Simplifying Your DITY Move: Stress-Free Strategies

Those in the armed forces know that frequently moving is a part of the job description in military life. Most military families make a permanent change of station (PCS) every 2 to 3 years, and that does not include temporary duty assignments or deployment types of moves. While moving is tough, the military offers a variety of ways to make your move, from full-service moving options to doing all of the planning, labor, transportation, and arrangements yourself. Choosing the right moving company and option depends on your circumstances, budget, and time allotment.

For PCS moves, you can choose a full household goods (HHG) move, a Do-It-Yourself (DITY) move, or a combination of the two, which is considered a partial DITY, allowing you to move a portion of your household items yourself, while keeping in mind your total allowable weight. Personally Procured Move or PPM is the official term for DITY military moves. Consider the benefits and downsides of these options to choose which one works best for you and your family.

What Is a DITY Move?

You have your TDY or PCS orders - so what now? This is the part where you get to choose how you want to make your move to your new duty station.

As opposed to a full household goods move, where the government will hire a commercial contractor to pack and move you, a DITY move involves you making all of the necessary arrangements to transport your belongings to your new duty station and get reimbursed based on weight afterward. Handling the move yourself means you could use either a professional moving company of your choosing, portable storage containers, a moving truck, or your personally owned vehicle for transporting your belongings.

The benefits of a DITY move can be substantial. While it might seem daunting at first, managing your own relocation can lead to both financial rewards and greater control over the process. The reimbursement at the end of this type of move can be substantial in some cases, making the work and physical labor of the move financially rewarding in the end.

By choosing this route, military families often find they can maximize their reimbursement and make a successful DITY move, especially if they’re savvy about planning and packing.

What is the difference between a full DITY move and a partial DITY move?

With a full DITY move, you will be responsible for moving 100% of your belongings, from arranging for movers and a moving company to packing and loading your stuff.

A partial DITY move involves the government moving some of your belongings while you are responsible for the rest. This can be a good option if you have oversized or heavy pieces of furniture you would rather not be responsible for moving. You can have the military move those cumbersome items, and you can still get reimbursed for the weight of the items you move. Partial DITY moves are also a good option for those being assigned a temporary duty (TDY) assignment, as these types of assignments don't typically mean you need to move your entire home to a new duty station.

You will still be reimbursed for any items you move yourself, and you can split your weight limit between your personal move and any additional items your moving company handles. Partial DITY moves give service members flexibility when it comes to taking what they need immediately for a reassignment, and then waiting on what they can live without having for a little while.

What Is an HHG Move?

An HHG move is essentially allowing the military to arrange for and execute a move for you with a commercial moving company. This can be highly beneficial if you lack the time, don't want to move your heavy items, or can't complete the move yourself and deal with the details. Talk with your transportation office to set up your move and allow the military movers to handle the move for you.

The only issue can be a lack of control over the entire process; however, if this isn't a concern, then an HHG move could be worth it. If you plan to move some items yourself in your personal vehicle, consider a partial DITY move to ensure reimbursement for your contributions.

What Are the Advantages of a Military DITY Move?

Whether you are doing an Army DITY move, a Navy DITY move, or any branch of service DITY move, there are key points and things you should know before you proceed with your move to help make your decision easier.

You can make a bit of a profit doing a DITY or Partial DITY move

A DITY move can be profitable to the service member who is moving to a new location. As of May 20, 2025, the Department of Defense has raised the rate of reimbursement for DITY and PPM moves to 130% of the government's estimated costs for moving their belongings under the reimbursement program. You get to keep the difference if you spend less than the government's estimated move costs for your specific move to your new duty station, making it beneficial to handle the move yourself and keep whatever it is you didn't spend from the incentive pay you received.

Keep in mind, though, that while military moves are not taxable, they are taxed when you receive incentive pay, which has a 22% tax rate applied. The government will mail you a W-2 form for the amount you received once you receive full payment of your PPM allowance.

DITY moves give you more flexibility and control over your move

You get to set your schedule with a DITY or partial DITY move. Contracted government movers have tight schedules and can be booked out for several weeks, which may not work for a last-minute moving order. One DITY move trick is that you can space out the moving process instead of having everything picked up at once. Using a portable storage container for a DITY move, for example, gives you a distinct advantage, letting you pack and send the things you need to the new place while placing your less-needed belongings into storage, making it the best option for flexibility. Portable storage containers double as moving containers and can be sent wherever your next duty station is in the continental United States.

Another advantage of using moving and storage containers for your DITY move is that you have ample time to pack at your own pace. If you have your move orders and assignment ready, you can have your container delivered when and where you need it, giving yourself plenty of time to pack at your leisure. This option offers less hassle on your actual moving day.

You pack your stuff for your PCS or TDY move the way you want to

You can handle and pack all your belongings yourself if you choose a DITY move. You can pack your fragile items just right for a local or long-distance move, reducing stress by knowing everything was packed and handled correctly, just as you wanted. Be sure to have all the necessary packing materials and moving supplies, such as moving blankets, plastic wrap, furniture pads, and mattress protectors, ready in advance of your moving day or the lead up to it.

DITY Move Tips for Planning Your Move

Your DITY move is the same as any other move - it requires preparation and planning to get it done the right way. Here are some things to keep in mind during the planning stage of your upcoming move.

Authorization

The first step is to make an appointment with the Personal Property Office or Transportation Office on your base. During that counseling session, your moving options will be discussed. It is important to remember that the military will not reimburse you if you make an unauthorized DITY move or do not declare your intentions for the move beforehand. If you have questions about the process or state laws, you may also want to consult the legal office associated with your base. Using an online DITY calculator, you can estimate how much you could be reimbursed for a DITY move with the counselor.

Total Weight

One important thing to remember is that you must stay within a maximum household goods weight limit for your move. Your rank and the number of dependents in your household determine your DITY military move weight allowance for your household items. No matter which option you choose, the government won't pay for goods exceeding that specified limit. Weight tickets are extremely important in the DITY move process.

If you decide to use portable moving containers, you will need one certified weight ticket for empty moving containers and another certified weight ticket showing the total loaded weight to receive reimbursement for your actual move, including the necessary DD Form documentation and possibly a visit to a weigh station for accurate weight measurements, as well as other important documents. 1-800-PACK-RAT can help make your move easier with this, as we have helped thousands of other military members move and we understand the process!

Reimbursement

With a DITY move, you will often get reimbursed for your moving expenses after the fact, so you will need enough cash flow to pay for everything upfront. Some advancements can help offset the upfront costs, so talk to your move counselor about these ahead of time. To receive full reimbursement of all of your DITY move expenses, including supplies and additional fees, keep track of all your receipts related to your move to use as evidence for your reimbursement.

Use 1-800-PACK-RAT for Your DITY Move

Although most people think that a DITY or PPM move means you'll be in charge of doing all the work yourself, you can get help! When hiring a moving company that uses portable storage containers like 1-800-PACK-RAT, you will have an experienced team on your side throughout this process.

We have been helping our military members move and store their stuff for over 20 years. You can trust that when you call one of our experts to discuss all of our service options, we will be able to find the solution that works best for your specific situation. We also offer military move discounts, as a token of appreciation for our military service members' service to our nation, and offer additional resources, such as auto transportation with trusted third party service providers. To learn more, check out our military relocation services and how the process works, or give us a call and let our experienced team answer any and all questions you might have.

Let us here at 1-800-PACK-RAT make your upcoming DITY move simpler. Go online for a free quote or call us today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Military DITY Moves

Is a DITY move a good option for military families with young children or large households?

A DITY move can be an excellent option for families with young children or large households, but it requires careful planning. The flexibility of managing your move allows you to tailor the experience to your family's specific needs. With the ability to choose your packing and loading schedules, you can work around nap times and family routines, ensuring a smoother transition. Moreover, using services like 1-800-PACK-RAT can alleviate some of the stress associated with moving such a large volume of belongings. Our portable storage options allow you to pack at your own pace while providing the security of professional support whenever needed.

What common mistakes should I avoid when doing a DITY move?

When planning a DITY move, avoiding common pitfalls can save you time, stress, and money. Here are several mistakes to steer clear of:

1. Underestimating Overall Costs: Many families assume that a DITY move will be cheaper than using professional movers. It's essential to budget for all expenses, including fuel, lodging, meals, and moving supplies.
2. Neglecting Organization: Disorganization can lead to chaos on moving day. Create a detailed inventory of your belongings and label boxes clearly. This will make unpacking at your new home much easier.
3. Overpacking or Underpacking: It's vital to strike a balance. Overpacking can lead to unnecessary costs and could put you over your designated weight limits, while underpacking might leave you without essential items. Assess what you genuinely need and consider decluttering before the move. Plan to purchase some items at your new duty station or city, so you don't have to take everything with you.
4. Not Researching Routes: Familiarize yourself with your travel route, including rest stops and accommodations, if you are driving yourself to your new duty station. This can save you time and reduce stress during the drive, especially if you're moving long-distance.
5. Not Creating a Timeline for Your Move: Create a comprehensive timeline leading up to your move day, including to-dos that need to be completed, such as switching utilities, updating your address with the USPS, updating insurance coverage, and purchasing moving supplies.

Where can I find official resources or support for managing a DITY move?

To navigate a DITY move effectively, tapping into official resources and support can make all the difference. Here are several avenues to consider:

1. Military Installation Resources: Your local military installation often has a relocation assistance office dedicated to helping service members and their families during moves. They provide information on DITY moves, including budgeting tips and checklists.
2. Department of Defense (DoD): The DoD offers comprehensive guidelines for service members considering a DITY move. Their website is an excellent source for understanding allowances, regulations, and resources available during your move.
3. Military OneSource: This resource provides 24/7 support for military service members and their families, offering tailored advice, checklists, and tools specifically for DITY moves. They often have articles and videos that guide you through the process step by step.
4. Your Installation's Transportation Office: Your installation's transportation office can help with understanding your entitlements and arranging for any necessary moving services. They can clarify how to claim benefits associated with your move, ensuring you don’t leave money on the table.