8 steps to executing the perfect do-it-yourself move this PCS season
At first glance, the Personally Procured Move (or PPM) Program (what used to be called DITY move) may seem to be more trouble than it's worth. After all, you have to take care of your own moving arrangements and expenses, rather than letting the government do it for you. But if you do a little planning and put forth a bit of effort, doing a PPM offers several advantages over a normal military move, like these:
Money, Money, Money. In the PPM Program, you receive a government payment of 95 percent of what it would cost the government to move you. In addition, you receive the standard travel allowances for you and your family. If you end up spending less than the 95 percent payment the government provides, you get to keep the rest. This may sound difficult, but if you take advantage of moving company discounts and other special offers, you'll find that you can make money for yourself. You should especially consider a PPM if you have a limited amount of items that need shipping or moving -- you may be able to take care of all the packing and transport yourself.
Time, Time, Time. When you receive orders to move to another area, you're authorized permissive TDY or travel time in order to take care of all your moving arrangements. If you make a PPM, you'll receive additional time to handle your move -- time that you can use to relax if you're efficient about planning your move.
Total Control. While it's nice to do without the headaches of planning a move, many military personnel had less-than-ideal experiences when the government took care of their moves. With the PPM program, you're in control every step of the way, from deciding which moving services you want to how much of the actual move you want to handle yourself.
If you're ready to take advantage of the PPM program make sure you follow each of the steps outlined below:
Step 1. Apply for the PPM move by scheduling an appointment with your base Personal Property Transportation Office (PTO).
A PTO representative will cover all factors of the program in detail, and provide you with all forms and instructions you need. Foremost among these is the DD Form 2278 (Application for Move and Counseling Checklist). Other forms you may need to fill out or provide include:
Standard Form 1038 — Advance of Funds Application and Account (for advanced operating allowance).
Certified empty weight ticket for each shipment with name, your Social Security number and signature of weight master.
Certified loaded weight ticket for each shipment with name, your Social Security number and signature of weight master.
Original DD Form 1351-2 — Travel Voucher or Subvoucher (ask your PTO representative if you have specific questions about this form)
Copy of registration for your boat(s) and/or trailer(s) if applicable.
Only after applying for and being authorized for a PPM move can you proceed with the move. If you make a partial PPM move (i.e., only shipping a certain amount of household goods), make sure you work out all the details with your PTO representative. Note that you will not receive full government payment for your PPM move until after your move.
Step 2. Decide on your type of move.
Will you be doing this all yourself? Will you have packers help? Will you have a moving company take care of the actual transport? Nail down these arrangements as soon as possible.
Step 3. Arrange for any rental equipment or moving services you need.
You can either do it all yourself, have a professional handle tasks, or some of both. Packing materials can be purchased from commercial suppliers.
Step 4. Confirm your insurance coverage.
Make sure you are up to date on your car and accident insurance. If you use a trailer, check your auto insurance policy to make sure you're covered. State laws regarding liability for accidents during a PPM move vary, so if you're involved in an accident while performing a PPM move, you should contact the legal office at the military installation nearest the accident site as soon as possible.
Step 5. Pick up your operating allowance from your local disbursing office.
Step 6. When your vehicle (whether you own it or are renting) is ready, calculate the total weight of what you are moving.
You should weigh your vehicle both fully loaded and unloaded. This is extremely important, as your PPM payment will be based on this weight ticket. To calculate the weight of your shipment, follow this formula:
Loaded Weight = Your vehicle with a full tank of gas + all of your property loaded + no drivers or passengers inside
Empty Weight = Your vehicle with a full tank of gas + no drivers or passengers inside
Loaded Weight - Empty Weight = Net Weight of Property
Each weight ticket should have the following information:
Name, grade, Social Security number
Name/location of scales
Vehicle/trailer identification
Date of weighing
Weigh Master's signature
Legible of weights
Step 7. Get receipts for all moving expenses.
All costs associated with the move are not taxable, and will be deducted from the allowance you receive from the move to determine your actual financial profit. Only your profit will be taxed, so be sure to keep track of everything to maximize your profit. Authorized expenses include:
Payment for rental vehicles/trailers
Packing materials
Moving equipment (including hand trucks and dollies)
Gas and oil expenses
Highway tolls, weight tickets and any other transportation expense directly related to the PPM move
Step 8. Make your move, and submit your settlement.
Once you complete your actual move, you have 45 days to submit a claim for full payment of your PPM allowance. This should include the following:
Empty and loaded weight tickets (two copies of each)
PPM Move certification (attach all receipts for moving expenses)
PPM Move expense sheet
Change of Station Orders
Advance operating allowance paperwork (if you are renting a truck or trailer)
Vehicle/trailer rental contract (if you are renting a truck or trailer)
More specific details can be obtained from the Personal Property Transportation office at your installation. To get more PCS tips or information, visit Military.com's PCS Moving Guide.
