Preparing for a Permanent Change of Station Move
Do It Yourself Moves
Do-it-yourself permanent change of station moves, or DITY moves, are also an option. You’ll still need to meet with your PPSO to arrange a DITY move because the military will foot the bill with a relocation stipend and you’ll need to complete paperwork. This stipend is worth 95% of what it would cost the military to move you with professional movers. You are responsible for any up-front expenses like truck rental, lodging expenses, gas, toll fees and packing material, and the military will refund your expenses afterward. Some servicemembers may be eligible for their stipend up-front.
Because a DITY move saves the military money, it lets you keep any difference between the actual cost of the move and the stipend you receive, as an incentive to encourage DITY moves. Any costs incurred above the amount of your stipend, however, will be your responsibility. Your local transportation office can help you figure out the best way to go about your move.
There are four types of DITY moves:
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If you own a mobile home, you can move some possessions on your own and keep some possessions in your mobile home. The military will transport your mobile home with those possessions in it.
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You can pack, load and unload your own belongings, but have them transported by a moving company that the military chooses.
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You can move your own possessions with a privately owned vehicle and be reimbursed for the costs afterward.
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You can move your possessions yourself with a rental vehicle and receive an advance for rental fees.
After you complete your move, you have 45 days to claim your expenses. Your claim must include:
- Empty and loaded weight tickets (two copies of each)
- DD Form 2278
- DITY Move Certification
- Receipts for all your moving expenses (attach these to your DITY Move Certification)
- DITY Move Expense Sheet
- Your PCS orders
- Advance operating allowance paperwork (if you rented a truck or trailer)
- Vehicle or trailer rental contract
Make sure that you keep all of your receipts. Money spent on gas, tolls, weight tickets, truck rental fees, moving equipment and packing materials will be reimbursed. These expenses are also used to calculate how much profit you will make off your DITY move. Also, check your insurance coverage. If you get into an accident performing a DITY move, proper coverage could save you a lot of money and a big headache.
Allowances and Advance Pay for Permanent Change of Station Moves
If you choose to drive yourself to your new station, or drive yourself to the port from which you will be deployed or stationed overseas, you can receive compensation from the military. If a servicemember and their family members must travel separately due to age, business or school obligations, the family members may also be eligible for compensation.
