A personally procured move, often called a PPM and still known to many as a DITY move, lets a servicemember move some or all of their own household goods and receive reimbursement or an incentive under military rules. It can be a good fit for some households and a headache for others. This post walks through how to build a general moving budget for a PPM to Millington. It does not quote any rates or guarantee any payment. Your installation's transportation or personal property office and official Department of Defense moving resources are the authority on what applies to your move.

Start with official guidance

Before you rent a truck or buy boxes, get counseling through the official process for your branch. Rules, required paperwork, and how payments are calculated can change, and they depend on your orders. Ask specifically about:

  • Whether a full or partial PPM is right for your situation.
  • What documents you need, such as weight tickets and receipts.
  • Whether an advance is available and how it works.
  • Deadlines for submitting your paperwork after the move.

Build your budget in categories

A PPM budget is easier to manage when you break it into clear categories. Estimate each one, then compare the total with what official counseling tells you to expect.

Transportation

  • Truck, trailer, or portable container rental.
  • Fuel for the moving vehicle and any personal vehicles.
  • Tolls and parking, if your route has them.
  • Insurance or protection offered with the rental.

Packing supplies

  • Boxes in several sizes, tape, markers, and labels.
  • Furniture pads, plastic wrap, and mattress bags.
  • A dolly or hand truck if the rental does not include one.

Travel costs

Lodging and meals on the road add up quickly. Plan your route, decide how many days you will drive, and estimate nightly costs. Official travel entitlements are separate from the PPM itself, so ask your counselor how each is handled.

Help and labor

If you plan to hire loaders or unloaders, get quotes in advance. Friends can help, but plan a thank-you meal into the budget.

Arrival costs

Your new home has its own startup costs. At Millington Oaks, the application fee is $50 and the security deposit is $250, plus first month's rent; other charges can apply. Our move-in costs post shows a sample total. Add utility deposits or setup fees, if any; our utilities and internet setup checklist can help you plan.

Keep documentation from day one

Recordkeeping is a big part of a PPM. Create a folder, paper or digital, and keep it with you rather than packed in the truck.

  • Copies of orders and counseling documents.
  • Empty and full weight tickets, if your move requires them.
  • Receipts for rentals, fuel, supplies, and lodging.
  • Photos of loaded items and the condition of valuables.

Right-size what you move

The less you move, the simpler your PPM. Measure your new space and plan your furniture before loading. A one-bedroom at Millington Oaks is 750 sq ft and a two-bedroom is 850 sq ft. If you are coming from a larger house, it may make sense to sell or donate pieces before you go. Our post on small-space living has ideas for planning around square footage.

Timing your housing

A smooth PPM depends on knowing where you are unloading. Try to line up your housing before the truck is packed.

Tour remotely or in person

If you cannot visit before you arrive, call the office to ask questions and request current availability. If you can, schedule a tour during a house-hunting trip.

Apply when you are ready

Having your documents ready helps. Our guide to applying at Millington Oaks explains the process, and you can apply now online.

Plan for a gap

If your move-in date and your arrival do not line up, look into short-term storage and temporary lodging options, and ask your counselor how those are handled for your move.

A simple budget worksheet

Write each category on a line: transportation, supplies, travel, labor, and arrival costs. Put your estimate next to each, and leave a column for actual spending. Updating the actual column as you go makes it easier to stay on track and to organize receipts for your claim.

Living near NSA Mid-South

Millington Oaks is at 4945 Navy Rd, Millington, TN 38053. One-bedrooms start from $875 per month and two-bedrooms from $975 per month; pricing is subject to change. See apartments near NSA Mid-South, compare floor plans, or call (901) 878-0733 or email [email protected] with questions.