Do you come from a military family? Or are you presently in military service? Then finding an off-base home is one of the things you will have to plan and prepare for. Living off-base offers many benefits, like having more convenience and flexibility.
It also gives you a chance to save money by keeping your housing allowance. But before you hire a military relocation professional who can help you find the best home, you must first choose between a Government Procured Move (GPM) and a Personally Procured Move (PPM) when it comes to moving your belongings.
GPM simply means the government will handle the moving of your items to your new home. On the flip side, PPM means it is you who will shoulder full responsibility for the move. Interestingly, most military families choose PPM over GPM. Why is it so?
Let us take a look at the key advantages PPM has over GPM.
You get to make some money
One of the most appealing benefits of taking the PPM route is the opportunity to make some money. When you choose the PPM or what others call the Do-It-Yourself (DITY) move, you get to receive 95% of what the government was supposed to pay in case you opted for the GPM program. Furthermore, this amount is on top of the standard travel allowances the government will give your family.
In case you spend under the 95% payment, the government will not oblige you to return the difference. Instead, you have all the right to keep the money and use it any way you want.
However, the key to maximizing the potential to make money out of a PPM program is to look at the number of items you’re looking to move. If you only have a limited amount of stuff to bring, consider taking on the packing and transporting chores instead of hiring a military moving service. Alternatively, you may look for moving companies that offer discounts and special offers. This way, you can further lower your expenses and increase your savings.
You get complete control
Another key advantage that makes PPM more appealing to military families is it gives you total control over the moving process. This means you will handle the packing of your items. You will also have the freedom to select the moving company of your choice.
This advantage reduces the risks of encountering bumps and hiccups that may arise in a GPM. Historically, some military personnel have reported bad experiences from the GPM program, including poor packing of their items, which resulted in damages. With a PPM, you get the assurance that your belongings are packed and secured just the way you want them to be.
It buys you more time
Taking the PPM route also buys you more time. Sometimes, military personnel receive last-minute orders for relocation. When this happens, they are forced to finda military moving company ASAP. By opting for a PPM, the government will give youadditional time to facilitate your move.
Are you eligible for a PPM?
Let us now talk about one of the most common concerns among people looking to try PPM for the first time: how does one qualify for a PPM? It is important to note that PPM moves are voluntary. However, you can take the PPM route if you make a Permanent Change of Station.
The same thing goes if you engage in Temporary Duty or Temporary Additional Duty move. In addition, personnel who retire, separate, or move to other government quarters are also eligible for a PPM.
What are your PPM Options?
Before you finally take the plunge into a PPM program, you must first study your options. The program offers three: private owned vehicle (POV), rental vehicle, and commercial. Choosing a POV means using a privately-owned motorhome or travel trailer. There are certain requirements you need to coordinate with the Personal Property Shipping Office if you choose to take this option.
Meanwhile, using a rental vehicle means the responsibility of procuring all the equipment necessary to complete your move. It is you who will handle all the labor. You will also need to make sure that the rental equipment will come from legitimate vendors.
As for the commercial option, you will directly coordinate with rental contractors and commercial carriers.
Also, you need to come up with a PCS move checklist to ensure you won’t miss anything. The first things you need to prepare are the key documents. Aside from your PCS travel orders, you need to have your DD1351-2 bearing the signature of the reviewing official. You also need your DD2278, which the Transportation Office will calculate.
In addition, prepare several copies of your Certified Weight tickets. You want these tickets to show your items’ gross full weight and the empty tare weight. You also need to ready your Operating Expense Worksheet, a copy of your Paid Rental Agreement, and a copy of your vehicle registration in case you pick the POV option
Let us help secure your new home
Covering all bases in military relocation assistance or a PPM is paramount. However,you shouldn’t neglect the next step, which is finding a good off-base home.
Let me, Loralee Wood, guide you in your search for a home. As a military relocation realtor, I can help you find the best properties that match your preferences.
Connect with us at 702.419.3212 or shoot me an email at loralee(dotted)wood(at)cbvegas(dotted)com and let us discuss your options today.
