À la carte movers offer an in-between option for a PPM/DITY move. Instead of the all-or-nothing choice of doing every bit of labor yourself or hiring a full-service mover, an à la carte service lets you pick and choose: packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking are typically offered as separate add-ons.
Want to save money? Select as few add-ons as possible. Don't want the hassle of a particular step? Pay to have professionals handle just that piece.
This can be a good fit if a full DITY feels like too much, but you still don't want to hand the whole move over to a full-service company. It's worth calling around, since which services are offered à la carte (and at what price) varies by company and by region.
Vet the company before you sign anything
You're still trusting someone else with your belongings for part of the move, so vet them the same way you would a full-service mover. Official DoD guidance warns about “rogue operators” who quote low and then inflate the price after loading, or hold your property until you pay more. Know which entity is arranging your move (a broker), which one actually transports it (the carrier), and which contract governs — legitimate brokers exist and aren't automatically a red flag, but you need to know who's who. Before you sign anything, get:
- The exact business name, address, and role of the actual carrier — verify it yourself on the FMCSA's Protect Your Move site.
- A written estimate with inventory, pricing basis, included services, and whether it's binding, nonbinding, or another defined form.
- The deposit, cancellation, rescheduling, and payment terms in writing.
- A copy of every document before your belongings leave — never sign a blank contract.
Treat unusually low prices and large cash-only demands as reasons for extra scrutiny, and check Better Business Bureau reviews as a supplement, not a substitute, for the checks above.
Other PPM/DITY options:
Helpful Hints
- Always ask for a military discount.
- Make sure you understand the Bill of Lading and any other documents you're asked to sign.
- Understand valuation before you sign. Released-value liability (often the default) pays a fraction of a dollar per pound per article regardless of an item's actual worth; full-value protection costs more but covers repair, replacement, or a cash settlement. Ask which applies to your selected services.
- Contact your local legal office and ask whether they can help if you need to file a damage claim against the company you select.