Considering a DITY move (Do-It-Yourself), also known as a Personally Procured Move (PPM)?
Whether you’re in the military or relocating for personal reasons, a DITY move offers flexibility and the potential to earn money by handling the moving process yourself. In this guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of DITY moves, from potential earnings to tax implications.
What is the Difference Between a Full DITY and a Partial DITY?
In a full DITY move, you handle all aspects of the move yourself. In a partial DITY move, some components are managed by a government-approved contractor, and you handle the rest. Partial DITY moves are less burdensome but offer less potential profit compared to full DITY moves.
Benefits of Do-it-Yourself Military Move
A DITY (Do-It-Yourself) move, also known as a Personally Procured Move (PPM) in the military, offers several benefits for service members and their families. Here are some key advantages:
Benefits of a DITY Move for Service Members
1. Reimbursement for Costs:
Service members can be reimbursed up to 100% of what the government would have paid for the move, covering expenses like truck rental and packing supplies. Doing the work themselves may result in overall savings.
2. Greater Control:
DITY moves offer full control over the process—service members can choose the moving company or rent a truck, allowing for more personalized and secure handling of their belongings.
3. Flexibility:
Move on your own schedule without waiting for government-assigned movers, ideal for those with time constraints or specific preferences.
4. Potential for Profit:
If done efficiently and under budget, a DITY move can result in extra money—especially by avoiding unnecessary items and staying under the weight limit.
5. Familiarity with Belongings:
You know exactly what you’re packing and how, which can help eliminate clutter and reduce unnecessary transport.
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Note:
Recent regulation changes—such as lower payments per pound and trailer size limits—may reduce overall profitability.
Is a Full DITY Move Worth It?
A full DITY move can be very beneficial if you’re organized and willing to put in the work. You handle all aspects of the moving process, from packing to transportation. The key advantage is the potential to make money if you spend less than the government’s reimbursement rate. However, consider the effort and time required to manage a move successfully.
As a data point, we just moved from VA to OK, maxed out my allowance at 14.5K and incentive payment was $29k. $3600 for uhaul, $1000 for movers labor, so we came out with a nice profit on this move...
How Much Do You Make on a DITY Move?
The amount you can earn from a DITY move depends on the weight of your belongings and the distance of your move. The government reimburses you based on these factors, so if you spend less than the allowance provided, you keep the difference.Â
The reimbursement rate is calculated per pound, so accurate weight tickets are crucial.Â
While stories have shown the average PCS costs a military family approximately $5,000. There are service members who swear that you can make money from your PCS move… if you know how to use DITY moves to your advantage.
How Does a DITY Move Work?
In a DITY move, you are responsible for arranging all details of the move. This includes hiring moving services or renting trucks, packing, loading, driving, unloading, and unpacking. After the move, you submit your expense receipts and weight tickets to the appropriate office for reimbursement.
Get the most out of your DITY move
Know Your Move Requirements.
The monetary rewards for a DITY move are no joke, but only if you’re able to keep track of all the details. Is the size of your move manageable enough? How much of it do you want to handle yourself? Do you have friends/family who can help out? Can you make the necessary arrangements for your family and pets?
Do the Numbers.
The government pays you an allowance equalling 95% of what it would have cost to move you, meaning if you DITY and it’s pricier than that number, you’re paying that out-of-pocket. And remember that any extra money you keep from the allowance is taxable income, so you need to get a W-2 form for when you do your tax returns.
Know the Rules.
Talk to your Public Transportation Office counselor when you apply for the move. Learn what qualifies as an authorized shipment and what exactly you’re responsible for. And ask about any extra benefits or travel allowances you can get because you may qualify for a lot more than you expected.
Take Your Time.
The big advantage of a DITY move, aside from knowing where your stuff is at all times, is that you don’t have to depend on a moving company that needs to cram the whole process into one day. Think about getting a U-Haul for a couple days so you can space out the packing process. Get all the heavy stuff done on one day, then move the rest on another day. Recruit any friends and family that may be available to help you out. I find that beer and pizza are excellent incentives.
Ask About Military Discounts.
Most moving companies and moving-related services don’t advertise military discounts, so be sure to ask when you call them. And don’t be afraid to call multiple companies and pit their prices against each other. They want your business and will most likely lower their number to book you.
Common questions about DITY moves
Typically, it takes about 30 days from the submission of your claim with all the necessary paperwork to receive payment. Ensure all documentation is complete and accurate to avoid delays.
Reimbursements for DITY moves are considered taxable income. You will receive a W-2 form reflecting this income, which you must report during tax season. It’s wise to set aside a portion of the reimbursement for tax obligations.
If your shipment exceeds the weight limit authorized in your moving orders, you may be responsible for the additional costs. It’s vital to estimate your shipment’s weight accurately to avoid penalties.
A PPM (Personally Procured Move) covers expenses related to moving services, truck rental, packing materials, fuel, and tolls. Keep detailed records and receipts of all expenses to claim the maximum allowable reimbursement.
