. But you may need a storage unit here stateside. Since your son is 2 you won't have a hard time with him. Go to www.onestepahead.com for some great travel items, such as ear planes to help with the popping in his ears. Plan the flights. SNACKS. I always travel with toothbrush and baby toothpaste you can swallow, antibacterial handwash, wet wipes for your face, books, coloring, toys , movies and a portable dvd player possibly with a battery backup. They have lots of charger options for on the go and remember when you stop to plug it in. Snack wise i always bring lollipops that are for sore throats in the baby section. They are sugar free and have zinc in them. That helps boost your immune system a bit. Most of the candy I bring are sugar free because on such a long flight your child may have a sugar rush and no where to burn it off at. I do bring fruit by the foot and encourage them to be silly with it. I let them stick it to their face, whatever as long as they are quiet and entertained. Also plastic knives, I've travelled with an ikea knife fork spoon set and never had problems. Play doh is also great. My carry on was almost all snacks, books toys and video's.

We spend our summers in Greece, about 19 hours travel time from Norfolk, if the planes don't break, + travel from Atlanta . Find out your flights and their legnth and

PLAN PLAN PLAN

The flying is not at all fun. But bringing books about airports and planes and the sky, sun, moon and stars is fun too. The I spy series is awesome. Mazes too. If you can have a layover and get a hotel I can't tell you how much a bath and a bed can feel. Any layover have one parent stay inside and the other take your som to run. If you are on military flights going base to base than in each base airport they usually have a kids playroom with toys and dvd's. They are great.

Thats all I can think of for now. Message me anytime.

J.

I have never had to make a move for the army before, because of the nature of my husband's job in the army. However, the discussions on military.com is probably your best resource. Go to military.com and click on community and then discussion boards. There are several different topics to choose, and I often times see questions like yours show up there. They are a great bunch who have experienced just about everything possible with the military.

Good luck!
K.

B.,

Contact human resources, or whatever the counterpart is of that dept in the Army, and talk to them. Surely they will help coordinate things and have specific vendors set up that they use for moving, finding housing, etc.

My cousin has moved a few times to Indonesia, Hawaii, and Thailand. It's not easy, but I know she had help from the Army.

Good luck and enjoy the experience!

They should have an office on the base that could answer your questions for you. I moved several times when my husband was active duty and the military always made it pretty easy. Your son will have to have a passport. I had to get one for my son when he was 6 months old to come from England. I work in travel and here is a website that we refer our clients to when they are traveling:
http://www.state.gov/travelandbusiness/
It should give you information on what you need to travel to Japan. I would definetly try and contact your husbands base if you want more information. They should start giving him travel information in a few months though. Hope this helps.

B.,

Between my years in the Army and now following my husband's career, I have been stationed at 12 different Army Forts. At first the moves feel overwhelming, but now I actually look forward to them. We just got here last summer (2007), and we are already looking forward to and planning for our next move in 2010. My best advice would be to get yourself excited and try to research Japan on your own. If you have to move, there is no reason to dread or regret it, just get into the process.

We are Army, so I know that every base has Army Community Service and a lot of them have classes, brochures and information about every post. They have things you can download depending on where you are going. Also, they should have a briefing about your move, and you should go with your husband. There is normally a ton of information that the men don't find useful, but we do...like the type and size of furniture you can take. I will tell you that my friend just moved to Japan last year, and there were SERIOUS restrictions on weight and furniture. I would call transportation now and check that out. You will have to weed out what you don't have to have and store those things (the Army pays for that).

I am pretty experienced with moving, so you can feel free to email me if you want any advice about Army moves in general. Japan is an exciting move. I think you will love it once you get there!

Take care and best of luck with your move.

Hi B.,
We recently moved across the world with our (then) seven month old son. There's a lot to organize ... I'd be happy to correspond with you offline if you like.
I also have good friends who have lived in Japan, so perhaps I can put you in touch with them.
Cheers,
V.