Military moves can be stressful, but DITY (Do-It-Yourself) moves offer a unique alternative for service members. At Southbay Moving Systems, we’ve seen firsthand how DITY moves can benefit military personnel financially and logistically.
This guide will explore the advantages of choosing a DITY move for your next military relocation, including potential monetary incentives and greater control over the moving process.
What Is a DITY Move?
Definition and Basics
DITY moves (Do-It-Yourself moves) offer military personnel a unique alternative to traditional relocations. This option allows service members to manage their own move instead of relying on government-contracted movers. DITY moves provide significant flexibility and potential financial benefits.
DITY vs. Traditional Military Relocations
Unlike traditional military moves where the government handles all aspects of relocation, DITY moves put service members in control. They become responsible for packing, transporting, and unpacking their belongings. This level of control appeals particularly to those who have experienced issues with government-contracted movers in the past.
Financial Incentives
The potential for financial gain stands out as one of the most attractive aspects of DITY moves. To incentivize military families to pursue a PPM (Personally Procured Move), the government will pay you 100% of the cost of a contracted mover. This means if you move for less than this amount, you keep the difference.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a DITY move, you must be an active duty service member with Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders. It’s essential to obtain proper authorization before proceeding. You’ll need to visit your base’s transportation office to acquire the necessary paperwork and guidance.
Planning Your Move
Successful DITY moves require meticulous planning. Start by creating a detailed inventory of your belongings and estimating the weight. You’ll need to provide weight tickets for your loaded and empty vehicle, so factor in time for weigh station visits. Keep all receipts related to your move, as these will prove necessary for reimbursement.
While DITY moves offer numerous benefits, they also come with challenges. The next section will explore the financial advantages in more detail, helping you decide if a DITY move aligns with your relocation needs.
How Much Can You Save with a DITY Move?
Understanding the Reimbursement Structure
DITY moves offer significant financial potential for military personnel who plan and execute them effectively. The government reimburses DITY movers based on the weight of their household goods and the distance of their move. It’s important to calculate Military DITY move rates accurately to understand potential expenses and plan your budget effectively.
It’s important to note that actual payouts can vary. Some service members report receiving closer to $1 per pound, while others receive less. The key lies in keeping meticulous records and weighing your vehicle carefully before and after loading.
Maximizing Your Financial Benefits
To get the most out of your DITY move, consider these strategies:
- Weigh everything accurately: Use certified weight stations and keep all tickets. The difference between your vehicle’s weight when empty and when loaded determines your reimbursement.
- Pack efficiently: The more weight you can safely and legally transport, the higher your potential reimbursement. Use space-saving packing techniques to maximize your load.
- Track all expenses: Keep receipts for truck rentals, packing materials, fuel, and any other moving-related costs. You can often claim these in addition to your weight-based reimbursement.
Real-World Savings Example
A recent case study highlighted a military family’s move from Maryland to Pensacola. Their total expenses (including truck rental and fuel) amounted to $3,744. However, their PPM reimbursement for a 6,880-pound move totaled $4,488, resulting in a profit of $744.
This example demonstrates the potential for savings, but it’s important to understand that results can vary. Factors such as distance, weight, and individual circumstances all play a role in determining your final payout.
Planning for Success
To turn your military relocation into a financially rewarding experience, start planning early. Consult with your base’s transportation office for the most up-to-date information on reimbursement rates and procedures. Create a detailed moving budget that accounts for all potential expenses (e.g., truck rental, packing supplies, fuel).
Consider using space-saving techniques to maximize the weight you can transport safely. Vacuum-sealed bags for clothing and efficient box-packing methods can help you increase your load without compromising safety.
The financial benefits of a DITY move can be substantial, but they require careful planning and execution. In the next section, we’ll explore the practical advantages of DITY moves beyond the monetary incentives.
A DITY move calculator can help you calculate the total expenses of your move while factoring in your reimbursements or allowances.
Why Choose a DITY Move?
Take Control of Your Timeline
DITY moves offer military personnel unparalleled control over their relocation process. Unlike traditional military moves where you must adhere to the government’s schedule, DITY moves allow you to set your own timeline. This flexibility enables you to plan your move around important events (such as your children’s school schedule or your spouse’s job commitments).
You could choose to move your belongings gradually over several weekends, rather than all at once. This approach proves particularly helpful if you’re moving locally or have a flexible report date at your new duty station.
It’s worth noting that as of September 4, 2024, the standard Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) maximum coverage for CONUS moves has been permanently increased from 10 to 14 days, with the possibility of up to 60 days of TLE in certain circumstances. This change provides additional flexibility for service members during their moves.
Protect Your Valuables
When you handle your own move, you have direct control over how you pack and transport your belongings. This control becomes especially important for valuable or sentimental items. You can ensure that you wrap your great-grandmother’s china with extra care or that you transport your gaming computer in its original packaging.
Many service members report feeling more at ease knowing exactly how they handle their possessions. This peace of mind can prove invaluable during the stress of a military move.
Declutter and Organize
A DITY move presents an excellent opportunity to reassess your belongings. As you pack, you can decide what to keep, what to donate, and what to discard. This process can benefit you particularly if you plan to move to a smaller home or simply want to streamline your possessions.
Try to create an inventory of your belongings during this time. This inventory not only helps with the moving process but can also prove useful for insurance purposes. Many military families find that they save money in the long run by reducing the volume of items they need to move or store.
DITY moves provide military families with greater control over their belongings, ensuring that items are packed and transported with care.
Customize Your Moving Experience
With a DITY move, you can tailor every aspect of your relocation to your specific needs and preferences. You can choose your preferred packing materials, decide on the most suitable transportation method (rental truck, trailer, or professional movers), and even select the route you’ll take to your new duty station.
This level of customization allows you to address any unique challenges or requirements you might have. For instance, if you own specialty items (like musical instruments or artwork), you can take extra precautions to ensure their safe transport.
The potential for financial gain is another significant factor that makes DITY moves appealing to many service members. By efficiently managing their move, they can often save money compared to a traditional military-arranged relocation.
Final Thoughts
DITY moves offer military personnel control over their relocation process and potential financial benefits. Service members gain flexibility in scheduling, better protection for valuables, and a chance to declutter. However, these moves require careful planning, meticulous record-keeping, and significant time investment. Service members should assess their ability to handle the logistics and physical demands before committing to this option.
Resources are available to assist in planning a DITY move military relocation. Your base’s transportation office provides information and guidance. Online calculators help estimate potential reimbursements, while military community forums offer valuable insights from experienced movers. These tools can help you make an informed decision about whether a DITY move aligns with your needs.
Southbay Moving Systems understands the unique challenges of military relocations. We offer specialized services for military personnel, whether they choose a traditional or DITY move. Our expertise in local, long-distance, and military moves (combined with secure storage facilities) can provide valuable support throughout your relocation process.
