If you’re in the military, you can choose to hire our team at Ace Moving & Warehousing to help you move to a new house or military base anywhere in the country or overseas. As a certified PPM (formerly known as DITY or do-it-yourself) moving company, we partner with Atlas Van Lines to help military personnel and their families make a smooth transition to a new location.
When you’re preparing to execute a PPM military move, there are some guidelines you’ll need to be aware of to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible. Read on to learn what you should know.
What Is a PPM Move?
When you make a Permanent Change of Station, Temporary Duty, or Temporary Additional Duty relocation for the military, you’re eligible to perform what’s known as a Personally Procured Move (PPM).
When you opt for a PPM move, the government will reimburse you for moving your belongings by yourself (or with the help of a moving company). You’re also eligible to take advantage of the PPM program when you separate or retire from the military, and when you’re issued orders to move into or out of government quarters.
You can choose to take full advantage of the PPM program or ship only a portion of your household goods on a Government Bill of Lading (GBL). As long as the total weight of your goods is less than or equal to the PPM weight allowance, you’ll receive reimbursement for shipping costs under the PPM program.
You’ll also receive $25,000 of insurance coverage under this program. In some cases, you may be able to get an advanced allowance for your move rather than paying for services upfront and waiting to be reimbursed.
How to Take Advantage of the Military’s PPM Program
When you know you want to conduct a PPM relocation, here’s what you’ll need to do to get the ball rolling:
- Schedule an appointment with the Personal Property Office to apply for a PPM move.
- Decide whether you’ll be moving on your own or hiring a moving company that specializes in military relocations.
- Get estimates for the moving services you need (ie: transport-only service, full packing services, climate-controlled storage, etc.)
- Ensure your vehicle insurance is up to date. Liability for collisions that occur during PPM moves varies by state, so if you’re involved in an accident while traveling, contact the nearest military institution for help.
- To obtain your operating allowance for the move, stop by your local dispersing office.
- Calculate the total weight of everything you’re moving. If you’re hiring a moving company, they’ll handle this.
- Obtain receipts for all of your moving-related expenses.
- Conduct your relocation and submit your request for reimbursement.
Documentation Required for Military Moves
Before our team can help you move, you’ll need to fill out some required military documents. These forms include:
- DD 1351-2 voucher for traveling
- DD 2278: Application for a DITY Move
- Standard Form 1038 – Advance of Funds Application and Account (this is for your advanced operating allowance)
- Permanent Change of Station travel orders
- Certified weight tickets (Gross weight and Tare weight)
- Paid rental agreement
- Copies of your registration for privately owned vehicles, boats, or trailers
If you’re planning to make a partial PPM move — meaning you’re only going to ship a specific amount of your household goods — you’ll also need to discuss those details with your PTO rep. Once you’ve nailed down all the details on your end of things, our team will help you select the moving services that are best suited to your needs and budget.
Common Operating Personnel Expenses
Feel free to utilize all of our services, moving personnel, and equipment or supplies. We will provide an itemized list and receipts for all your moving expenses so you can turn them in for reimbursement.
The military will compensate you for certain costs if you choose to move on your own. Below you’ll find a list of both covered and non-covered expenses that may be involved in your PPM move.
Personal expenses authorized by the military include:
- Truck and trailer rental
- Packing materials
- Packing blankets and furniture pads
- Dollie or hand truck
- Fuel, oil, and toll expenses when renting a truck
Personal expenses NOT authorized by the military include:
- Tow dolly
- Transporting your vehicle
- Travel insurance
- Sales tax on purchases
- Food and lodging during your trip
- Fuel for driving additional cars
Moving Checklist
You should start planning for your move at least eight weeks in advance. By doing so, you will have plenty of time to make the necessary arrangements without feeling the stress. Curious what your moving timeline should look like? We put together this moving guide to get you started.
Our Ace Moving & Warehousing specialists are also here to answer your questions or need a team of professional movers to help you. You can take advantage of our rental equipment and supplies, which will be helpful for lifting and packing your household items. We also provide safe storage for all the valuables you can’t fit into your new place.
For more tips on the planning and preparation process, you’ll want to follow, check out Your Moving Timeline: An 8-Week Checklist for Your Move.
Planning a Military Move? Get a Free Moving Services Estimate
If you’re getting ready for a military move from the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team at Ace Moving & Warehousing! We provide comprehensive moving service for all military personnel and their families and have proudly served the Twin Cities area since 1958. We offer reasonable rates, friendly service, and dependable moving transportation and equipment.
To learn more about how we can help with your PPM move, give us a call today at 763-755-2045 or send us a message with any questions. You can also request a quick moving quote online, and we’ll be in touch with additional information.