When it comes to military relocation, the Department of Defense offers a few options for transporting your household goods. Among the most commonly considered choices are the DITY (Do-It-Yourself) move and the PPM (Personally Procured Move). Navigating these options is easier with the help of PCS move planning resources, which provide guidance and tools to help service members make informed decisions that align with their needs, timelines, and budgets.
Understanding the key differences between these two military move options can help you determine which one is best suited for your situation.
What Is a DITY Move?
A DITY move allows you to take complete control of your relocation by doing everything yourself packing, loading, transporting, and unloading. Once the move is completed, the military reimburses you based on the weight of your household goods and the distance traveled.
Advantages of a DITY Move:
Greater Control: You oversee every aspect of your move, from how items are packed to when and how they’re transported.
Potential Profit: If your actual moving costs are less than the military’s estimated reimbursement, you can pocket the difference.
Flexibility: You can plan your move to fit your own schedule and pace.
Challenges of a DITY Move:
Physically Demanding: You’re responsible for lifting, packing, and transporting everything yourself.
Upfront Expenses: You must cover moving expenses initially and wait for reimbursement.
Risk of Damage: There’s no insurance from a professional moving company if something breaks.
What Is a PPM (Personally Procured Move)?
A PPM is similar to a DITY move but offers more flexibility in how you manage your relocation. Under a PPM, you can choose to do the move yourself or hire a third-party moving company. The government reimburses you up to what it would have cost them to manage your move through a contracted service.
Advantages of a PPM:
Use of Professional Services: You can hire licensed movers or rent portable storage units and still be eligible for reimbursement.
Less Physical Strain: Hiring help means you’re not doing all the heavy lifting on your own.
Customizable: You can mix and match services pack some things yourself while letting professionals handle the rest.
Challenges of a PPM:
Detailed Documentation Required: To receive full reimbursement, you must keep weight tickets, receipts, and properly document every step of the move.
Still Requires Upfront Costs: Like a DITY move, a PPM involves paying for services upfront and receiving compensation later.
Strict Compliance Needed: You must follow guidelines set by your base’s transportation office and the Department of Defense.
How to Decide Between DITY and PPM
Choosing the best move option depends on a variety of personal factors including time, budget, family circumstances, and physical ability.
Time Constraints: If you’re on a tight schedule, hiring a professional service under a PPM might reduce stress and speed up the process.
Budget Considerations: If you have the resources to cover upfront expenses and are looking to maximize reimbursement, either option can be profitable but DITY may yield more savings if managed efficiently.
Experience: If you’ve never moved before or are moving with a large family, having the support of professional movers via a PPM may be worth the added structure and peace of mind.
Important Guidelines and Resources
Whether you opt for a DITY or PPM move, it’s essential to get pre-approval from your base’s transportation office and understand the specific procedures involved in each option. Both move types require official weight tickets from certified scales and proper documentation to ensure reimbursement.
If you choose to hire a moving company under a PPM, ensure they are registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This government agency oversees commercial vehicle safety and offers a wealth of information on how to choose a trustworthy mover, your rights during a move, and how to handle disputes if they arise.
Final Thoughts
Military moves are a routine part of service life, but that doesn’t make them any less challenging. By understanding the difference between DITY and PPM options, and utilizing available PCS move planning resources, you can make a decision that fits your needs and helps reduce stress during this major transition.
Whichever route you choose, make sure to stay organized, keep all documentation, and don’t hesitate to seek guidance from your base’s transportation office. With the right preparation, your move can be as efficient and cost-effective as possible putting you one step closer to settling into your next assignment with ease.