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One of the questions I get from almost every military family is: “What should I pack in my suitcase, and what should go in my Household Goods shipment?” It’s a great question because your Household Goods (HHG) and vehicle usually arrive several weeks after you do. What you bring on the plane will make those first few weeks on Guam much easier. The goal isn’t to pack more. It’s to pack smarter. “ Pack for the weeks after you land—not just the flight to Guam.”
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What Is Accompanied Baggage?
Your accompanied baggage is everything that travels with you on the plane—your carry-on and checked luggage.
Since your Household Goods may not arrive for several weeks, your suitcase should contain everything you’ll need until your shipment catches up with you.
Here are the essentials I recommend.
1. Important Documents
Keep these with you—not in your Household Goods shipment.
Bring items such as:
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Military orders
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Passports and IDs
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Driver’s license
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Medical and dental records
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School records
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Pet paperwork
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Insurance documents
Having these handy will save you time and stress after you arrive.
2. Prescription Medications
Bring enough prescription medications to last several weeks.
Also consider packing:
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Glasses or contact lenses
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Contact lens solution
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Vitamins and supplements
It’s one less thing you’ll have to worry about while getting settled.
3. Uniforms, Work Clothes & Everyday Clothing
Many service members report to their command before their Household Goods arrive.
Pack enough:
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Uniforms or work clothes
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Casual clothing
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Workout clothes
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Sleepwear
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Comfortable shoes
Remember, you’re packing for everyday life—not a vacation.
4. Electronics
Keep the electronics you use every day with you.
That includes:
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Laptop
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Tablet
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Cell phone
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Chargers
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Power bank
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Headphones
If you use it daily, don’t pack it in your Household Goods.
“ If you use it every day, it belongs in your suitcase.”
5. Your Favorite Personal Care Products
This is one thing many families don’t think about until they arrive.
If you have favorite hair products, skincare, makeup, or other personal care items you use regularly, pack enough to last until your Household Goods arrive—and consider bringing extras if you have room.
Guam has plenty of drugstores and a few beauty retailers, but you may not find the same brands you’re used to buying at stores like Ulta, Sephora, or Target. If your favorite products aren’t available locally, you may have to order them online. Not every retailer ships to Guam, and when they do, shipping usually takes longer and costs more.
If there’s a product you know you won’t want to live without, it’s worth packing now.
6. Comfort Items for Kids (and Pets)
If you’re traveling with children, don’t forget a few familiar comforts.
Pack things like:
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Favorite blanket
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Stuffed animal
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Books
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Tablet
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Small toys
If you’re bringing pets, keep their food, medications, leash, and travel essentials with you instead of packing them in your Household Goods.
A Quick Story
I once worked with a family that packed almost everything into their Household Goods shipment because they wanted to travel light.
Their shipment was delayed, and they spent the first few weeks buying everyday items they already owned.
Now I always tell families the same thing: Pack for the first few weeks on Guam, not just the day you arrive.
“ A well-packed suitcase makes waiting for your Household Goods much less stressful.”
What Should Go in Your Household Goods (HHG)?
Now it’s time to think about your Household Goods (HHG) shipment.
Unlike your suitcase, these are the things you’ll use every day during your tour on Guam. Before deciding what to sell or donate, think about what you’ll want in your home for the next two or three years.
Think Beyond the Flight—You’re Moving to an Island
One of the biggest adjustments for many PCS families is shopping.
Guam has a limited number of furniture stores, a few home improvement stores, and a small selection of appliance retailers. You’ll be able to furnish your home, but you won’t have the same variety you’re used to on the mainland.
If you’re looking for a particular furniture style, a high-end appliance, or a specific brand, you may have difficulty finding it locally. Special orders are often available, but they can take weeks or even months to arrive and usually cost more because everything has to be shipped from the mainland to an island.
That’s why I encourage families to think carefully before selling or donating things they already love.
“ If you know you’ll want it for the next few years, it’s often worth bringing it with you.”
Furniture Worth Bringing
If your furniture is in good condition and you’ll use it during your tour, I’d recommend shipping it.
That may include:
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Bedroom furniture
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Dining table
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Home office furniture
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Quality mattress
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Patio furniture if you enjoy outdoor living
These are often items you’ll appreciate having once you’re settled.
Bring a Generator or Portable Power Station
If you’re planning to live in a single-family home on Guam, I recommend bringing a portable generator. Extended power outages can happen after a major typhoon, and having backup power can make a huge difference.
But if you’re planning to live in a condo, check the condo rules first. Many condos do not allow generators because of fuel storage, exhaust, noise, or where the generator can safely be operated.
For condo living, consider a rechargeable portable power station such as an EcoFlow or similar battery backup system. It won’t power an entire home the way a generator can, but it can keep phones, lights, fans, Wi-Fi equipment, and some small appliances running during an outage.
If you’re still deciding between a condo and a single-family home, don’t buy based on one housing type yet. Just make sure backup power is part of your PCS planning.
Tools & Equipment
Good tools are expensive to replace.
If you already own them, consider shipping:
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Tool sets
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Ladders
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Garage shelving
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Tool chest
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Yard tools
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Air compressor
The same goes for equipment you regularly use, such as bicycles, golf clubs, fishing gear, musical instruments, or a home gym.
Remember, you’re not moving here for a vacation. Guam will be home for the next few years.
“ Pack for the lifestyle you’ll have on Guam—not just for the move.”
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Before the Movers Pack Your Household Goods
Before your Household Goods are packed, take photos and short videos of your furniture, electronics, and other valuable belongings. If there are already scratches, dents, or other damage, document those too.
If you still have receipts for expensive items, keep copies and save your photos in cloud storage where you can easily access them later.
Most Household Goods shipments arrive without major issues, but damage can happen during a move halfway around the world. Good documentation can make the claims process much easier if you ever need to file one.
It’s also a good idea to review the valuation coverage or insurance options available for your shipment so you understand what’s covered before everything leaves.
“ A few minutes documenting your belongings before they leave can save you hours of frustration later.”
What Families Tell Me They Wish They Had Thought About
After helping military families relocate to Guam over the years, I’ve noticed something.
The biggest regrets usually aren’t about forgetting an item—they’re about not thinking through what would actually fit their new lifestyle.
Some families are glad they brought:
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Quality bedroom furniture
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Their favorite dining table
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A home office setup
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A full-size portable generator
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Good tools
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Garage shelving
Others wish they had left behind oversized furniture that took up too much space or limited their housing options on Guam. Many homes here simply aren’t designed for extra-large sectionals, oversized bedroom sets, or bulky furniture.
Before your Household Goods are packed, ask yourself:
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Will this fit comfortably in a typical Guam home?
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Will we actually use it over the next few years?
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Is it worth the shipping space?
Sometimes bringing less—but bringing the right things—is the smarter move.
“ Don’t just ask, ‘Can I ship it?’ Ask, ‘Will it fit my Guam home and the way we’ll live here?”
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What Can You Wait to Buy After You Arrive?
Not everything needs to go into your Household Goods shipment.
Many everyday items are easy to pick up once you’re on Guam, including:
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Groceries
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Cleaning supplies
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Paper products
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Basic kitchen items
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Laundry supplies
Save valuable space in your shipment for the things that are harder or more expensive to replace.
Should You Ship Your Vehicle Early?
If your transportation office allows it, it’s worth asking whether you can ship your vehicle before you PCS.
Many families don’t realize they’ll be waiting several weeks for their vehicle to arrive after they land on Guam.
Instead of paying for a rental car on Guam while you wait, it may make more financial sense to borrow a vehicle from family or friends on the mainland before your move, where transportation options are generally easier and less expensive.
Every PCS move is different, so check with your transportation office to see what options are available for your situation.
“ Planning ahead for your vehicle can save you money—and a lot of inconvenience—after you arrive.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it usually take for Household Goods to arrive on Guam?
Every move is different, but it’s common for Household Goods to arrive several weeks after you do. Your transportation office can provide a more accurate estimate based on your duty station.
2. Should I bring all of my furniture?
Not necessarily. Bring furniture you’ll use and that will fit comfortably in your Guam home. Oversized furniture may limit your housing options.
3. Can I buy furniture on Guam?
Yes. Guam has furniture stores and appliance retailers, but you’ll find fewer choices than on the mainland. If you have furniture or brands you really like, it may be worth bringing them with you.
4. Should I bring a generator or portable power station?
If you’re planning to live in a single-family home, bringing a portable generator is a good idea. Guam can experience extended power outages after a major typhoon.
If you’re considering a condo, check the condo rules first. Generators may not be allowed because of fuel storage, exhaust, noise, or operating restrictions. A rechargeable portable power station, such as an EcoFlow or similar battery backup, may be a better option for keeping essential devices running during an outage.
5. What personal items should I pack in my suitcase?
Pack prescription medications, important documents, electronics, work clothes, and your favorite personal care products that you use every day.
6. Should I document my Household Goods before they’re packed?
Yes. Take photos and videos of valuable items before they’re packed, and review your shipment’s valuation coverage or insurance options before everything leaves.
3 Key Takeaways
1. Pack your suitcase for the first few weeks—not just for the flight.
Your Household Goods may not arrive for several weeks, so bring everything you’ll need right away.
2. Ship the things that are difficult or expensive to replace on Guam.
If you already own furniture, tools, equipment, or specialty items you’ll use during your tour, they’re often worth bringing.
3. Think about your Guam lifestyle before you pack.
Choose items that fit your new home, your daily routine, and the way you’ll actually live on island.
Helpful Resources
If you’re still planning your move, these resources may help:
Final Thoughts
A successful PCS to Guam isn’t about bringing everything you own.
It’s about bringing the right things.
A little planning before your move can save you time, money, and frustration once you arrive. And if you have questions about neighborhoods, military housing, buying, or renting, my team and I are always happy to help.
Leah del Mundo — Guam’s First AI Certified Agent, Guam’s Exclusive 72Sold Certified Agent
