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Thursday, March 8, 2012

Osan AB, South Korea Unaccompanied Baggage Tips

We received our unaccompanied baggage today! It was so nice to see a bit of home again after not seeing it for about a month and a half. There were some things we wish we would have known and packed so I thought I would dedicate this post to just that for those readers that are moving to ROK on a command sponsorship.




The following are tips for unaccompanied baggage from my experience and perspective:

1. Your allotment will probably be between 1,200 and 1,500 pounds. This is more stuff than you think so don't be shy about loading up. I wish someone would have told me to send most everything (that's not going to long-term storage) except for furniture. 

2. Liquids: You can ship liquids (bathroom, beauty, some food products) in this shipment but NOT in the main shipment so send this stuff. Make sure you put everything in ziplock bags – note: no matter how careful I was something spilled at least a little in almost all of my bags so pack accordingly.

3. Baby furniture: You can't send furniture but they will let you send the baby crib, highchair, stroller and carseat. I've also heard of some movers letting you get away with sending shelving. 

4. Send organization tools. For example it's great if you can send all of your kid's books but where to put them for 2 or 3 months while your household items arrive is a pain without something to store them on or in. Some places/things to consider org tools for: shower, top of the bathroom cabinet, jewelry, magazines, books.

5. Luxury items. You may be without your couch for 2 or 3 months so sending some luxury items is a must. We could have sent almost twice as much stuff (see tip #1) but for our luxury items we sent the Keurig, the margarita machine, framed family pictures, books, magazines and we brought all of our electronics (iPad, laptops, etc.). I would have also liked to have a couple of things for the balcony like a bird house/feeder and a pot or two. 

6. A little of home: I would also recommend sending a few items for a little of home and color - like candles, pictures, shower curtains, rugs, curtains, etc. If you bring wall hanging decor remember to bring tools, and hanging accessories.

7. Don't forget these items:


BABY
  • Baby crib, highchair, playyard, stroller, diaper genie and refills
  • All clothes, shoes, socks, jackets, gloves
  • Toys and books
  • We sent a few boxes of diapers, wipes, and baby food which was nice to receive
  • Stroller weather protector (you walk everywhere on base so everyone seems to have one)
  • Blankets, crib sheets
  • Monitor
  • Boppy
  • Bumpo
  • Changing pad and cover
  • Baby hangers (just leave all of your clothes hung for shipment)
  • Lamps / lighting
  • Clock

KITCHEN
Most everything in your kitchen that you aren't sending to long-term storage. We only brought 2 of everything and that'll be a little annoying to live on for 2-3 months. Don't forget:
  • Coffee maker, coffee mugs and to-go mugs, filters (if your machine uses them)
  • Dish / bottle drainer
  • Pitcher
  • Appliances (microwave, blender, mixer, food processor, etc)
  • Kitchen towels
  • Can and wine opener
  • Plates, bowls, cups (including wine, margarita, dinner and plastic)
  • Mixing and serving bowls
  • Cutting board
  • Trashcan 
  • Recipe books and box
  • Dish wand / Scrub brush

BATH
  • Shower curtain
  • Towels (at least 4 of each size each for extras)
  • Robe
  • Liquids (see tip #2)
  • Bath mat
  • OTC drugs and first aid items
  • Bath toys
  • Bath accessories (loofah, etc)
  • Trashcan

THE MR. & MRS.
  • All of the clothes and shoes you have for the season at least. 
  • Gloves, hats, jackets, scarves, ear warmers
  • Workout clothes and shoes
  • Undergarments
  • Hangers (just leave all of your clothes hung for shipment)

BEDROOM
  • Pillows
  • All bedding including skirt, shams, 2 sets of sheets, comforter and blanket
  • Alarm clock
  • Lamps / lighting

LAUNDRY / GARAGE / OFFICE
  • Trashcan
  • Iron and Ironing board
  • Any liquids (see tip #2)
  • General tools (hammer, screwdriver, etc)
  • Tape
  • Pens
  • Paper, post it notes
  • Envelopes
  • Thank you / blank notecards

LIVING AREA / MISC
  • Umbrella
  • All electronics
  • Small TV - you might be able to send a small TV
  • Living area blankets/throws
  • Lamps / lighting
  • Clock
  • Vacuum, swiffer, broom, mop, cleaning supplies
Good luck!

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