A Personally Procured Move (PPM), formerly known as a DITY move, offers military families the opportunity to take control of their relocation logistics and potentially generate a financial profit. By coordinating the packing and transportation of household goods themselves, service members receive a direct payment from the government based on the weight of their shipment and the distance traveled . With strategic planning, the financial surplus from a PPM can be a powerful tool for advancing your homeownership goals.
Recent directives from the Department of Defense have made the PPM option even more lucrative. For moves occurring between May 15, 2025, and September 30, 2025, the Global Household Goods Contract (GHC) reimbursement rates for a PPM have been temporarily increased to reflect market rates at 130%, rather than the standard 100% . By carefully managing rental truck costs, packing supplies, and travel expenses, families can maximize their profit margin. This surplus capital can then be strategically deployed to cover closing costs, fund home improvements, or serve as an emergency reserve for a new home purchase.
The PPM reimbursement is calculated based on the weight of your household goods and the distance of your move. The military establishes a standard rate per pound per mile. Your reimbursement is based on what the government would have paid a commercial moving company to move your household goods.
For example, if the government would have paid $8,000 to move your household goods, and you complete the move for $5,000, you receive a reimbursement of $8,000 (or $10,400 at the 130% rate). Your profit is $3,000 (or $5,400 at the enhanced rate).
Get Accurate Weight Estimates: Before your move, use the military’s weight estimator tool to understand your household goods weight. This determines your potential reimbursement.
Shop for Competitive Moving Quotes: Obtain multiple quotes from rental truck companies, moving companies, and storage facilities. The difference between quotes can be significant.
Plan Your Route Efficiently: A more efficient route may reduce fuel costs and rental truck duration.
DIY Where Possible: Packing your own household goods can save significant money compared to hiring professional packers.
Coordinate Timing: If possible, move during off-peak seasons when rental truck prices are lower.
Keep Detailed Records: Maintain receipts and documentation for all moving-related expenses. This is critical for your reimbursement claim.
Once you receive your PPM reimbursement, deploy it strategically:
Down Payment Fund: Use the profit to strengthen your down payment for your new home.
Closing Costs: Cover closing costs, appraisals, and inspections.
Emergency Fund: Build a financial cushion for unexpected expenses during your transition.
Rental Property Preparation: If keeping your previous home as a rental, use the funds for repairs and improvements.
Integrating your PPM strategy with your mortgage planning requires foresight and expertise. East Coast Capital is dedicated to helping military families leverage every available financial advantage. Our Mortgage Loan Officers understand how to factor your overall financial picture into your home loan strategy, embodying our commitment to “Mortgage Lending, Made Personal.”
As a nationwide lender, we are ready to help you turn the hard work of a PPM into a solid foundation for your next home. To discuss your home financing strategy, contact our experts today.
Ready to maximize your PPM profit? Let’s build your financial strategy for your next home.
[1] U.S. Army Benefits. (n.d.). Permanent Change of Station (PCS) CONUS. Retrieved from https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Benefit-Library/Federal-Benefits/Permanent-Change-of-Station-(PCS )-CONUS?serv=122
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