Military Move Checklist

Posted on January 20, 2013 by Ryan Kraft

Transferred to a new military base?

Military service members may move to a new base in two basic ways: (1) by letting the military handle it, or (2) by doing it themselves (called DITY or PPM).

Whichever way service members choose, there are a number of things they need to do that Joe Citizen does not.

Military Move Checklist

If you want to let the military handle your move, then you don’t have to worry about packing up boxes or driving the moving truck. However, there are some things you still need to do:

Find a new home – You might be able to live on base. If that’s something you’re interested in, contact your relocation office regarding availability. If not, you’ll need to find off-base housing. You get 10 days of permissive temporary duty (no pay, but it doesn’t count against leave) to use as you please in finding a new home.
Contact Your TMO – The Traffic Management Office will help you set up your move. In the end, the military will arrange and pay for everything, but they’ll need to coordinate dates and times with you and get some documentation.Use move.mil – The military has a website that allows you to set up your move. Go to move.mil to create an account.
Find Transportation – Figure out how you want to get to the new base. The military will give you $180 a day for lodging, $85 a day for meals, and they’ll pay for transport by mileage. They’ll also pay for a plane ticket, if that’s easier.
Finalize Housing – Sign your lease or finish looking for an off-base housing option once you arrive at your new base.

Personally Procured Move Checklist

PPM moves, also known as DITY moves, require a lot more on your end, because you are the one who has to do the moving, not the military.

Find a New Home – As mentioned above, you might be able to live on base. If that’s something you’re interested in, contact your relocation office regarding availability. If not, you’ll need to find off-base housing.
Inform the Military – Contact your TMO or Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO), and tell them you intend to move on your own. You can also go online at move.mil.
Decide How to Move – You can rent a moving truck, use your own truck, hire a moving company, hire a you-pack company, or hire a service and transport some stuff yourself (called a partial DITY move).
Get the Information Together – You’ll need to fill out a form called the DD 2278. You’ll need your registration information, area TMO, the estimated weight of your stuff (ask your moving company or get estimates through move.mil), and moving plans.
Get Mover’s Insurance – The military will pay for your move, but not to insure it.
Weigh Your Stuff – When moving day comes, you’ll need to go on base or to a truck weigh station to actually weigh your items.
Keep Receipts – Keep your weight receipt and any other receipt, as the military will cover many of your costs on a per diem basis. You’ll need to submit them after your move is over.
Submit Receipts – The military will front some costs to you based on your moving estimate; however, you’ll still need to submit receipts if you want to be paid in full for your DITY move.