We are counting down the days here in VA and stockpiling the things we want to go with our HHG. Hindsight being 20/20 and all that, I just wondered what some of you wish you would’ve taken with you.

More sheets and comforters (they are expensive here), long black out curtains, anything for decorating, the selection at the Nex isnt good and everyone else has the same thing. If you need any type of new furniture buy it in the states and have it in your HHG's cause the prices here are marked up and lower quality.

Check out these convos that took place a while ago: http://www.japanbases.com/forums/aft/2002.aspx

I didn't realize they would pack canned goods. I probably (seriously) would have sent a 1,000lbs of organic canned goods. But that's just me.

I think my "what I wish I hadn't taken" list would be longer. I brought too much stuff that took up precious space in my home. Keep in mind that if you live off-base, chances are you won't have nearly the room you would expect in the States. Think of this as an opportunity to look hard at your possessions and ask yourself if you *really* need to be lugging that clear around the world.

I wish I would have left my vaccum behind...

Some pillows, I forgot that I wouldn't have any with the loaner funiture.
Fan, it's hot here.

I wish I had not waited to buy a kitchen table and a bed for my son and had gotten them in the States and had them shipped with my HHG. Selection here is extremely limited. I wish I had gotten workout clothes - lots and lots in the States. The Fleet Rec store only seems to carry L and XL and any S and M either get sold out instantly or they don't carry them.

We just arrived here about a week ago and are getting our keys tomorrow. So far, I am wishing that we had sent pillows with out HHG because we will not get those with loaner furniture. I also haven't seen a lot of bedding items that are reasonably priced at the NEX like others said.

Unlike most people we decided to take ourn chances and we sold our living room furniture (couch and chair) and got something here. I agree that the selection is limited however, we asked about ordering stuff. They have a list of sites that the furniture store can order from. I had already found something that I wanted at the NEX back in the states. I saved the flyer and when I got here they ordered it. It will take it about a month to come in but that is no biggie for us. As for the price of it.... It was exactly the same as in the states.

Sorry to carry on and on.. Just wanted to tell you about that since I just found that out for myself.

The movers would not pack it but... I would have brought my mommy!! LOL okay um lemme see rugs, a new swimsuit, clothes, from somewhere cheap with a wide variety!! New bras... Um I dont have Japanese size boobs.. um other than that I think what I have is good.. Oh about the furniture thing. the movers broke my sons bed and we are still fighting for them to pay for his bed then we have to hunt for a new one!

*TheBakers - too funny! I plan to brush up on my sewing skills for that very reasosn!

All good info! Many people have said bring electric blankets and fans and such, which we have purchased. So are all of our electrical items easily converted in Japan? It was a little cumbersome in Singapore. Can you put a power bar on a converter safely in Japan?

Posted By The Lady of the house... on 07-17-2011 10:22 PM
*TheBakers - too funny! I plan to brush up on my sewing skills for that very reasosn!

All good info! Many people have said bring electric blankets and fans and such, which we have purchased. So are all of our electrical items easily converted in Japan? It was a little cumbersome in Singapore. Can you put a power bar on a converter safely in Japan?

You don't need to worry about the difference in voltage when using small items (except for alarm clocks.....leave those in the states).  Most items will run like normal here since the voltage difference is minimal (Japan is 100V).  For larger items like microwaves or convection ovens, you will more than likely need a converter box.  The ones the base provides may not be strong enough, so you'll need to check on that before you use 'em.

If you're an online shopper, you can purchase most things through the internet with ease, so I wouldn't worry about the little stuff that can be shipped.  I find that I can get better deals online than I did shopping in the stores, even with shipping costs (which most of the time I'm able to get free anyways). 

Now, if you're picky about home decor like rugs and furniture, then I suggest buying them in the states.  It can be quite expensive to buy it here, and you may not find exactly what you want.  We purchased a new mattress prior to leaving and all new baby furniture because we knew we planned on starting a family when we got out here.  We also bought a new tv, but found the prices at the NEX were the same for the same tv we purchased (and, with no tax!).  Just be careful about buying bulky furniture just in case you live off base. 

I also recommend treating yourself to a little clothing shopping spree because the clothes at the Nex are awful, at least they are at the Yokosuka NEX.  I never buy my clothes there.  You might have trouble finding clothes that fit off base unless you're exceptional tiny (by American standards) and not too tall (unless you like high waters  ).  I also find that clothes in Japan don't have much of a butt in them, so that could be a problem for some people that have more junk in the trunk.    Buying clothes online isn't always that easy since you can't try 'em on. 

Thanks Yoko-girl. I don't expect to be purchasing much in the way of Japanese clothing... I'll just leave it at that.. lol... I just love love love all the advice on treating myself to a shopping trip!!! I actually have been stocking up on some of that kind of thing since getting orders.

I am thrilled to know that most of my small electrical items will work without converters!

We downsized just about a year ago so I think we are good on the furniture thing.

Will we be okay just waiting until we get there to pick up a dehumidifier or should we do that here also? That is one thing we haven't purchased.

You do seem to have lots of good info, do you mind me asking how long you've been in Yokosuka?

Thanks again!

I heard that we are NOT allowed to ship over cleaning products? windex, clorox...true?

Posted By The Lady of the house... on 07-18-2011 7:21 AM
Thanks Yoko-girl. I don't expect to be purchasing much in the way of Japanese clothing... I'll just leave it at that.. lol... I just love love love all the advice on treating myself to a shopping trip!!! I actually have been stocking up on some of that kind of thing since getting orders.

I am thrilled to know that most of my small electrical items will work without converters!

We downsized just about a year ago so I think we are good on the furniture thing.

Will we be okay just waiting until we get there to pick up a dehumidifier or should we do that here also? That is one thing we haven't purchased.

You do seem to have lots of good info, do you mind me asking how long you've been in Yokosuka?

Thanks again!

What better excuse to go on a shopping spree, right?! 

Don't worry about bring a dehumidifier from the states.  They can be rather expensive if you buy a good one, and you get a free one here.  Plus, most Japanese homes have built in dehumidifiers in their wall AC unit as well. 

I would look into buying a humidifier though.  It gets very dry here in the winter.  I bought one off Amazon and I like it a lot:

http://www.amazon.com/Crane-Adorable-Gallon-Humidifier-Shape/dp/B000GWE2U6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1310952258&sr=8-2

This one works well, and it's really cute.  You might need one for your living room and one for your bedroom. 

I'm not sure if your last question was for me or not, but I'll answer it.....I've only been in Yokosuka for 2 years, but this is my 3rd time living in Japan.  I lived up on Yokota Air Base before.  Being my 3rd time out here, I had a much better idea of what I needed and didn't need coming out here.  Although, this is my first time living off base......and I have to say, I LOVE IT!  There are many options for people living off base, so I highly recommend looking at what there is to offer when you get here over base housing. 

Cleaning products....

You usually cannot ship cleaning supplies on any PCS move..... and light bulbs and batteries and money and when they packed up my house this time they would not pack my jewelry.

They wouldn't pack your jewelry? I've never heard of that! Our moving company packed unopened cleaning products, batteries, AND jewelry! I took pictures of the jewelry and had the "good stuff" appraised beforehand, just to be safe. But we didn't have issues with them not packing any of our belongings. They even packed open bottles of alcohol! We weren't expecting that one and were a little shocked . . .

Our housing office only offers each home one small dehumidifier. The large one I brought with us from the states has made a HUGE difference because of the way our home is set up and how large it is, but I live in Negishi. It sounds like you're planning on living off base so hopefully that won't be a problem for you. If anyone is planning on living in a larger base house, it might be worth it to bring one... but that's just my opinion. Even with the large one, my carpets, closets and drawers still feel damp from time to time.

Along with clothes, I'd say stock up on shoes! I have big feet and can't wear Japanese shoes and the base can only carry so much. I haven't had problems ordering online and having them fit, but if you're particular about shoes or need special sizes (large, narrow, wide) then add that to the shopping spree list!

Yes, I ended up bringig the good stuff with me and hidingthe costume stuff in a box with my son's toys.

does anyone else ever do that after the movers have left for the day, open boxes and put things in they won't pack like the batteries and lightbulbs. Last move I figured out how to move all those toiletries they won't pack. I wrap the bottles in plastic bags, tape them and then put them in a small box like a shoe box and then put the box in a suitcase. The movers just pick up the suitcase and put it on the truck.... then in case it leaks it goes in the suitcase and does not leak out of the cardboard box.

I'd be careful doing that because once your stuff gets to Japan it has to go through a thorough customs inspection.

Our stuff is going through customs now, but it got here a week ago.

Posted By Yoko-girl on 07-18-2011 10:31 AM

What better excuse to go on a shopping spree, right?! 

I know right?? My husband would probably disagree and state that I don't need an excuse for another shopping spree.

The humidifiers are too cute.

We/I definitely plan to house hunt off base. My husband keeps saying he wants to consider base housing but I'm not on that page at all...  

I can't wait to give those fish broilers a try. I want to experience their lifestyle. I’ve already done ours, you know?

As far as the other posts, it does seem to vary from one moving company to another. The company that is packing our HHG this time is willing to pack and ship things that we couldn't get shipped from west coast to east coast last year. Both HHG company and UB company are willing to pack our alcohol but it has to be unopened I believe. UB company will not take anything over a certain % so we are only sending a case of wine with them.

While it can be frustrating to deal with the things they won't bring, I think I would be leery of trying to sneak things in under the radar as well. I’d get busted for sure! All my jewelry is going in my carry on. I am more concerned about what to do with it once we get there before our safe arrives. NFCU doesn't have safety depoist boxes so that is not an option. Any suggestions for that?

The company doing our HHG will take all cleaning products as long as they aren't flammable. They didn’t even specify that they had to be unopened. The same with our toiletries (shampoo/conditioner and such). It could be a different story when they show up to pack I suppose.

I wish somebody would come up with some bright idea as to what to do with all the cr@p that accumulates in night stand drawers and end tables!!!  Ugh….

Good luck to you all. Counting the days here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is great information. My husband and I have 3 children we will be moving to Yokosuka from VA as well in November. I was wondering what items you wish you would have taken for your children? Also I noticed that school starts in August but in VA it starts in September. Has anyone started there children in school after the school year started? If so how did they adjust?

http://www.amazon.com/Crane-Adorabl...258&sr=8-2
I bought this out of desperation last winter b/c my skin here gets SO dry in the winter and I LOVE it. It's very quiet and provides great humidity. I had to buy it on-line but it is one thing I wish I had known about before I moved here.

NFCU doesn't have safety depoist boxes so that is not an option. Any suggestions for that?

The company doing our HHG will take all cleaning products as long as they aren't flammable. They didn’t even specify that they had to be unopened. The same with our toiletries (shampoo/conditioner and such). It could be a different story when they show up to pack I suppose. <!--?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /?-->

I wish somebody would come up with some bright idea as to what to do with all the cr@p that accumulates in night stand drawers and end tables!!!  Ugh….

I wouldn't worry too much about s/one stealing your fine jewelry....especially if you live off base.  I wouldn't leave it out in the open either, but I think as long as you keep it well hidden in your house, I think you'll be fine.  I'm usually paranoid about my personal belongings in the states, but I never feel that way here in Japan.  Japan really is very safe.....that's not to say crime doesn't happen, but it's nowhere near as common as it is in the U.S.

Our moving company packed pretty much e/thing......opened bottles of alcohol, shampoo, lotion.  We did get ourselves in a pickle when they packed one of those tubs of margarita mix.  It had opened inside the plastic pouch inside the tub and spilled all over e/thing.  It made for one sticky mess.  A lot of our stuff got damaged, too, since it leaked all the way through the box it was in.  So, just be careful about packing liquids.  You might want to protect yourself by putting them inside large ziplock bags if you can help it.  If it leaks, it will mold and make a huge mess.

As for all that little crap inside your junk drawer.....pens, paperclips, old batteries, etc.......TOSS IT!  It's hard to do, but really, if it's sitting in your junk drawer, you're not going to miss it.  And, if you do ship it, you're going to be mad at yourself when you go to unpack all your crap and gotta figure out where to put all that little stuff.  There's nothing more frustrating than unwrapping mounds and mounds of tissue paper, only to find old highlighters inside that don't even work anymore! 

Posted By Yoko-girl on 07-19-2011 1:26 PM

As for all that little crap inside your junk drawer.....pens, paperclips, old batteries, etc.......TOSS IT!  It's hard to do, but really, if it's sitting in your junk drawer, you're not going to miss it.  And, if you do ship it, you're going to be mad at yourself when you go to unpack all your crap and gotta figure out where to put all that little stuff.  There's nothing more frustrating than unwrapping mounds and mounds of tissue paper, only to find old highlighters inside that don't even work anymore! 

Love it!! Some people just have a hard time saying goodbye. 

I'd take it a step further... Anything you haven't used in the past year, sell or give it away before the movers come.  Your local church, Goodwill, youth group, neighbor, or recycler will appreciate it.  If you've gotten by for a year without it, you certainly won't miss it in Japan.

@ The Bakers: If you go into a japanese bra shop, they will size you if you ask. I don't speak japanese well enough to be direct about it, but if you point they understand. I'm a 34 D in the states, here I'm an 80 D. They usually have the smaller sizes out and about. However, look at the bottom, and you can find up to 120 E. Which I'm assume is huge.

Rae... Your post just read my mind.  We are in Northern VA and heading to Yokosuka Thanksgiving week.  I am ok with transfering during the school year but my concern is once we get there.  There are 3 areas to live and 3 different elementary schools.  I would hate to register him for school on base and then we live in another area and he has to make yet another change.

Well, I was really just being sarcastic about the stuff in the drawers. We were PCS’d from CA to VA just over a year ago after being in our home for 17 years! Believe me, I’ve been through the purge thing. I just can’t believe what I have already accumulated.

More and more stuff goes in the trash every day!

Thanks for all the input though. I think I will be getting that humidifier before pack day!

how long did your stuff take to get there from the time they took it away?

I completely agree with the nightstand horror. I just cleaned mine out today . i cannot believe how much garbage was in there. Its crazy how one little item can turn into a drawer full of nothing.

Thanks for all the info, They are coming to pack us out next month and this will really get m ready for my move, so...Thanks.

Posted By Chaunie on 07-23-2011 2:11 AM
I completely agree with the nightstand horror. I just cleaned mine out today . i cannot believe how much garbage was in there. Its crazy how one little item can turn into a drawer full of nothing.

I know right? The drawers are like junk incubators or something. It just multiplies and multiplies!!

Aloha!  

I LOVE the topic of this post and was hoping to get some more feedback since we are moving to Yoko in July 2012.   We have two girls, 9 and 4, so I wanted to be sure to include any "wish I would have taken" ideas for them as well.  Hoping to eventually get into Yoko base housing, but I expect that we will have to wait in off-base housing for a while.  With that, I believe we will not accept our HHG shipment right away, so any specific advice for the UB Shipment?  Are you allowed to include kids toys, like a play kitchen?   

Thanks so much for this website!
Robyne

I wish I could have taken all my hair products being african American women I haven't seen any products in the exchange unless I'm looking in the wrong place.

My garden stuff. Since it was our first time I assumed it could not be taken. I had really nice pots & birdfeeders etc. Selection here can be limited. Also stock up on any fave foods & HBA products (3 month supply). You may not be able to get it at the comm/nex. 3 months will give you time to find a reliable internet source.

Thank you so much to everyone!   Mustang Man - glad your movers were cool - this is great info!  Safe travels!

Posted By primatemom on 03-11-2012 9:26 AM
My garden stuff. Since it was our first time I assumed it could not be taken. I had really nice pots & birdfeeders etc. Selection here can be limited. Also stock up on any fave foods & HBA products (3 month supply). You may not be able to get it at the comm/nex. 3 months will give you time to find a reliable internet source.

Are we allowed to bring seeds/bulbs?  I LOVE tulips and my kids love growing things (tomatoes, etc), it would be great to know if we could stock up on organic seeds beforehand to plant when we arrive.