DITY Move Calculator

PPM calculator for military

When Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders take service members and their families out of state or across the country, they have a few different options.

The government provides full-service moving for PCS orders, or service members can choose to do a PPM or Personally Procured Move (also known as a DITY or do-it-yourself move).

With a PPM, military personnel pay for their moving expenses and get reimbursed for what the government would have spent on movers. That means they keep the remaining funds after paying for the move. When money is at stake, it helps to have an easy way to calculate PPM costs — and that’s where U-Pack® can help.

Free military move estimate

Getting a quote is the best way to start figuring out your DITY move costs. Use U-Pack’s online quote form for a free instant moving cost estimate. We just need the origin, destination, move date and home size. Our quotes include the moving equipment, transportation (including fuel) and standard liability coverage.

U-Pack is a self-moving company that has been in business since 1997. We’ve handled long-distance moves in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, providing exemplary customer service.

With U-Pack, you’ll have more control of your move (date, equipment type, etc.) and maintain privacy by packing your own things.

Military moving reimbursement

Reimbursement amounts for service members can vary between military branches and are based on rank, dependents, distance and travel time.

Visit the Transportation Office (TO) on base to complete any forms due in advance and find out the exact allowances and requirements for reimbursement.

Here are some things you’ll want to know:

• Government Procured Move (GPM) reimbursement amount
• Dislocation Allowance (DLA)
• How to submit weight tickets
• Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation (MALT)
• Per diem amounts for you and your dependents

Can I make a profit on a PPM or DITY

If the government reimbursement is more than what you’ll pay for a DITY move, you can keep the extra money as a profit. Remember to consider all moving expenses, like personal travel, meals, lodging and packing materials.

Note: If your DITY moving costs exceed the GPM reimbursement amount, you might want to allow the government to handle your move or look for military moving discounts to lower your PPM costs.

How do I get weight tickets?

U-Pack bases prices on the space your things take up rather than their weight to keep costs low. But don’t worry! We can provide the weight tickets if you request them at reservation (online or over the phone), and the cost is only $150.

Consult with an accountant or tax professional about any applicable taxes or deductions because of your PCS.

Reserve your PPM with U-Pack

If you’ve already gotten a quote, you’re all set to reserve a military move with U-Pack. In addition to our competitive prices, enter the code DITY10 online (or mention it on the phone) for an extra $100 in savings!

Booking early secures the equipment and move date. If plans change, you can update or cancel the move for free up to 7 days in advance. Don't forget to request weight tickets (if you need them)!

If you have questions, one of our moving specialists can help at 844-362-5303844-594-3077. Thank you for your service!