If you're considering a personally procured move (PPM) for your permanent change of station (PCS) in 2025, you'll want to know about changes that could significantly impact your payments for that move.
For many years, the common wisdom was that you could make money by moving your own things when you PCS. While many of those claims were overstated, most people found that the allowances covered all of their costs and sometimes paid more than their actual costs.
However, because of the introduction of the Global Household Goods Contract, the U.S. military is basing its PPM reimbursements on the rates it would pay to its exclusive new contractor, HomeSafe Alliance. As a result, military members who move their own household goods may find that their payments do not cover the full cost of their move.
If you're considering a PPM this year, how can you keep any potential out-of-pocket costs as low as possible? Here are three steps to take.
Confirm Your Costs and Allowances
Before doing a PPM, do some research. Find out from your transportation office how much you'll be reimbursed for your estimated weight.
To estimate the weight, use an online moving weight calculator or apply the shortcut of 1,000 pounds per room, plus more for notably heavy items. For example, our last move was nine rooms, but we also have about 3,000 pounds in books, plus some exceptionally heavy furniture.
Then start finding out how much it will cost to rent a truck or moving container such as a Pod. Estimate how much you'll spend on packing supplies, including boxes, paper and tape. Those things get expensive. If you'll need child care or pet care while you pack or load, put that in the budget.
Use social media to find used packing materials and start collecting them early. Watch videos on packing techniques to be sure you know how to pack efficiently.
Track Everything
You have a lot of details to track while doing a PPM move. First, make sure you have the right weight tickets, which will prove the weight of your items after they're loaded, based on your branch's rules and the type of moving equipment you're using. Check with your transportation office to get all the rules and follow up with an email confirming what you've been told. Having things on paper can help if you have a problem.
Then save every single receipt for your move. You may use these when you file your moving claim, but you will definitely need them when you file your income tax return in 2026. Those expenses will offset your payment, and if you spend more than your payment, you can take those unreimbursed moving expenses as a deduction on your taxes. I recommend having a designated large envelope, preferably a bright color, and also taking a picture of every receipt as you receive it.
Downsize Before You Move
In the past, some people actually increased their weight before a move in an attempt to make more money. While this was never a good idea, you want to do exactly the opposite this year. If you are subject to the lower PPM rates this year, you want to thoughtfully purge the things that you don't need to move. If you're planning to get a new sofa at the new home, get rid of the old one before you go. Sort through your linens, books and kitchenware. Take a fresh look at bulky items such as gym equipment, outdoor gear and big toys.
PPMs offer military families flexibility and control over their move, but they can be a lot of work. Think carefully about the costs and benefits for your situation. If you do a PPM, start collecting those moving materials and figure out how you'll keep track of your receipts. These steps will help reduce costs and ensure that you've got what you need when tax time rolls around.
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