Partial DITY Move: In-Depth Guide & Expert Tips (2022 Edition)

Introduction

So you’ve received permanent change of station (PCS) orders and are facing the prospect of moving house and home across the country. Maybe this is the first time, maybe it’s the tenth. There are several options to how you can conduct your move from a full household goods move, a personally procured move (PPM) otherwise known as a do-it-yourself (DITY) move, and also a partial PPM or partial DITY.

What Is a Partial DITY Move?

A partial DITY or partial PPM allows you to transport a portion of your household goods and allow a government procured mover to transport the rest. Your weight allowance will be split between your partial DITY and your government move. The transportation office will give you a list of items which are prohibited from moving (construction equipment, boats, airplanes) which are typically only added to increase the weight of your move. You will weigh your vehicle empty and then full. Once complete, present your fuel and toll receipts, weight tickets, and complete travel claim with orders to your transportation office. This method will allow you some access to household items along the way. This can help you get settled right away while you await the remainder of your household goods or awaiting base housing.

What Is The Difference Between Full And Partial DITY Move?

In a government procured household goods move, formally known as a do-it-yourself (DITY) move, your Household Goods Office or Traffic Management Office (TMO) will help you organize a moving service. The service will do everything from pack your china cabinets and clothes to moving it via truck and help you receive it when you arrive. The only thing you’ll have to worry about is getting yourself to the new location on time to meet the movers. This is a good option for those short on time or patience, however, if you’ve ever used movers, you know that you run the risk of broken or missing items and have little control of when your items arrive. This option costs you nothing and is very convenient.

For a full DITY or PPM move, you organize with the household goods office or TMO to move yourself. You begin with weighing your vehicle and moving truck or trailer empty. Once you have packed your house up and loaded everything, you will weigh it again at the TMO scales on base or a certified truck scale. The weight of your goods will determine how much compensation you will receive in your travel claim. Once you arrive and unpack, present your gas and mileage receipts along with the weight tickets and the approved travel paperwork provided by the household goods office or TMO.

You will then receive significant compensation at the rate of 95% of what you would pay a private carrier to move for you. This is a great option for members who have the time and patience to pack and move their own goods and it has the benefit of, after your travel claim being approved, actually making you money on your move. You can even request an advance allowance so you’re never out of pocket during the process.

How to Apply for a Partial DITY Move?

As soon as you have your orders and have decided on what type of move you want, you’ll need to contact your transportation office. To apply for a Partial DITY move, contact your local transportation office and make the request by filling out DD Form 2278, the Application for Move and Counseling Checklist. You will also need on hand:

• Copy of your orders
• Form 1038 Advance of Funds Application (if an advance is needed)
• Copy of trailer registration (if using a personally owned trailer)
• Rental agreement (if using a rented trailer)

Expert Tips to Plan Your Partial DITY Move

Before the Move

You should also make sure your vehicle has a current safety and readiness inspection to prevent ending up stranded along the way. Make sure your items fit in your vehicle or trailer and have items that you need where they can be easily reached.

Consider asking your transportation office for a moving calculator. This will help to anticipate what your expenses will be and how much you are entitled to in your travel claim. Or you can input your information using a DITY move calculator. You can also ask your transportation office about your entitlement or look them up here. This will help you plan your expenses along the way.

Here is a helpful tip! Determine what type of moving expenses you are covered for your move. From personal/dependent travel to dislocation allowance, keeping track will help you save money! Explore more helpful tips here and reduce your moving day stress! (Click to Tweet this)

Moving Day

Ensure you have certified vehicle scale weight tickets both empty and full of your household goods.

Make sure the ticket includes:

• Your name
• Name and location of the scale
• Vehicle information
• Weight master’s signature
• Legible recording of the weight

Ensure you have:

• Your orders
• Paperwork
• License
• Any other essential papers safely on hand
• Full take of gas
• Reliable padlock for security on your trailer

Expert Tip: You’ll want to make sure that the shackle for your padlock is only big enough to lock the trailer and is rated bolt cutter proof. This can help minimize the chance someone can use bolt cutters to cut it open. (Click to Tweet this)

During the Move

Be sure to save any receipts for fuel or tolls along the way to keep track of the road expenses. Coffee, snacks, and fast food can add up fast!  

Here’s another tip! Don’t let unseen costs of your move catch your pocketbook off guard! Explore how you can track your finances with Shopkick here! (Click to Tweet this)

After the Move

Within 45 days, you will need to submit your claim and all relevant paperwork. If you miss the 45 day deadline, you will not be reimbursed and anyone who has moved in the military can tell you that is a big loss. Submit your claim by going to your new duty station’s transportation office and bringing the following:

• Empty and loaded weight tickets (make copies of these for your records)
• DD Form 2278
• PPM Move Certification
• Copy of PCS orders
• All receipts
• Advance paperwork
• Rental equipment contract (if you rent a trailer)

Here is your next tip! Download the MyBaseGuide app at the Google Play Store or Apple Store for check-in locations and procedures, building designations, and base phone numbers right in the palm of your hand.  (Click to Tweet this)

For more handy apps to help you during your upcoming move, check out our blog, Top 15 Apps For Your PCS Move.

PCS Tool Kit

Don’t leave without your PCS Toolkit! Click the link to download our free in-depth PCS Toolkit to help you transition to your next posting with the knowledge and resources you need at your fingertips!

Conclusion

Moving is never really easy and the military will make you do it every few years or worse. With this guide we hope you’ll be able to make the transition a little easier and avoid pitfalls which will cost you time and money. With a Partial DITY move, you can split the difference of a full government move and a full DITY, giving you some flexibility. Good luck and safe travels!

Suggested Read: Military Move: An In-Depth Guide & Expert Tips