When service members move from one assignment to the next, they’re often given the choice between a government-procured move (GPM) and a personally procured move (PPM). Some military families find it easier to leave the moving details to the government, but there are merits to tackling the moving process yourself. We’ll outline how to navigate a PPM, complete the important paperwork, and claim reimbursement for moving expenses in the guide below.

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What Is a PPM?

A PPM, or personally procured move, is a do-it-yourself moving process. It’s also sometimes called a DITY (do-it-yourself) move. A PPM means you move your possessions yourself or book your own professional movers instead of arranging your move through the Department of Defense (DoD). Your responsibilities involve renting a moving truck or storage container, using your own vehicle, hiring a moving company, or shipping your household goods through UPS or FedEx. You will receive money from the government to pay for your move.

There are two types of PPM. As part of a member-elected PPM, the government will give you a lump-sum payment in advance to cover moving costs. This is called a government constructive cost, or GCC, and it’s equivalent to 100% of what the DoD would have spent if it had arranged your move. The figure is calculated based on the weight of your household goods. You get to keep whatever you don’t spend.

An actual cost reimbursement PPM requires you to pay for your move yourself before the government reimburses you. Its cost limit is also based on weight. While you have to pay for any additional weight, the government will still reimburse you for the overage if you end up spending more than the DoD would have spent.

A PPM might give you more time to move and more control over the process. Your possessions remain under your control, and you can tailor the schedule more closely to your needs. Additionally, you may end up with extra money if you don’t spend the full amount of your GCC.

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Who Is Eligible for a PPM?

Most service members who must transfer to new locations qualify for a PPM. A permanent change of station (PCS) involves a new assignment that lasts at least 20 weeks. A temporary duty move (TDY) involves an assignment that lasts less than 20 weeks but more than 31 days. PCS and TDY qualify you for a PPM, but you won’t be eligible if your new assignment lasts fewer than 31 days.

Only moves within the 48 contiguous states qualify for a PPM. An OCONUS (outside the continental United States) move to Hawaii, Alaska, or an international location must be handled by the government and doesn’t qualify for a PPM. Government property moves, retirements, and separation-based moves qualify if you get approval and counseling first. 

You also have the option of apartial PPM, which might be the best of both worlds. You can entrust the bulk of your property to government movers but keep your most important items, such as documents, keepsakes, and other immediate essentials, with you. You’ll just need to fill out the proper documentation beforehand.

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Responsibilities Under a PPM

If you choose a PPM, it’s important to understand which parts of the move are your responsibility. You’ll be paid or reimbursed for what’s listed below, but you must make arrangements yourself.

• If you want moving insurance, you’ll need to buy it yourself. You assume the risks if you choose not to purchase insurance.
• You can store your belongings for up to 90 days, but you must keep all storage contracts along with receipts and weight tickets.
• You must complete your move, which includes filing paperwork at your new duty station, within the allotted time frame.
• You must keep your receipts for all moving expenses. These receipts will be necessary for claiming tax deductions, even if you receive a lump sum in advance.
• You must provide your own moving vehicle as well as any loading or unloading equipment and packing materials. You’ll need to arrange for your own storage pod container if you want one. 
• You must receive weight tickets for both empty and full vehicles from certified weigh stations at multiple stops along your journey. Commercial moving companies will often do this for you, but you must request it. If you’re using your own vehicle, you must do this yourself.

Contact your transportation office for specific questions about the process. We recommend finding a moving company that caters to military families by offering long-distance moving help and military discounts. You may be interested in hiring a veteran-owned moving company. No matter which company you choose, make sure to hire a reputable provider that you trust with your personal property.

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Calculating Shipment Weight

Calculating the weight of your move is important because payment and reimbursement are based on weight.

The empty weight of the vehicle includes a full tank of gas but no passengers, driver, or cargo. The loaded weight of the vehicle includes a full tank of gas and cargo without a driver or passengers. The weight of your property, therefore, is equal to the loaded weight minus the empty weight. For example, if the moving truck weighs 13,100 pounds when empty and 15,280 pounds when full of cargo, the property onboard weighs 2,180 pounds.

Estimating the weight of your household goods in advance can be tricky. The military’s weight estimator tool adds together the average weight of furniture and appliances. You can roughly estimate that the furniture in one room weighs 1,000 pounds. There are other online calculation tools that estimate your GCC based on household weight, distance moved, and number of dependents.

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Forms and Documents

Filing the proper paperwork before your move is a necessity. The exact paperwork depends on your branch and destination, but you’ll need to apply in advance and be approved for either a full PPM or partial PPM. You must work out at least some of the details in advance with a representative from the transportation office. 

All PPM moves require Form DD 2278, the Application for Do It Yourself Move and Counseling Checklist. This form includes the details of your duty orders, entitlements, and responsibilities. You’ll need to include an empty-weight ticket and a loaded-weight ticket for each shipment of your property. These tickets must be signed by the certified weight master who issues them.

You’ll need a DD 1351-2 travel voucher to certify your own travel to your new home. You must submit a PPM move certification and checklist with all appropriate receipts, rental contracts, and agreements for moving vehicles, trailers, or storage units. If you fail to include a receipt, you may not be reimbursed for the related expense. You will be taxed only on the money you keep above your moving expenses.

You’ll need to file your moving paperwork at your new location within 45 days of the start of the move. If you fail to file the appropriate paperwork on time, you will not receive reimbursement, and any advance payments may need to be returned.

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Common Expenses

Budgeting for moving expenses is a critical part of every move, and while PPM payments cover most expenses, they don’t cover everything.

Authorized PPM Expenses

Most major expenses are authorized under the terms of a PPM move. Here’s what’s covered.

• Dolly and hand truck rental
• Environmental fees
• Furniture pads
• Gas and oil
• Hired labor
• Moving boxes, packing material, and tape
• Tarps, ropes, and other tie-downs
• Tolls
• Truck, trailer, or storage pod rental
• Weight ticket fees

Unauthorized PPM Expenses

Here are expenses you may encounter that don’t fall under the terms of a PPM move. If you want these things, you must pay for them yourself.

• Extra drivers
• Hitch fees
• Locks
• Meals and lodging while in transit
• Moving insurance
• Oil and lube changes and other routine vehicle maintenance
• Purchasing dollies or hand trucks
• Sales tax
• Storage fees for more than 90 days
• Tire chains
• Tow bars

Lodging isn’t covered during travel, but some lodging costs are reimbursable if you can’t immediately move into your new home upon arrival in your new town or city. You must request temporary lodging and meal expenses (TLE) for yourself and your family members.

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Getting Reimbursed

The first step in getting reimbursed for your move is ensuring that your PPM is approved and signed. Once you’ve moved, submit the proper forms to receive reimbursement. Here’s what’s typically required within 45 days.

• All certified weight tickets
• All applicable rental contracts
• Form DD 2278
• Form DD 1351-2
• Receipts for all authorized expenses
• Vehicle registration for any personal vehicles used to move household goods

The sooner you submit your paperwork, the sooner you can be reimbursed. The timeframe for reimbursement depends on your branch, duty station, and the correctness of your paperwork. If there are irregularities, you will likely wait several weeks between reviews.

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Our Conclusion

Opting for a PPM for your military move can save you time and even earn you money. However, it’s a lot of work, especially if you opt for a full PPM. We recommend using online tools to estimate the amount you stand to save and weighing that against the convenience of a military move. Even a full-service move with a professional moving company could leave you with some cash afterward.

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FAQ About Military PPM

How much will I get paid for my PPM move?

The amount you’ll get paid for your PPM move will depend on the difference between the Government Constructive Cost, which is based on the weight of your household goods, and how much you pay for the move. The more work you do yourself, the more money will be left over.

What are the best companies for my military move?

We recommend major van lines such as International Van Lines, American Van Lines, and Interstate Moving & Relocation Group as the best movers for military service members. These providers offer military discounts or military move packages in addition to a wide range of moving services. 

Are PPM moves taxable?

The only money from your PPM move that is taxed is the portion that you don’t spend on moving expenses. Be sure to keep your receipts and know which expenses are authorized when you file your federal taxes.

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