Originally Posted by
baliktad
Regardless of your chosen method, I would highly recommend removing the hard drive for transport. This is small and easily tucked in your carryon, where you won't have to worry about loss or damage of your data.
+1 and while you're at it stop by a local *small* computer place and ask them for an anti-static ESD bag out of the trash you can put the harddrive in (they get them with every drive) and at very least will have all your data when you finally get your desktop. Or if lacking the ability have them pull the drive and bag it for you. The latter might be a $5 tip off the books if you approach them right.
Remember what you do pack is bare essentials... Business clothes and maybe just 2 pair of shoes a priority if it's a job change. On your own time you really don't need a lot until your container arrives. It is afterall, swimsuit, shorts, t-shirts and flipflop land!
Glad you have the dog squared away... that would have been a real problem at check-in.