A Personally Procured Move (PPM, formerly called a DITY) is one of the best ways to make money on a military move, but only if you do it right. Every year, service members leave hundreds or even thousands of dollars on the table because of avoidable paperwork errors, missing documents, and simple planning mistakes. Understanding the most common PPM mistakes that cost service members reimbursement is the key to keeping every dollar you have earned. Whether you are moving out of Joint Base San Antonio or NAS Corpus Christi, this guide walks you through the pitfalls to avoid so your PPM pays off the way it should.
At Half Price Movers, we have helped Texas military families run smart PPMs for over 40 years. Here are the mistakes we see most often, and how to avoid every one of them.
Mistake 1: Skipping or Losing Your Weight Tickets
This is the single most costly PPM mistake, and it is completely avoidable.
Your PPM reimbursement is based on the certified weight of your shipment. To prove that weight, you need two certified weight tickets: one of the empty truck before loading, and one of the full truck after loading. The difference is your net weight.
Why Service Members Lose Money Here
- Forgetting to weigh the empty truck before loading
- Losing the paper tickets before submitting paperwork
- Using a scale that is not certified or TMO-approved
- Missing required details on the ticket (date, location, vehicle ID, weight)
How to Avoid It
Weigh the empty truck first, always. Weigh the loaded truck after. Get certified tickets from a TMO-approved scale, make copies immediately, and keep the originals with your important documents. No tickets means no reimbursement, with no exceptions.
For the official requirements, the Move.mil PCS planning portal is the only authoritative source on weight ticket rules.
Mistake 2: Not Keeping Every Receipt
Your PPM reimbursement and any additional expense claims depend on documentation. Every dollar you want counted needs a receipt.
Receipts You Must Keep
- Truck or trailer rental
- Fuel for the moving vehicle
- Labor-only movers
- Packing supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap, pads)
- Moving equipment rental (dollies, straps, ramps)
- Tolls along your route
- Lodging during the move (if authorized)
- Weigh station fees
How to Avoid It
Keep a dedicated folder (physical and digital) from day one. Photograph every receipt as you get it, so a lost paper slip does not cost you. Missing receipts are one of the most common reasons service members receive less than they expected.
Mistake 3: Starting the Process Too Late
PPMs require pre-approval, and rushing the timeline leads to mistakes and lost money.
What Goes Wrong When You Wait
- Missing TMO counseling deadlines
- Losing out on the best truck rental rates (or availability) during peak season
- Rushing your inventory and packing, leading to damage
- Forgetting steps that require lead time (weight tickets, scale locations)
How to Avoid It
Start at least 90 to 120 days before your move date, especially during peak PCS season (May through August). Visit your installation's Traffic Management Office (TMO) at JBSA or NAS Corpus Christi early to get pre-approved and receive your DD Form 2278.
Mistake 4: Not Getting Pre-Approval From TMO
You cannot just decide to do a PPM and expect reimbursement. It has to be authorized first.
Skipping TMO counseling or failing to get your PPM approved before you move can disqualify you from reimbursement entirely. This is a heartbreaking mistake because the work was done, but the paperwork was not in order.
How to Avoid It
Always complete TMO counseling and get written approval before you move a single box. Your DD Form 2278 is your authorization. Do not start without it.
Mistake 5: Underestimating Your Truck Size
Renting a truck that is too small is a surprisingly common and expensive mistake.
What Goes Wrong
- You run out of space mid-load and have to make a second trip (or rent a second truck)
- Extra fuel, mileage, and time eat into your reimbursement
- You may exceed your travel timeline
How to Avoid It
Size up rather than down. A general rule: 10-foot truck for a studio, 16-foot for a one to two-bedroom, 20-foot for a two to three-bedroom, 26-foot for a three to four-bedroom. When in doubt, go bigger. A little extra space costs far less than a second trip.
A professional loading crew can also help you fit more into a single truck. Learn more about our labor-only and full-service options on our services overview page.
Mistake 6: Packing Everything Yourself When You Should Not
Many service members try to do 100 percent of the work to save money, then end up with damaged belongings, injuries, or a load that was packed so poorly it shifted and broke in transit.
The Hidden Cost
- Damaged items are not always reimbursable
- Injuries can sideline you right before a report date
- A poorly loaded truck risks everything inside it
How to Avoid It
You do not have to choose between a full-service move and doing everything alone. A labor-only crew handles the loading and unloading (the hard, risky part) while you keep the reimbursement. You can also add fragile-only packing so pros protect just your valuables. See how this works on our residential moving services page.
Mistake 7: Exceeding Your Weight Allowance
Every service member has an authorized weight allowance based on rank and dependents. Going over it costs you.
What Goes Wrong
If your shipment exceeds your authorized weight, you pay for the overage out of pocket. This can wipe out much of your reimbursement savings.
How to Avoid It
Declutter aggressively before your move. Donate, sell, or toss anything you have not used in the last year. A lighter load keeps you under your allowance and lowers your truck rental and fuel costs at the same time. Know your weight allowance before you start packing.
Mistake 8: Mixing Important Documents Into Packed Boxes
Losing critical paperwork in a sea of boxes can delay your reimbursement and create serious headaches.
Documents to Keep With You (Never on the Truck)
- PCS orders
- DD Form 2278
- Weight tickets (originals and copies)
- Military and family IDs
- Birth certificates and Social Security cards
- Medical and dental records
- Vehicle titles and registration
- All moving receipts
How to Avoid It
Pack a single, clearly labeled document folder or lockbox that travels with you in your personal vehicle. Never let it go on the moving truck.
Mistake 9: Missing the Submission Deadline
Even a perfect PPM can lose money if you file late.
Most PPM paperwork must be submitted to your TMO within 45 days of arrival at your new duty station. Miss that window, and you risk delays or denial of your claim.
How to Avoid It
Submit your DD Form 2278, weight tickets, receipts, and operating expense worksheet as soon as you arrive. Do not wait until you are "settled." Make it one of the first things you do at your new station.
For a broader planning checklist, the Military OneSource PCS planning resource is one of the best free tools available.
Mistake 10: Choosing an Unlicensed or Uninsured Mover
If you hire civilian help for your PPM, the wrong company can cost you.
What Goes Wrong
- Unlicensed movers may not provide the documentation you need
- Uninsured movers leave you exposed if items are damaged
- Some low-ball operators add surprise fees that shrink your savings
How to Avoid It
Always verify your mover is licensed and insured through the Texas DMV Truck Stop database before booking. Half Price Movers is fully licensed and insured in Texas, and we are experienced with the documentation PPM movers need.
Where Half Price Movers Fits Into Your PPM
Half Price Movers was practically built for the PPM customer. We are family-owned, fully licensed and insured in Texas, and based in both San Antonio and Corpus Christi, right next to the bases our military families move to and from. For a smart, mistake-free PPM, we offer:
- Labor-only crews to load and unload your rental truck or container
- Crews on both ends of a long-distance PCS
- Fragile-only packing for valuables you do not want to pack yourself
- Specialty handling for pianos, antiques, artwork, and oversized items
- Local knowledge of JBSA Lackland, Randolph, Fort Sam Houston, and NAS Corpus Christi
- Proper documentation so your reimbursement paperwork stays clean
We help you capture the full reimbursement a PPM is designed to give you, while avoiding the mistakes that cost other service members money.
Ready to Run a PPM That Actually Pays Off?
A PPM can put real money back in your pocket, but only if you avoid the common mistakes that trip up so many service members. Keep your weight tickets, save every receipt, start early, stay under your allowance, and hire a licensed crew for the heavy lifting. Whether you are moving out of Joint Base San Antonio or NAS Corpus Christi, Half Price Movers is ready to help you do it right.
You can request your free quote online or see all the Texas areas we cover on our areas we serve page.
Ready to make your move? Half Price Movers has been serving Texas families since 1979. Call (361) 245-3862 (San Antonio) or (361) 937-7615 (Corpus Christi), or get your free quote at halfpricemovers.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest mistake service members make on a PPM?
Skipping or losing weight tickets. Your reimbursement is based on the certified weight of your shipment, so without valid empty and full weight tickets from a TMO-approved scale, you cannot be reimbursed. Always weigh the empty truck before loading and the full truck after, and keep the originals safe.
How long do I have to submit my PPM paperwork?
Most PPM claims must be submitted to your TMO within 45 days of arriving at your new duty station. File as soon as you arrive rather than waiting until you are settled, so you do not risk missing the deadline.
What receipts do I need to keep for a PPM?
Keep receipts for truck rental, fuel, labor-only movers, packing supplies, equipment rental, tolls, weigh station fees, and authorized lodging. Photograph each one as you get it so a lost paper receipt does not reduce your reimbursement.
What happens if I go over my weight allowance?
If your shipment exceeds your authorized weight allowance, you pay for the overage out of pocket, which can erase much of your savings. Declutter before your move and know your allowance before you start packing.
Can I hire movers for a PPM and still get reimbursed?
Yes. You can hire licensed labor-only movers to load and unload while you provide the truck and drive. As long as you have valid weight tickets and receipts, your move qualifies for reimbursement. Just make sure the company is licensed and insured.
Do I need TMO approval before I start my PPM?
Yes. You must complete TMO counseling and receive written approval (your DD Form 2278) before you move. Starting a PPM without pre-approval can disqualify you from reimbursement entirely.
Are Half Price Movers licensed and insured?
Yes. We are fully licensed and insured in Texas, and our credentials can be verified through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. We are experienced with military moves and the documentation PPM movers need.
How early should I start planning my PPM?
At least 90 to 120 days before your move date, especially during peak PCS season (May through August). Starting early gives you time for TMO counseling, truck reservations, and proper planning, which is how you avoid the costly mistakes that come from rushing.