DITY Move Profit Guide: How to Turn Your PCS Into a $3,000+ Payday

Category: PCS & Relocation
Last Updated: 2025-01-25
Effective: 2025 PCS Season
Sources: DTMO, JTR Chapter 5, IRS Publication 521

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BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)

A DITY (Do-It-Yourself) Move, now officially called PPM (Personally Procured Move), lets you pocket the difference between what the military would pay movers and what you actually spend. With smart planning, most service members clear $2,000-$5,000 profit on a CONUS PCS move.

The military pays you 100% of what they WOULD have paid a moving company - if you spend less, you keep the difference.

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What is a DITY/PPM Move?

Instead of letting the military arrange your move (GHC - Government-arranged Household Goods move), YOU handle it yourself and get paid a percentage of what the military would have spent.

Key Numbers:

• Government Pays: 100% of the "GCC" (Government Constructed Cost) - what it would cost the military to move your stuff
• You Keep: Whatever you don't spend moving yourself
• Tax Treatment: Profits are taxable income (but you can deduct expenses)

Example Scenario:

• Government Cost: $8,000 (to move 8,000 lbs from Fort Hood to Fort Lewis)
• Your Actual Cost: $5,000 (truck rental, gas, helpers, boxes)
• Your Profit: $3,000 (taxable, but worth it)

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Why Do a DITY Move?

Pros:

• ✅ Profit: Clear $2,000-$5,000 on average
• ✅ Control: You decide what gets loaded, when, and how carefully
• ✅ Flexibility: Move on your timeline, not the movers' schedule
• ✅ No Lost Items: Your stuff stays with you (no mysterious disappearances)
• ✅ Advance Payment: Get 60% of estimated reimbursement UP FRONT

Cons:

• ❌ Labor-Intensive: You're doing the packing, loading, driving, unloading
• ❌ Risk: If truck breaks down or you get injured, it's on you
• ❌ Tax Complexity: Profit is taxable income (but expenses are deductible)
• ❌ Weight Ticket Hassle: You must get certified weight tickets (mess this up = no pay)

Bottom Line: If you're young, fit, and motivated by money, DITY is a no-brainer. If you have 10,000+ lbs and a bad back, maybe not.

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How DITY Move Reimbursement Works

Step 1: Calculate Government Cost (GCC)

The military calculates what it would cost THEM to move your stuff via a contracted moving company. This is based on:

• Weight: Your authorized weight allowance (based on rank and dependents)
• Distance: Miles from origin to destination
• Current Rates: GSA mileage rates (updated annually)

You can estimate this using the DPS (Defense Personal Property System) estimator at move.mil.

Step 2: Get Your Advance (60%)

You can request an advance payment of up to 60% of the estimated GCC BEFORE your move.

Why this matters:

• You get cash up front to rent truck, buy gas, hire help
• It's an advance, not a gift - you settle up after the move
• If you spend less than 60%, you keep the difference
• If you spend more than 60% (but less than 100%), you get reimbursed for the rest

Step 3: Execute Your Move

You handle everything:

• Rent U-Haul/Penske/Budget truck
• Buy packing supplies
• Load truck (yourself or hire help)
• Drive to new duty station
• Unload truck
• Return truck

Step 4: Get Certified Weight Tickets

THIS IS CRITICAL - DON'T MESS THIS UP.

You MUST get 2 certified weight tickets at a CAT scale (truck stop, landfill, recycling center):

1. Full Weight: Truck loaded with all your stuff
2. Empty Weight: Truck empty (after unloading)

Difference = Net Weight = What you moved = What you get paid for

PRO TIP: Get your empty weight ticket at your ORIGIN (before loading). Drive to the CAT scale, get empty weight, THEN go home and load. This saves you from having to unload and weigh again at destination.

Step 5: Submit Receipts and Get Paid

After your move, you submit:

• Weight tickets (certified, stamped, signed)
• Receipts for truck rental, gas, tolls, packing supplies, hired help
• DD Form 2278 (Application for DITY Move Payment)
• Travel voucher in DTS (Defense Travel System)

Timeline:

• Submit within 45 days of move completion
• Payment typically arrives 30-60 days after submission
• If you got the 60% advance, you'll receive the remaining 40% (minus any overage)

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Maximizing Your DITY Move Profit

Strategy 1: Rent the Smallest Truck Possible

Why: Smaller truck = cheaper rental + better gas mileage = more profit

Example:

• 26-foot U-Haul: $1,500 rental + $800 gas = $2,300
• 20-foot U-Haul: $1,000 rental + $500 gas = $1,500
• Savings: $800 more profit just by downsizing

Pro Tip: Do a trial pack in your garage. Measure what you ACTUALLY need to move vs. what you think you need. Most people overestimate truck size by 30%.

Strategy 2: Move During Off-Peak Season

Why: Truck rental prices SKYROCKET during peak PCS season (May-August)

Example:

• June (peak): 26-foot U-Haul = $2,000+
• October (off-peak): Same truck = $1,000-1,200
• Savings: $800-1,000 more profit

Reality Check: You don't always control PCS timing, but if you have a window, avoid June-July.

Strategy 3: Get Multiple Weight Tickets

Why: The more weight you move, the more you get paid

What Counts as "Weight":

• Household goods (furniture, boxes, appliances)
• PRO (Professional Gear): Tools, uniforms, military equipment (separate weight allowance)
• Car on a trailer: If you tow your POV (Privately Owned Vehicle), that weight counts

Example:

• Household goods: 7,000 lbs
• POV on trailer: 3,500 lbs
• Total: 10,500 lbs (you get paid for all of it)

Pro Tip: Towing your car instead of driving it separately can add $500-1,000 to your reimbursement.

Strategy 4: DIY Packing & Hire Labor Smart

Why: Packing yourself is free. Hiring movers for loading/unloading only is cheap.

Cost Comparison:

• Full-service movers: $3,000-5,000 (pack, load, drive, unload)
• U-Haul + DIY pack + hired labor (load/unload only): $1,500-2,000
• Savings: $1,500-3,000 more profit

Where to Find Cheap Labor:

• College kids: $20-30/hr per person (Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist)
• Moving labor services: HireAHelper.com, TaskRabbit
• Junior enlisted buddies: Case of beer + pizza (free, but you owe them next PCS)

Pro Tip: Hire 3-4 strong guys for 3 hours to load the truck. You drive. Hire 3-4 guys at destination to unload. Total cost: $300-500. Total value: Priceless (your back will thank you).

Strategy 5: Max Your Weight Allowance

Why: You get paid based on weight moved, not weight you're authorized to move

Weight Allowances by Rank (binary: with/without dependents):

• E-1 to E-3: 5,000 lbs (without) / 8,000 lbs (with)
• E-4: 7,000 lbs (without) / 8,000 lbs (with)
• E-5: 7,000 lbs (without) / 9,000 lbs (with)
• E-6: 8,000 lbs (without) / 11,000 lbs (with)
• E-7: 11,000 lbs (without) / 13,000 lbs (with)
• E-8: 12,000 lbs (without) / 14,000 lbs (with)
• E-9: 13,000 lbs (without) / 15,000 lbs (with)
• O-1 to O-2: 10,000 lbs (without) / 12,000 lbs (with)
• O-3: 11,000 lbs (without) / 13,000 lbs (with)
• O-4: 12,000 lbs (without) / 14,000 lbs (with)
• O-5: 13,000 lbs (without) / 16,000 lbs (with)
• O-6: 14,000 lbs (without) / 18,000 lbs (with)

Note: Weight allowance is BINARY (has dependents or doesn't), not additive per dependent. Pro-gear (member 2,000 lbs, spouse 500 lbs) is separate.

Reality Check: If you're authorized 10,000 lbs but only move 6,000 lbs, you're leaving money on the table. Fill that truck (legally).

Strategy 6: Keep EVERY Receipt

Why: Expenses reduce your taxable profit

Deductible Expenses:

• Truck rental
• Gas receipts
• Tolls
• Packing supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap)
• Hired labor (movers, loaders)
• Equipment rental (dollies, straps, pads)
• Lodging during drive (if multi-day move)

Tax Math:

• Gross reimbursement: $8,000
• Actual expenses: $5,000
• Taxable profit: $3,000
• After-tax profit (22% tax bracket): ~$2,340

Pro Tip: Use a dedicated folder/envelope for ALL receipts. Lose a receipt = can't deduct it = higher taxes.

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Real-World Example: E-5 PCS from Fort Hood to Fort Lewis

Profile:

• Rank: E-5 with 6 years
• Dependents: Spouse + 2 kids
• Weight Allowance: 9,000 lbs
• Distance: 2,200 miles (Fort Hood, TX → Fort Lewis, WA)

Government Cost Estimate (GCC):

• Weight: 8,500 lbs (close to max)
• Distance: 2,200 miles
• GCC: $8,500 (military's cost to move via contractor)

DITY Move Plan:

1. Advance Payment (60%): $5,100 (received 10 days before move)
2. Truck Rental: 26-foot Penske, 7-day rental = $1,800
3. Gas: 2,200 miles ÷ 10 mpg × $4/gallon = $880
4. Packing Supplies: 50 boxes, tape, bubble wrap = $200
5. Hired Labor (Load): 3 guys × 3 hours × $25/hr = $225
6. Hired Labor (Unload): 3 guys × 3 hours × $25/hr = $225
7. Lodging: 3 nights × $80/night = $240 (reimbursable via TLE/TLA)
8. Tolls: $50

Total Expenses: $3,620

Final Settlement:

• GCC (Total Reimbursement): $8,500
• Advance Received: $5,100
• Remaining Owed: $3,400 (paid after move)
• Total Received: $8,500
• Total Spent: $3,620
• Net Profit: $4,880

After Taxes:

• Taxable Income: $4,880
• Tax (22% bracket): ~$1,074
• After-Tax Profit: $3,806

Bottom Line: This E-5 netted almost $4,000 for driving a truck across the country. Not bad for a week's work.

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Common Mistakes That Cost You Money

Mistake #1: No Weight Tickets

Problem: Forget to get certified weight tickets or lose them.
Cost: $0 reimbursement (no weight tickets = no proof = no pay).
Fix: Get 2 tickets (full + empty). Take photos. Store in 3 places (physical, email, cloud).

Mistake #2: Wrong Type of Weight Ticket

Problem: Get a receipt from a truck stop scale, but it's not "certified."
Cost: Rejected claim, delayed payment, or reduced reimbursement.
Fix: Use a CAT scale (Certified Automated Truck scale) at truck stops, recycling centers, or landfills. Look for the CAT logo.

Mistake #3: Overestimating Truck Size

Problem: Rent a 26-foot truck when a 20-foot would work.
Cost: $500-1,000 in unnecessary rental and gas costs.
Fix: Do a trial pack in your garage. Measure. Downsize.

Mistake #4: Missing the 45-Day Deadline

Problem: Submit paperwork 60 days after move completion.
Cost: Claim denied or requires commander waiver (pain in the ass).
Fix: Submit within 45 days. Set a calendar reminder for Day 30.

Mistake #5: Not Keeping Receipts

Problem: Lose receipts, can't deduct expenses.
Cost: Higher taxable income = higher taxes (easily $500-1,000 more in taxes).
Fix: Dedicated envelope/folder. Snap photos with your phone. Email receipts to yourself.

Mistake #6: Ignoring PRO Gear

Problem: Forget to weigh professional gear separately.
Cost: Miss out on extra $300-500 reimbursement.
Fix: Weigh PRO gear separately (tools, uniforms, military equipment). It has its own allowance and doesn't count against household goods weight.

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Next Steps

Immediate Actions (Before Your Move):

1. Check Orders: Verify you're authorized a DITY/PPM move
2. Register on move.mil: Create an account, enter move details
3. Get GCC Estimate: Use the DPS calculator to see potential profit
4. Request 60% Advance: Submit DD Form 2278 at TMO office (10+ days before move)
5. Reserve Truck: Book U-Haul/Penske/Budget 4-6 weeks out (earlier during peak season)
6. Map CAT Scales: Find certified weigh stations at origin and destination

During Your Move:

1. Get Empty Weight Ticket: Before loading (or after unloading)
2. Pack Smart: Maximize weight without exceeding allowance
3. Get Full Weight Ticket: After loading at origin
4. Save ALL Receipts: Truck rental, gas, tolls, packing, labor
5. Drive Safe: You're responsible for the truck (accidents = your problem)

After Your Move (Within 45 Days):

1. Submit DD Form 2278: Filled out completely
2. Attach Weight Tickets: Certified, stamped, legible
3. Attach ALL Receipts: Gas, truck rental, packing, labor, tolls
4. File Travel Voucher in DTS: Include DITY reimbursement
5. Wait for Payment: 30-60 days typically

Garrison Ledger Tools:

• PCS Copilot: Calculate DITY profit potential based on your rank, weight, and distance (Dashboard → PCS Copilot)
• DITY Move Tracker: Track expenses and estimate profit in real-time (Coming Soon)
• Weight Allowance Calculator: Know exactly how much you can move (Dashboard → PCS Copilot)

Official Resources:

• Move.mil: www.move.mil (Official DOD moving portal)
• JTR Chapter 5: www.defensetravel.dod.mil (PPM regulations)
• CAT Scale Locator: www.catscale.com/cat-scale-locator
• U-Haul Reservations: www.uhaul.com
• Penske Reservations: www.penske.com

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Verification Checklist

Before your move, verify:

• [ ] Your orders authorize a DITY/PPM move
• [ ] You've registered on move.mil
• [ ] You've requested the 60% advance (and received it)
• [ ] You've reserved your truck 4-6 weeks out
• [ ] You've located CAT scales at origin and destination
• [ ] You have a folder/system for tracking receipts
• [ ] You understand your weight allowance

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Advanced DITY Strategies

Truck Rental Negotiation

Negotiation Tactics

• Book Early: Reserve 4-6 weeks in advance for better rates
• Compare Companies: U-Haul, Penske, Budget - get quotes from all
• Ask for Discounts: Military discounts, AAA discounts, corporate rates
• Negotiate Terms: Longer rental periods, unlimited mileage options
• Seasonal Timing: Avoid peak season (May-August) when possible

Cost-Saving Tips

• One-Way Rentals: Often cheaper than round-trip
• Weekend vs Weekday: Weekday rentals often cheaper
• Longer Rentals: 7-day rental often same price as 3-day
• Mileage Packages: Unlimited mileage if driving long distance
• Insurance Options: Decline expensive insurance, use personal auto policy

Packing Material Sourcing

Free Packing Materials

• Liquor Stores: Free wine boxes (perfect for books)
• Grocery Stores: Free produce boxes
• Office Supply Stores: Free paper boxes
• Friends/Family: Ask for moving boxes from recent moves
• Online Sources: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist free sections

Cost-Effective Packing Materials

• Bubble Wrap: Buy in bulk from office supply stores
• Packing Tape: Generic tape often same quality as brand name
• Furniture Pads: Rent from truck company or buy used
• Straps/Ropes: Essential for securing furniture
• Plastic Wrap: Great for protecting furniture

Packing Strategy

• Heavy Items: Books, tools, military gear (maximize weight)
• Light Items: Clothes, linens, pillows (fill space)
• Fragile Items: Wrap carefully, use original boxes when possible
• Furniture: Disassemble when possible, protect with pads
• Appliances: Clean and secure, use original packaging if available

Scale Ticket Tricks

Weight Maximization

• Fill Truck Completely: Use every cubic foot of space
• Heavy Items First: Place heavy items at bottom
• Distribute Weight: Balance weight throughout truck
• Professional Gear: Weigh separately for additional allowance
• Vehicle Towing: Tow car on trailer for extra weight

Scale Ticket Process

• Empty Weight First: Get empty weight at origin before loading
• Full Weight: Get full weight after loading at origin
• Documentation: Ensure tickets are certified and stamped
• Backup Copies: Take photos of all weight tickets
• Timing: Get tickets during business hours for best service

Common Scale Ticket Mistakes

• Wrong Scale Type: Must use CAT scale (Certified Automated Truck)
• Missing Documentation: Tickets must be certified and stamped
• Timing Issues: Get tickets during business hours
• Lost Tickets: Keep multiple copies, take photos
• Incomplete Information: Ensure all required fields are filled

Tax Implications

Taxable Income

• DITY Profit: Reimbursement minus expenses is taxable income
• Tax Bracket: Profit taxed at your marginal tax rate
• Withholding: No automatic withholding on DITY payments
• Quarterly Taxes: May need to pay estimated taxes

Deductible Expenses

• Truck Rental: Full cost of truck rental
• Gas and Tolls: All fuel and toll expenses
• Packing Materials: Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, furniture pads
• Labor Costs: Hired help for loading/unloading
• Equipment Rental: Dollies, straps, moving equipment
• Lodging: Hotel costs during multi-day moves
• Meals: Meal costs during move (limited deduction)

Tax Planning Strategies

• Track All Expenses: Keep detailed records of all costs
• Receipt Management: Save all receipts, take photos
• Tax Professional: Consult tax professional for complex situations
• Quarterly Payments: Consider quarterly tax payments
• Tax Software: Use tax software that handles military situations

Multi-Leg Moves (OCONUS → CONUS)

OCONUS DITY Considerations

• Weight Allowances: Different weight allowances for OCONUS moves
• Shipping Costs: Container shipping vs air freight
• Customs: Customs documentation and requirements
• Timing: Longer processing times for OCONUS moves
• Costs: Higher costs for OCONUS moves

OCONUS to CONUS Strategy

• Container Shipping: Use container shipping for large moves
• Air Freight: Use air freight for essential items
• Storage: Consider storage options during transition
• Timing: Plan for longer processing times
• Documentation: Ensure all customs documentation is complete

OCONUS DITY Benefits

• Higher Reimbursement: OCONUS moves often have higher reimbursement rates
• Additional Allowances: Extra allowances for OCONUS moves
• Tax Benefits: Potential tax benefits for OCONUS moves
• Flexibility: More flexibility in timing and methods
• Cost Savings: Significant savings compared to full-service moves

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DITY Move Success Stories

E-6 Staff Sergeant's $6,500 Profit

Staff Sergeant Martinez, E-6, 10 years TIS, PCS from Fort Bragg to Fort Lewis

Move Details:

• Distance: 3,200 miles
• Weight: 11,000 lbs (max allowance)
• Government Cost: $12,500
• Actual Cost: $6,000
• Profit: $6,500

Cost Breakdown:

• Truck Rental: $2,200 (26-foot Penske, 10 days)
• Gas: $1,200 (3,200 miles)
• Packing Materials: $300 (boxes, tape, bubble wrap)
• Labor: $800 (hired help for loading/unloading)
• Lodging: $500 (5 nights during drive)
• Tolls: $200 (tolls and ferry)

Success Factors:

• Early Planning: Booked truck 8 weeks in advance
• Cost Negotiation: Negotiated better rates with truck company
• Free Materials: Used free boxes from liquor stores and grocery stores
• Efficient Packing: Maximized weight without exceeding allowance
• Professional Help: Hired experienced movers for loading/unloading

O-3 Captain's $8,200 Profit

Captain Johnson, O-3, 8 years TIS, PCS from Fort Hood to Fort Carson

Move Details:

• Distance: 1,800 miles
• Weight: 12,000 lbs (max allowance)
• Government Cost: $15,000
• Actual Cost: $6,800
• Profit: $8,200

Cost Breakdown:

• Truck Rental: $1,800 (26-foot U-Haul, 7 days)
• Gas: $720 (1,800 miles)
• Packing Materials: $200 (free boxes, minimal supplies)
• Labor: $600 (hired help for loading/unloading)
• Lodging: $400 (3 nights during drive)
• Tolls: $100 (tolls and fees)

Success Factors:

• Off-Season Move: Moved in October (off-peak season)
• Efficient Planning: Detailed planning and organization
• Cost Optimization: Minimized costs while maintaining quality
• Professional Help: Hired experienced movers
• Tax Planning: Consulted tax professional for tax optimization

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DITY Move Troubleshooting

Common Issues and Solutions

Issue: Truck Breakdown

• Problem: Truck breaks down during move
• Solution: Contact truck company immediately, get replacement
• Prevention: Choose reliable truck company, get roadside assistance
• Backup Plan: Have backup plan for truck replacement

Issue: Weight Ticket Problems

• Problem: Weight tickets rejected or lost
• Solution: Get new weight tickets, ensure proper certification
• Prevention: Get multiple copies, take photos, store securely
• Backup Plan: Have backup scale locations identified

Issue: Budget Overrun

• Problem: Costs exceed budget and advance payment
• Solution: Prioritize essential costs, find cost savings
• Prevention: Create detailed budget with buffer
• Backup Plan: Have emergency fund for unexpected costs

Issue: Timeline Problems

• Problem: Move takes longer than planned
• Solution: Adjust timeline, communicate with command
• Prevention: Build buffer time into schedule
• Backup Plan: Have flexible timeline and communication plan

Emergency Situations

Weather Delays

• Problem: Severe weather delays move
• Solution: Wait for safe conditions, adjust timeline
• Prevention: Check weather forecasts, have flexible schedule
• Backup Plan: Have indoor storage options available

Vehicle Problems

• Problem: Personal vehicle breaks down during move
• Solution: Get vehicle repaired or replaced
• Prevention: Maintain vehicle before move, have roadside assistance
• Backup Plan: Have backup transportation options

Family Emergencies

• Problem: Family emergency during move
• Solution: Prioritize family, adjust move timeline
• Prevention: Have family support system in place
• Backup Plan: Have emergency contacts and support system

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DITY Move Resources

Military Resources

• Transportation Office: DITY move authorization and guidance
• Finance Office: Advance payment and reimbursement questions
• Legal Office: POA, will, and legal document assistance
• Family Support: Financial counseling and resources

Commercial Resources

• Truck Rental Companies: U-Haul, Penske, Budget
• Moving Labor Services: HireAHelper, TaskRabbit
• Packing Supplies: Office supply stores, online retailers
• Scale Locations: CAT scale locator, truck stops

Online Resources

• Move.mil: Official DOD moving portal
• DITY Move Forums: Online community support
• Tax Resources: IRS publications, tax software
• Cost Calculators: DITY move profit calculators

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A DITY move isn't for everyone, but if you're willing to put in the work, it's one of the easiest ways to earn $3,000-$5,000 during PCS. The military is literally paying you to move your own stuff. Take advantage of it.

🎖️ PCS smart. Profit smarter.