Tips When Moving Your Household Goods (HHG)
Carrier Pickup of your HHG
When the carrier arrives at your home and begins packing your HHG be prepared to check the helpful items noted in this article. The Inventory List is the document used to list your HHG. It is filled out by the carrier driver listing your boxes and other stuff. The inventory list identifying your HHG and the condition of each item at the time of pickup must be signed by the driver and you.
"It's Your Move" Pamphlet (PDF 130KB click to download)
Read Inventory List before you sign it
You must read the inventory list carefully before signing it.
- As boxes are being packed, ensure valuable items being packed are listed on the inventory
- Ensure all items not in boxes are listed on the inventory
- If you have "crystal" contained in a box, ensure it says "crystal" and not "Kitchen Items"
- Ensure description and condition of items are complete and accurate, i.e., 46" Color TV, model, year manufactured, serial number, condition.
- Closely look at symbols for preexisting damage (PED) explained in the top-right corner of the inventory list, i.e., "BR 2-4-5-3" indicates that the item is "broken, bottom front left corner"
- PED is entered on the inventory for preexisting damage from your HHG by the packer. If the inventory is inaccurate, you must tell the carrier representative. Notate such discrepancies on the inventory list by the proper line number identifying the item in question in the space marked exceptions.
Carrier Delivery of your HHG
When the carrier delivers your HHG, the driver will give you a copy of your inventory list for you to check off the line items as they are unloading the truck. When you see any damage from the line items, i.e., crushed box, broken dresser leg, circle the line item on the inventory list.
DD Form 1840, Joint Statement of Loss or Damage at Delivery (pink colored form)
All line items you find damaged and/or loss you must list the items on the DD Form 1840. If you need more space, check the continuation box and list additional line items on a separate piece of paper.
- The inventory line item, i.e., 147
- Name of line item, i.e., Sofa
- Description of loss or damage, i.e., Sofa missing or Sofa right leg broken, tear right arm
Do not allow the carrier representative to convince you that you may list any damage or loss later. Enter all loss and/or damages you find at time of delivery. You will then sign the form. acknowledging that you understand that you have 70 days to list any further loss and/or damages on the back of this form and to give it to the nearest military claims office.
DD Form 1842, Claim for Loss of or Damage to Personal Property Incident to Service
You must submit your DD Form 1842 with supporting documentation of your claim within two years of the date of the your HHG delivery date/incident. This two year limitation may not be waived. If you exceed the two year statute, your claim will be denied. It would be to your best interest to file your claim as soon as you can.
DD Form 1844, List of Property and Claims Analysis Chart
This form is very important and requires detailed information to process your claim. When information is missing it will delay your claim process. the following information needed for each line item listed:
- Line No., start with 1 for the first line item
- Qty, list how many
- Lost or Damaged Items, describe the item fully
- Inv No., list the line number from the inventory list
- Original Cost, the amount you paid for the item
- MM/YY Purchased, enter the month and year, if missing it will effect the amount paid
- Amount Claimed
- Repair Cost, must show the repair cost from a repair company, or
- Repl Cost, must show that the item cannot be repaired from a repair company
Do You Need a Claims Packet?
Marines that are not close to a Marine Corps Base should call HQMC and request a claims packet be sent to you. Please call the Personal Property Claims Office (MRM) at (703) 784-9533 or DSN 278-9533 to request a claims packet. If you have access to the internet you can also download a claim packet at www.manpower.usmc.mil and click on the "Personal Family & Readiness Division, MR" link and then click on the "Personal Claims" link.