When it comes to military moving, U-Pack knows the drill. In this post, guest blogger Dana Deason explains the ins and outs of making a DITY move. 

3 Ways to Make a PCS DITY Move Successful

If you're doing a PCS move and have decided that your best option is to choose a do-it-yourself moving company and be reimbursed by the government, I think you'll find these tips very helpful:

1. Get Started Early
Don't wait until you officially receive your orders to start looking for a mover.  Waiting until the last minute may make it difficult to find availability— especially when you consider that often there are many other families doing PCS moves around the same time. It's also important to note that availability many be limited during the peak season (traditionally May to September).  Before you start calling for moving estimates, it's smart to find out if there are special parking restrictions or requirements on base or in your neighborhood— this helpful for many reasons, but primarily for the coordination of drop off, pickup and loading times.     

2. Investigate Your PCS Move Options
Make sure the company you choose is familiar with PCS moves and the PPM/DITY process.  A lot of standard moving companies may not be aware that PCS moves are unique and require extra attention.  U-Pack, for example, has staff dedicated solely to PCS moves— we do this mainly to make sure the weight tickets are correct, understanding that incorrect weight tickets can mean difficulties with your reimbursement.  Once you find a knowledgeable company, check them out on the Better Business Bureau or another reputable consumer-driven website, like Epinions.

3. Get organized
A great way to get organized is with U-Pack's Moving Checklist.  Once you know your timeline, you can decide if storage is needed or if you need guaranteed transit for tighter delivery windows.  Here are a few other things to help organize your PCS move:

• Go through your things to see what can be thrown out, sold, or given away.  A smaller shipment reduces your moving cost and gives you a better return on your DITY/PPM reimbursement. 
• Keep copies of all of your paperwork in a folder especially for your PCS move.  In addition to the contract with your moving company, this should include your military orders, as well as personal forms like medical and school records, birth certificates, and housing information.
• Make sure you understand all of the information and requirements you receive from your TMO— if there is something you don't understand, ask before your move takes place.  This will help avoid complications when you submit your reimbursement paperwork.

Choosing your own moving company and "doing it yourself" is a smart PCS moving alternative.  We recommend that you research all your options and ask questions to make sure you get the most out of your move. You'll find that when done correctly, a DITY move can be cost effective and tailored to fit your individual needs. We also think you'll find U-Pack is a good option for a do-it-yourself PCS move.  ABF does all the driving, and you still save money!

Questions about how U-Pack does ’do-it-yourself' PCS moves? Let us know!