Thinking about a DITY Move for Your Military Family

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Are you a military family gearing up for a PCS? Have you considered a DITY (Do-It-Yourself) move? If you’re pondering over the logistics and benefits of handling your relocation independently, this blog post is for you. Let’s break down what a DITY move entails and how you can make it work for you.

What is a DITY Move?

A DITY move allows military personnel and their families to move their belongings themselves instead of using government-provided moving services. It’s an opportunity to take control of your moving process and potentially save money. When you opt for a DITY move, the government will reimburse you based on the weight of your belongings and the distance of your move.

Benefits of DITY Moves

Control Over Timing and Handling: You decide when and how your belongings are packed and transported. This is particularly beneficial for those with valuable or delicate items.

Potential for Profit: If you can move your belongings efficiently, you might spend less than the government’s reimbursement rate, allowing you to pocket the difference.

Planning Your DITY Move

Start Early: Begin planning as soon as you receive your moving orders. Early planning gives you time to organize and execute your move without rushing.

Weigh Your Options: Compare the costs and benefits of a DITY move versus a government-handled move. Consider factors like your physical ability, time availability, and comfort with organizing logistics.

Get Organized: Use checklists to track tasks like gathering moving supplies, renting moving equipment, and arranging transportation.

Packing Tips for Your DITY Move

Label Everything: Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. This makes unpacking much more straightforward.

Protect Your Items: Use bubble wrap, packing paper, and other materials to protect your valuables during the move.

Reimbursement Process

Keep Receipts: Save all receipts related to your move, from truck rentals to packing supplies, as you’ll need them to claim your reimbursement.

Weigh Your Load: Weigh your vehicle fully loaded and then after unloading to calculate the weight of your goods. Your reimbursement depends on this weight.

Conclusion

A DITY move offers military families the opportunity to manage their relocation while possibly saving money. With the right planning and organization, you can execute a successful move tailored to your family’s needs. So, why not take charge and make your next military move a personal victory?