If you’ve heard the term “DITY move” tossed around at the housing office or in your base Facebook group, you’re not alone — and you’re probably wondering whether it’s worth the effort. DITY stands for “Do It Yourself,” and it’s the old-school name for what the military now officially calls a Personally Procured Move (PPM). The concept is straightforward: instead of letting the government hire movers on your behalf, you handle the move yourself and get reimbursed for what the government would have paid. If your costs come in lower than that reimbursement, you keep the difference.
For some families, that difference adds up to thousands of dollars. For others, the time, labor, and logistics aren’t worth it. This guide breaks down exactly how PPM moves work in 2026 — the current reimbursement rates, weight allowances, step-by-step process, and tax implications — so you can decide whether a DITY move makes sense for your next PCS. If you’re still in the early planning stages, grab our PCS Toolkit and join the PCS Pay-it-Forward community for your next base for real advice from families who’ve done it.
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PPM vs. DITY: What Changed (And What Didn’t)
The military officially retired the term “DITY move” several years ago and replaced it with “Personally Procured Move” or PPM. The name changed, but the core idea didn’t: you move your own household goods, and the government reimburses you.
What has changed is the reimbursement structure. In 2021, the DoD increased PPM reimbursement from 95% to 100% of the Government Constructed Cost (GCC). That means the government now pays you the full amount it would have paid a contracted mover — not 95% of it. If your actual moving costs are lower than that number, the difference is yours to keep.
In 2023, the DoD also formalized two distinct types of PPMs:
Member-Elected PPM — This is the most common type. You choose to do a PPM instead of using government movers. You’re reimbursed at 100% of the GCC based on the weight you move and the distance. You can request up to 60% of your estimated reimbursement as an advance to cover upfront costs like truck rental and fuel. Any money left over after your expenses is yours — though it’s taxable income.
Actual-Cost PPM — This is less common. It’s ordered by your transportation office when a government-contracted move isn’t available within your required timeframe. Instead of being paid based on the GCC, you’re reimbursed for your actual costs — even if those costs exceed what the government would have paid a contractor. Pre-approval is mandatory, and documentation requirements are stricter.
Both types can be done as a full PPM (you move everything yourself) or a partial PPM (you move some items yourself and the government ships the rest). Partial PPMs are calculated the same way — 100% of the GCC for the weight you personally move.
Still see “DITY” everywhere? That’s normal. The military community, Reddit, and even some official forms still use the old term. If you search for “DITY move calculator” or “DITY move tips,” you’ll find the same PPM information. They’re the same thing.
2026 PPM Reimbursement: How Much Will You Get Paid?
Your PPM reimbursement is calculated based on three factors: your rank (which determines your weight allowance), the actual weight you move, and the distance between your old and new duty stations.
The government uses the GCC — the Government Constructed Cost — to determine what it would have paid a contracted mover to handle your shipment. For 2026, you receive 100% of the GCC for a Member-Elected PPM.
A note about 2025: During the summer of 2025, the DoD temporarily increased PPM reimbursement to 130% of the GCC due to widespread contractor issues and delays under the new Global Household Goods (GHC) contract with HomeSafe Alliance. That temporary bump has ended, and the rate has returned to 100% for 2026.
The 60% Advance: You don’t have to front all the money yourself. You can request up to 60% of your estimated PPM payment in advance through your transportation office. This helps cover truck rental, fuel, packing supplies, and other upfront costs. The remaining balance is paid after you submit your completed paperwork.
How families actually come out ahead: The math is simple. If the government estimates your move would cost $8,000 through a contractor, you receive $8,000. If you rent a U-Haul, buy packing supplies, and pay for fuel totaling $3,500, you pocket the $4,500 difference (minus taxes). The key is keeping your costs well below the GCC.
Real example from a military family:
“We just moved from VA to OK, maxed out my allowance at 14.5K and incentive payment was $29K. $3,600 for U-Haul, $1,000 for movers labor, so we came out with a nice profit on this move.” — Reddit user
Not every move will be this profitable. Short-distance moves or moves with heavy shipments tend to have smaller margins. But for cross-country PCS moves, the earning potential is real.
2026 PCS Weight Allowances by Rank
Your weight allowance determines how many pounds of household goods the military will reimburse you for — whether you use government movers or do a PPM. If you exceed your weight allowance, you pay the overage out of pocket. For a PPM, your reimbursement is capped at the GCC for your authorized weight, so moving more than your allowance doesn’t earn you more money.
2026 PCS Weight Allowance Table (in pounds):
| Grade | Without Dependents | With Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| O-10 | 18,000 | 18,000 |
| O-9 | 18,000 | 18,000 |
| O-8 | 18,000 | 18,000 |
| O-7 | 18,000 | 18,000 |
| O-6 | 18,000 | 18,000 |
| O-5 / W-5 | 16,000 | 17,500 |
| O-4 / W-4 | 14,000 | 17,000 |
| O-3 / W-3 | 13,000 | 14,500 |
| O-2 / W-2 | 12,500 | 13,500 |
| O-1 / W-1 | 10,000 | 12,000 |
| E-9 | 13,000 | 15,000 |
| E-8 | 12,000 | 14,000 |
| E-7 | 11,000 | 13,000 |
| E-6 | 8,000 | 11,000 |
| E-5 | 7,000 | 9,000 |
| E-4 | 7,000 | 8,000 |
| E-3 and below | 5,000 | 8,000 |
Pro-Gear Allowance (excluded from weight limit):
- Service member: up to 2,000 lbs of professional books, papers, and equipment (PBP&E)
- Spouse: up to 500 lbs of job-related equipment
Pro-gear includes uniforms, professional reference materials, tools of your trade, and specialized equipment required for your duties. This weight does NOT count against your household goods allowance when properly documented, so make sure you label and separate it.
Quick weight estimate: A good rule of thumb is about 1,500 lbs per room in your home, plus the weight of large appliances. A 3-bedroom house with a garage full of gear can easily hit 10,000–12,000 lbs.
2026 PCS Allowances That Affect Your PPM Budget
Your PPM reimbursement isn’t the only money you receive during a PCS. Several other allowances can offset your moving costs or pad your budget. Understanding all of them helps you plan realistically.
Dislocation Allowance (DLA)
DLA is a one-time, tax-free lump sum to help cover incidental expenses like security deposits, utility hookups, cleaning fees, and other costs that don’t fit neatly into other reimbursement categories. DLA rates increased 3.8% for 2026. Here are some common rates:
| Pay Grade | Without Dependents | With Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 to E-5 | $1,018.96 | $2,361.00 |
| E-6 | $1,018.96 | $2,361.00 |
| E-7 | $1,018.96 | $2,361.00 |
| E-8 | $1,018.96 | $2,361.00 |
| E-9 | $1,018.96 | $2,361.00 |
| O-1 to O-3 / W-1 to W-3 | $2,483.05 | $3,633.74 |
| O-4 / W-4 | $4,247.61 | $4,885.43 |
| O-5 / W-5 | $4,247.61 | $4,885.43 |
| O-6 | $4,247.61 | $4,885.43 |
| O-7+ | $5,187.33 | $6,385.58 |
Note: E-1 through E-4 without dependents typically do not receive DLA unless they are authorized to live off-base. E-5 and above qualify regardless. Check the DTMO DLA rate tables for your exact amount.
You can request 80% of your DLA as an advance before your move. The remainder is paid after you file your travel voucher at your new duty station.
Mileage Allowance (MALT)
If you drive your personally owned vehicle to your new duty station, the government reimburses you at $0.205 per mile for 2026 (PCS rate). Mileage is calculated using the Defense Table of Official Distances (DTOD), not your actual odometer reading. Tolls, ferry fees, and bridge charges are reimbursable separately with receipts.
Per Diem for Travel Days
While you’re traveling between duty stations, you receive per diem to cover lodging and meals. For most CONUS locations in 2026, the standard rates are:
- Lodging: up to $110 per night (reimbursed at actual cost with receipt)
- Meals & Incidental Expenses (M&IE): $68 per day (flat rate, no receipts needed)
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE)
TLE covers temporary lodging for up to 14 days (combined) at your old and/or new duty station while you wait for housing or household goods delivery. For 2026, the maximum TLE rate is approximately $290 per day depending on location.
How these allowances work with your PPM: DLA, MALT, per diem, and TLE are paid in addition to your PPM reimbursement. They’re separate entitlements. So when you’re calculating your PPM profit, don’t count these against your moving costs — they’re covering different expenses.
Step-by-Step: How to Set Up Your PPM
Step 1: Get Your Orders Don’t make any permanent decisions — like signing a truck rental contract or selling your house — until you have official PCS orders in hand. Once you have orders, move to step 2 immediately. PPM paperwork takes time, and you don’t want to be scrambling.
Step 2: Visit Your Transportation Office (TO) or Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO) This is where everything starts. Your counselor will walk you through the PPM process, help you estimate your reimbursement based on weight and distance, explain what qualifies as an authorized shipment, and identify any extra allowances you may be eligible for. You may be surprised at what you qualify for beyond the basics.
Step 3: Submit DD Form 2278 This is the official “Application for Do It Yourself Move and Counseling Checklist.” Your transportation office will help you complete it. This form authorizes your PPM and documents the terms of your reimbursement. You cannot proceed without it.
Step 4: Request Your Advance (Optional) You can request up to 60% of your estimated PPM payment as an advance to cover upfront costs. This is processed through your transportation office or the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) at move.mil. The advance helps cover truck rental, packing supplies, fuel, and hired labor.
Step 5: Execute Your Move Rent your truck or trailer, gather packing supplies, recruit help, and move. Keep every receipt — truck rental, fuel, packing materials, tolls, hired labor, storage if applicable. You’ll need these for your reimbursement claim.
Step 6: Get Weight Tickets This is critical. You need certified weight tickets showing:
- Full weight: The weight of your vehicle/truck loaded with your household goods
- Empty weight: The weight of the same vehicle/truck after unloading
The difference is the net weight of your shipment, which determines your reimbursement. Most truck stops and moving companies have Certified Auto Truck (CAT) scales. Get tickets at both ends of your move to be safe. If the ticket is wrong or missing, your reimbursement can be delayed or reduced.
Step 7: Submit Your Claim After arriving at your new duty station, gather all your documentation — weight tickets, receipts, DD Form 2278, copies of your orders — and submit your claim through your new installation’s transportation office or through DPS. Double-check everything before submitting. Missing paperwork is the #1 reason for payment delays.
Step 8: Get Paid Payment typically takes about 30 days from the date you submit a complete claim. If you received an advance, the remaining balance will be paid as a separate disbursement. The total reimbursement minus your advance equals your final payment.
PPM Cost Breakdown: What It Actually Costs to Move Yourself
Here’s a realistic cost breakdown for a cross-country PPM to help you estimate your profit margin. This example assumes a family of four moving approximately 1,200 miles (for example, Fort Liberty, NC to Fort Cavazos, TX).
Estimated costs for a full PPM:
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 26-ft U-Haul truck rental (one way, ~1,200 mi) | $2,800 – $4,000 |
| Fuel for moving truck | $500 – $800 |
| Packing supplies (boxes, tape, wrap, blankets) | $200 – $400 |
| Hired loading/unloading labor (2-3 helpers, 4 hrs each end) | $400 – $1,000 |
| Tolls | $50 – $150 |
| Meals and incidentals on the road (covered separately by per diem, but just in case) | $0 – $200 |
| Total estimated PPM costs | $3,950 – $6,550 |
If the GCC for your move comes in at $10,000–$15,000 (common for an E-6 or E-7 with dependents moving 1,200+ miles at 10,000–13,000 lbs), your profit could range from $3,500 to $11,000 before taxes.
Ways to reduce your costs further:
- Book truck rentals early — prices spike during PCS season (May–August)
- Ask every moving service about military discounts (many don’t advertise them)
- Use U-Pack, ABF, or PODS instead of driving a truck yourself — they deliver a trailer, you load it, and they drive it. Costs typically run $2,000–$5,000 depending on distance
- Recruit friends and family for loading/unloading instead of hiring labor
- Get quotes from at least 3–4 companies and negotiate
The PPM Calculator at personallyprocuredmovecalculator.com can help you estimate your GCC based on rank, weight, and distance. It uses current 2026 DTMO rates.
Tax Implications: What You Owe on Your PPM Profit
This is the part most people forget until tax season. Any PPM reimbursement you receive that exceeds your actual moving costs is considered taxable income. Here’s how it works:
Your PPM profit (reimbursement minus documented expenses) will be reported on your W-2. The government withholds federal income tax on PPM payments — currently at a flat 22% withholding rate for supplemental income. You may owe more or less depending on your total tax situation.
What’s deductible: For active-duty military members, unreimbursed moving expenses related to a PCS are still tax-deductible on your federal return. This benefit was eliminated for civilians in 2018 but remains available for active-duty service members. Deductible expenses include the cost of moving your household goods and personal effects, and travel expenses (including lodging but not meals) for you and your family to get to your new home.
What’s NOT deductible: Meals during travel, house-hunting trips, temporary living expenses, and costs of breaking a lease are not deductible as moving expenses (though some may be covered by other PCS allowances like TLE or DLA).
Pro tip: Keep every single receipt. Even if you’re not sure it qualifies, save it. A tax professional familiar with military moves can help you maximize deductions and minimize what you owe. Many installations offer free tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
For more on what’s deductible, check out our guide: PCS and Taxes: What You Get to Write Off From Your Military Move.
Full DITY vs. Partial DITY: Which Is Right for You?
Full PPM: You move everything yourself. Maximum control, maximum profit potential, maximum effort. Best for organized families with help available, manageable household sizes, and moves where the GCC is significantly higher than your expected costs.
Partial PPM: You move some items yourself (often high-value or irreplaceable belongings) and let the government ship the rest through a contracted mover. You get reimbursed at 100% of the GCC for the weight you personally move. This is a good middle ground — you protect your most important items, still earn some PPM profit, and don’t have to handle the entire move yourself.
Government Move (HHG): The military arranges everything. Contracted movers pack, load, transport, and deliver your household goods at no cost to you. You don’t receive any financial reimbursement, but you also don’t do any of the work. This is the lowest-effort option, but under the current GHC contract with HomeSafe Alliance, many families have experienced delays, scheduling issues, and service problems — which is partly why PPMs have become more popular.
Questions to ask yourself before deciding:
- Is the size of your household manageable for a self-move? (A single E-4’s apartment is very different from an O-5’s 4-bedroom house with a garage full of gear.)
- Do you have friends, family, or hired help available at both ends?
- Can you handle the physical demands of loading and unloading a truck?
- Do you have reliable transportation for the drive?
- Is the GCC high enough relative to your estimated costs to make the profit worthwhile?
- Can you handle the paperwork — weight tickets, receipts, DD Form 2278, claim submission?
- Do you have pets, young children, or other logistics that would make driving a moving truck cross-country especially difficult?
If you answered “yes” to most of these, a full or partial PPM is likely worth it. If several of these give you pause, a government move or partial PPM might be the smarter choice for your family.
Tips to Maximize Your PPM Payout
Declutter before you weigh. Every pound you don’t move saves money. Sell, donate, or trash anything you haven’t used in the last year. Broken furniture, outgrown kids’ clothes, duplicate kitchen gadgets — let them go. The Salvation Army and Vietnam Veterans of America both do pickup donations.
Get accurate weight tickets. This is the single most important administrative task in your PPM. Inaccurate or missing weight tickets will reduce your reimbursement or delay payment. Weigh your loaded truck at a certified scale before you leave, and weigh it empty after you unload. Keep both tickets in a safe place.
Separate your pro-gear. Your professional books, papers, and equipment (up to 2,000 lbs for the service member, 500 lbs for a spouse) don’t count against your weight allowance. Label pro-gear boxes clearly and document them separately. This protects your weight margin and ensures you’re reimbursed for the full household goods weight.
Book early and shop around. Moving truck prices surge during PCS season. Reserve your truck or trailer as early as possible — even before you have final dates, most companies let you change dates without penalty. Always get at least three quotes and ask about military discounts.
Don’t forget about storage. If you need temporary storage, it can be included in your PPM reimbursement when pre-approved by your transportation office. Storage-in-Transit (SIT) is covered for up to 90 days in most cases. Get approval before putting anything in storage.
Take your time. Unlike government movers who try to pack your entire house in one day, a PPM lets you spread the process out. Rent your truck for a couple extra days. Pack the heavy stuff one day, the rest the next. It’s worth the extra rental cost to avoid burnout and breakage.
Document everything with photos. Photograph your belongings before packing, especially electronics, furniture, and valuables. If anything gets damaged during the move, you’ll have evidence for insurance claims.
Common Questions About DITY / PPM Moves
How long does it take to get paid for a PPM? Typically about 30 days from the date you submit a complete claim with all required documentation — weight tickets, receipts, DD Form 2278, and copies of your orders. Incomplete paperwork is the most common cause of delays.
How much are PPM moves taxed? PPM profit (reimbursement minus documented expenses) is taxable income. It will appear on your W-2 and is typically subject to 22% federal withholding. Your actual tax rate depends on your total income for the year. Active-duty members can deduct unreimbursed moving expenses, which helps offset the tax burden.
What happens if you go over your weight allowance? You’re responsible for the cost of shipping the excess weight. Overage charges vary but can easily cost $1 or more per pound. A 500-lb overage could cost you $500–$1,000 or more. Estimate weight carefully and declutter aggressively before your move.
What is the PPM reimbursement rate for 2026? 100% of the Government Constructed Cost (GCC). This is what the government would have paid a contracted mover to handle your shipment. During the summer of 2025, this was temporarily increased to 130% due to contractor issues, but it has returned to 100% for 2026.
Can I hire professional movers and still do a PPM? Yes. A PPM doesn’t mean you have to personally carry every box. You can hire movers, rent a truck, use a container service like PODS or U-Pack, or any combination. The key is that you arranged and paid for the service yourself, rather than using government-contracted movers.
What’s the difference between a Member-Elected PPM and an Actual-Cost PPM? A Member-Elected PPM is when you choose to move yourself instead of using government movers. You’re reimbursed at 100% of the GCC. An Actual-Cost PPM is ordered by the transportation office when government movers aren’t available. You’re reimbursed for your actual costs, even if they exceed the GCC. Pre-approval is required.
Can I do a partial PPM? Yes. You can move some items yourself (and get reimbursed for that weight at 100% of the GCC) while the government ships the rest. Many families use partial PPMs to personally transport valuables, firearms, or items they don’t trust to movers, while letting the government handle the bulk of the shipment.
What is covered in a PPM? Reimbursable expenses include truck/trailer rental, packing materials, fuel, tolls, hired labor for loading/unloading, and pre-approved storage. Keep all receipts. Non-reimbursable items typically include meals, alcohol, cleaning supplies for your old/new home, and any personal travel expenses beyond the direct route.
Can I get an advance on my PPM payment? Yes. You can request up to 60% of your estimated PPM reimbursement as an advance through your transportation office. This helps cover upfront costs like truck rental and supplies.
What forms do I need for a PPM? The primary form is DD Form 2278 (Application for Do It Yourself Move and Counseling Checklist). You’ll also need certified weight tickets, copies of your PCS orders, and all expense receipts. Your transportation office will walk you through the full documentation requirements for your specific branch.
Related Resources
- PCS and Taxes: What You Get to Write Off From Your Military Move — Detailed breakdown of deductible moving expenses for active-duty members
- 6 Life-Changing Military Move Tips — Practical packing and moving tips from experienced military families
- PCS Toolkit — Checklists, guides, and planning tools for every stage of your PCS
- Find Your Base — Connect with your PCS Pay-it-Forward community at your next duty station
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