DITY Move Army Planning Guide
A DITY move is now often called a personally procured move. The idea is simple. You move some or all property yourself. Then you compare the estimated allowance with your real moving costs. This calculator helps you organize that math before you rent a truck.
Why This Estimate Matters
A self-managed move can save money. It can also create surprise expenses. Fuel, boxes, storage, lodging, tolls, and empty truck fees add up quickly. A clear worksheet helps you decide whether the plan is worth the effort. It also helps you keep receipts grouped for later review.
Main Values To Enter
Start with the estimated shipment weight. Use a certified scale ticket when possible. Enter the travel distance and the rate per hundred pounds. Add the reimbursement percentage shown by your move office or planning documents. Next, enter mileage support, expenses, other reimbursements, any advance, and estimated tax withholding.
How To Read Results
Gross incentive shows the weight based estimate. Mileage allowance adds distance support. Total entitlement combines incentive, mileage, and extra reimbursements. Qualified expenses show what you expect to spend. Taxable estimate compares incentive with those expenses. The final balance shows the money left after expenses, withholding, and advance recovery.
Helpful Planning Tips
Use conservative numbers when quotes are not final. Add a small cushion for fuel changes. Check truck size before booking. Keep every receipt in one folder. Record scale tickets before and after loading. Separate reimbursable costs from optional upgrades. Review any overweight warning because excess weight may reduce the final result.
Limitations
This page is only an estimator. It does not replace orders, counseling, or finance review. Official calculations may use current tables, shipment rules, local policies, and approved documents. Always verify rates, weight limits, tax treatment, and required receipts with the proper transportation office before making decisions.
Best Use
Run one estimate before booking. Run another after collecting quotes. Run a final version after the move. Comparing all three versions can show where costs changed. It also gives you a simple record for discussions. Good planning cannot remove every problem, but it can reduce stress and support better choices. Save each run with dated notes for cleaner comparison and later records.