Military relocations offer some options, but the main one is whether you’ll handle the packing and moving yourself, pay the military to do it, or hire a moving company. When you opt to handle your move without the military – either doing it yourself or hiring private movers – it’s called a Personally Procured Move (PPM).
Considering all of the variables that go with PPMs can help you determine the more cost-effective option for your military move and whether saving money is worth doing the labor yourself. And, of course, it’s the military, so there are specific guidelines to know and follow.
Ace Moving & Warehousing has helped service members across the country move to new houses and military bases, both in the U.S. and overseas. As a certified PPM (formerly known as DITY or do-it-yourself) moving company, Ace partners with Atlas Van Lines to help military personnel and their families transition smoothly to new locations every year.
Leave it to our moving experts to explain what you should know about PPM moving guidelines to help you decide whether to commit to the process.
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 are issued orders to move into or out of government quarters.
You can 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 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 PPO
Your PPO will show you all the steps to get through the experience and get you all the proper instructions and forms needed for your service.
Decide to DIY or Hire Movers
Know what type of move this is going to be. Are you doing the entire move yourself? Are you going to outsource to professional packers? Where are you investing in a moving company to help with the transport? Make these arrangements as soon as possible to save yourself some time.
Get Estimates
If you are using rental equipment or hiring moving services, contact local companies for estimates to maintain your budget and make arrangements. Take note if you require (ie, transport-only service, full packing services, climate-controlled storage, etc.)
Update Your Vehicle
The last thing you need is issues with your insurance coverage, so make sure you are current on your policy and coverage. There are state laws around liability for accidents during PPM, so stay on top of the laws to ensure you have the right coverage.
Obtain Your Operating Allowance
Your advanced operating allowance will give you a percentage of assistance for your PPM expenses, so be sure to confirm these and any rules on usage.
Calculate the Weight
If you're hiring a moving company, you don't need to worry about this portion; however, if you are making the move on your own, you need to calculate the total weight of your belongings because your PPM payment is based on the weight ticket.
Make a note of:
There are no drivers or passengers, but the vehicle has a full tank of gas.
The vehicle is full of property and gas, but there are no passengers or drivers.
Subtract the loaded weight from the empty weight to give you the net weight, and use the total for your records.
Obtain Receipts
keep any receipts and costs that are associated with the move. Any costs related to the move or not taxable will be deducted from your allowance for the move. Anything remaining that's a profit is taxable, so maximize it by keeping track of expenses.
Conduct Your Move & Submit Request for Reimbursement
Once your move is completed, you have 45 days to submit the claim for your PPM allowance and can include the requested paperwork by your PPO.
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:
- Paid rental agreement
- DD 1351-2 vouchers for traveling
- DD 2278: Application for a PPM Move
- Permanent Change of Station travel orders
- Certified weight tickets (Gross weight and Tare weight)
- Copies of your registration for privately owned vehicles, boats, or trailers
- Standard Form 1038: Advance of Funds Application and Account (this is for your advanced operating allowance)
If you're planning to make a partial PPM move — meaning you'll only 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, our team will help you select the moving services best suited to your needs and budget.
Authorized vs. Unauthorized Personal 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 independently. Below is a list of covered and non-covered expenses that may be involved in your PPM move.
Authorized
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
Not Authorized
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
Execute a Successful Military Transfer With Our Tips & Checklists
You should start planning your move at least eight weeks in advance. This will give you plenty of time to make the necessary arrangements without feeling stressed.
Are you curious about your moving timeline? We put together this moving checklist to help you get started.
- Have an open discussion about the military transfer with your family, especially if there are children involved.
- Secure any important documentation like Social Security cards, marriage certificates, housing, or medical information.
- Be flexible and patient with the experience to be better prepared for unexpected situations.
- Create an inventory of your items and, if needed, purge any items you no longer want to keep.
- Consider hiring a professional to remove some of the stress and create a custom plan.
- Work with the sponsor to find points of contact for your new location.
Ace Moving & Warehousing is here to answer your questions or help you if you need a team of professional movers. You can take advantage of our rental equipment and supplies, which will help lift and pack 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 preparing for a military move from the Minneapolis/St. Paul Metro area, don't hesitate to contact 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.