Independent guide to military PPM / DITY moves — not an official government site About this site
Real Story

A Real Move Story

Follow a real military family through an actual cross-country PPM/DITY move, start to finish.

Numbers and checklists only tell half the story. This section follows one military family through an actual cross-country Personally Procured Move — from Maryland to Colorado, with two small kids in tow — step by step, in their own words.

Historical move account — original move date not yet confirmed. This is a historical account of one family's move. The services, prices, discounts, equipment, and administrative procedures described may no longer be available. Read the current planning guide for today's process. Practices identified in an editor's safety note should not be repeated.

Follow the Move

  • A Real DITY Move: Planning

    Follows the story of a real-life DITY/Personally Procured Move during the planning phase, including selection of options and packing supplies.

  • A Real DITY Move: Packing

    Follows the story of a real-life DITY/Personally Procured Move during the packing phase including packing boxes, wrapping items in packing blankets, dealing with breakable items, and staging boxes.

  • A Real DITY Move: Loading

    Follows the story of a real-life DITY/Personally Procured Move during the loading phase, including safety, security, odd-shaped items, helpers, and loading techniques.

  • A Real DITY Move: Unloading

    Follows the story of a real-life DITY/Personally Procured Move during the unloading phase, including organization, safety, and weather.

  • A Real DITY Move: Summary

    Summarizes a real-life DITY/Personally Procured Move including time invested and damage.