What to Pack when moving to Rota

WHAT TO PACK

Express Shipment:

A military move overseas is a similar process to any other permanent change of duty station (PCS) in some ways. Of course, you won’t have the option to conduct a do-it-yourself move. But the military will reimburse moving expenses, including the moving company, packing supplies, and equipment rentals. You must go through DPS/PPSO at your current station, and schedule you move on www.move.mil. They will help you contact a moving company approved through your local base, one that is familiar with military moves. To prepare for your move, you must first determine which items to take as luggage on your plane ride, which to send in your Express Shipment (Unaccompanied Baggage), and which to pack up with the rest of your Household Goods (HHG). The Express Shipment can be packed up a few weeks ahead of your regular household goods shipment, and sent ahead so that it should arrive in country around the same time you do. The weight limit for the express shipment depends on rank and family size, but is typically rather low and does not include large items or furniture. The express shipment will be your only personal supplies for your first few weeks in Spain, besides whatever you carry in your luggage on the plane. When you first arrive, you will be placed in temporary housing, so it is good to consider whether you will be in the Navy Lodge (which is like a hotel), in an off-base hotel, or in an actual full-sized house on base. Temporary housing is discussed more later in this chapter.

Here are recommendations for your Express Shipment:

-        Include clothing, shoes, and jackets for all family members. Consider what temperature changes will occur in the month following your move. (Seasons are discussed on page 70).

-        Include cooking utensils and supplies. Your temporary housing will include a small kitchen, so packing 1 large pot, 1 frying pan, 1 bowl, 1 baking dish, 1 sharp knife, and a can opener at minimum will allow you to prepare some meals in your room.

-        Include towels, bed sheets, and blankets for each person. You might not need these in the Navy Lodge, but you would in the other temporary housing, and since they are light weight, it will be better to have them than to buy new right away.

-        If you are moving during summer, send your beach chairs, umbrella, towels, and beach toys express so you can go to the beaches as soon as you arrive!

-        Send cleaning supplies like a vacuum, broom, dustpan, and mop.

-        Baby gear like a Pack and Play, high chairs, cribs, swing, strollers, etc. can be included in the express shipment.

-        Depending on the moving company policies, 1 TV can be included in this shipment.

-        Desktop Computer, PlayStation, Xbox etc. can be sent, along with games and accessories.

-        A small selection of toys, movies, or books should be included to entertain the family.

-        Air mattress, area rugs, trash cans, shower curtains, hangers, and a floor lamp will make life in your temporary house more comfortable.

-        Bikes should be included, if you have one, because it will give you a cheap transportation option when you arrive.

-        Send a small set of screwdrivers, wrenches, hammers, nails, and scissors so that you can do any minor household jobs before your household good arrive, and so that you don’t have to go through your whole shipment looking for the tools to open the boxes!

-        Keep in mind that your temporary quarters may be small if you are in the Navy Lodge. Don’t include furniture or excess items.

-        Do NOT include any food, batteries, liquids, or hazardous materials in your shipment.

Household Goods Shipment:

On the day of your main pack-out, a team of movers will come and pack up your entire house. You do not need to do much to prepare for them. Do not seal any boxes or wrap any items, as they are required to re-pack and wrap everything. You may want to gather similar items from around the house into one place, so that all books, picture frames, holiday decorations, or hobby supplies for example are packed together, but that is optional. The movers will label each box by the room it is currently in, with a very brief description of contents. You are allowed to go behind and write more detailed information on the box, to make things easier to find. Tell movers which items are high value, so they can be labeled appropriately on the “high value inventory.” It is recommended that you write precise and detailed descriptions for electronics and valuable items. For example, CD’s and DVD’s should be counted by number, the TV box should have the brand and serial number of the TV, and computers should have a brand and serial number, rather than just saying “electronics.” The movers will disassemble each piece of furniture to make it lay completely flat, and save the hardware in a separate box, or you can ask that hardware be put in a plastic bag and taped to each piece of furniture. Every item in the house will be at packed, so be sure to keep your personal items like I.D. cards, phone, computer, and purse in your car to avoid having them accidentally packed! Any luggage you intend to take on the plane should be put in an empty, clearly-labeled area so that it will not be packed. You can use a cleaned-out closet or bathroom for this.

Shipments from the East Coast often take 50-60 days to arrive in Spain. From the West Coast, times are usually 70-80 days. From Hawaii or Japan, it can take up to 120 days.

Appliances and Tools: You can send all your current small appliances in your Household Goods shipment, if you choose to bring them. Whether you live on or off base, you will be able to use them. Off base, it is easiest for appliances that can switch between 110 and 220 volts. If the appliance is dual voltage, it will say 110v- 240v on back of appliance. Phone chargers, TVs, and computers usually have this ability, but other small appliances like hair dryers, toasters, lamps, and vacuums do not. Small motors should be 50-60 hertz. If you are planning to live off base, you can use these items with a transformer, but it is usually better to purchase small appliances here so you don’t have to plug into a transformer every time. You can always resell them before you move again. But if you haven’t decided where to live, go ahead and bring small electronics and appliances. You do NOT need to send large appliances like a microwave, dishwasher, or freezer, as these are available from the Housing office for free. You also do NOT need to send American laundry washers and dryers. Base housing already includes a washer and dryer, and Self-Help will provide one if necessary for off-base accommodations. There is no hobby shop on base, so you should bring any specialty tools with you. Basic power tools and lawn equipment can be borrowed at no cost from the Self Help store on base, so it is optional whether you bring those tools.

Furniture and Rugs: Houses both on and off base usually have all tile floors, so bring any large area rugs or smaller throw rugs that you already have. You will need them! You may even want to purchase rugs before you move, since the selection when you first move is generally limited to what is available at the NEX or Ikea. On base, the newly-renovated 4-bedroom homes are spacious and have plenty of room for all furniture, with indoor and outdoor storage too. However, the older 2 and 3-bedroom homes are more cramped. To see floor plans of base housing, check the Welcome Aboard packet:

http://issuu.com/navstarota/docs/welcome_aboard_package_2013.

Then choose carefully which furniture to bring with you, and which pieces to sell before the move. In general, rooms in Spanish homes off-base are small, so in some cases a King-sized bed or extra-long couch will not fit. However, if you like your furniture, and are prepared to shop around for a house that accommodates it, go ahead and bring it. It is not difficult to find a large home, if that is what you want. Furniture selection in Spain is limited, due to the lack of hardwood trees. And furniture from the NEX is limited and generally pricey. Overhead lighting is also limited, so bring floor lamps and table lamps. There is a thrift shop on base, as well as an active yard sale web site for the base, if you need to quickly find or sell some items.

Firearms: Military personnel of ranks E-5 and above are authorized to ship firearms to Spain. However, weapons must be registered with the Spanish government, and are usually stored at the base Security Office armory. See the Welcome Aboard packet to see which types are permitted.

Christmas decorations: If you live on base, you may put up any lights and decorations on the interior or exterior of your home, as long as they cause no damage. Off base, you would have to use 220 volt lights, so American lights will not work. Live Christmas trees are sold at Viveros, (garden centers), near the base. However, they are not well pruned or nearly as pretty as Americans are used to. Fake trees from the NEX are extremely expensive, so if you already have a fake tree, you should pack it. Also, bring your tree stand, as they seem to be difficult to find.

Non-Temporary Storage: If you have furniture or items you do not want to bring to Spain, but are not willing to sell, talk to the Transportation Office of your current duty station about non-temporary storage. This is a one-time move of certain items, and storage should be authorized for the complete length of your overseas stay. That way you don’t need to fill up your Spanish home with things you don’t need here, but your goods will be available to you when you return to the United States. There are no storage lockers or rental units available around Rota for storing items locally. Non-temporary storage items will count against your total weight allotment for your move.

ITEMS TO HAND-CARRY

            These are the things you will pack with you on the plane, to have available as soon as you arrive on base. Essential documents should be in a carry-on bag, not a checked bag, in case baggage is lost during your travels. You may want to organize them all into a binder to keep everything from getting crushed, and make it easy to flip through documentation.

Have the following documents on hand when you arrive to assist with your family’s check-in process:

• Passport (no-fee passport is required for each dependent, tourist passport optional)
• Original and multiple copies of orders. Depending on branch, ensure the orders correctly list dependents
• Valid military I.D. for active duty and dependents
• Overseas Screening Paperwork for all family members
• Medical Records
• Birth Certificates, Social Security cards, and other I.D.
• Up-to-date Shot Records for children, and current LES (Leave and Earnings Statement) to register at school or CDC
• Travel Itinerary and all travel receipts, to receive reimbursement
• Vehicle title, insurance, registration, shipping documents, and keys, so you can pick up your vehicle when it arrives.

 

The above info is an excerpt from the book, 'Welcome to Rota.' It is based on the author's ideas, and information gathered from interviews with many people living at Navsta Rota. For official recommendations, please see

Naval Station’s Housing website:

http://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnreurafswa/installations/ns_rota/ffr/housing_and_lodging/what-should-i-bring-.html