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The PPM Move: An In-Depth Guide to Doing It Yourself

August 7, 2025
3 minute read

PCS, PCS Tips, PCS Travel, PCS Resources

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A Personally Procured Move (PPM), which you might still hear called by its old name, a DITY (Do-It-Yourself) move, is when you choose to move your own household goods instead of having the government-contracted movers do it for you. This can be a great way to make extra money, but it's also a lot of work.

How does it work?

  1. Get Authorized: First, you must get counseling from your base's transportation office (TMO) and have the PPM authorized on your orders. Do not start your move without this! You can start the process online at MilitaryOneSource's Personal Property page.
  2. Arrange the Move: You are responsible for everything. This can mean renting a U-Haul, using a container service like PODS or U-Pack, or even hiring your own full-service movers.
  3. Weigh In, Weigh Out: You must get official weight tickets for your vehicle/truck both empty and full. This is how the military verifies the weight of your shipment.
  4. Get Paid: The government will pay you 100% of what it would have cost them to move your authorized weight. If you can do it for less, you keep the difference.

The Pros:

  • You Can Make Money: This is the biggest draw. If you are organized and efficient, you can potentially make several thousand dollars. This profit is considered taxable income.
  • You Have Control: You control the timeline. You know exactly when your belongings will arrive at your new home. You are also the only one handling your items, which can reduce the risk of damage.

The Cons:

  • It's a Lot of Work: You are responsible for all the packing, loading, driving, unloading, and unpacking. It is physically and mentally demanding.
  • You Bear the Risk: If you damage your belongings, there's no claims process with the government. You are fully responsible.
  • Upfront Costs: You have to pay for the truck rental, gas, and moving supplies out of pocket before you get reimbursed.

Is it right for you? A PPM is a great option for smaller moves, for families who are highly organized, or for those on a tight timeline. If you have a very large home or valuable, fragile items, using the government movers might be the less stressful and safer choice.