Moving Information

There are multiple ways that a Marine can choose to move him or herself and their family. A Marine may choose to do a Personally Procured Move (PPM), formerly a Do It Yourself (DITY) move, or he or she may choose to have the military move their personal family items for them.

Transportation for Moving During EAS

There are multiple ways that a Marine may choose to move him or herself and his or her family. A Marine may choose to do a Personally Procured Move (PPM), formerly a Do It Yourself (DITY) move, or he or she may choose to have the military move their personal family items for them.

If a Marine chooses to do a PPM, he or she may move his or her personal property themselves using rental equipment and/or a personal vehicle, or by hiring a commercial moving carrier. The benefit of choosing a PPM is that, typically, if a Marine does not have a lot to move, then the PPM will likely be less expensive. There is a good chance that a single Marine living in the barracks would be able to fit everything he or she owns into the bed of an eight-foot truck. While a PPM may seem like it will require more work due to having to complete the moving process on your own, many Marines prefer this option.

I found it more beneficial [to do a PPM] even though it took a lot of work because...I was able to work and pack at my own pace, make sure everything was secured properly, leave on my own schedule, and not worry about when my things were going to arrive. -Brian, USMC Veteran

By choosing a PPM, a Marine will become eligible to receive a reimbursement of up to 100% of the Government Constructive Cost (GCC) if that Marine hires his or her own carrier, or an incentive payment of 95% of the GCC, if the Marine moves the property his or herself. An Advance Operating Allowance can be authorized to defray out-of-pocket moving expenses (such as rental equipment, household good mover charges, packing material, etc.). The Government Constructive Cost is defined as the amount it would have cost the government to move each individual Marine's personal property during a government-procured move up to, but not exceeding, a specified weight allowance.

During a Marine's initial property counseling at the military Personal Property Office (PPO), an estimate of their property weight will be made. It's important that this estimate be as accurate as possible, as over-estimating may result in a lower reimbursement or incentive payment. Individual situations may vary, so it is recommended that a Marine be counseled and get approval from the base PPO prior to making a PPM. Failure to get approval from the PPO may result in non-payment of the reimbursement claim or incentive payment. Contact your local PPO to help determine the most cost-effective method of moving your household goods.