How to ship your stuff during a PCS move
New orders, new duty station, and a household goods window that never lines up with your report date. Ship the boxes you need first and travel light.
Your PCS, without the empty-house wait
PCS orders move the whole family on the military's timeline. Your household goods move on a different one, and the gap can be weeks of air mattresses and paper plates.
LugLess fills the gap. Box what you need first, compare FedEx and UPS rates in one place, and ship it to your new address or temporary lodging. Book early and it can be there when you arrive, so you fly with a carry-on. For the bigger picture on shipping boxes across the country, see our moving guide.
Why a PCS move is hard on families
These are the four things that make a PCS harder than a regular move.
The household goods gap
Your furniture and boxes ship on their own schedule. Ship the first-week essentials so the house works on day one.
Airline baggage fees
Extra and overweight bags for a whole family add up fast. Shipping boxes instead keeps the airport simple.
Temporary lodging
Hotel or lodging first, house later. Ship to where you'll be, or have boxes held for pickup.
Short-notice orders
Report dates move. Book shipping the week you need it, not months ahead.
What LugLess customers say
Rated 4.4 out of 5 from over 19,000 reviews on Trustpilot.
Why military families ship ahead
- Send kitchen basics, bedding and kids' things to the new house ahead of the moving truck
- Skip extra and overweight bag fees on the flight
- Travel with a carry-on, not a cart full of bags
- Send uniforms and work gear so you're ready to report
- Ship to your new home, temporary lodging or a hold-for-pickup location
- Compare FedEx and UPS rates and track every shipment
How LugLess works for a PCS
Four steps from your old duty station to your new one.
1. Get a quote
Enter your current address and your new address to compare FedEx and UPS rates.
2. Pack and label
Box what you need first, tape it securely and attach the label we send you.
3. Drop off
Take it to a nearby drop-off location.
4. Track to your door
Follow every box until it reaches your new address.
Learn more about how LugLess works.
Shipping vs. checking bags or towing a trailer
Cost depends on size, weight, distance and speed. As a rough guide, suitcases start from around $88 and small boxes start at $15. Get a live quote before you book.
| What matters on moving day | Checked bags on a flight | Trailer or rental truck | Shipping with LugLess |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel day | Haul everything through the airport | Load, tow and unload yourself | Travel with a carry-on |
| Fees | Extra and overweight bag fees | Deposits, mileage and fuel | One up-front quote |
| Effort | Repack to hit weight limits | Drive the whole distance | Box it and drop it off |
| Tracking | Bag tag only | Varies | Tracked to your door |
| Best for | A light, one-bag move | Furniture you're moving yourself | The boxes you need first |
2 million+
bags and boxes shipped
From $15
to ship a small box
50
states served
PCS shipping FAQs
What is a PCS move?
PCS stands for Permanent Change of Station. It’s a military move to a new duty station, usually with the whole household.
How do I ship my stuff during a PCS move?
Box the things you need first, enter your current and new addresses to compare FedEx and UPS rates, then drop the boxes off and track each one to your door. Ship to your new home or temporary lodging so the basics are waiting while your household goods are still on the way.
Can I ship boxes ahead of my household goods?
Yes. Ship the boxes you need first to your new address, temporary lodging or a hold-for-pickup location, so you have the basics while your household goods are still on the way.
What should I ship ahead?
The things you need in the first week: bedding, towels, kitchen basics, kids' clothes and favorite toys, and uniforms or work gear. Keep your orders, IDs and records with you.
When should I ship my boxes before a PCS?
Work back from your report date. Your quote shows the delivery date for each service level before you book, so pick the one that lands on or before your arrival. If you'll be in temporary lodging first, time the boxes to arrive there.
Can I ship boxes to temporary lodging or a hotel?
Yes. LugLess ships to homes and businesses, including hotels, or you can have boxes held for pickup. Check with the front desk first that they'll accept and hold packages for you.
What's the cheapest way to ship boxes for a military move?
For boxes and bags, shipping per box often costs less than renting a truck or paying extra checked bag fees, because you only pay for what you send. Pack boxes full, keep each one under 75 lbs and choose ground when you have time. Enter both addresses for a live quote.
How much does it cost to ship boxes to my new duty station?
It depends on box size, weight, distance and speed. Small boxes start at $15. Enter both addresses for a live FedEx and UPS quote.
Does LugLess ship to Hawaii and Alaska?
Yes. LugLess ships within all 50 states and within Canada.
Can I ship to an overseas duty station?
Not right now. LugLess ships within the 50 states and Canada and doesn't ship internationally.
How big can my boxes be?
Boxes ship in three sizes: Little Box up to 25 lbs and 49 inches, Big Box up to 50 lbs and 62 inches, and Oversize Box up to 75 lbs and 71 inches (length plus width plus height).
Ready for your next duty station?
Compare FedEx and UPS rates in seconds and ship your stuff ahead.