The DITY/PPM Move: Pros and Cons
Updated: 19 minutes ago
The military moving system has changed a lot since 2025. In June 2025, U.S. Transportation Command ended its Global Household Goods Contract with HomeSafe Alliance, and government-arranged moves went back to the long-standing system. On May 1, 2026, the new Personal Property Activity at Scott Air Force Base launched PPA.mil to oversee military moves. With all that change, many families are taking a fresh look at moving themselves.
As a military spouse for more than 30 years and an Arlington Associate Broker with 560+ transactions, I see how this choice affects your move-in timeline and your wallet. People still say "DITY move," but the official name is a Personally Procured Move (PPM).
This article is general information, not tax, legal or financial advice.
How a PPM works
You move your own belongings. You can rent a truck, trailer or portable container, drive your own vehicle, or hire your own movers. You book the PPM in the Defense Personal Property System (DPS), which estimates your incentive. When you're done, you turn in weight tickets and receipts.
The payment: 100% of what it would have cost the government to move you. A temporary 130% rate applied from May 15 to September 30, 2025, and has ended. You're paid on your actual weight or your authorized weight, whichever is lower. If your costs run over the estimate, the government doesn't have to cover the difference.
Advance: you may be able to get an advance on part of the payment.
Paperwork deadline: Military OneSource says to turn in your PPM paperwork within 45 days of your planned move start date.
Taxes: the incentive is taxable, so keep every receipt for truck rental, fuel and packing supplies. My military homeowner tax guide covers moving expenses.
The pros of a PPM
Control: you set the schedule instead of waiting for a pack-out date. That's a big help when you're timing a home closing.
Money: if you move for less than the payment, you keep the difference.
Care of your things: you know exactly how the china was packed.
The cons of a PPM
Labor: you load and unload every box, often in summer heat.
Upfront costs: truck rental, fuel and supplies come out of your pocket until you're paid.
Paperwork: you need certified empty and full weight tickets.
Risk: if you drop the TV, there's no claim to file for your own accident.
Leave: many families spend leave days on the move.
The government-arranged move
Your transportation office books an approved moving company, and professional movers pack and deliver your belongings.
Pros: it's physically easier, and you can focus on out-processing and family. If something is lost or damaged, you report it to the moving company within 180 days of delivery and file a claim in DPS. Check Military OneSource's moving claims guide for the current claim deadlines. If movers miss your pickup or delivery dates, you may qualify for an inconvenience claim.
Cons: you have little control over the delivery window, and your goods may sit in storage for weeks.
A middle option: a partial PPM
With a partial PPM, the government moves most of your household and you move some items yourself, often in your own car. You're paid for the weight you move. It's a good way to keep essentials with you if you close on a home before your shipment arrives.
Hiring your own help
You can also do a PPM and hire your own movers, packers or a relocation company for part of the work. You keep less of the payment, but you keep control of the schedule. Get written quotes, check reviews, and confirm the company is licensed and insured.
How to decide
Household size: a single service member with one room of furniture can do well with a PPM. A family of six with a full house may find the labor too much.
Distance: short moves are easier to do yourself.
Real estate timing: if your closing date is fixed, a partial PPM or a full PPM can help you line things up.
Start with your installation transportation office or PPA.mil, since rules and rates change. During peak season (May 15 to September 15), the PPA's call center is open 24/7 at 1-833-MIL-MOVE.
In Northern Virginia
Moving into Northern Virginia often means apartment loading docks, HOA rules on moving trucks, and street parking permits in Arlington and Alexandria. Check those before you book your truck. As your real estate partner, I can help you line up your move type with your closing date. My Northern Virginia PCS guide and moving checklist cover the rest.
Sources: Military Times; U.S. Coast Guard; Army.mil; Military OneSource PCS FAQs; Military OneSource moving claims.
Last reviewed: October 2026
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