Clearing/Cleaning On-Post Housing Nightmares. Is There Ever A Secret To Success?

SFC Mark Merino — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 16:01:03 -0500

It's time to PCS and the dreaded time has come to clear quarters. Do you have any nightmares to share with the community? Back in the day, everything fell on the service member, now they offer cleaning teams at a set fee. What is the key to survival when it comes time to leave the casa? Have you EVER passed on the first try?

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2015 4:04 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 16:04:12 -0500

I lived mostly in quarters between 1980 and 2006, and I found it got easier to clear as the years went by. In those early years, the 1980s, it was tough. And, for me, especially tough in Germany. Towards the end (late 90s and 2000s) it seemed like a breeze to clear quarters. I don't know if we were getting better at it or if the standards were lowered. I'm gonna guess it was a little of both.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Feb 11 at 2015 4:28 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 16:28:14 -0500

We have passed on the fist try. Pearl Harbor, before I retired in 2000, relaxed their policies and you didn't have to hire "one of their cleaners." Of course the housing area we were in was slated for demolition, so they weren't too concerned about it...

We also passed in Pearl Harbor the first time, 1984, Alameda and Newport RI without difficulty, and my wife did most of the work...

Now, the powder room ceiling in our house in Newport - that's another story...

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Feb 11 at 2015 4:30 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 16:30:24 -0500

On a side note, I just moved from a civilian rental and those hookers are dodging my emails regarding final inspection so I can recoup some security $$. Now, I get an email today saying they inspected it without me and they will send me paperwork? WHAT GIVES? Why do I feel like I am in for some bad news? Hitomi and I scrubbed that place fr weeks and it looks brand new, not like the disaster they handed over to me. I wish my credit didn't circle the bowl in the divorce. Houses in Tucson are plentiful and CHEAP!

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Feb 11 at 2015 7:27 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 19:27:10 -0500

I have ALWAYS passed on the first go and the only thing I was ever charged for was a missing garage door opener (that thing was $50). Once your household goods are gone, start upstairs, go room to room. Once a room is done, shut the door and move on.

Response by MSG Scott McBride made Feb 11 at 2015 7:36 PM

MSG Scott McBride — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 19:36:14 -0500

Most installations have a "clean get away" program. There are groups of folks out there who are authorized by housing to clean your quarters. For a nominal fee, the team will conduct an inspection, render a price, if you agree, you and the team lead go to housing office, Sign an agreement and your done. The team is then responsible and accountable to housing for the cleaning portion. The only thing you will have to do is fix any self help items and work orders. Check your local housing office for this program. Good luck!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2015 6:12 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 18:12:13 -0500

I have successfully cleared two on-post houses with minimal issues (broken blinds). No real secret, just clean regularly. When I moved into my current on-post house, inside the welcome packet from housing, it had information for an "approved" cleaner, which I was told gets you a first time go for clearing.