Helpful Hints

The military now allows you to move your own household goods (HHG to Uncle Sam).  You can chose to move your HHG by your own vehicle, rent a vehicle, or hire some else (but if you do this option – check them out first, this can not be stressed enough.  Unfortunately, there are those out there that more then willing to take advantage of you. 

According to the military, the do it yourself move, known as the Personally Procured Move Program (PPMP), will allow you to receive reimbursement up to 100% of the Government Constructive Cost (GCC) or an incentive payment of 95% of the GCC.   The GCC is defined as the estimated amount the government would pay to do your move.   You are encouraged to contact your local Personal Property Shipping Office or the HHG help line at 1-800-444-7789.

The absolute first step is to get prior approval.  Without this, you will not get reimbursed.  This prior approval can also assist you with determining the amount you are authorized to move and also provide you with your options with getting moved.  You maybe able to do this even before you get your orders.  

Once you get your orders – apply for your advance.  According to the Army, You must complete a DD Form 2278 in order to receive payment under this program.   All other moves are limited to actual cost reimbursement not to exceed what it would have cost the Government to move the actual or authorized weight of the property (whichever is less). 

During the approval process, you will need to provide estimate the weight of your HHG.  The estimator and the guide to use it are located at: http://www.navsup.navy.mil/navsup/ourteam/comfiscs/prod_serv/household/per_pro_moves

Your next step is to order your boxes! - The earlier you get started the better off, waiting to the last minute will cause unnecessary stress – and relocating is already stressful enough.  Our extensive research helped us develop 3 most popular box packages. Click here to start the hassle free order process.

When your boxes are received – get packing -  But only pack what you need to take with you and clearly label each and every box. 

Don’t take the clutter with you.  We recommend that you set aside items you have accumulated since your last move – ok we know you have them – we all do.  Sell what you don’t want to take with you – garage sale, eBay, craiglist, etc. 

Time for Reimbursment!!!! - In order to be reimbursed for your move you must submit the following items. Be sure they have been validated for accuracy as any mistakes will delay in your reimbursement

• The documents provided by the TMO/JPPSO at your former duty station
• Weight tickets ( be sure you have both full and empty and a certfied scale is used )
• Receipts for all associated expenses
• Official orders
• All documents specified when you set up your move

The example provided below is how moving yourself could earn you some extra $$$.

• The government will pay you based on the amount of weight you moved and the distance you moved it. ( please note, your expenses will not alter this amount. Although, your expenses will change the reimbursment amount that is subject to federal tax.)
• Hypothetically:
  • A government employee moves themselves. The weight and distance of the move add up to a reimbursment of $4,000 reimbursement from the government.
  • Receipts for expenses are submitted in the amount of $2,500.
  • The difference of $1,500 is subject to federal tax. Currently federal withholding is 28%.
  • The employee will receive a total reimbursment of $3580. This amount is caculated by:
    
    

    $4,000	Total weight and distance
    -$2,500	Actual expenses submitted
    $1,500	Difference subject to 28% Federal withholding tax.
    $420	Calculated Federal withholding tax.
    $3,850	Total weight and distance amount minus Federal Tax

  • By doing the move themselves, this hypythetical employee earned an additional $1,350.
• Depending on your tax situation, you may or may not get the withheld amount back on your next federal tax return.
• This hypothetical move is based on information found at the time of the creation of this website. Please be sure to verify all of the specifcs regarding your move with your TMO/JPPSO.