Personal Property and Household Goods

All of us at the Sigonella Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO) would like to welcome you aboard. Benvenuti a bordo! We look forward to assisting you with your household goods shipment(s). Please e-mail us at ppsosig@nassig.sicily.navy.mil and provide your anticipated arrival date and personal contact information so that we can notify you when your shipment(s) arrive.

 

Household Goods (HHG) Shipment
 

Unaccompanied Baggage (UB) Shipment
 

Unaccompanied baggage (UB) is packed and shipped separately from your household goods, and consists of items you will need immediately on arrival for health and comfort, pending receipt of your household goods. Nonessential items and items available at the new duty station for temporary use should not be shipped as UB. Temporary loaner furniture is available through the Housing Office, and hospitality kits are available at The Fleet and Family Support Center while awaiting your personal household goods shipment.


 

Non-Temporary Storage (NTS) 

Non-Temporary Storage (NTS) at origin is authorized at government expense for the duration of your OCONUS tour. You are strongly encouraged to exercise this entitlement for major appliances, large bulky items, and items which will be of little or no use during your stay in Sigonella. Once you are settled in your new home and realize that any or all items left in NTS can be used, you may request a release from storage and shipment to Sigonella. The time limit on this entitlement is 180 days from the date the property was placed into NTS.

Shipping Items
The following is a discussion of some items you will need and some that you ought to leave at home. 

 

Rugs

In a move to Italy, rugs often become a major expense. Italian floors are normally made of hard tile or marble, which can be slippery and cold.  If you don't already have rugs, you may want to buy a few inexpensive room-sized carpets (9x12, 9x15, etc.). You should buy neutral colors, because the tile is often of varied colors and patterns. Average quality rugs and padding in standard sizes are usually available in the Navy Exchange. A wide variety of rugs can also be found in Italian stores.
 

Audio/Video Equipment

A full range of brand-name stereo and video equipment sold by the Navy Exchange Sight and Sound shop. Before bringing your present stereo and video equipment to Italy, check with the manufacturer for required parts to convert turntables, cassette/tape decks and timers to 50 HZ. Purely electronic items are not affected by the cycle difference. With proper parts, the Navy Exchange Radio/TV Appliance Repair Shop can easily adjust equipment for a minimal charge. You will find a good selection of videotapes, cassettes and CDs at Sight and Sound, and videotapes can be rented both on base and off.


 

 

Sicily can be very humid during the winter. A dehumidifier will help heat your home, and reduce mildew problems. If you have one, bring it.

Small Electrical Appliances
 

Lawn Mowers

It was once unheard of for Americans to bring lawn mowers to Italy because everybody lived in apartments. Most residents will not need one today. However, with the exodus to the suburbs, many more families now live in villas with lawns. New lawn mowers are sometimes available at the Navy Exchange Home Center. Some common replacement parts are also available. If you ship your mower, you also need to ship extra blades, plugs, and tune-up kits.


Lawn Furniture

Apartment balconies are a good place to use outdoor furniture. The Navy Exchange carries an assortment, as do Italian stores and markets. Italy is famous for exporting a wide variety of high-quality lawn items.

Bicycles

It is considered unsafe for young children to ride bikes in the streets off base. However, some suburban areas do offer relatively quiet streets for safe bicycling. Helmets are mandatory!

Catalogs

Stateside mail order catalogs will prove helpful in outfitting your house and family while in Italy. Most large companies produce a special APO/FPO edition that makes ordering easier. But note that some catalog outlets do not ship to FPO/APO addresses. You may want to collect the catalogs that do ship to this area before you leave for Italy.

Firearms and Restricted Items

 

At the present time there is a ban on the importation of firearms into Italy. The possession of any types of firearms in Italy is strictly controlled and requires the owner to obtain an Italian permit. Even if the ban is lifted, it is recommended that firearms not be included in your shipment as this may cause a delay in the property clearing Italian customs. The definition of firearms includes any weapon that is designed for or can be readily converted to be used for attack, defense, sports, games or hunting by driving a projectile through the barrel. This includes air pistols, air rifles, and firing replicas of antique firearms. Care should be taken not to include other restricted or prohibited items with your shipment. A representative from the PPO will advise you on this. When you arrive in Sicily, visit the PPO as soon as possible. Take with you all copies of documentation covering your shipments, including your automobile, in order to allow them to start tracing if necessary. The Personal Property staff will provide specific information concerning delivery of your goods and claims.

Property Insurance
 

Italian landlords do not carry insurance against fire, theft, or water damage to the building, apartment or household furnishings of the tenant. Unless you as a tenant take out renters insurance, you could suffer loss or damage which would be difficult to recover, even after long and costly litigation in the Italian courts. Reported cases of housebreaking and theft of personal property (including motor vehicles) are not uncommon. Americans as well as Italians learn to be "security conscious" and realistically evaluate the precautions taken to safeguard their property. Consideration should be given to storing items of great sentimental value or items of very high dollar value that are unnecessary to have during overseas tours. You may also wish to take out private insurance or update your current policy. Keep in mind, there are no safety deposit boxes available on the military installations. Under certain circumstances, when a theft of your property has occurred, you may file a claim with the United States government for reimbursement. However, there are limitations on the amount that can be paid. Information concerning claims is available from the Naval Legal Services Office.