How travel nurses ship their stuff
New contract, new city, every 13 weeks. Ship your boxes and bags ahead and travel light.
Shipping your life to the next assignment, made simple
A travel nurse assignment is usually 13 weeks. Then it's a new city, new housing, and everything you own to move again. Flying means baggage fees and hauling bags through the airport. Driving cross-country isn't always realistic, especially after a night shift.
LugLess is the simpler way: box what won't fit in the car, compare FedEx and UPS rates in one place, and ship it to your door at your next assignment. Your stuff is waiting when you arrive, and you travel with just a carry-on.
Why moving between assignments is the stressful part
Every few months, the whole move happens again. These are the four things travel nurses tell us make it hardest.
Airline baggage fees
Oversize and overweight bag fees stack up fast when you're moving a whole life every few months.
Driving cross-country
A packed car for a 2,000-mile drive to the next contract isn't always realistic, or safe after a night shift.
Ad hoc packing
“Panic packing” the night before is the norm. Shipping ahead turns it into a plan, not a scramble.
Housing uncertainty
Housing sometimes firms up late. Ship to temporary housing and reroute when your address is confirmed.
“We had to panic pack all of our belongings”
@laylathenurseThings started happening fast & we had to panic pack all of our belongings 🤣 Don’t recommend packing the way that we did but if you’re in a pinch, you can ship boxes via Lugless @ Fedex for a reasonable cost!! 📦🙌🏽#travelnurse#packwithme#travelnursepacking#travelnurselife#nurselife#packing#fedex#lugless#movingtips#travelnursing♬ original sound - laylathenurse
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Why travel nurses ship instead of hauling it all
Shipping ahead turns moving day into a plan instead of a scramble.
- Skip airline oversize and overweight bag fees
- Travel hands-free with only a carry-on
- Send belongings ahead so they arrive before you do
- Move more than a car or a suitcase can hold
- Ship to your door — your new housing, dorm-style or apartment
- Compare FedEx and UPS rates and track every shipment
How LugLess works for travel nurses
Four steps from your current place to your next one.
1. Get a quote
Enter your current address and your next assignment address to compare FedEx and UPS rates.
2. Pack and label
Box what won't fit in the car, tape it securely, and attach your shipping label.
3. Drop off
Drop off at a nearby location. No shipping-counter guesswork.
4. Track to your door
Track your shipment until it arrives at your new housing, ready for you on day one.
Learn more about how LugLess works.
Shipping vs. checking bags, freight, or a trailer
Cost depends on size, weight, distance, and speed. As a rough guide, suitcases start from around $88 and boxes average around $228 cross-country — get a live quote before you book.
| What matters on moving day | Checked bags on a flight | Small freight or trailer rental | Shipping with LugLess |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel day | Haul everything through the airport | Load, tow, and unload yourself | Hands-free — travel with a carry-on |
| Fees | Oversize and overweight surcharges | Deposits, mileage, and fuel | One up-front quote, no counter surprises |
| Effort | Repack to hit weight limits | Drive the whole distance yourself | Box it and drop off |
| Tracking | Bag-tag only | Varies | Tracked to your door |
| Best for | A light, single-bag move | A full apartment of furniture | Boxes and bags between assignments |
175,000
travel nurses working nationally
every 13 weeks
a typical assignment, and a new move
2 million+
bags and boxes shipped
$228
average to ship a box cross-country
Travel nurse shipping FAQs
How do travel nurses move their belongings between assignments?
Most ship the bulk of their belongings ahead to their next housing, then travel with just a carry-on. You box or bag what won't fit in the car, send it to your door, and it's waiting when you arrive, so moving day isn't a panic pack.
What's the best way to ship belongings as a travel nurse?
Box whatever won't fit comfortably in your car, get a quote by entering your current address and your new assignment address, then drop off at a nearby location. You compare FedEx and UPS rates in one place and track every shipment to the door.
How much does it cost to ship boxes to my next assignment?
It depends on size, weight, distance, and speed. As a rough guide, suitcases start from around $88 and boxes average around $228 cross-country. Enter your details for a live quote before you book, so there are no surprises at the counter.
Can I ship instead of checking bags on the flight to my new contract?
Yes. Shipping ahead lets you skip airline oversize and overweight fees, travel hands-free, and avoid hauling everything you own through the airport. Your gear ships to your door and is at your new place waiting for you.
How do I plan shipping around a 13-week assignment?
Book as soon as you know your next address. If your permanent housing isn't confirmed yet, you can ship to temporary housing or reroute when the details firm up. Shipping a few business days ahead of your start date gives your belongings time to arrive before you do.
Moving something specific?
The same doorstep delivery, for the rest of your move.
Ready for the next assignment?
Compare FedEx and UPS rates in seconds and ship your stuff ahead.