For some, the military Personally Procured Move (PPM) (formerly the Do-It-Yourself (DITY) Move), can seem like a hassle. However, the process has benefits, particularly if you don’t have much to move.

Getting Started

To get you started, the government provides a helpful PPM calculator for those moving within the lower 48 states. When factoring your budget, keep in mind that the military will not only reimburse you for 95 percent of what it would cost the government to complete the move, but will also pay for your family’s travel expenses. As a result, if you spend less than the 95 percent payment, you get to keep the remainder.

Many private companies offer excellent military discounts that can drastically cut your PPM costs. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular moving discounts for Active Duty military and their families below.

Top Deals for Military Moves

Storage Facilities

Taking your PPM in stages with temporary and portable storage solutions may be the best way to save money, especially if the distance between duty stations isn’t too far. Several storage companies, such as CubeSmart® and Storage Rentals of America, offer military discounts. In addition, companies such as Oz Moving and Storage, and SMARTBOX® combine storage with other moving services and offer all with a military discount.

Transportation Rentals

For a true DITY move experience, procuring a rental truck or trailer is critical. Several of the best-known names in the moving industry offer military discounts, including Penske Truck Rental and Budget® Truck Rental, along with Estes SureMove®, which offers trailers.

Shipping

In addition to the portable storage companies mentioned above—which are great for general household items—other services will ship larger items like mattresses or even vehicles. uShip offers discounts for all these services, while companies such as Montway and A-1 Auto Transport offer vehicle-specific deals.

Movers

If full-service movers are your preferred PPM style, several companies, including Allied® Movers, Mayflower® and North American® Van Lines, offer military discounts. These companies, while a bit more expensive than other DITY options, offer additional assurance through GSA approval and long-standing relationships with the military and government.

Organization & Moving Containers

Whether you need extra boxes for packing or organization solutions once you’re unpacked, plenty of stores with excellent military discounts will help you out. Both The Home Depot® and Lowe’s® allow you to use your military ID to save 10 to 15 percent off your entire purchase at checkout and have several packing and storage options like basic cardboard boxes and plastic bins. Craft stores, such as A.C. Moore, Jo-Ann Fabric or Michaels, offer similar discounts and are a great option for organizational solutions such as drawers, baskets and containers.

Whatever discounts and moving options you choose for your PPM, be sure to hold on to all your receipts. The total cost for vehicle rentals, packing materials, moving equipment, gas and highway tolls will be deducted from the initial 95 percent payment, so it’s important to keep meticulous records.

While PPMs certainly involve more work on the front end, taking control of your PCS move by opting to do it yourself is a cost-effective option if it makes sense for your household. Navy Federal is here to help you navigate your finances and ease your transition; explore military life resources.