PCS season doesn’t just bring a new duty station. It brings paperwork, packing tape, and plenty of logistics. Whether this is your first Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move or your fifth, one thing’s for sure: staying organized is key to a stress-free military relocation. That’s where understanding your moving options and having a solid plan can make all the difference.
For families choosing to take control of their own move, a DITY (Do-It-Yourself) or PPM (Personally Procured Move) can be empowering, but it does come with challenges. This guide is here to help you navigate your options, streamline your military move organization, and make your next move feel less like chaos and more like a fresh start!
Military moves come with a language of their own: DITY, PPM, PCS, DPS. If you’re new to it (or even if you’re not), it can feel like alphabet soup. But each acronym represents a different way to tackle your relocation, and understanding what’s available to you is the first step toward a smoother move.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common military move options.
Short for Do-It-Yourself move, a A DITY move is exactly what it sounds like: a self-managed relocation where you take the lead on packing, transporting, and unloading your household goods during a PCS move. Officially referred to as a Personally Procured Move (PPM) by the military, the DITY option gives service members more control over the moving process and offers the opportunity for reimbursement based on the estimated cost of a government-contracted move.
Why choose a DITY move? Opting for this type of move means you’re in the driver’s seat (literally). That can be empowering, but it also comes with a few more responsibilities.
Pros:
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Service members are eligible for DITY move reimbursement as long as the move is authorized through your Transportation Office. Reimbursement is calculated based on the government’s weight allowance for your rank and dependents, and you’ll need to submit a DITY move checklist of documentation (such as weight tickets, rental receipts, and travel logs) to receive payment.
Whether you’re looking to pocket some extra money or simply want more flexibility, a DITY move can be a smart option if you’re ready to take on the prep and planning.
A PPM move, or Personally Procured Move, is the official term now used across all branches of the military to describe what was once commonly called a DITY move. Whether you’re in the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marines, you’ll likely hear both terms, but rest assured, they’re referring to the same thing: a self-managed move where you take responsibility for transporting your household goods during a PCS move.
You may see it called an Army PPM move, a PPM move Navy, or simply military PPM move, but the basic process is the same. Instead of using a government-contracted mover, you handle the packing, shipping, and unloading, and then get reimbursed for your efforts.
Here’s what you need to know:
A PPM move gives you more flexibility and financial upside, but you have to be prepared to track every tiny detail.
Up next, we’ll break down what a partial DITY move looks like for those who want a hybrid approach.
A partial DITY move is a hybrid approach where you move some of your belongings yourself, while the rest is handled by government-contracted movers. It’s a flexible option for service members who want a bit more control (and reimbursement potential) without taking on the full responsibility of a total self-move.
This option makes sense in a variety of scenarios:
Strategic packing is key to a successful partial DITY move. Think about what you’ll need right away and move those items yourself, including: clothing, kitchen basics, baby gear, or pet supplies. Meanwhile, the rest of your household goods can arrive later via the military’s moving system. You’ll still be eligible for partial reimbursement based on the weight of the items you move yourself, so be sure to get certified weight tickets and keep all documentation.
For many families, a partial DITY move offers the best of both worlds: reduced stress and a little extra cash in your pocket.
A DPS move refers to the Defense Personal Property System, the platform used by the Department of Defense to manage military household goods shipments. When you opt for a DPS move, you’re choosing the full-service route. Your move is coordinated and paid for by the government, who uses contracted movers to pack, transport, and deliver your belongings.
This option is often the go-to for service members who don’t want to take on the physical and logistical burden of moving themselves. The government books the movers, handles the paperwork, and ensures your items arrive at your next duty station.
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While a DPS move can reduce the workload, it may come with a different kind of stress: not knowing exactly where your things are or when they’ll arrive. If control and customization matter to you, it might be worth exploring a PPM or partial DITY move instead.
Handling a DITY move yourself can feel overwhelming. But with the right tools and timeline, it’s completely doable and can even be financially rewarding. The key to a stress-free military relocation is preparation, organization, and keeping track of the right paperwork from day one. Here are some way you can take control of your PCS move like a pro.
Before you even load the first box, build your DITY move checklist. This will keep you on track and make sure you’re gathering everything needed for reimbursement.
Here’s what your checklist should include:
Having these essentials organized will make your military move paperwork a breeze and ensure you don’t miss out on any reimbursements.
Planning a DITY move doesn’t have to mean stacks of sticky notes and misplaced receipts. Digital tools can be your best ally in staying organized and reducing stress. From inventory tracking to budgeting, there are tons of tools to keep your move on track, including:
Break things down by room, item type, or priority level, so nothing slips through the cracks. These tools don’t just save time. They also help create a clean paper trail for your reimbursement process.
After a long moving day, the last thing you’ll want to do is dig through boxes to find your toothbrush or your little one’s favorite stuffie. That’s where a well-packed “first night” box comes in handy.
Set aside one or two clearly labeled bins or suitcases with essentials you’ll need right away, such as:
Think of this kit as your survival box for the first 24–48 hours. It’ll help you settle in without scrambling!
A little organization on the front end makes unpacking so much easier. Start by clearly labeling each box with its contents and the room it belongs in (e.g., Kitchen – Pots & Pans or Kid’s Room – Toys). Bonus points for using color-coded tape or stickers to keep things visually organized.
Before you unplug electronics or disassemble furniture, snap a few photos of:
These quick pics can save you time — and headaches — when it’s time to unpack and reassemble.
While DITY stands for Do-It-Yourself, you don’t have to do it all solo. A smart self-move is one where you know when to call in backup. Whether it’s leaning on friends, family, or professionals, help can make all the difference.
Here are some ideas on who and how you can call in for backup:
These DITY moving hacks can streamline your timeline and reduce stress, helping you stay focused on efficient military move organization and successful self move planning.
Military moves come with enough stress, but furniture shouldn’t be one of them. Whether you’re tackling a PCS move or a self-planned DITY relocation, CORT’s white-glove service makes setting up your temporary home fast, easy, and completely hassle-free.
For decades CORT has been helping military families move worry-free. Here are some reasons why military families have trusted CORT for so long:
From PCS prep tips to full-room setups, CORT helps create a stress-free military relocation, so you can focus on your mission, not your mattress.
Military moves are rarely easy, but with the right plan, a clear checklist, and trusted resources, your next DITY move can go from chaos to calm. Whether you’re going full DIY or opting for a partial DITY move, staying organized and proactive makes all the difference.
And when it comes to furnishing your new space? You don’t have to do it all yourself. CORT helps you lighten the load with flexible furniture rental options designed for military families on the move.
Need less to stress about during your next PCS move? CORT’s furniture rental solutions make settling in smoother. Explore military packages online or visit your nearest CORT showroom today.
