Getting orders to NAS Corpus Christi is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming — especially if it is your first Permanent Change of Station (PCS) and you are considering a Personally Procured Move (PPM, also called a DITY move). A PPM lets you handle your move yourself in exchange for a government reimbursement, but it puts a lot of paperwork, planning, and logistics on your shoulders. The right PCS moving checklist can be the difference between a smooth transition and a stressful mess.
This guide walks you through what a PPM is, how to plan one for a move to NAS Corpus Christi, and where professional movers fit in to make the process easier without losing your reimbursement.
What Is a PPM (Personally Procured Move)?
A Personally Procured Move (formerly called a DITY move) is when you, the service member, manage your own move instead of using a government-arranged carrier. You can rent a truck, hire civilian movers, or use a moving container. In exchange, the government reimburses you up to 100 percent of what it would have cost them to move you, and you keep any savings as taxable income.
Reasons service members choose PPM:
- More control over the schedule
- Ability to pack and protect items personally
- Potential to pocket the savings
- Flexibility on dates that government carriers cannot always meet
- Better fit for partial moves or unique household setups
The trade-off is that you handle the logistics, the paperwork, the weight tickets, and the timeline. That is where good planning (and the right help) matters. For more on the program itself, see our full PPM (DITY) moves explainer.
NAS Corpus Christi: What First-Time PPM Movers Should Know
Naval Air Station Corpus Christi sits on the Gulf Coast of South Texas. It is home to Training Air Wing FOUR, the Corpus Christi Army Depot, and a mix of Navy, Marine, Coast Guard, and Army personnel. For first-time movers, here are a few things specific to the area:
- Weather: Hot, humid summers. Plan your move-in for early morning to avoid the worst of the heat.
- Hurricane season: June through November. Have a plan for sensitive items if you arrive during peak season.
- Housing: On-base housing is available, but many service members live in nearby neighborhoods like Flour Bluff, Calallen, and the Padre Island area.
- Traffic and access: South Padre Island Drive (SPID) is the main route to the base. Plan moving day around peak hours.
- Coastal humidity: Cardboard boxes and wood furniture absorb moisture. Use quality materials and consider climate-conditioned storage if there is a gap between move-out and move-in.
Half Price Movers has been moving Corpus Christi families and service members for over 40 years, including in and around the neighborhoods closest to NAS Corpus Christi. You can see our full local coverage on our areas we serve page.
Your PCS Moving Checklist: 60 to 90 Days Before the Move
Start as early as you can. PPM paperwork takes time, and good planning prevents lost reimbursement.
Talk to Your Transportation Office
Visit your installation's Personal Property Office (PPO) or use Move.mil to:
- Get pre-approved for a PPM
- Receive your DD Form 2278 (Application for Move and Counseling)
- Confirm your authorized weight allowance
- Understand the reimbursement structure
- Get a list of approved weight scales
The official Move.mil PCS planning portal walks you through the steps and is the only authoritative source for PPM rules.
Inventory Your Household Goods
Walk every room and list what is coming with you. Photograph valuable items. Note serial numbers on electronics. This protects you if something is lost or damaged.
Decide on Move Method
Will you:
- Rent a truck and drive it yourself?
- Use a moving container service?
- Hire civilian movers (yes, this is allowed in a PPM)?
- Use a combination of all three?
Each has trade-offs. Civilian movers cost more upfront but reduce stress and physical demand. Many service members use Half Price Movers for the loading and driving while still capturing the PPM reimbursement.
30 to 60 Days Before the Move
Get Multiple Quotes
If you are hiring civilian help, get quotes from licensed and insured movers. Check that they are registered with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Half Price Movers is fully licensed, insured, and based in Corpus Christi, so we know the area, the base, and the typical PCS rhythm.
Schedule Weight Tickets
This is the most overlooked part of a PPM, and it directly affects your reimbursement. You need certified empty and full weight tickets from a scale approved by your PPO. No tickets, no reimbursement, no exceptions.
Reserve Your Truck or Container
Peak PCS season runs from May through August. Reserve as early as possible. If you wait, you may pay more or get pushed to less convenient dates.
Notify Utilities, Schools, and Services
Use this window to:
- Schedule utility shutoffs at your current home
- Set up utilities at your Corpus Christi residence
- Transfer or enroll kids in new schools
- Update mailing addresses
- Notify banks, insurance, and the VA
For a more detailed checklist, the Military OneSource PCS planning resource is one of the best free tools available for service members.
2 to 4 Weeks Before the Move
Start Decluttering and Pre-Packing
The lighter your load, the less you pay (and the easier the move). Donate, sell, or toss anything that does not need to come with you.
Confirm Movers and Materials
If you are hiring help, confirm dates with your moving company and arrange for packing supplies if needed. Half Price Movers offers full-service or fragile-only packing for service members who want help with valuables but plan to handle the rest themselves. Learn more on our residential moving services page.
Pack Important Documents Separately
Keep the following with you, not on the truck:
- Orders and DD Form 2278
- Weight tickets (originals and copies)
- IDs and military ID cards
- Birth certificates and Social Security cards
- Medical and dental records
- Vehicle titles and registration
- School records for kids
1 Week Before the Move
Get the Empty Weight Ticket
Weigh the empty truck before loading. Save the original receipt.
Pack an Essentials Bag
Pack what you and your family need for the first 72 hours separately: medications, toiletries, a few changes of clothes, phone chargers, and snacks.
Confirm Travel Plans
Map your route to Corpus Christi. Identify fuel stops, overnight lodging, and rest areas if you are driving long-distance.
Moving Day
Load With a System
Heavy items go on the bottom and toward the front of the truck. Fragile items go on top or in well-padded sections. Use straps and pads to prevent shifting.
Get the Full Weight Ticket
After loading, drive to your approved scale and weigh the loaded truck. This is the second half of your weight ticket requirement, and your reimbursement depends on it.
Take Photos of the Loaded Truck
This protects you in case of damage claims later.
After the Move: Settling In and Filing for Reimbursement
Submit Your PPM Paperwork Promptly
Within 45 days of arrival, submit the following to your PPO:
- DD Form 2278 (signed)
- Original weight tickets (empty and full)
- Receipts for all moving expenses (truck rental, fuel, movers, supplies, tolls, lodging)
- Operating expense worksheet
- Any other documents your PPO requires
Missing paperwork is the most common reason service members lose reimbursement. Stay organized from day one.
Set Up Your Corpus Christi Home
Plan utility connections, internet setup, and any school enrollments to happen as soon as possible after arrival. Hurricane season planning also matters here, especially for new arrivals between June and November.
For help unloading at the destination, Half Price Movers offers labor-only crews that can meet you at your Corpus Christi home and unload your truck or container. You can request a free quote online or learn more about our labor-only moving services.
Common PPM Mistakes First-Time Movers Make
Learn from others. The most common mistakes include:
- Skipping weight tickets (your reimbursement is based on actual weight)
- Losing receipts for moving expenses
- Underestimating travel time and fuel costs
- Forgetting to keep important documents off the truck
- Not getting moving insurance for high-value items
- Booking trucks or movers too late in peak season
- Not understanding what counts as a reimbursable expense
A little planning prevents almost all of these.
Where Half Price Movers Fits Into Your PCS
A PPM does not mean you have to do everything yourself. Many service members hire civilian movers to handle the parts they cannot or do not want to do, while still capturing the PPM reimbursement. Half Price Movers can help with:
- Loading and driving if you prefer not to drive a rental truck
- Labor-only crews to load or unload your container or rental truck
- Full-service or fragile-only packing for valuables and electronics
- Specialty moving for pianos, antiques, artwork, and oversized items
- Local Corpus Christi knowledge that out-of-area movers will not have
We are family-owned, licensed and insured in Texas, and have over 40 years of experience helping Corpus Christi residents (including military families) move smoothly.
Ready to Make Your NAS Corpus Christi PCS Easier?
A PPM can be one of the most rewarding ways to move, especially when you have a smart plan and the right help at the right moments. Whether you need a full crew, just help loading, or expert packing for fragile items, Half Price Movers is ready to support your move to or from NAS Corpus Christi.
Check out our Corpus Christi service area page for everything we cover locally, and browse our residential moving services for a complete look at what we offer.
Ready to make your move? Half Price Movers has been serving Texas families since 1979. Call (210) 650-4911 (San Antonio) or (361) 937-7615 (Corpus Christi), or get your free quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between PCS, PPM, and DITY?
PCS (Permanent Change of Station) is the official military term for a relocation to a new duty station. PPM (Personally Procured Move) is the current term for handling that move yourself. DITY (Do-It-Yourself) is the old name for the same program. They all refer to the same concept: you manage your own move in exchange for a government reimbursement.
How much can I get reimbursed for a PPM?
Reimbursement is based on what the government would have paid a contracted carrier to move your authorized weight allowance. The exact amount depends on your rank, dependents, distance, and actual weight moved. Your transportation office can give you a personalized estimate before you commit.
Can I hire civilian movers and still get PPM reimbursement?
Yes. You can hire licensed civilian movers, rent a truck, use a container service, or any combination. As long as you provide certified weight tickets and proper receipts, your move qualifies for PPM reimbursement.
Do I need to use a specific weight scale?
You need a certified, approved scale. Your PPO will provide a list of acceptable scales near your origin and destination. Most truck stops and grain elevators have approved scales. Make sure the ticket includes the date, location, vehicle ID, and weight.
How early should I start planning my PPM?
At least 60 to 90 days before your move date, especially during peak PCS season (May through August). Counseling, paperwork, and reservations all take time, and rushing increases the chances of missed reimbursement.
What if my household goods exceed my weight allowance?
If you exceed your authorized weight, you cover the cost of the overage out of pocket. This is one reason decluttering before a PPM is so important. Lighter loads also reduce your truck rental and fuel costs.
Does Half Price Movers work with military families on PPMs?
Yes. We regularly support military moves in and around Corpus Christi, including PPMs to and from NAS Corpus Christi. We can provide loading, unloading, packing, or full-service moving, all while keeping your reimbursement intact. Just let us know during your quote that you are doing a PPM.
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 happy to provide our license number and certificate of insurance on request.