DITY Move Calculator
A DITY (Do-It-Yourself) or Personally Procured Move (PPM) allows you to manage your own military move and potentially earn a profit. This dity move calculator helps you estimate your total government incentive and see how much you could make after your expenses.
Enter the estimated weight of your belongings in pounds (lbs). Max weight allowance depends on rank.
Total driving distance from your old duty station to the new one in miles.
Your pay grade affects Dislocation Allowance (DLA) and other entitlements.
Enter the number of dependents traveling with you.
Include truck rental, gas, packing supplies, insurance, and other moving-related expenses.
What is a DITY Move?
A DITY move, officially known as a Personally Procured Move (PPM), is an option for U.S. military members during a Permanent Change of Station (PCS). Instead of having the government manage the move, the service member arranges everything themselves. This includes packing, renting a truck, loading, driving, and unloading. The main benefit is financial: the government pays you 100% of what it would have cost them to move you. If you can complete your move for less than that amount, you keep the difference as profit. Our dity move calculator is designed to help you estimate this potential profit.
This option gives you more control over your moving dates and how your belongings are handled. It’s ideal for organized individuals who don’t mind the extra work for a potential financial reward. However, it requires careful planning and documentation, such as getting certified weight tickets.
DITY Move Formula and Explanation
The core of a DITY move calculation is determining your profit. The basic formula is:
Estimated Profit = (Gov. Incentive + Travel Allowances) - Your Actual Expenses
Our dity move calculator automates this for you. Here is a breakdown of the key variables:
| Variable | Meaning | Unit / Type | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government Incentive (GCC) | The amount the government would have paid a contractor to move your specified weight over the specified distance. You get 100% of this. | Currency ($) | $4,000 – $15,000+ |
| Travel Allowances | This includes MALT for mileage, Per Diem for lodging/meals, and DLA for relocation costs. | Currency ($) | $1,000 – $7,000+ |
| Your Expenses | The total out-of-pocket costs you incur, such as truck rental, fuel, and packing supplies. | Currency ($) | Varies widely |
| Household Goods Weight | The total weight of your personal belongings being moved. This is a critical factor in the GCC calculation. | Pounds (lbs) | 2,000 – 18,000 lbs |
Practical Examples
Example 1: Cross-Country Move
An E-7 with a family of three is moving 2,500 miles with 11,000 lbs of household goods.
- Inputs: Weight: 11,000 lbs, Distance: 2,500 miles, Rank: E-7, Dependents: 2
- Calculated Incentive (GCC): ~$12,000
- Travel Allowances: ~$4,500
- Total Payout: ~$16,500
- User’s Estimated Costs: $7,000
- Result: An estimated profit of ~$9,500. This is a great scenario for a DITY move. For more ways to save, check out these military moving tips.
Example 2: Shorter, Lighter Move
A single O-1 is moving 500 miles with 4,000 lbs of household goods.
- Inputs: Weight: 4,000 lbs, Distance: 500 miles, Rank: O-1, Dependents: 0
- Calculated Incentive (GCC): ~$2,500
- Travel Allowances: ~$1,800
- Total Payout: ~$4,300
- User’s Estimated Costs: $2,000
- Result: An estimated profit of ~$2,300. Still profitable, but the margin is smaller.
How to Use This DITY Move Calculator
Using our dity move calculator is simple and provides a powerful estimate to guide your decision-making. Here’s how:
- Enter HHG Weight: Input the total estimated weight of your belongings in pounds. If you’re unsure, a common estimate is 1,000 lbs per room. For a more detailed estimate, you might use a weight estimator tool.
- Enter Move Distance: Provide the mileage from your current duty station to your new one.
- Select Pay Grade: Choose the pay grade that matches your rank. This helps determine your Dislocation Allowance (DLA).
- Enter Dependents: Input the number of dependents who will be moving with you.
- Estimate Your Costs: Enter a realistic estimate of all your moving expenses.
- Calculate: Click the “Calculate” button to see your estimated net profit, a full breakdown of incentives and allowances, and a visual chart comparing them to your costs.
Key Factors That Affect Your DITY Move Profit
- Weight of Your Shipment: This is the most significant factor. The more your items weigh (up to your authorized limit), the higher the government incentive.
- Distance of the Move: Longer distances also increase the government’s calculated cost, and therefore your incentive payment.
- Your Actual Costs: The lower you can keep your expenses for truck rentals, fuel, and supplies, the more profit you make.
- Rank and Dependents: Higher ranks and more dependents increase allowances like DLA and Per Diem, boosting your total payout.
- Documentation: Accurate, certified weight tickets (empty and full) are non-negotiable for getting your full payment. Keep every receipt.
- Taxes: Remember that your DITY profit is considered taxable income. Your allowances and documented expenses are not. It’s crucial to organize everything for tax season, and a PCS binder can be invaluable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a PPM move?
PPM stands for Personally Procured Move, which is the official term for a DITY move. It means you, the service member, are procuring (arranging and paying for) the move yourself.
Is the profit from a dity move taxable?
Yes. The difference between the total government payout and your documented moving expenses is considered taxable income. You will receive a separate W-2 for this income.
How is the government incentive calculated?
It’s based on 100% of what it would cost the government to move your specific weight of goods over your specific distance using their contracted movers. The rates are complex and based on tariffs filed by moving companies.
What is DLA (Dislocation Allowance)?
DLA is a tax-free allowance to help offset the costs of relocating your household, like utility deposits and other move-in expenses. The amount is based on your rank and dependency status.
What is MALT (Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation)?
MALT is your mileage reimbursement for driving your own vehicle(s) to the new duty station. The rate is set per mile by the government.
What if my expenses are more than the government incentive?
If your costs exceed the total government payout, you will have to pay the difference out of pocket. Using a dity move calculator beforehand helps prevent this.
Do I need weight tickets?
Absolutely. You need certified, empty and full weight tickets to prove the weight of your shipment. This is the most critical document for your claim.
Can I do a partial DITY move?
Yes. You can have the government move a portion of your belongings while you move the rest. You will be paid an incentive based on the weight you move yourself.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
Plan every aspect of your PCS with our collection of tools and guides.
- PPM Move Calculator: Tips and tricks for making your military move smoother and more profitable.
- How to Make Money on a DITY Move: An in-depth guide to maximizing your earnings.
- DITY Move Weight Estimator: A tool to help you get a better estimate of your total household goods weight.
- Government Move vs DITY: A comparison to help you decide which move is right for you.
- Military Moving Checklist: Stay organized with our comprehensive checklist for your PCS.
- Contact Us: Have questions? Get in touch with our moving experts.