Question for those serving . . .
SolidSqual
Posts: 5,218
Where and how did you store all your stuff? I am joining the Air Force and am wondering if all my stuff, especially my audio gear, will be safe in a climate controlled U-Store-It facility. Please bear in mind that it will be at least a year before I see any audio equipment again.
What are your experiences with storage facilities? What facilities would you recommend? Any good tips? Other companies or options to go with?
Thanks,
Mike
What are your experiences with storage facilities? What facilities would you recommend? Any good tips? Other companies or options to go with?
Thanks,
Mike
Post edited by SolidSqual on
Comments
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I actually got a good chuckle reading this, but with the AF nothing would ever surprise me.
Your stuff will be in storage with usually the cheapest bidder the the military gets contracted with at the time. Climate control, good luck with that one. I suggest that when you get your stuff into storage, in that you pull out the most insurance you can get. Take pictures of everything and write it all down, make sure you have proof.
Otherwise, you will need to pay for your own storage if you want something special. You might be able to get reimbursed for it, but you would have to contact your military advisor on that one. Maybe someone in the AF can give you a better answer, but you'd never get that kind of storage treatment in the other branches of service. Good luck... -
What did your recruiter say?:D
Seriously; through all the BS... I'd get a solid answer from him, or at least a contact from the housing/PCS department from wherever you plan on being stationed or deployed. -
Just bring it with you; I'm sure your barrack at basic could use a little HIFI!
I have some of my equipment (speakers and electronics) in a self storage place that isn't climate controlled, and I have had no problems with it there. Granted, there aren't too many weather extremes in the Seattle area, but a great experience none the less. -
What did your recruiter say?:D
Seriously; through all the BS... I'd get a solid answer from him, or at least a contact from the housing/PCS department from wherever you plan on being stationed or deployed.
I should clarify. I'm joining Air Force National Guard. So, I will be serving here in Indy one week a month two weeks a year after Basic and Tech Training. -
Do you have family that could take valuables while your are in training?
We did two years on Okinawa and left the really valuable stuff with our parents. Some went into storage care of the Navy and came out OK, but this was in San Diego where it just gets hot, not wet.
16 years in the Navy and so far no PCS horror stories. Some near misses however! -
I can't give you solid answer, you really need to ask your local office. If I'd have to guess, I think you might be SOL on getting storage through the guard, I believe that's going to be something you're going to have to cough up for the moment.
I personally never put anything in storage before I joined, as I used my parents house. However, I did put my stuff in storage when I was in San Diego, but it was all out of my pocket, and I deducted it from my taxes. Dealing with the military, or getting compensated is a process and you'll find out, a definate pain in the rear. -
I can't give you solid answer, you really need to ask your local office. If I'd have to guess, I think you might be SOL on getting storage through the guard, I believe that's going to be something you're going to have to cough up for the moment.
I personally never put anything in storage before I joined, as I used my parents house. However, I did put my stuff in storage when I was in San Diego, but it was all out of my pocket, and I deducted it from my taxes. Dealing with the military, or getting compensated is a process and you'll find out, a definate pain in the rear.
I expect to pay for storage myself. I just want piece of mind fromm some of you who have gone before me. I hate leaving my stuff, but I'm not going to let it govern my decisions in life. Leaving my stuff with the family is out of the question because they live too far away. -
woofiepaws wrote: »16 years in the Navy
Damn, 16 years in the Navy... I could barely take 5!:eek: You a Chief yet?:p -
SolidSqual wrote: »I expect to pay for storage myself. I just want piece of mind fromm some of you who have gone before me. I hate leaving my stuff, but I'm not going to let it govern my decisions in life. Leaving my stuff with the family is out of the question because they live too far away.
To tell you the truth, I just Googled storage places in my local area and went from there. The storage company I went with changed hands three times, and everything turned out just fine. I actually went with a moving company internal warehouse type of storage, made things easier for me when it was time to PCS. Depending on how much stuff you have, a small personal store yourself will be just fine, and I think there is the option of climate control if you'd like. -
Mike
When I had an assignment in Turkey, I stored about 70% of our stuff at a storage facility for 2 years. Everything was fine upon our return. I did cover all electronics in doubled-up hefty bags before boxing (just incase of water), and you generally need to consider what type of temps the stuff will be subject to, and pack accordingly. If your storage room doesn't have them, pick up some pallets--it's best to keep your stuff off the ground if possible. Clothing, canvas, stuff that can rot/get moths, etc; buy some of those vaccuum storage bags--they work very well. Of course make sure everything is dry/clean before packing, and I'd recommend wrapping all of it in hefty bags.
Hope this helps.Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2 -
Mike
When I had an assignment in Turkey, I stored about 70% of our stuff at a storage facility for 2 years. Everything was fine upon our return. I did cover all electronics in doubled-up hefty bags before boxing (just incase of water), and you generally need to consider what type of temps the stuff will be subject to, and pack accordingly. If your storage room doesn't have them, pick up some pallets--it's best to keep your stuff off the ground if possible. Clothing, canvas, stuff that can rot/get moths, etc; buy some of those vaccuum storage bags--they work very well. Of course make sure everything is dry/clean before packing, and I'd recommend wrapping all of it in hefty bags.
Hope this helps.
This is good advice. I am going to pack my electronics like they are being shipped to China on an open bow boat. -
If you are going to Basic/Tech School....I don't think that you have any entitlement to gov't storage.
That said, anything stored at gov't expense is going to sit in crates in a contracted warehouse that will NOT be climate controlled. All in all, it's probably safe enough but I've also heard the horror stories as well. There really is no need to insure anything stored at gov't expense as all claims will be adjucated by the military...so a private insurance company isn't going to do any good. DO make sure that you inventory and document what you store though.
The rules for ANG is different but I'm pretty sure that all you are entitled to under the JFTR is transportation for you back and forth to Basic/Tech school to your home of record.
BDTI plan for the future. - F1Nut -
I actually got a good chuckle reading this, but with the AF nothing would ever surprise me.
Your stuff will be in storage with usually the cheapest bidder the the military gets contracted with at the time. Climate control, good luck with that one. I suggest that when you get your stuff into storage, in that you pull out the most insurance you can get. Take pictures of everything and write it all down, make sure you have proof.
Otherwise, you will need to pay for your own storage if you want something special. You might be able to get reimbursed for it, but you would have to contact your military advisor on that one. Maybe someone in the AF can give you a better answer, but you'd never get that kind of storage treatment in the other branches of service. Good luck...
? Something change? Uncle sam doesn't store anything. You want to keep it, you store it. If it does't fit in a seabag, you'd better be wearing it as far as they care. I left it all at home. And my brother swiped most of it.:mad:"The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg." --Thomas Jefferson -
Actually, the rules are the same for all the branches. The governing directive is the JFTR which applies to all branches.
In certain cases, the gov't will store your property at gov't expense....in this case, I don't think they will.
BDTI plan for the future. - F1Nut -
Actually, the rules are the same for all the branches. The governing directive is the JFTR which applies to all branches.
In certain cases, the gov't will store your property at gov't expense....in this case, I don't think they will.
BDT
The only time they ever stored anything was when I came back stateside. They will ship up to a certain amount(by weight) and store it for a short time until they can be delivered to your new location.
They did store all my stuff that was on my person during boot camp.
And, as always, the DI was quite willing to "put my **** in a bag".
I don't think he meant storing it!"The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg." --Thomas Jefferson -
I saw the Navy ship some POV's back from Hawaii. Strapped 'em to the main deck.:D I don't think that fullbird with the red Corvette was anticipating HIGH seas:D By the time we pulled into SanDog, those cars were in need of SERIOUS detailing:eek:I refuse to argue with idiots, because people can't tell the DIFFERENCE!
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I have a lovely, smoke free, climate controlled living room that can house your gear free of charge. Really, I do.
~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~ -
SolidSqual wrote: »I should clarify. I'm joining Air Force National Guard. So, I will be serving here in Indy one week a month two weeks a year after Basic and Tech Training.
Well obviously you're gonna need a place to live. Keep your stuff therePioneer SC-37
RTiA9-fronts
CSiA6-center
RT55i-surrounds
SVS PB13 Ultra & PSW650
Monster Power 3250 amp
Monster Power 2250 amp
Monster Power HDP-2500 surge pro.
Denon 3805,CS400i,RT25i's & FX500i's sitting in the basement collecting dust -
It appears to me you are enlisting in the Indiana Air National Guard, not the "Air Force" National Guard. There's a difference. The "AF" National Guard doesn't exist. It might prove helpful to know exactly which organization you are throwing in with.
Good luck with everything man! And as a Guardsman you'll find you are entitled to about 1/30th the services that active duty folks get (except the getting shot at part). They're not going to pay you squat for anything regarding storage or transport of your goods. -
boy, I hope George is wrong, but I got a nasty feeling he aint. I wouldnt know
good luck Solid, and watch your arseLiving Room 2 Channel -
Schiit SYS Passive Pre. Jolida CD player. Songbird streamer. California Audio Labs Sigma II DAC, DIY 300as1/a1 Ice modules Class D amp. LSi15 with MM842 woofer upgrade, Nordost Blue Heaven and Unity interconnects.
Upstairs 2 Channel Rig -
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Studio Rig - Scarlett 18i20(Gen3) DAW, Mac Mini, Aiyma A07 Max (BridgedX2), Totem Mites -
George Grand wrote: »It appears to me you are enlisting in the Indiana Air National Guard, not the "Air Force" National Guard. There's a difference. The "AF" National Guard doesn't exist. It might prove helpful to know exactly which organization you are throwing in with.
Good luck with everything man! And as a Guardsman you'll find you are entitled to about 1/30th the services that active duty folks get (except the getting shot at part). They're not going to pay you squat for anything regarding storage or transport of your goods.
This is true. But, they will pay for my student loans and allow me to continue going to law school. Also, I'm enlisting as an intelligence officer which gives me security clearance. This will help me break into the CIA eventually. -
SolidSqual wrote: »This is true. But, they will pay for my student loans and allow me to continue going to law school. Also, I'm enlisting as an intelligence officer which gives me security clearance. This will help me break into the CIA eventually.
Um, JMO, but you might want to rephrase that last statement:pI refuse to argue with idiots, because people can't tell the DIFFERENCE! -
Um, JMO, but you might want to rephrase that last statement:p
No . . . they are watching. They know I'm coming. -
You go ahead and take them for all the bennies you can. Let them send you to every school you can stand also while on duty. Might beef up your resume afterword.
For what it's worth, I've had a Top Secret since 1978. More of a pain in the **** than asset. -
I would have the family keep it or store in a facility and have them come out every week or so to air the place out. From there you will be ok. If you ever decide to go active make sure you insure your gear through a renters insurance or something. Gov packers could and will care less about your stuff during moves, and TMO processes take forever.
After youre done, turn around and work for the gov as a contractor, thats where the money is. Trust me I know firsthand.Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!
Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580 -
I can break in your EP CS2's for you.
Stay safe man and good luck."He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche -
George Grand wrote: »You go ahead and take them for all the bennies you can. Let them send you to every school you can stand also while on duty. Might beef up your resume afterword.
For what it's worth, I've had a Top Secret since 1978. More of a pain in the **** than asset.
You're the first to tell me that. I have a whole slew of family members and friends who have pursued various intelligence careers and are extremely happy doing so.
If you don't mind me asking, why do you consider it a pain? -
My uncle John shares the same thoughts as George.~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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I ain't far away from ya, I'll babysit your gear. Maybe It'll be good for a RAS meeting.
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SolidSqual wrote: »You're the first to tell me that. I have a whole slew of family members and friends who have pursued various intelligence careers and are extremely happy doing so.
If you don't mind me asking, why do you consider it a pain?
The 5 year updates are a PITA, make sure you keep all your old stuff for reference. I could be wrong on this, but I think now you only have to go back 10 years for the updates...Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
