PCS Cinema: 5 steps toward a better video inventory

There is no single “right way” to inventory your home goods prior to your next military move, but experts agree that adding a video record to any written or computer-stored list can help with any claims issues.

And, if you use your cellphone, it’s one inventory record you’re less likely to misplace (or accidentally pack) prior to your permanent change-of-station move.

Here are some quick tips for making your video inventory the best it can be. Have some of your own? Leave them in the comments below.

1. Get the details. Don’t just fly through your stuff, especially high-value items. Take good shots of the edges in case of future cracks and scratches, and zoom in on barcodes and serial numbers of electronic goods, for easy identification in the event of a moving mishap.

2. Know your medium. You could write down on your inventory list that your TV is in working order, but why not film it with the power on instead? Ditto for other electronic equipment: Such videos of functioning gear in your old home could help with a claims process in your new one.

3. Don’t forget the soundtrack. Narrate your video with clear explanations of what you’re filming. Be as detailed as you can when it comes to makes/models, prices, estimated values and so on. If you still owe money on an item, say how much. If nothing else, the narration can serve as a backup to other documentation.

4. Timing is everything. Breaking out the camera the day before the move as you’re trying to fill boxes or deal with last-minute issues may not make for the most friendly film-making experience. Try to schedule your cinematography in advance so it doesn’t get shelved for more pressing moving projects.

5. Save and save again. The most complete inventory video ever does little good if the phone where it lives is broken by an unfortunate drop, ill-advised throw by a toddler, unexpected swim or one of multiple other everyday hazards. Even if you’re not a fan of cloud storage, back the video up on another device, like a thumb drive or other external storage, that you can keep with the rest of your moving materials.

In Other News

As the VA secretary departs, focus remains on outreach, trust

VA care and benefits have seen signifcant growth in recent years, a trend that the outgoing secretary hopes will continue.

Advocates fear dismantling of DOD’s extremism prevention, DEI programs

Trump’s choice for defense secretary said DEI programs eroded the military's values and described anti-extremism policies as a "purge."

Opinion

Why the military’s approach to its suicide epidemic is failing

In this opinion piece, the chairman of Boulder Crest Foundation argues that current military suicide prevention efforts are falling short.

Could a fighter jet software upgrade have saved this pilot’s life?

The Navy has declined to answer questions about a fatal Super Hornet crash, and whether a safety system could have saved the pilot's life.

VA acknowledges significant errors in budget shortfall predictions

Department leaders had warned of funding gaps of up to $18 billion but now believe those estimates were too high.

Load More