Real-World PPM / DITY Move Guidance
Practical, experience-based guidance for planning and executing a military Personally Procured Move (PPM), often called a DITY move.
Start With the Program
A Personally Procured Move (PPM), often called a DITY (Do-It-Yourself) move, is your chance to control your own household goods move — the financial outcome depends on your actual costs and quotes, not a guaranteed result.
Start Your Move Plan
The full sequence in order, from authorization to filing for reimbursement.
Understand Your Costs
Build a real, itemized estimate instead of guessing at a payout.
Avoid Common Problems
Get counseling and authorization before you spend a dollar or move a box.
Your Move Options
Rental trucks, trailers, full-service movers, and everything in between.
Pick a Strategy
Weigh cost, your time and workload, driving, schedule risk, and how well your belongings are protected.
Reimbursement & Taxes
What you'll need to submit, and how taxes affect what you actually take home.
Then Execute It Well
Packing
Basics, avoiding scratches, breakable items, and labeling.
Loading
Item-by-item advice for pianos, couches, motorcycles, appliances, and more.
Family & Kids
Keeping a move manageable when you're not moving alone.
On the Road
Making the drive itself go smoothly.
Unloading
Finishing strong at the other end.
More Resources
Boxes & Supplies
What to buy, and when to get started.
Auto Transport
Open vs. enclosed transport for shipping a vehicle instead of driving it.
Resources
Companies and categories worth getting quotes from.
A Real Move Story
Follow one military family through an actual cross-country PPM/DITY move.