Should It Have Stayed or Should It Have Come?

Packing for a big move stinks. As often as I've done it, I continue to make tragic decisions about what to pack. While I'm hunched over a sea of cardboard boxes, I inevitably pack for the perfect version of myself. The Meredith who will read all ninety of these books. The Meredith who will fit in these here clothes. You know the ones. The Meredith who will need every last cooking utensil and platter because she will entertain with all sorts of pizazz and ease. With every move you get to start over which I dig. However, I need to learn not to start over while I'm packing because the Meredith that arrives in her new home is going to stomp her angry feet over decisions that were made for her in a delirious moment back in that last house. She will not for a second appreciate that midnight decision to retire all her hooded sweatshirts because for a fleeting moment they didn't seem grown up enough.

Other than packing most of my professional wardrobe despite not having a plan to work, we did fairly well overall. If I knew then what I know now about Okinawa, I would not have packed a wool coat or any vaguely winter attire.

And on the flip side, I would have packed anything and everything cotton or breathable or summery, because no matter how hot people told me it was, I didn't really know because I have never been this hot EVER.

Also, we were encouraged not to bring any of our furniture. We obliged and I'm not sure I would make that choice again.

And your thoughts?

Comments

[Lady K]

Well, we brought almost EVERYTHING, but like Kelly G. we aren't military so I think we aren't as limited on weight of crates. We have most of our furniture but were burned byt the fact that we had a MISSING CRATE that was never found. We were reimbursed for the entire cost of the contents and have replaced just about everything but it was a huge pain in the ARRRSS and took us a while to do it.
Before our next move in '09 we need to purge our closets and a huge cabinet in the living room.
We did bring winter coats and to make sure that decision wasn't in vain we are planning on going to Austrailia summer '08 where it will be winter.

[Julia]

We pretty much brought everything as well except for some really sentimental stuff like my wedding gown and wedding album...things that I considered irreplaceable. I think we are the anomaly though as we probably didn't own as much stuff as other people since we were coming from an 1100 sq foot space. The place we are renting now is about 1300-1400 sq feet and that was an upgrade for us but I know friends who had to store things as that is a huge downgrade for them.
We ended up going to Sapporo for the Snow Festival last February so we were really happy that we brought our winter gear. For the most part the winters here are more like Fall weather with the temperatures going down to the upper 40s or low 50s. That only lasts about 2 or 3 months. I DID pack my leather jacket which I used last winter but just discovered molding in my closet. YUCK! Luckily it's getting old so it's not bugging me that much.
We had no issues with our shipment and IF there was any damage it must have been minimal since I can't remember.

[Mdavis]

Hello all:)

I have not posted anything on this website, but I have been reading here for quite some time. I love coming here and reading what yet lies in store for us. We have orders to Okinawa sometine later this year, and I am thrilled. We were there about 7 years ago (I went along with my husband unaccompanied), and now, 2 kids later, we are ready to go back again! This is the exact topic I am having some trouble with. We too were told to leave all furniture behind. We have also been told by some people to take your bed and couch if you are attached to them. Well, I am attached to everything and the thought of taking as little as possible bugs me to say the least. I just know as soon as I unpack all my stuff I will need the one thing I left behind. So, I have decided on a few things. First off, I want my bed!! It's a queen. I really don't want to give that up if possible. I have also decided on bringing a few wooden cabinets, nothing fancy or irreplaceable. I remember storage closets and cabinets being a big problem off base(we are aiming at off base housing if possible), and maybe this would help with storage.

I am also at odds as to whether or not to bring my daughters' outdoor playhouse, one of those plastic ones. It was a Christmas gift for them and I really don't want to leave it behind because it just seems like a waste. They will have outgrown it by the time we are back stateside. We going to do our best to find a place with a small yard if possible. I figure at worst we can bring it and sell it if we end up not having room.

So anyways, I was just wondering on what furniture you guys would have taken if you knew then what you know now. Also, what time frame is expected in receiving your household goods?

Thanks for all the information. This is a great site!

[Chun]

I would bring your bed and sofa. These are things you will be using everyday and unless you get lucky, you will get used stuff which I think is a bit suboptimal. Also, Mdavis, I recommend bringing the play set especially if it is plastic and light. Once you go back, your kids may outgrow it. Also selling it here is pretty easy as most people on base will have a yard. Also DO NOT bring any leather coats, they will mold up! Leave the dining room set as the one they give you is adequate. I would leave the cabinets b/c I think most American style places have alot of cabinets. Also the household goods really depends on when you sent it. We shipped it I think in June and when I got here in Sept it was waiting for me. Of course the summer is busier so expect more of a wait.

[downtownjuliebrown]

Glad to hear that you like the site! Its nice to know someone is benefitting from all the info. I brought my king size bed which I am greatful for because gov furniture only offers full size ones. Other then bed and comfy sofa however, I'm glad we did government furniture for the rest. The reason being that it allowed us to pick up some nice furntiure pieces from the gift shop, etc here. Everyone is always afraid of being over the weight limit when they go home so I'd rather have furniture I can't find other places to bring back.
They do have plastic playhouses here but the new ones I think are pricey. You can get a used one however for a fairly decent price from someone PCSing out.(For used stuff check out the flea market article on this blog) On base, all electricity is american but you will need transformers for major appliances off base. I am also glad that we brought our computer, dvd player, gamestations,and dvds. These are hard to get in Japan as they use region 2 dvd players as opposed to region 1 and the selection at the BX is expensive and lousy.
In terms of shipping time for us it was 30 days or so for the little shipment and 90 days? for the big one. In the little shipment I would include computer and TV.

[mereditz]

Mdavis,

So glad you reached out to us. Let us know if there's more your struggling with that we might be able to throw out to the community here!

We brought our queen sized bed and while it takes up most of our room, I don't regret it. I agree on the extra shelving for storage. We ended up buying three shelving units to store our kitchen and entertainment stuff because we hadn't brought anything. However, not sure what would have fit since we are pretty narrow in our Japanse house.

I'd also agree with bringing the outdoor playset for your girls. Why not? Not heavy.
They'll use it and if not someone here will definitely buy it.

OUr shipment took less than three months to arrive. We bought futons and survived on lots of empty space for a good while.

[Mdavis]

Thanks so much everyone for all the responses. That is definitely helpful. I am so excited and can't wait to get on the island again:)

Now I just have to decide on all the little household stuff that will go or will be left behind.

Have a wonderful Holiday Weekend everyone!!

[Jen]

We brought our couch and chairs - I am glad we did - we had no plans for the couch to make the trip back. We also brought our king sized bed - VERY glad we did - we live on base - it takes up most of the room but... a good nights sleep is worth it. The rest of the furniture is fine - what I would advise is SHOP TIL YOU DROP if you have kids. My kids were under 2 when we came and I bought all the summer stuff I could when it went on clearance in the fall before we came - I brought TUBS of clothes for them. I am glad I did.

[Meredith's Joe]

This makes me think of the George Carlin bit about a persons stuff. How you have important stuff and when you go on vacation you pack your suitcase with really important stuff. Then you pack for a day trip while on vacation and pack a hand bag with the really really important stuff. Well, the bit went something like that anyway.

I agree with Mere that we probably left too many needed things (shelves, furniture, etc,) behind, and brought too many things that we would never find the time to use (Apparently I planned to play somewhere in the neighborhood of 75 different old video game in my three years.)

Weight and space being the major factors, I would bring things that dont take much of either without worrying. I would also say that living on or off base is a question that needs answered while packing. I think MEre and I had a bit of an illusion that we would live on base (and on any given day one or both of us still does) and we didnt antipate how much space our queen size bed would eat up.

Don't don't don't bring irreplaceable stuff. You can live without it for three years and Julia was right on when she left behind those items.

Of course the stuff you forget just opens opportunitty to shop your face off! Maybe its best to 'forget' a few things that you wanted to replace anyway. :)

[Lan]

Wow! What a great discussion topic! Just adding my 2 cents:

We were warned about the humidity levels here damaging photo's, furniture, clothes, etc., so we didn't bring anything that wasn't going to stay once our tour was up. But once we realized how westernized housing units are in terms of airconditioning and dehumidifiers, I regretted not bringing any beloved photos. As a result, I ended up having my friend ship me a big box of framed pics that we left behind and that put us back at least $100 bucks for shipping. So yes, humidity can cause damage (sorry to hear about Julia's leather jacket!), but we haven't had any problems at all in our home.

Another mistake we made was not packing our television in the short-term (is that the right term?) shipment, so we had to wait a long 3 months before our long-term shipment came to watch programs on our regular television. That was difficult w/2 small children!

And once you arrive, be sure to have budgeted some moolah for moving-in expenses as you'll discover the wonderful DIY and 100 Yen stores here and will buy loads of storage shelves and baskets and gadgets that only the Japanese can think of (i.e. double-stacked dish drainers, drain liners, trashcan organizers, etc.).

[Yolanda]

Hi, i have a question. We keep hearing about how not to bring our leather jackets but we are coming from Misawa Japan and we can't just leave our stuff here. Do you know if there is anyway to find out what the actual damage will be to our leather jackets or how we can store them. i know it's not cold and we don't need them but we will be bringing some winter jackets since we'll be going to the states during the winter. I suggested to my husband we should just sell them but he really likes his, so I don't know. Could you help me with any information you might have on this. Thanks :o)

[Lan]

Hi Yolanda,
I have had no problem with my leather jacket in my home. Humidity will cause it to mold, so in the summertime, I would just keep your leather jackets in a room where the dehumidifier or air conditioner will be used often. The BX/PX's here on Okinawa also have nifty items that will "soak" up moisture from the air, thus reducing the likelihood of mold forming. Hope this helps! Lan

[Jennifer]

What is off-base housing like? I'm assuming we'll have to live there for the first year or so. (we're arriving mid-July) We have 2 small kids and 2 big dogs. Do they have yards? Room for the outdoor kids playhouse/sandbox/slides? And any additional tips on what to pack in the fast vs slow shipment is appreciated.
Thanks!

[Julia]

Hi Jennifer,

I live near Camp Foster and spend most of my time in the area around here, Lester, and Kadena. Most of the off-base housing that I've seen are apartment buildings or attached homes. There are some stand alone homes in the Kadena area by the seawall that have small front yards. Other than that I haven't seen any homes with yards with the exception of one friend who has a small yard in the back. The place that I have actually has a rooftop deck that we put a play structure out on but it turns out that I'm rarely up there since the parks and playgrounds are so great out here.

Have you checked the post on whether or not to live on or off-base? There are several links to housing agencies which have photos of some of the off-base housing available.

Hope this helps.
Julia

[Snuffleupagus]

Off Base Houses run the gambit from small Japanese style to large 2000 sq ft, American Style homes with large yards. Tokozato housing is always building large American style homes with American outlets.

Some items to bring in your "fast" shipment:
1. Tools: Hanging things up, fixing minor things, etc.
2. Cleaning Products.
3. T.V.
4. Sheets, Pillows, Towels
5. Pots, Pans, Utensils
6. Folding Chairs (Unless you can sneak on your couch)
7. Stuff for the kids; toys, cribs, etc.
8. Fishing Poles (But that's just me.)

These are the items you may have to live with for 60-90 days before your "slow" shipment arrives.

[April]

I am so glad to have come across this site. My family and I are moing back to Okinawa. My husband and I met on Kinser while I was on Active Duty. Now I get to go back as a dependent with our two little girls.
My husband asked me to consider leaving all our furniture behind. After reading your all of your wonderful input, I am taking the items I can't live w/ our our beds, living room set, TVs, and I just don't know what yet.
Again, I am so glad to have found this site. I have so many questions and concerns about going back to Oki.

[mbwilliams]

I am so glad that I found this site. My husband is considering a job offer. I have never lived any where but in Florida I am excited but also a little nervous.

[mereditz]

Let us know if you have specific questions as you plan your move!

[kellyerace]

I just remember wishing we'd brought a cordless phone. They didn't sell them at the PX when we came here a year ago. We had to wait a month or two before we got one from the states. I'd forgotten what torture being chained to the phone is.

To mbwilliams: Come on over!

[Jennifer]

I'm so excited, our express shipment goes out in less than 2 weeks. Now, how easy is it to buy furniture there? Before we knew we were going to Okinawa, we promised to replace the sagging sofa( it's now hard to get out of even though I'm not pregnant)and to replace our bed. We'll definitely stick with a queen, and if there are good stores there just as happy to buy there and not have to wait for shipments or, should we purchase here and have it go out with the slow shipment?

[chunkychun]

There are some funiture stores on and off base but the selection is limited. I would look back in the states first.

[Jennifer]

The movers come tomorrow, almost everything is divided for stay and go, the last item to be decided is bookcases. Is that something that gov't has available, or should we bring? Thanks!

[downtownjuliebrown]

Hey,
Govt furniture allows a limited number of bookcases (2, I think). They are pretty sturdy but we have a lot of books and two wasn't going to do it. On the other hand, the base gift shops here actually carry a lot of very reasonably priced bookcases from Thailand and the Phillippines so they are readily available. In terms of furniture, if you have a particular style of furnishings you love, I would try and bring what you can from the states. American and Japanese furniture is pricey and limited here. These especially include sofas and beds. The BX here does have a furniture shop and prices are regular furniture store prices.

However, if you like sort of a World Market style the gift shops get in lots of shipments of night stands, buffets, armoires, and bookcases from a variety of different countries. Teak furniture is also readily available. The prices for these pieces are very reasonable and most people end up buying a few things to PCS back to the states. Oriental rugs are also popular here.

One last thing Jennifer, I assumed we would have to have off-base housing as well, turns out we were able to get on base within a few weeks of getting to the island so it definitely is possible!
Hope that helps!

[Yolanda]

What is your opinion on leather couches? Do you think they have a chance of surviving or should we sell them now? Thanks :o)

[Pamela]

I plan on bringing our king size bed, I don't care (yet!) if it becomes our room! I also have the same question as Yolanda about the leather sofa. What about the kitchen table? ours is pretty new from Ikea and I am rather attached to it! Plasma tv? computer desk? We live in a 1127 sq ft condo (3 bed) so not too big and seems even smaller with 2 kids and a dog and a husband (esp. when I have just spent 3 hrs tidying and they all come in a wreck it in 3 mins!)
What about curtains? Some days I am cool with the move others I think I am going to implode with chaos!

[April]

ok I have a strange question, my hubby asked me if I had heard if he could bring or should bring his grill? and do they sell propane for grills? I know its silly but to him its imporant. Thanks

[chunkychun]

The leather couch will likely be okay as long as you have your A/C or dehumidifier on in the living room, which we do almost constantly. We leave the dehumidifier on when we go out(less electricity than A/C).

They sell propane grills at the exchange here so I'm sure they sell propane(I think at the gas station).

[chunkychun]

Pamela, of course every move has risks but our glass top kitchen table made it. My recommendation is bring what you use everyday at home and like b/c it may be hard to find similar things here.

[downtownjuliebrown]

Curtains? Definitely! As I find curtains here a little pricey. Just be aware that on base and off base Japanese windows are differently sized then american ones. I have one thats 70in wide by 50 in long. You can't predict it. Just bring them and see what happens. I think electronics are pricey too so I would bring the tv and computer as you can't get the Best BUY deals here like in the states.

[Pamela]

chunkychun, do you live on or off base, likelihood is that we will live off, do off basers leave their dehumidifiers on all day? do you need it year round...??
questions, questions, I love this site!

[chunkychun]

I live off base. During the summer we usually leave the dehumidifier on in the living room and rotate between the three bedrooms(upstairs). Most of the newer apartment will have A/C with dehumidifier option.

[Kim]

Hello everyone,

I have been a daily reader to this blog since May and finally I will be arriving in Okinawa end of Oct. My kids will be going to Okinawa Christian School . Have you heard anything about this school?

I am hoping that you can help me out with my dilemma. I have small moving list since we have to pay out of our pocket to ship our household stuff.

My furniture list is like this:

1 King size bed

2 night stand

1 triple dresser W/ mirror

1 bunk bed

1 kid’s computer desk chair

1 Computer desk

1 dinning room table w/6 chairs

1 book case

1 TV

1 TV Stand

2 computers

I have leather couch that has hideaway bed so it is very heavy so either need to shop for a new one before the mover comes or shop in Okinawa .

What do you recommend? Also, should I bring (plates, bowl, mugs, utensils, pots and pans). As I stated above I have to pay to ship these so what do you think?

It is worth awhile to ship those or just buy it from there? Any advice on this I would really appreciate it.

Thanks,

Kim

[Joelle]

Will you have access to base exchanges? Since you're moving your own stuff can't tell if you are military or something else?

[Kim]

Yes, we will have access to base facilities.
I guess correct term is civilian Contractor.
My husband will be working at Kadena.

Kim

[Lan]

Hi Kim,
I have heard of several people who send their kids to Okinawa International Christian School and like it.

Concerning your dishes/utensils, etc, you can get inexpensive ones at the 100 yen stores or even nicer ones at the on-base gift shops. And of course, there's always the base exchanges that carry items similar to Target or Wal-mart. I don't know how much you'd pay to have them shipped, but shopping for unique plates/mugs/cups is one of the joys of being on the island. I bought some okinawan drinking glasses that i absolutely love at a japanese flea market type shop (these glasses were never used) that were about 300 yen each.

There's also a furniture store on Camp Foster that sells leather couches and Yellow Box is also a popular furniture stop for Americans.

Good luck and hope this helps a bit!

[Joelle]

I had planned to buy couches when we arrived. The furniture store that Lan mentioned has lots of stuff, but they only have big sales a couple times a year and it seems to be mostly love seats chairs (we've ended up with loaner/government stuff that helps me not worry as much about spilled juice, etc).

Otherwise, for a new set at "full" price from Foster you're looking at probably at $1000 for a sofa chair. So you can compare the cost of shipping with buying a new one here -- course it's always fun to have new stuff!!

But if there is something you love (for me it's my All Clad pots/pans) then you should bring them -- no need to be without "loved" stuff...

[Aviva]

BRING the computer desk(s) and chair(s) because the selection here is pitiful (that's the one thing I WISH we'd have brought).

There are some great tent sales with furniture, and there were lots of futon sofas that I really would've bought! (not like the college junky ones) I'd recommend buying a futon here instead of paying to ship a very heavy open-up sofa. Or you can just buy a regular sofa here if you want to (not too many folks visit this place, so if you aren't planning on many visitors, maybe it isn't worth it to buy a pull-out couch or futon!)

I agree with Lan - I love the plates, cups bowls I found in town, and we got a regular plate set at the PX and it's great - and was very inexpensive.

Good luck!

[Kim]

Thanks for all your advice. Keep it coming!

This weekend was our first Garage Sale!!!
I didn't know how hard it is to let go of stuff! I think we will sell the leather couch here and get a new one in Okinawa. I am little worry about my king size bed because of the size in rooms in Japan.
And my other furniture such as Triple Dresser with mirror.
Kim
Kim

[Bambi]

Kim-
Okinawa Christian School is a lot better than the base schools. It is pricey, but well worth the investment. Starting in Junior High they take japanese where as the elementary kids on base are taking spanish(some classes are starting it this year, its a new program). OCSI also keeps a consistant schedule where as the DOD school will change it in a moments notice for 1/2 days or what have you.
Very Happy with It
Hope this helps

[Kim]

Bambi,
Thanks for your comment.
According to their website yearly tuition is about 525,000 Yen for per each kids.
That is equivalent to $5,000, right?
I have 5 grader and kindergartner.
Do they wear uniform?
Kim

[Bambi]

They dont wear uniforms, but I wish they did. That is one of the downfalls!!! We pay a little over $5000 a month, but we have bus fee added into it and I dont know which is what price. You set up payment and a company and they pay it for you to the company in yen.

[Joelle]

Did you mean $500 a month?

[Bambi]

Lets clarify, it is a little over $5000 a year. Then they split it into 10 monthly payments so it ends up being a little over $500 per month. I did write month and it should have been year. Thank you for catching it.

[downtownjuliebrown]

Hi Kim,
I was looking at your furniture list and I think it depends on how much you want your stuff to match. The king size bed would be expensive to get here. Otherwise the night stands and book shelves are easy to get here at bazaars and the gift shops which carry a lot of furniture from thailand and phillippines for reasonable prices. I would say anywhere from 50 dollars and up for the little stuff. Definitely bring your electronics as they are more expensive here. If you're thinking of buying any electronics...computer, dvd-recorder etc, get it in the states before you come. Good luck with your move!

[Courtney Merkel]

I was wondering if they have a formal Marine Corps birthday ball in Okinawa. I wasn't sure if I should bring a formal dress or not. Does anyone know?

[Bambi]

Yes they have a formal Birthday Ball for the Marine Corps. If you go to www.mccsokinawa.com website it has the ball information for this year on there(link in the left column says Birthday Ball). You can even click on the calendar to see when your unit's ball is scheduled for. T

[Aviva]

Courtney - BRING THAT DRESS - there is a ball, and you will not find much here. So go for it! Thanks for the link, Bambi - I only noticed that myself recently, after hounding my husband to find out the date so I could plan for it.
Ah men...

[Kim]

Thanks Julie.
Should I bring my kids bunk bed or can I buy this in Okinawa. How about mattress do they have good selection in Okinawa bases? Also, I am thinking about buying a new microwave in the base. Do they have them if so is that expensive?
Thanks,
Kim

[Bambi]

Bunk Beds-Yellow Box(out in town by Kadena) carries Ashley Furniture. If you can find it on there website you can order it in for around the same price as in the states. Shipping takes around 3 months if they dont have it in the store(childrens bedroom sets are all ordered, they dont usually carry them). The Base Furnniture store had 3 to choose from this weekend when we were there.
Mattress depends on the season. Sometimes they have them in stock other times they need to be ordered(ours was Sept of 2006 and we had to order it in. It took 9 weeks).
Microwaves are a small selection. I think there is like 3-4 to choose from. Price depends on size, but the same as in the states. We ended up ordering a nice one from walmart and having it shipped(usually takes 1-2 weeks because they ship priority. huge advantage. otherwise it takes 6 weeks).
Hope this helps

[Kim]

Every bit helps!
You guys have been wonderful.
Thank you so much.
Kim