Military families stationed at Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg) face frequent relocations, especially during peak summer PCS season. When your orders drop, you generally have two options: let the military coordinate your household goods shipment or handle it yourself through a Personally Procured Move (PPM) — previously called a DITY (Do‑It‑Yourself) move. In a PPM you either move your own belongings or hire a moving company and then claim reimbursement from the government. Two Men and a Truck Fayetteville supports local service members by providing professional packing and moving services that fit within the PPM program.
What is a DITY/PPM move?
A Personally Procured Move is a relocation where a service member arranges transportation of household goods instead of using a government‑contracted mover. The Military Families publication explains that a PPM “is when you move yourself and request to be reimbursed for your expenses”. The Department of Defense will reimburse up to the best‑value cost of moving up to your authorized weight allowance, and you can even request an advance of up to 60% of the estimated cost so you do not have to pay everything up front. If your actual costs are less than what the government would have spent, you may keep the difference. However, the program requires more paperwork and personal responsibility than a government‑arranged shipment, and you may not receive full reimbursement if your expenses exceed the best‑value limit.
Why consider a PPM?
For many military families the appeal of a DITY move is control. The Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN) notes that people choose a DITY move because they “want to have more control over [their] belongings” or cannot find a government mover and “the government will pay you the amount it would have spent”. You set your own timeline instead of waiting for scarce moving slots, and you decide who handles your household goods. With a professional mover like TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Fayetteville, you can coordinate packing, loading and delivery around your schedule rather than the government’s. If you come in under budget, you may keep any remaining funds. PPMs can also be combined with a partial government move; you might move critical items yourself and let the military ship the rest.
What are the drawbacks?
A PPM requires organization and budgeting. You must pay expenses up front and then wait for reimbursement. The DFAS (Defense Finance and Accounting Service) lists mandatory documents: DD‑1351‑2 travel voucher, PCS orders, form DD‑2278 (from your transportation office), certified empty and full weight tickets, receipts and rental agreements dfas.mil(opens in a new window). The paperwork must be complete, or you could lose reimbursement. Military Families warns that personally moving across the country can involve “significant cost and headache” and that every mile is “another chance for something to go wrong”. You cannot receive more than the best‑value cost for your weight allowance and may not get all your money back. While you can request an advance of up to 60%, unspent funds will have to be returned.
PPM preparation checklist
Success with a DITY move comes from preparation. Here are key steps gleaned from official guidance:
Meet with a transportation/move counselor. MFAN recommends checking Military OneSource and meeting with a counselor to discuss whether a PPM is right for you mfan.org(opens in a new window).
Decide on full or partial PPM. Determine whether you will move everything yourself or only a portion. A partial PPM allows you to be reimbursed for the weight you carry in your personally owned vehicle while the government ships the rest.
Complete required forms. Fill out the DITY/PPM application (DD‑2278) and the travel voucher (DD‑1351‑2). Your transportation office will calculate your weight allowance and estimated payment dfas.mil(opens in a new window).
Organize receipts. Save every invoice, contract, packing‑material receipt and weigh‑ticket. A portable folder and digital backups help keep documents together.
Get certified weight tickets. DFAS states you need certified gross (loaded) and tare (empty) weight tickets. A U‑Pack article explains that a certified weight ticket must come from a certified scale and include the date, scale location, vehicle identification, weighmaster’s signature, weight and your information. The government will not pay without them. There is a small fee for weight tickets at a weigh station, though some movers can obtain them for you.
Understand authorized expenses. DFAS lists items you can claim as operating expenses (truck/trailer rental, hand‑truck rental, boxes, fuel and tolls) and notes that expenses like meals, lodging, extra drivers or routine maintenance are not reimbursable.
Request an advance if needed. You may receive up to 60% of the estimated payment before you move, but unspent funds must be returned. Incentive pay is taxable at 22%.
How Two Men and a Truck Fayetteville can help
Located near Fort Liberty, Two Men and a Truck Fayetteville understands the PCS lifestyle and offers services tailored to PPM moves. Hiring a professional moving company does not disqualify you from reimbursement; you simply submit the invoice as part of your claim. Here’s how our team can make your personally procured move easier:
Flexible scheduling. Because you are not reliant on the military’s contract mover, you can book our crew at your convenience. This flexibility is one of the main reasons families choose PPMs.(opens in a new window)
Professional packing and loading. We provide full‑service packing or just load/unload support. Skilled movers reduce risk of damage and expedite the process. Using professionals can also lower your stress and let you focus on clearing housing and final out‑processing.
Weight‑ticket assistance. If you need certified weight tickets, we can direct you to local weigh stations or obtain them for you (as U‑Pack describes). We’ll ensure both empty and loaded weights are captured, and we’ll give you the receipts for your claim.
Detailed documentation. Our itemized invoices and receipts make it easy to organize paperwork for your reimbursement. We understand DFAS requirements and can help ensure nothing is missed.
Local knowledge. Fayetteville’s traffic, housing areas and gates can be tricky during PCS season. Our movers know the area well and can navigate base regulations, saving you time on moving day.
Storage solutions. If you are waiting for on‑post housing, we offer short‑term storage so your household goods are secure until you receive keys.
By partnering with Two Men and a Truck Fayetteville, you gain the convenience of a professional mover without giving up the reimbursement benefits of a PPM. You still control your schedule and can potentially pocket some of the difference between the government’s allowance and your actual cost.
Final thoughts and tips
A DITY or PPM move can be financially advantageous and gives you control over your timeline, but it comes with responsibilities. To make it successful:
Start early. Contact your transportation office as soon as you receive orders. Summer bookings fill quickly.
Budget carefully. Use weight‑allowance calculators and the Joint Travel Regulations to estimate reimbursement, and plan for up‑front costs.
Stay organized. Save every piece of paperwork; missing weight tickets or receipts could jeopardize your reimbursement.
Choose trusted movers. A reputable company like Two Men and a Truck Fayetteville offers the expertise and documentation you need to make your PPM a smooth success.
Whether you’re PCSing to another duty station or heading home after service, a personally procured move lets you take charge of your relocation. With proper planning and the right partner, you can enjoy a smoother transition and even be rewarded for your effort.
