Here are the five things every service member should do immediately after receiving PCS orders:

1. Contact Your Local TO or PPSO

Your first stop should be your base’s Transportation Office (TO) or Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO). These offices are responsible for coordinating your move and helping you make important decisions early in the process.

When you report to the TO or PPSO, they will:

• Verify your PCS orders
• Provide information about your entitlements
• Determine whether you’re eligible for a Personally Procured Move (PPM)
• Guide you through completing DD Form 2278
• Schedule counseling to explain the process and documentation required

Start by locating your local office using MilitaryINSTALLATIONS. Reaching out early ensures you get on the calendar before the busy PCS season ramps up.

2. Choose Your PCS Move Type: PPM vs. Government Move

You generally have two options for executing your PCS move:

• Government-arranged move: The military handles everything through a Transportation Service Provider (TSP). You won’t pay anything out of pocket, but you also won’t receive reimbursement.
• Personally Procured Move (PPM): Formerly known as a DITY move, this allows you to organize and pay for your own move—with reimbursement from the government after completion.

In 2025, the Department of Defense increased the reimbursement rate for PPMs to 130% of what a government-arranged move would cost. That means you can potentially earn money back by handling your move efficiently.

Use the Personally Procured Move Calculator to estimate your reimbursement amount and compare it against your projected moving costs.

3. Research Professional Carriers

Even if you opt for a PPM, you don’t have to handle the move entirely on your own. Many service members choose to hire professional movers to help with the heavy lifting while still benefiting from the reimbursement.

Platforms like uShip make it easy to:

• Post your move details and receive competitive bids from carriers
• Read reviews from other customers (including military families)
• Choose based on price, timeline, and service quality

With ID.me verification, uShip waives service fees for active-duty military, making it a cost-effective and stress-free option.

4. Track All Moving Expenses

Documentation is essential for getting reimbursed after a PPM. The military requires proof of your expenses to calculate your final reimbursement. As you prepare for and complete your move, be sure to keep:

• Certified weight tickets: One for your vehicle or truck empty, and one fully loaded. Ensure they’re from a certified scale and include the date, location, and vehicle info.
• Receipts: Save every receipt for gas, tolls, lodging, truck rental, packing materials, and any moving services.
• Contracts and Bills of Lading: If using a moving company, keep all official paperwork detailing services rendered and payment.

Consider using a folder or digital tool to store and back up everything in case of delays or discrepancies.

5. Use Modern Tools to Plan Your Move

Planning tools have come a long way. Take advantage of resources that can guide you through your PCS move step by step. One of the best is Plan My Move by Military OneSource. It lets you:

• Build a personalized checklist based on your orders and family needs
• Learn about entitlements, timelines, and important forms
• Explore housing, education, and healthcare options at your new duty station

When paired with uShip and the PPM Calculator, these tools give you everything you need to create a well-organized, low-stress move.

TL;DR: PCS Move Prep in 2025

• Use tools like Plan My Move and uShip to stay organized and in control.
• Contact your TO or PPSO immediately to start the PPM process.
• PPMs can now be reimbursed up to 130% of the government’s cost.
• Consider hiring movers via uShip to simplify your PCS move.
• Track every expense and get certified weight tickets for reimbursement.

The post 5 things to do when you receive your PCS move orders appeared first on uShip Shipping Guides.

Each year, PCS season brings a surge of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves across all branches of the U.S. military. Typically peaking between May and August, this busy window is when most service members receive orders and begin their relocation journey. Whether it’s your first PCS move or your fifth, planning ahead can save you stress, time, and money.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the updated realities of moving during PCS season in 2025, including changes to reimbursement rates, new planning tools, and tips for navigating increased demand.

1. Understand Your PCS Move Options

When you receive PCS orders, one of your first decisions will be how to handle your household goods move. There are two main paths:

• Government-Arranged Move: The military selects and pays for a Transportation Service Provider (TSP) to handle everything from packing to delivery. While convenient, you have limited control over timing and service quality.
• Personally Procured Move (PPM): Previously called a DITY move, this allows you to organize the move yourself—using your own vehicle, rental trucks, or hired professionals. In return, you’ll be reimbursed based on the government’s cost estimate for the same move.

In 2025, the DoD increased the reimbursement rate for PPMs to 130% of the government’s cost estimate. This means that with smart planning, you could actually come out ahead financially. Estimate your reimbursement with the PPM Calculator and compare it against potential moving expenses.

2. Book Early – PCS Season Moves Fast

From late spring through summer, the military and civilian moving industries experience a surge in demand. Waiting too long to book your move during PCS season could leave you with few available dates, limited carrier options, and potentially higher costs.

To stay ahead:

• Contact your Transportation Office (TO) or Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO) as soon as you receive your PCS orders
• Decide early whether you’ll pursue a government move or a PPM
• Research options through platforms like uShip, where you can post your move and receive bids from professional, feedback-rated carriers

Booking early ensures that your timeline aligns with your reporting date and that you avoid costly last-minute scrambling.

3. Navigate the GHC Transition and Delays

The Global Household Goods Contract (GHC), a DoD initiative intended to overhaul and centralize military moves under a single commercial provider, was originally awarded to HomeSafe Alliance. However, the program was officially canceled in mid-2025 due to performance and transition issues. While some transitional elements may still linger, service members are now encouraged to proceed with PCS moves under legacy systems or to explore Personally Procured Move (PPM) options for greater control and efficiency.

While the GHC promises long-term improvements, the 2025 rollout has come with hiccups:

• Missed pickup or delivery dates
• Delayed communications from assigned movers
• Confusion around how to use new scheduling platforms and systems

If you’d prefer more predictability and hands-on control, opting for a PPM allows you to sidestep these issues by working directly with a carrier you select and trust. uShip lets you screen and communicate directly with transport providers, which can help reduce miscommunication and frustration.

4. Use Tech Tools to Stay Organized

PCS season is chaotic by nature, but digital tools can help bring order to the process. The Plan My Move tool from Military OneSource lets you create a custom checklist based on your orders, timeline, and family needs.

You can also:

• Prepare forms like DD Form 2278 for PPM approval
• Map out a budget and timeline for your move
• Research housing, schools, and local services at your new duty station

Pair this withuShip to compare moving quotes, schedule your carrier, and track the progress of your shipment—all from one place. Leveraging both government and commercial tools gives you the best of both worlds when planning your move.

5. Maximize Reimbursement and Military Discounts

Getting reimbursed for your PPM requires documentation. To ensure you get the maximum reimbursement allowed, you need to:

• Weigh your vehicle or rental truck before and after loading (using a certified scale)
• Save every receipt for eligible expenses: fuel, tolls, lodging, moving equipment, etc.
• Keep all signed contracts and service agreements from moving companies or carriers

In addition, uShip offers a military discount through ID.me, waiving uShip service fees for verified users. These savings, combined with careful planning, can help you turn your PCS into a cost-neutral or even money-saving move.

TL;DR: PCS Season Tips for 2025

• Keep documents and receipts to ensure full reimbursement
• Book early—May through August gets busy fast
• Consider a PPM to take control and save money
• Use tools like Plan My Move and uShip to stay organized
• Understand delays tied to GHC rollout

The post PCS Season appeared first on uShip Shipping Guides.

Today, what used to be known as a DITY move is now officially called a Personally Procured Move (PPM). This option gives you more control over how your belongings are moved, and with recent updates to reimbursement rates, it can be more cost-effective than ever.

Why Choose a PPM Over a Traditional Military Move?

PPMs give service members the flexibility to manage their own relocation. Instead of letting the government assign a Transportation Service Provider (TSP), you decide how and when your things get moved. Better yet, the Department of Defense now reimburses up to 130% of what it would cost the government to move your items. That means:

• More freedom to choose your method
• Potential to profit if you move for less than the reimbursed amount
• Greater control over your timeline and possessions

Source: DoD Reimbursement Rate Increase

Comparing Costs: Professional Movers vs. Doing It All Yourself

In the past, service members would often go the DIY route, renting trucks and lifting furniture themselves to maximize reimbursement. But in 2025, the numbers tell a different story:

When you use a marketplace like uShip, you can compare quotes from feedback-rated carriers and choose a mover that fits your needs and budget.

What to Do When You Get PCS Orders

Getting your PCS orders is the first step in a multi-part process. Here’s what to do next:

1. Contact Your Local TO/PPSO
   • Submit DD Form 2278 to request a PPM
   • Get move counseling and approval
   • Use MilitaryINSTALLATIONS to find your nearest office
2. Research Your Moving Options
   • Consider whether you want to move yourself or book help through uShip
   • Use the PPM Calculator to estimate your reimbursement
3. Gather Documentation
   • Certified weight tickets (before and after loading)
   • Receipts for gas, tolls, rentals, and lodging
   • Rental agreements or moving contracts
4. Make the Move
   • Coordinate pickup and delivery with your chosen carrier
   • Stay organized and keep copies of all paperwork
5. Submit for Reimbursement
   • Return to your TO or PPSO to finalize your claim
   • Typically due within 45 days of completing your move

Why uShip Is a Smart Option for PPM Moves

• Compare Quotes: Get multiple bids from professional, experienced carriers
• Save Time: Let someone else handle the heavy lifting while you focus on your next duty station
• Military Discounts: Service members get service fees waived with ID.me verification

Final Thoughts

PCS orders mark the start of a new chapter, but moving doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a PPM, you have the power to plan your move your way — and with uShip, you can do it affordably and stress-free. Get reimbursed, save time, and arrive at your next assignment ready to roll.

Explore more at uShip Military Moves.

TL;DR: PCS Orders? Here’s How to Save in 2025

• PPMs are flexible, efficient, and can help you arrive at your next duty station stress-free.
• A Personally Procured Move (PPM), formerly a DITY move, gives you more control and money back.
• DoD now reimburses up to 130% of the government’s moving costs.
• Use uShip to compare pro carriers, book easily, and avoid doing all the heavy lifting.
• Keep weight tickets, receipts, and forms like DD 2278 to ensure full reimbursement.

The post PCS Orders? Leave It to the Pros and Save appeared first on uShip Shipping Guides.

If you’re a service member planning a Permanent Change of Station (PCS), a Personally Procured Move (PPM) — formerly known as a Do-It-Yourself (DITY) move — might be your best option. A PPM gives you control over how and when your belongings are moved, and even lets you pocket the difference if your actual costs are lower than the government reimbursement rate.

As of 2025, the Department of Defense has increased the reimbursement rate for PPMs to 130% of what it would cost the government to move your items. That means even more opportunity to save on your next PCS move.

Here are five key steps to ace your PPM:

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Before getting too deep into planning, talk with your local Transportation Office (TO) or Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO). They can verify whether you’re eligible for a PPM based on your orders and location. You’ll also need to:

• Complete DD Form 2278
• Provide copies of your PCS orders
• Receive move counseling and formal approval to proceed

Find your local office through MilitaryINSTALLATIONS.

Step 2: Weigh Your Options (Literally)

To get reimbursed, you must provide certified weight tickets from a certified scale, both before and after your items are loaded. This applies whether you use your own vehicle, rent a truck, or hire a carrier. Keep in mind:

• Weight tickets must include vehicle info, date, location, and whether the weight was full or empty
• Save all receipts related to your move: fuel, tolls, lodging, rental fees, etc.

Use the PPM Calculator to estimate your reimbursement in advance.

Step 3: Choose the Right Transportation Option

Whether you’re moving everything yourself or hiring help, you have flexibility. Consider:

• Renting and driving a truck yourself
• Hiring professional help through uShip
• Using a portable storage container
• Doing a partial PPM (you move some items, the government moves the rest)

uShip lets you compare quotes from feedback-rated carriers and book your move with confidence.

Step 4: Keep Track of Paperwork

Documentation is essential. Here’s what to track:

• DD Form 2278 and your PCS orders
• Certified empty and full weight tickets
• All expense receipts (fuel, tolls, shipping, etc.)
• Rental contracts or shipping agreements

You’ll submit all of this to your TO or PPSO to receive reimbursement.

Step 5: Submit for Reimbursement

Once your move is complete, return to your Transportation Office to process your claim. Be sure to:

• Submit your full packet of documents
• Ask about any deadlines (generally within 45 days)
• Keep copies of everything for your records

Reimbursement is usually processed within a few weeks and can be direct-deposited to your account.

Why Choose a PPM in 2025?

• Get Paid More: The DoD’s current reimbursement rate is up to 130% of the government’s estimated moving cost
• Flexibility: Choose your own timeline and method
• Simplicity: Use uShip to book reliable, professional movers on your terms

Additional Resources

• uShip Military Moves
• uShip’s Military Moves Guide
• Plan My Move – Military OneSource
• PPM Calculator
• DoD Reimbursement Update (PDF)

Whether you still call it a DITY or you’re adjusting to the PPM terminology, the outcome is the same: a chance to take control of your PCS move and save money in the process.

TL;DR: DITY Move Success in 2025 (Now PPM)

• DITY moves are now called PPMs, but the benefits remain.
• You can get reimbursed up to 130% of what the government would pay.
• Get approval through your Transportation Office with DD Form 2278.
• Collect weight tickets, receipts, and rental agreements for reimbursement.
• Use uShip to compare carriers and book your PCS move with confidence.

The post How to Ace Your DITY Move appeared first on uShip Shipping Guides.

Personally Procured Moves (PPMs), previously known as Do-It-Yourself, or DITY moves, give military members the flexibility to manage their own relocation. Whether you’re familiar with the old term or new, PPM moves allow you to transport your household goods yourself and receive financial reimbursement from the military.

Instead of relying on government-arranged movers, service members can rent a truck, hire a moving company through uShip, or use portable storage containers, giving them more control and the opportunity to save money.

Reimbursement Rates for DITY/PPM Moves

As of May 2025, the Department of Defense has temporarily increased the reimbursement rate for Personally Procured Moves to 130% of the government’s estimated cost. This increase is in effect through September 30, 2025, and aims to better support service members who choose to manage their own PCS.

How to Plan Successful PPM/DITY Moves

Step 1: Estimate Your Reimbursement

Use tools like the Personally Procured Move Calculator to estimate how much you could be reimbursed based on the weight and distance of your move.

Step 2: Contact Your Local Transportation Office

Before doing anything, reach out to your base’s Transportation Office. You’ll need to:

• Submit DD Form 2278
• Get move counseling
• Receive approval for your PPM

Step 3: Prepare Your Paperwork

Keep records of:

• Certified empty and full weight tickets
• Rental or shipping agreements
• Gas, toll, and lodging receipts

Step 4: Choose How You’ll Move

You can:

• Rent and drive a moving truck
• Use a portable storage container
• Hire a professional carrier on uShip
• Combine methods for a partial PPM

Benefits of DITY/PPM Moves

• Higher Reimbursement: You can now receive up to 130% of what the government would have paid.
• More Flexibility: Set your own move dates and route.
• Increased Control: Handle your belongings yourself to reduce the risk of loss or damage.

Use uShip for Your DITY/PPM Moves

uShip connects military members with professional, feedback-rated carriers who compete for your business. With uShip, you can:

• Compare multiple carrier quotes
• Read trusted reviews
• Book directly with experienced movers

Visit our Military Page to start your move.

Additional Resources

• Plan My Move – Military OneSource
• Military OneSource Moving Portal
• uShip Military Calculator
  

Whether you call it a DITY move or a PPM, managing your own PCS in 2025 can lead to more control and bigger savings. Just make sure to plan early, stay organized, and leverage tools like uShip to make the process as smooth as possible.

TL;DR: Save More with a DITY or PPM Move in 2025

• Enjoy more flexibility, control, and potential savings on your PCS move.
• DITY moves are now officially called PPMs (Personally Procured Moves).
• You can receive up to 130% of the government’s moving costs as reimbursement through September 2025.
• uShip helps compare quotes and book reliable carriers for DIY military moves.
• Plan early, save receipts, and use weight tickets to maximize reimbursement.

The post 2025 Guide to DITY Moves (Now Known as PPMs) appeared first on uShip Shipping Guides.

Military families often face the challenge of relocating every 2–3 years due to Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders. Understanding the available moving options and resources is crucial for a smooth transition. Whether you opt for a government-arranged move or a Personally Procured Move (PPM), uShip offers tools and services to assist you every step of the way.

Understanding Military Moves

Types of Moves:

• Government-Arranged Move: The military coordinates and pays for the move, handling logistics through approved Transportation Service Providers (TSPs).
• Personally Procured Move (PPM): Formerly known as DITY, this option allows service members to manage their own move, with potential reimbursement up to 100% of the government’s cost.

Key Agencies

• Transportation Office (TO)/Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO): Your primary point of contact for move planning and support.
• Defense Personal Property Program (DP3): Oversees policies and procedures for military relocations.
• Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC): Manages contracted moving companies.
• Joint Personal Property Shipping Office (JPPSO): Coordinates moves across service branches.
• Global Household Goods Contract (GHC): The new system replacing DPS, streamlining the moving process for military families.

Planning Your Move

Timeline:

• 3–6 Months Out: Begin planning, especially if moving during peak season (May–August)
• 2–3 Months Out: Schedule your move through the appropriate channels.
• 4–6 Weeks Out: Conduct a pre-move inventory and start decluttering.
• 1–2 Weeks Out: Prepare your home for packers and finalize travel arrangements.

Documentation:

• Official orders and any amendments.
• Valid IDs for all adults.
• Inventory of high-value items.
• For overseas moves: passports, visas, and customs forms.

Utilizing uShip for Military Moves

uShip connects military families with a network of feedback-rated carriers, allowing you to:

• Compare quotes from professional movers.
• Read reviews and carrier profiles.
• Book trusted transporters for your move.
• For PPMs, uShip offers tools to help you manage your move efficiently and cost-effectively.

Military Discounts and ID.me Verification

uShip has partnered with ID.me to offer exclusive discounts to military members:

• Waived service fees for your first shipment within 30 days of ID.me verification.
• Access to special promotions and discounts from carriers.
• To get verified, visit the uShip ID.me verification page.

Additional Resources for Military Moves

• How to Save on PCS Moves
• PPM Moves
• How to Ace a PPM Move
• PCS Orders: Leave it to the Pros and Save
• 5 Things to do When You Receive Your PCS Orders

The post Military Moving Guides appeared first on uShip Shipping Guides.

The moves I made in my career, as with most military PCS moves (Permanent Change of Station), were eventful, exciting, stressful and painful. Anyone in the military can recall how frustrating it is during the big move, attempting to fit in last-minute out-processing appointments with final goodbyes to friends and colleagues, all in the midst of dealing with movers’ cancellations, missed packing deadlines, or damaged items.

I am proud to share uShip For Military, a website that helps our military, veterans, and their families streamline their next PCS move, as well as all your other shipping needs.

At Ease with uShip for Military:

As an online marketplace for moving services, uShip quickly and easily connects you with great moving companies. In a fraction of the time it would take you to receive quotes from moving companies over the phone, the free listing you post on uShip receives competing bids from numerous service providers and allows you to choose your winning bid.

Save Time

You no longer need to waste time over the phone attempting to procure the right service provider. Post your items that require shipment on uShip and tend to your moving preparations while our vetted service providers immediately begin to bid on your shipment online.

Save Money

Finding the lowest bidder to transport your goods is easy and will help ensure you are pocketing as much money as possible provided to you by your DITY allowance. uShip customers save an average of 50% on their shipments due to the competition of the service provider’s bidding to win your business.

Power to Choose

The freedom to choose is not always easy to come by in military life. With uShip, YOU select the winning bid based on price, delivery time frames, feedback score, and customer reviews. Maximizing your time and your money on a move has never been smoother.

To thank you for your service, uShip offers a special discount for all current and former members of the Armed Forces. There will be no fees for shippers or carriers who are ID.me verified as Active-Duty, retired, veteran, or military family members.

It’s good to know there are companies out there like uShip that support the efforts and sacrifices we in the military have realized to protect this great nation. Enjoy the efficiency and peace of mind uShip can provide you with your next PCS move!

TL;DR: Save on Your Next PCS Move

• Personally Procured Moves (PPMs) let you take control and potentially earn money back when you handle your own relocation.
• Reimbursement rates have increased—service members can now get up to 130% of the government’s estimated moving cost.
• Use uShip to compare carrier rates, read reviews, and book affordable, trusted transporters.
• Military discounts through ID.me on platforms like uShip help reduce service fees and overall moving expenses.
• Plan early, track all expenses, and get certified weight tickets to ensure maximum reimbursement and fewer move-day surprises.

The post How to Save on Your Next PCS Move: A Military Perspective appeared first on uShip Shipping Guides.

Gather a Team

Pianos are heavy and awkward to move. Even a small one can cause injury if you try to move it alone. Call friends or family for help to ensure a safer move for you and your piano.

Beware of the Wheels

Those wheels on your piano? They’re mostly decorative and not meant for long-distance moves. Lift the piano off the ground whenever possible to prevent damage to the instrument and your floors. If you’re weary of that, which you should be, it might be best to consider a piano dolly or leg dollies. 

Take It Slow

Rushing the move can lead to mistakes. Give yourself extra time to move the piano carefully. If lifting, take breaks to avoid fatigue. If rolling, go slowly to avoid collisions with walls or scratching floors. There are no heroes in piano moving. 

Plan Your Route

Before you start, make sure the new location is spacious enough for the piano. Identify any tight spots, narrow doorways, or steps along the route. Discuss these with your helpers to choose the most efficient path and avoid surprises. Unless it’s an upright piano, you’ll most likely have to stand the piano on its side. Doing this on a skid board or furniture dolly can really help. 

Final Thoughts

Moving a piano isn’t like moving other heavy items — it’s a delicate, finely tuned instrument. If you opt to do it yourself, plan carefully, enlist plenty of help, and take your time to ensure the safety of both your piano and your home. Don’t overlook the right tools for the job, either. 

When you don’t feel like you have the keys, to bring the pun back, and it seems like too much, trust the professional movers on uShip to do the heavy lifting for you. 

The post How to Move a Piano Between Rooms appeared first on uShip Shipping Guides.

Braving the DIY path is hard, but following these five steps to ensure your piano’s safety throughout the move will make things just a bit easier on yourself. You might even feel like the pro piano movers do.

Pro Piano Movers Checklist

1. Gather and Secure Supplies

Collect moving blankets, packing tape, a dolly or piano skid board, straps, screwdrivers, and plastic wrap. Secure the piano lid and keys by locking or taping the lid shut and covering the keys with a soft cloth.

2. Protect and Wrap

Wrap the entire piano with moving blankets, securing them with tape without touching the piano’s surface. For added protection, use plastic wrap over the blankets.

3. Detach and Wrap Components

For grand pianos, carefully remove the legs and pedals using a screwdriver or piano tool kit. Wrap these parts separately in moving blankets and label them for easy reassembly.

4. Use Moving Equipment

Place the piano on a dolly or piano skid board and secure it with straps. Ensure it is tightly fastened to prevent any shifting during the move. Move slowly and carefully, keeping the piano upright.

5. Load, Transport, and Unpack

Load the piano onto the moving vehicle using a ramp or lift, securing it against the back wall with additional straps. At your destination, unload carefully, reattach the legs and pedals, and allow the piano to acclimate before tuning.

Proper preparation is key to moving your piano safely. By following these steps, you can ensure your piano arrives at its new home in perfect condition. For added peace of mind, consider using professional piano movers through uShip.

The post How Expert Piano Movers Prepare for Shipping appeared first on uShip Shipping Guides.

uShip makes piano shipping simple by connecting you with experienced, customer-rated piano movers. Our platform allows you to easily compare quotes and feedback from various movers, giving you confidence in your choice. By following a few straightforward steps, you can ensure your piano arrives at its destination in perfect condition.

1. List Your Piano: Provide details about your piano and the move.
2. Compare Movers: Review quotes and feedback from piano movers.
3. Prepare for the Move: Secure and prepare your piano for transport.

With uShip, you can have peace of mind knowing your piano is in capable hands, ensuring it reaches its new home without a scratch. Explore more of our helpful piano moving guides and see how easy it is to move your instrument with uShip. 

Select an article from the list below to learn more:

• How to Choose a Piano Mover
• How to Prepare a Piano for Moving
• How to Move a Piano Between Rooms

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