If you need to move while serving in the military, you have two basic options: (1) do it yourself (DITY) or (2) let the military do it for you. Though turning over the reigns to the government might be the easiest option, there are a few major benefits to doing it yourself, which should be considered:
- Money, money, money – If you do it yourself, the military will pay you 95% of the price it would have paid to move you. So, if you are able to move at 75% of the military’s cost, the remaining 20% goes into your pocket. Fortunately, many moving services offer discounted rates for military members, making this a realistic possibility.
- Time – If you do it yourself, the military will give you some extra time to make your move. Plus, you don’t have to move when the military decides to move your stuff.
- Care – Would you hire a moving company you don’t trust? If you let the government move your stuff, that very well might happen. You control your move if you do it yourself. You get to decide how to protect your stuff and who to hire. There’s a lot to be said for that.