_edited.jpg)
The Military Move Guide: How to Maximize Your DLA and Save on a PPM
- Shon Reaves
- May 25
- 3 min read
Receiving PCS orders brings a wave of excitement, a massive to-do list, and inevitable financial questions. While the military covers your relocation, any service member who has moved before knows that hidden expenses—from temporary lodging to truck rentals and packing supplies—can quickly drain your savings.
But what if you could turn your next PCS into a profitable transition?
If you’re opting for a Personally Procured Move (PPM), formerly known as a DITY move, you are eligible for 100% of what the government would pay a commercial carrier to move you. With a systems-first approach and a bit of tactical planning, you can execute a flawless move and keep the leftover cash. Here is a master mover’s breakdown of how to save money on your upcoming PCS.
1. Maximize Your Allowances (DLA & TLE)
Before packing a single box, ensure you are leveraging every financial entitlement available to you.
Dislocation Allowance (DLA): This is literally designed to partially reimburse you for the expenses incurred in relocating your household. Don't wait until after you arrive to think about it; map out how this cash will be allocated early.
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE): You can get partially reimbursed for meals and lodging for up to 14 days during a CONUS-to-CONUS move. Plan your travel dates strategically to max this out without going out of pocket.
2. Master the PPM Strategy (and Avoid the "DIY Injury" Trap)
The biggest opportunity to save (and make) money is through a PPM. The government calculates your incentive payment based on the total weight of your household goods.
Get an accurate certified weight ticket: You must weigh your vehicle or truck completely empty (with a full tank of gas) and completely full. Every pound counts toward your reimbursement check.
Don't break your back to make a profit: Many service members think a PPM means doing everything yourself and risking an injury right before reporting to a new command. You don't have to go it alone to cash in. At Moving Assassins, we specialize in professional pack-and-load services tailored specifically for PPM/DITY moves. By letting our elite crew expertly wrap, pack, and stack your rental truck, you protect your body, prevent cargo shift damage, and still walk away with a massive chunk of your government payout.
3. Audit and Purge: The "Weight-to-Value" Ratio
Since your PPM reimbursement is tied directly to weight, but your packing expenses and truck size are tied to volume, you need to ruthlessly purge before you pack.
Ditch the heavy, low-value items: Old particle-board furniture, broken gym equipment, or stacks of forgotten magazines add dead weight without adding value.
Host a PCS Garage Sale: Turn your unwanted items into immediate cash to fund your travel expenses, or donate them to local base groups to grab a tax deduction receipt.
4. Track Every Single Receipt for Tax and Reimbursement Time
When it’s time to settle your travel voucher, organization equals speed and money. Put a dedicated folder in your vehicle’s glove box or use a scanning app on your phone for:
Rental truck or trailer receipts
Gas and toll receipts from the moving vehicles
Packing supplies (boxes, tape, furniture pads)
Weight tickets (Empty and Heavy)
Mover's Tip: Eligible moving expenses can offset the tax burden of your PPM incentive payout. If you don't track the expenses, Uncle Sam will tax the profit heavily.
5. Partner with Local Logistics Experts Who Understand the Military
Moving into or out of the Hampton Roads area requires strict precision and zero downtime. Navigating base access, tight housing windows, and scheduling demands requires an experienced crew.
The team at Moving Assassins operates with a systems-first, high-efficiency mindset. We know the ins and outs of local bases and housing timelines, ensuring your transition is seamless, fast, and executed with absolute precision. Finding a moving team that respects your timeline and knows how to maximize a truck’s cubic footage will save you hundreds in potential damages and double-booking fees.
Ready to Maximize Your Next PCS?
Planning a PCS move in the Hampton Roads area? Don't risk your timeline, your sanity, or your budget. Let Moving Assassins handle the heavy lifting while you secure the profit on your PPM.
Comments