A military PPM (Personally Procured Move), also called a DITY move, lets you move your own household goods and get reimbursed. You do the work—or hire help—and the military pays you based on weight and distance. This guide covers how it works and what you need to do.

What Is a PPM (DITY) Move?

PPM stands for Personally Procured Move. DITY means Do-It-Yourself. They're the same thing. Instead of using a government-contracted mover, you move your own stuff. You can rent a truck, use a trailer, or hire a commercial mover and submit for reimbursement. The military pays you based on your weight allowance and the distance. If your actual costs are less than the allowance, you can keep the difference (minus taxes). If you spend more, you cover the overage.

How Reimbursement Works

You get a weight allowance based on your rank and dependents. The military calculates what it would cost to move that weight that distance using the government rate. That's your reimbursement cap. You get 95% of that amount as a monetary incentive. You also get a per diem for travel and may get a dislocation allowance (DLA). Keep all receipts. You'll need them to claim reimbursement and for taxes. Use our moving cost calculator to compare PPM reimbursement to hiring movers.

Step	What You Do
1. Get PPM authorization	Request through your transportation office before you move
2. Get empty weight	Weigh your empty truck/trailer at certified scale
3. Load and move	Transport your goods to new duty station
4. Get loaded weight	Weigh your loaded truck/trailer
5. Submit claim	File for reimbursement with receipts

Weigh-In Requirements

You must weigh at a certified scale. Get an empty weight (truck or trailer with nothing inside), then a loaded weight. The difference is your shipment weight. You need two certified weight tickets. The transportation office will tell you the format. Save both tickets—you'll need them for your claim. Your reimbursement is based on this weight, not an estimate. For more on how weight affects cost, see our guide on interstate weight vs volume pricing.

When a PPM Makes Sense

PPM can work well if you have a small shipment, can recruit friends to help, or find cheap truck rental. You might come out ahead if your costs are below the allowance. It also gives you control over timing—no waiting for a government move. But it's a lot of work. If you have a large household or a long move like an east to west coast move, a government-contracted move may be easier. Compare both options with your transportation office.

Hiring Movers for a PPM

You can hire a commercial mover for a PPM. You pay them, then submit for reimbursement. Get written quotes and compare to your allowance. Check that the mover is licensed—see our guide on avoiding moving scams. Understand binding vs non-binding estimates. The mover's cost is your cost; you're reimbursed up to the allowance. Keep all receipts and the bill of lading.

Taxes on PPM Reimbursement

The incentive payment (the 95% of the allowance) is typically taxable. Reimbursement for actual moving expenses may or may not be, depending on current law. Tax rules change. Talk to your finance office or a tax professional. Set aside money for taxes if needed.

Summary

Military PPM lets you move yourself and get reimbursed. Get authorization first. Do the weigh-in correctly. Keep all receipts. File your claim on time. Use our moving cost calculator and long-distance moving guide to plan. Always confirm current rules with your transportation office.