How to Plan Your Unaccompanied Baggage Shipment for PCS

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Embarking on a new journey from Korea with Unaccompanied Baggage (UB) in tow? Elevate your PCS experience by crafting a well-rounded list encompassing essentials for comfort and practicality. Whether it’s bedding, dining, electronics, or those unexpected must-haves, our comprehensive guide ensures you’re prepared for every twist and turn of your transition.

Need to Know

Unaccompanied baggage shipments are only authorized for travel from outside the Continental United States (OCONUS) to OCONUS locations, not for travel within the Continental United States (CONUS). UB would have usually been included in the household goods shipment or carried with you when you travel.

Size matters when it comes to shipping unaccompanied baggage (UB). You are not authorized to ship furniture or anything over 40 inches. UB is flown from your last duty station to the next expeditiously so that it is available to you upon arrival for interim housekeeping until the bulk of your Household Goods (HHG) arrives.

UB generally includes pots, pans, and light household goods, including playpens, cribs, strollers, and other items used in the care of dependents. Refrigerators, washing machines, and other major appliances are not authorized for UB shipping. Neither are alcoholic beverages or personal firearms.

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Creating an Effective UB List

Backwards Planning

In order to make a good UB list, you have to do some backwards planning and imagine yourself in an empty house. Think about the things that would make your situation a little more comfortable until your HHG arrives 2-4 months later. The goal is to avoid buying things you don’t need or already have. Additionally, being aware of the change in seasons is important. Consider including winter/summer clothing based on when and where you PCS (Permanent Change of Station) to, especially if you are taking leave. Trust me, you are going to want that coat if you leave balmy Korea in October and arrive at Fort Drum in December.

Tips from Personal Experience

Top 5 Things on my List

Some people need to include basic cleaning supplies. But there are a lot of produts you cannot include in your shipments. If I have a good broom, I always bring one, but I don’t ship mops or toilet bowl brushes in UB. If you ask me what five things I am most grateful for are a full-length mirror, a table lamp, hangers, a TV, and a chair. It’s nice to have a bottle/can opener for extra credit.

For example, here is the list of items I am shipping in unaccompanied baggage from Korea to Illinois:

Bedding and Linens:

• Sheets
• Pillows and pillowcases
• Blankets or comforters
• Mattress pad/ inflatable mattress
• Two throws
• Curtains with rods

Towels and Toiletries:

• Bath towels
• Hand towels
• Washcloths
• Hairdryer/ Curling/ Flat Iron

Cooking and Dining Essentials:

• Plates, bowls, and utensils
• Glasses or cups
• Pots and pans
• Cooking utensils (spatula, stirring spoons, etc.)
• Cutting board and knives
• Can/ wine/ beer opener
• Coffee maker or kettle

Basic Cleaning Supplies:

• Sponges/ Box of Magic Erasers
• Broom/ dustpan

Furniture and Decor:

• Two folding chairs (one for each family member)
• Small table or side table
• Two table lamps
• Full-size mirror
• Two TV trays

Electronics and Entertainment:

• TV w/ remote control
• Router
• Landline phone/ VOIP
• Portable Bluetooth speaker
• COAX cables/ power cords/ power strip
• Portable speaker
• Fire Stick/ HDMI Cable
• printer

Extra Toiletries and Personal Hygiene Items:

• Additional toiletries and personal hygiene items

Professional Gear:

• These are things you are authorized to send ahead if you have a profession. In my case, this is where I will ship all my extra camera gear.

Basic Tools and Supplies:

• Screwdriver set
• Hammer
• Tape measure
• Assorted nails and screws kit
• First aid kit

Miscellaneous:

• Hangers for clothes
• Laundry basket
• Toilet paper
• Two shower curtains
• Two bathroom mats
• Hiking boots/ poles

Your military member will receive a briefing regarding UB shipments if authorized. Feel free to adjust this list as needed for your PCS move preparations. All our needs are different, but this is a great list to get you backward planning into the future.

What’s on your list that’s not on mine? Let me know in the comments below.

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