DITY Move or PPM? Everything Military Families Need to Know About Personally Procured Moves in 2026

If you still call it a DITY move, you are not alone. The military officially renamed the program Personally Procured Move, or PPM, but the idea behind the program remained the same: you arrange your own move during a PCS, and the government reimburses you for the cost of moving. If the cost of your move is less than the reimbursement amount, you may keep the difference.

If you are a military family weighing your options before the PCS peak season, here is a straightforward guide to explain how a PPM works, how the government determines reimbursement in 2026, and everything you should consider when deciding whether a DITY move is right for your specific needs and situation.

What Is a Personally Procured Move?

A Personally Procured Move is an option available to active-duty service members that allows you to arrange your own transportation and the relocation of household goods rather than using a government-contracted mover. Instead of the government arranging the PCS on your behalf, this approach gives you more control over your timeline and how your belongings are handled, while getting reimbursed based on what the move would have cost the government.

You are eligible for a PPM if you have received orders for a Permanent Change of Station, a Temporary Duty assignment, or a Temporary Additional Duty move. You may also qualify if you are separating from the military, retiring, or moving to or from government quarters under orders. Before moving, you will need official orders and approval from your installation's Transportation Office. You can find moving resources and guidance through Military OneSource's personal property resources.

You also do not have to pick a one-size-fits-all path. A PPM can be a full move, where you manage your entire relocation from beginning to end, or a partial move, where you handle some of your belongings and have government-contracted movers assist with the rest. Either way, you receive reimbursement for whatever portion of the move you handle yourself.

How Does PPM Reimbursement Work?

The government bases reimbursement on a model called the Government Constructed Cost, or GCC, which represents what the government would have paid a mover to transport your household goods through official channels. In 2026, the reimbursement rate is 100% of the GCC.

How is the GCC calculated? Your rank and dependency status determine your authorized weight allowance, and the distance of your move factors into the overall calculation. Your Transportation Office can provide an estimate before you commit to a PPM so you can compare it to your expected actual costs.

If your actual moving costs come in below the reimbursement amount, you keep the difference. If your costs exceed the reimbursement, you cover the gap out of pocket. Getting an accurate estimate upfront and understanding what expenses qualify before booking a mover or service provider can save you from an unpleasant surprise at the end.

Reimbursable expenses can include truck rentals, portable storage containers, packing materials, fuel, and invoices from licensed professional moving companies. Meals, lodging, and routine vehicle maintenance are not reimbursable. Always confirm the specific allowances with your Transportation Office before your move.

Weight Tickets: The Most Important Documentation in a PPM

Your rank and dependency status determine your maximum authorized weight allowance, but your final reimbursement is based on the actual weight of your shipment. That makes weight tickets the most critical document in the entire PPM process. You will need a certified empty weight ticket before loading and a certified full weight ticket after loading, obtained from a certified scale, for each vehicle or shipment in your move.

Weight tickets are based on two weights: the weight of the truck empty before loading your shipment and its weight full after loading your shipment. PPM reimbursement is based on the actual weight of your shipment, which means it is crucially important to turn in proper weight tickets to receive your reimbursement payment.

If you do not obtain proper weight tickets, you risk losing your reimbursement entirely. Keep all originals and take pictures of each ticket as backup documentation. Your Transportation Office can walk you through the specific weight documentation requirements for your branch. You can also reference the DFAS PPM resources page for official documentation guidance.

A professional moving company can obtain weight tickets on your behalf as part of its service. Ask about this when you are requesting your quote.

Full PPM vs. Partial PPM

A full PPM is exactly what the phrase implies. It is a relocation that you manage. You receive a free quote and book the mover, or you arrange your own transportation to relocate your belongings. With a partial PPM, you split how the move is handled, managing some of it yourself while the government manages the rest through the standard household goods process.

Families use partial PPMs to gain more control over items that are important to them, such as valuables, irreplaceable items, or belongings they want to keep in their own hands during the move. You personally hire a mover or transport those items yourself. Either way, you receive reimbursement based on the weight you move. The government will arrange and cover the contracted portion of the move with the mover it selects.

If a partial PPM is an option that interests you, contact your Transportation Office before booking or making any arrangements. You will need to ensure that the weight split is set up correctly at the point of initiation, or it will cause complications with both receiving reimbursement and the government-managed portion of your move.

Can You Hire a Professional Moving Company for a PPM?

Yes, and this is one of the most important things to understand about the PPM program. Hiring a licensed professional moving company does not disqualify you from receiving PPM reimbursement. The government does not require you to physically move everything yourself just because you are not using the government's mover.

Under a PPM, your responsibility lies with arranging the move as opposed to letting the government do it for you. If you hire a long-distance mover, you pay the company directly and then submit the invoice as part of your reimbursement claim. The government will then refer to the GCC for your weight and distance to reimburse you, regardless of whether you moved everything yourself or hired professionals.

For many military families, hiring a professional mover is a benefit of the PPM program because it gives them the best of both options: long-distance movers they vetted to ensure experienced crews handle their household goods, and the financial benefit of the reimbursement program if the moving cost comes in below their allocated GCC.

When choosing a mover for a PPM, look for a company that is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, carries a verifiable DOT number, has documented experience with military moves and PCS timelines, and can provide proper weight tickets and documentation to support your reimbursement claim. Also, do your homework on moving brokers and what to look for in avoiding them. You can read more about moving brokers vs. moving companies here.

How Does Coleman Worldwide Moving Support PPM Moves

Coleman Worldwide Moving has spent over 110 years supporting military families throughout their PCS process. As the largest agent for Allied Van Lines, Coleman brings the credibility, network, and experience that matter when your timeline is tight and your household goods need to get to your new base on time.

With more than 60 locations across 22 states, including Hawaii, Alaska, and Guam, Coleman's coverage reaches many of the country's largest and most important military installations. Whether you are PCSing from within the continental United States or relocating from overseas, there is likely a Coleman location positioned to assist with your move. View our military and government moving services to learn more about Coleman's experience supporting service members.

Our team of experienced movers understands the PPM documentation process and can ensure your move is handled in a way that supports a clean reimbursement claim. Contact us for a free moving quote, and we will walk you through your options based on your timeline and specific situation.

Plan Early for Peak PCS Season

Peak PCS season runs from May through Labor Day, and the heaviest volume of moves takes place between June and July. Professional moving company capacity and availability fill up quickly during this window. If you have orders to PCS and are considering a PPM with a long-distance moving company, we recommend requesting a quote as early as possible to give you more flexibility with scheduling, crew availability, and service options.

Earlier is always better. The families with the least stressful PCS moves are almost always the ones who started planning before crunch time arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a DITY move and a PPM?

Both refer to the same program. DITY stands for Do It Yourself and was the original name for the program. In 2010, the military rebranded it the Personally Procured Move or PPM, but both refer to the same moving program: you arrange your own move during a PCS and receive reimbursement from the government based on what the move would have cost through official channels.

What is the PPM reimbursement rate in 2026?

100% of the Government Constructed Cost, or GCC, is the reimbursement rate in 2026. The GCC represents the cost the government would pay to move your household goods through their contracted mover network based on your weight allowance and the distance of your move.

Can I hire a moving company and still get PPM reimbursement?

Yes. Hiring a long-distance moving company will not disqualify you from receiving reimbursement for your PPM. When paying for the professional assistance of a mover, you will need to submit invoices and weight documentation as part of your reimbursement claim. The government will reimburse you based on the actual weight of your move and what it would have cost in accordance with official channels and your GCC.

What are weight tickets and why do they matter?

Weight tickets are certified documents that record the weight of your shipment at a certified scale. Weight tickets are based on two weights: the weight of the truck empty before loading your shipment and its weight full after loading your shipment. PPM reimbursement is based on the actual weight of your shipment, which means it is crucially important to turn in proper weight tickets to receive your reimbursement payment. If you have missing or incomplete weight tickets, you run the risk of losing the entirety of your reimbursement. Speak with your Transportation Office to learn about specific documentation requirements for your branch.

What is a partial PPM?

A partial PPM allows you to perform a "split shipment" where you split your authorized weight allowance between handling your own personally procured move and allowing the government to manage the household goods process. You are eligible to receive PPM reimbursement for the part of the shipment you personally handle, and the government will cover the transportation cost for the remainder. It is advised to coordinate the weight split with your Transportation Office before making any plans to perform the move yourself.

What expenses qualify for PPM reimbursement?

Reimbursable expenses typically include truck rentals, portable storage containers, packing materials, fuel, and invoices from licensed professional moving companies. You are not allowed to receive reimbursement for items such as meals, lodging, or routine vehicle maintenance. Always confirm the full list of qualifying expenses with your Transportation Office before you move, as requirements may vary by branch.

What is the difference between a moving broker and a moving company?

A moving broker arranges your move but does not own trucks, employ crews, or physically handle your shipment. A licensed moving company owns its equipment, employs its crews, and is directly accountable for your belongings from pickup through delivery. For a PPM, the military recommends using a mover registered with the federal government. You can verify any carrier's registration and authority using the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration mover search tool. For a more in-depth look on how to spot a broker before booking your move, read our guide to moving brokers vs. moving companies.

Is PPM reimbursement taxable?

Your PPM reimbursement may have tax implications worth understanding before your move. For guidance specific to your situation, refer to IRS Publication 3, the Armed Forces Tax Guide, or use MilTax, the free DoD tax preparation service available through Military OneSource.

Can I do a PPM for an OCONUS move?

OCONUS moves can follow different rules than domestic PPMs, and eligibility depends on your branch, orders, destination, and local guidance. OCONUS includes moves outside the continental United States, including Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and overseas locations. Many OCONUS shipments are handled through government-arranged transportation, but the rules are not uniform across the military. Always confirm with your Transportation Office before making plans for an overseas move.

How far in advance should I book a PPM move?

It is recommended to make arrangements as soon as possible. If moving between the peak window of May and Labor Day, know that a professional long-distance moving company's capacity will fill quickly, so it is important to book early and be afforded more flexibility regarding scheduling, crew availability, and service options. For moves outside of the peak window, four to six weeks is a reasonable minimum. Planning ahead consistently leads to a smoother and less stressful moving process.