DITY Move Calculator
Relocating under military orders can be stressful, but a DITY (Do-It-Yourself) move gives service members the opportunity to stay in control—and potentially earn extra money. A DITY Move Calculator helps you estimate your total reimbursement, allowances, and possible profit before you even start packing.
Whether you are making a CONUS (Continental United States) or OCONUS (Outside Continental US) move, understanding your weight allowance, mileage reimbursement, per diem, and dislocation allowance is essential. This calculator is designed specifically for military personnel, taking into account rank, dependents, travel days, and real-world moving expenses.
Instead of guessing or relying on rough estimates, this tool gives you a clear financial picture so you can plan smarter and move with confidence.
What Is a DITY Move?
A DITY move, also known as a PPM (Personally Procured Move), allows service members to move their household goods themselves rather than using government-arranged movers.
In return, the military reimburses you based on:
- Weight of household goods
- Distance traveled
- Rank and dependency status
- Travel days and allowances
If your actual expenses are lower than the reimbursement, you keep the difference—which is why DITY moves can be financially rewarding.
What This DITY Move Calculator Does
This calculator estimates your total DITY reimbursement and profit by combining multiple military-specific factors, including:
- Household goods weight
- Move distance
- Rank-based adjustment
- CONUS vs OCONUS travel
- Per diem allowance
- Dislocation Allowance (DLA)
- Estimated out-of-pocket costs
It also applies the 95% reimbursement rule, giving you a realistic profit estimate rather than inflated numbers.
How to Use the DITY Move Calculator
Using the calculator is simple and requires only a few inputs:
Step 1: Select Move Type
Choose whether your move is CONUS or OCONUS, as rates and allowances differ.
Step 2: Enter Household Goods Weight
Input the estimated total weight of your household goods in pounds.
Step 3: Add Distance
Enter the total mileage between your current and new duty station.
Step 4: Choose Your Rank
Select your rank category to apply the correct reimbursement factor.
Step 5: Travel Days & Dependents
Add the number of authorized travel days and dependents traveling with you.
Step 6: Optional Expenses
Include estimated rental truck and fuel costs to calculate out-of-pocket expenses.
Click Calculate, and your results will appear instantly.
What the Results Mean
The calculator displays a detailed financial breakdown:
Weight Allowance
Your reimbursement based on the total weight of household goods and rank factor.
Mileage Reimbursement
Calculated using official mileage rates for CONUS or OCONUS travel.
Per Diem Allowance
Daily travel allowance for you and your dependents.
Dislocation Allowance (DLA)
One-time payment designed to offset relocation expenses.
Total Reimbursement
Combined value of all eligible allowances.
Estimated Out-of-Pocket Costs
Your self-entered expenses such as truck rental and fuel.
Estimated Profit (95% Rule)
A realistic estimate of how much you may keep after expenses.
Example Calculation
Scenario:
- Move Type: CONUS
- Weight: 8,000 lbs
- Distance: 1,200 miles
- Rank: E-5
- Travel Days: 4
- Dependents: 2
- Rental Truck: $900
- Gas Cost: $450
Results:
- Weight Allowance: $6,232
- Mileage Reimbursement: $264
- Per Diem: $1,000
- DLA: $1,000
- Total Reimbursement: $8,496
- Out-of-Pocket Costs: $1,350
- Estimated Profit: ~$6,720
This shows how a well-planned DITY move can be financially beneficial.
Why This Calculator Is Useful
- Helps avoid underestimating costs
- Shows realistic profit, not inflated figures
- Useful for budgeting before PCS orders
- Designed specifically for military rules
- Saves time compared to manual calculations
Whether you are moving across states or overseas, this tool helps you decide if a DITY move is worth it.
Important Notes & Limitations
- Results are estimates, not official finance office quotes
- Rates may change annually
- Actual reimbursement depends on weight tickets and orders
- Always confirm details with your transportation office
This calculator is best used for planning and comparison, not as a final entitlement statement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a DITY move?
A DITY move allows service members to move household goods themselves and receive reimbursement.
2. Is DITY the same as PPM?
Yes, DITY and Personally Procured Move (PPM) mean the same thing.
3. How is reimbursement calculated?
Based on weight, distance, rank, travel days, and allowances.
4. What is the 95% rule?
The military pays up to 95% of the government’s estimated moving cost.
5. Can I make a profit on a DITY move?
Yes, if your expenses are lower than reimbursement.
6. Does rank affect payment?
Yes, rank impacts weight allowance and DLA.
7. Are dependents included?
Yes, dependents increase per diem and DLA.
8. Is DLA paid for every move?
DLA is paid for most PCS moves but not all situations.
9. Does mileage rate change for OCONUS?
Yes, OCONUS moves usually have higher mileage rates.
10. Are rental trucks reimbursed separately?
No, they are part of your total reimbursement calculation.
11. Do I need weight tickets?
Yes, certified weight tickets are required for payment.
12. Can partial DITY moves be calculated?
Yes, enter only the weight you are moving yourself.
13. Are taxes deducted?
Yes, DITY reimbursements may be taxed.
14. Is this calculator official?
No, it’s an estimation tool for planning purposes.
15. Who should use this calculator?
Active duty, reserve, and eligible military personnel planning a PCS move.
Conclusion
The DITY Move Calculator is a powerful planning tool for military members considering a self-move. By estimating reimbursements, allowances, and potential profit, it removes uncertainty and helps you make informed decisions before your PCS. Whether you’re focused on saving money or maximizing your payout, this calculator gives you clarity, confidence, and control over your move.