5 Tips for Receiving and Unpacking HHG
Every time I receive news that we’re going to PCS, my mind focuses solely on how we’re going to get to our next duty station, what things I’ll bring, and what household items I’ll watch be packed and shipped away. I rarely put time into deciding how I’ll tackle the challenge of receiving HHG and going about unpacking putting everything away. Watching box after box come through the front door and garage can be overwhelming, especially when standing in a new house that you’re unfamiliar with.
After my third PCS, I’ve finally developed a system that allows me to handle delivery day:
1. Find the inventory sheets.
Before the movers arrive to bring in the boxes, find the inventory sheets from when your things were packed. You’ll want that out so you can check off boxes as they come in and inspect any big items like furniture that may have been damaged. Know you have 75 days to claim anything that has been broken or no longer works since being packed.
2. Sort boxes by room and location.
Begin by sorting boxes by room or location in the house. Don’t feel shy about instructing the movers to put boxes where they need to go. After all, that’s part of their job, and it’ll make unpacking much easier when items are near their final resting place. All the movers to put together any furniture the other crew took apart. This is also part of their job and will save you time!
3. Open the most necessary items first.
After all the boxes and furniture are in the house, with everything accounted for, begin opening the most necessary items you’ll need right away. Your movers are also required to help with this step, but if you prefer to do it yourself, you can sign off that you didn’t want them to unpack anything. I start with the kitchen, then move to the bedrooms. Personally, having my pots and pans set up is a necessity; others may consider having beds assembled and made the most important first step. Remember, however, you don’t need to unpack everything and decorate your house in one day.
4. Get things in order.
The next day, focus on getting the big things in order, like tables, chairs, and couches. Getting the entertainment stand set up was high on my husband’s list of things to get done the next day. At first I thought that was a ridiculous idea, that there were more pressing things for us to focus our time on. But as we unpacked our house, having relaxing music in the background or turning on a show for our daughter to keep herself occupied really helped. So if your partner suggests putting the TV together, don’t hesitate. It helps to be able to settle down and watch a movie even if your house still isn’t put together.
5. Finally arrange the decor.
The very last thing I touch in the house is our décor. For an entire week our pictures and wall art lean against walls as I spend time looking around the house, deciding what I want up and what can go back into the box.
As you’re preparing to PCS, just as you make a list of what goes on the truck and what goes in the suitcase, also decide what is the most important room to be unpacked first, and what things can wait a couple of days. Most things you can’t plan as a military spouse, but you can plan how you want to unpack your house. The most important thing to know is that there is no rush and unpacking can take a few days instead of a few hours.
