Service members assigned to Fort Bragg live in communities all around central North Carolina. Many choose Sanford, just 30 miles northwest of the main gate, for its affordable housing and small‑town feel. Whether your new orders are taking you across the country or just to another installation, you will have to decide how to get your household goods to your next duty station. One option is a Personally Procured Move (PPM), formerly called a DITY move, where you handle your own relocation and later get reimbursed. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Sanford offers services to help you with this process while keeping you on schedule and under budget.
What makes a PPM/DITY move different?
A PPM is simply a move you arrange yourself. Instead of the military assigning a government‑contracted mover, you pack, load and transport your belongings or hire a private company to do it. You then file a claim for reimbursement. As Military Families magazine notes, a PPM involves moving yourself and asking to be compensated for the costs. The government reimburses up to the best‑value cost of transporting your authorized weight allowance. Because you may keep any difference if you spend less than the government’s estimate, doing your own move can put some cash back in your pocket. You can also request an advance of up to 60% of the estimated cost so you are not solely out of pocket.
Reasons to handle your own move
Many military families appreciate the control a PPM offers. The Military Family Advisory Network points out that some families opt for a do‑it‑yourself move to gain more control over their property or because government movers are unavailable. Since you are running the show, you decide when packing begins and when your shipment arrives. If you complete the move for less than the government’s allowance, you keep the difference. A PPM may also be partial: you might fill your personal vehicle with valuables and leave the rest to a government shipment.
Challenges and requirements
Taking on a PPM means you shoulder more responsibility. You must budget for up‑front expenses and be ready for paperwork. DFAS (Defense Finance and Accounting Service) lists required documents such as your orders, a travel voucher, form DD‑2278 from the transportation office and certified weight tickets showing the empty and loaded weight of your vehicle. Military Families cautions that personally moving long distance can involve significant costs and stress, and you cannot be reimbursed for more than the best‑value cost.
Weight tickets are critical because they prove how heavy your shipment is. A U‑Pack article explains that a certified weight ticket comes from an official scale and must include the date, scale location, vehicle identification, weighmaster’s signature, the weight and your personal information. The government requires both empty and full weight tickets, and without them the claim will be denied. Weight tickets usually cost about $10 at a certified scale.
Planning your Sanford PPM
Preparation is key. Use these steps drawn from official sources to keep your relocation on track:
Consult a transportation counselor. Visit Military OneSource and schedule a session with your local transportation office. MFAN recommends contacting a counselor to discuss whether a PPM is right for you mfan.org(opens in a new window).
Choose a full or partial PPM. Decide whether you will move everything yourself or just some items mfan.org(opens in a new window). A partial move can reduce risk while still earning reimbursement.
Complete paperwork early. Submit the DD‑2278 application and DD‑1351‑2 travel voucher. Collect receipts, rental contracts and weight tickets so you are ready to submit your claim dfas.mil(opens in a new window).
Keep detailed records. Military Families suggests using folders and digital copies for receipts and weight tickets. Missing documents can delay or reduce your reimbursement.
Understand authorized expenses. DFAS authorizes expenses like rental trucks, fuel, packing materials, tolls and weight‑ticket fees, but not meals, lodging or routine vehicle maintenance dfas.mil(opens in a new window).
Consider an advance payment. If money is tight, you can request up to 60% of the estimated allowance before you move. Any unused portion must be returned, and incentive pay is taxable dfas.mil(opens in a new window).
Why partner with Two Men and a Truck Sanford?
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Sanford specializes in serving the Fort Liberty community. Here is how we support your self‑procured move:
Customized scheduling: Because you are not tied to a government contractor’s availability, you can book our crews when it suits you, including weekends and holidays.
Professional handling: Our trained movers can pack, load, transport and unload your goods safely. Hiring professionals often reduces the damage risk and can help you stay under your weight allowance.
Weight ticket assistance: Following U‑Pack’s guidance, we can help you obtain both empty and full weight tickets. We’ll give you copies for your claim and keep a backup on file.
Clear documentation: Our invoices itemize labor, equipment and materials, making it easy to file your claim. We know what DFAS requires and can answer questions about allowable expenses.
Local expertise: Sanford’s rural roads and back‑gate traffic to Fort Liberty can be tricky. Our crews know the best routes and base access requirements, which can save you time on moving day.
Storage options: If you need short‑term storage while waiting for quarters, we offer secure facilities.
Moving forward
Selecting a PPM isn’t just about saving money. It’s about flexibility and peace of mind. By planning early, organizing paperwork and choosing a trusted partner, you can make your Sanford PCS as smooth as possible. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Sanford is proud to help service members control their own timeline and potentially benefit from the cost difference. Reach out for a free estimate and let us handle the heavy lifting while you focus on the next chapter of your military journey.
