Military DITY Move Calculator
Estimate your potential reimbursement and profit/loss for a Personally Procured Move (PPM), also known as a DITY (Do-It-Yourself) move. This calculator provides an estimate based on common DITY move principles. Actual reimbursement may vary based on your specific branch, entitlements, and official rates at the time of your move.
This is your maximum weight entitlement based on your rank and dependents. Consult your local transportation office for your exact allowance.
Your best estimate of the total weight of items you plan to move. You will need certified weight tickets (empty and full) for actual reimbursement.
The distance between your origin and destination. Use a reliable mapping tool for accuracy.
Estimated DITY Expenses
Includes tolls, temporary lodging, food during transit, etc. Keep all receipts!
Calculation Results
Your results will appear here.
Understanding Your Military DITY Move (PPM)
A Personally Procured Move (PPM), commonly known as a DITY (Do-It-Yourself) move, allows service members to move their household goods themselves and receive reimbursement from the government. This can be a great way to earn extra money, as the military typically pays you a percentage (often 95%) of what it would have cost them to hire a commercial mover for your authorized weight allowance.
How DITY Moves Work
When you opt for a DITY move, you take on the responsibility of packing, loading, transporting, and unloading your belongings. In return, the government provides an incentive payment. The core idea is that if you can move your goods for less than what the government would have paid a contractor, you get to keep the difference.
Key Factors for Reimbursement
- Authorized Weight Allowance: This is the maximum weight the government will pay to move, based on your rank, marital status, and number of dependents. Moving more than your allowance means you pay for the excess.
- Actual Weight Moved: You must obtain certified weight tickets (empty and full) for your moving vehicle. The government will reimburse based on the lesser of your authorized allowance or your actual weight moved.
- Move Distance: The mileage between your origin and destination directly impacts the government's constructive cost.
- Documented Expenses: You must keep meticulous records and receipts for all your DITY-related expenses, including truck rental, fuel, packing supplies, hired labor, tolls, and temporary lodging.
The "Constructive Cost" and 95% Rule
The government calculates a "constructive cost" – this is an estimate of what it would have cost them to move your household goods using a commercial carrier. For a DITY move, you are typically reimbursed 95% of this constructive cost, up to your authorized weight allowance. If your actual, documented expenses are less than this 95% figure, you pocket the difference. If your expenses exceed the 95% constructive cost, you will only be reimbursed up to that 95% amount, and you'll be out-of-pocket for the excess.
Benefits of a DITY Move
- Potential Profit: Many service members make a significant profit by carefully managing their expenses.
- Control: You have full control over your packing, loading, and schedule.
- Faster Delivery: You often get your belongings faster than waiting for a commercial mover.
Considerations and Drawbacks
- Physical Labor: It's a lot of work!
- Responsibility: You are responsible for any damage to your goods.
- Upfront Costs: You'll need to pay for expenses upfront and wait for reimbursement.
- Paperwork: Requires careful documentation of all expenses and weight tickets.
Tips for a Successful DITY Move
- Plan Ahead: Start early, especially for truck rentals.
- Get Weight Tickets: Obtain certified empty and full weight tickets from a certified scale. This is non-negotiable for reimbursement.
- Keep All Receipts: Document every single expense related to your move.
- Understand Your Entitlements: Confirm your exact weight allowance and any specific rules with your local transportation office.
- Consider Insurance: Your personal property insurance might cover your move, or you might need to purchase additional transit insurance.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on simplified rates and common DITY move principles. Actual government rates, entitlements, and reimbursement policies can vary by branch, location, and current regulations. Always consult with your local military transportation office for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding your specific DITY move.