Do It Yourself (DITY) move. Is it really worth it?

[Craig]

What is a DITY move?   

 

The "DITY" (Do it Yourself) is a really old term that is still used by veterans. Within the last 12 years, the Navy now calls it "PERSONALLY PROCURED MOVEMENT (PPM)". Frankly being a Vet, I will never call it that. To me it's will always be DITY, but you guys need to know the PPO term to find the new stuff on it.

I have done DITY moves, and they really don't pay off. It always seems like you lose money. If you break anything, then it's your own fault. You buy the boxes. You buy the Tape. You get the honor of arguing with your spouse for not packing the stuff correctly. You do the sweating loading the stuff. You suffer the back pains. You do the paper work trying to be reimbursed for your cost.  To me, I'd rather just sit back and drink a beer while the professional pack my stuff. All I do is list the items they break, and file a claim.

 

I can totally see if you want some of your stuff eariler or you want to make a vacation out of your move.  Then a DITY move is great!  But for these type of moves, think about doing a partial shipment using DITY.  Let the movers move the big stuff (ie Piano's, China Cabinets, Beds).  I think the majoirity of the sailors I know do not like using it, but heck, I was a senior enlisted and really didn't care about money that much.  If I were a junior enlisted, I may (and have) done DITY's just to make extra cash.  Everyones reason is different.  You must find out what you want, then go with it.   

 

If you want the Navy to move you or even a partial move, contact the local base in your area and find the Transportation Management Office (TMO).  They are the people how cooridinate your move.  They find the movers, they schedule the date of pickup, they do everything.  You just sit back and relax.  FYI, always buy your movers lunch (ie a pizza or some other type of food, because your stuff will be packed really good, and you won't have any problems).

Here is some great link, just in case you don't have any.

 

Join the N4M moving group! They have alot of great info already collected in the discussion forums. All the useful websites for any move.
http://www.navyformoms.com/group/pcsingmoving


Here is a great website... it's awesome!
http://www.baseops.net/faq.html
and
http://www.militaryavenue.com/Articles/Self-Moves+DITY+-+NAS+Pensac...

This link will really help you finding the other links:
http://www.warren.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123213869

See here, chapter 14

http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/shared/media/epubs/JFTRV1-JTRV2_AFSU...

[clockard]

We have moved many times, both in the military and since then. I can't imagine doing anything but a combination of the professional movers and partial DITY. It is so much easier to let the pros handle the big stuff and not you don't have to worry about packing, arranging transportation, storage, and final delivery. But there are always things you will need to have with you while in transit or temporary housing, plus there are some things that the movers can't take for you - like plants.

[navygirl0428]

Yes, it's worth it! We did a partial when we moved across country. The movers took the big stuff and we loaded our car and drove. We made the drive in 3 days... but they pay you for about 8 for time factoring in. It's very well worth it.