THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO MILITARY MOVING IN WICHITA: PCS, PPM & LOCAL OFF-BASE MOVES

Everything McConnell AFB Families Need to Know About Moving With Confidence

Military families move more than almost anyone else — often every 2–4 years or even faster. Whether you’re preparing for a PCS, planning a PPM (Personally Procured Move), or simply moving locally from on-base housing into a new Wichita home, understanding your options helps you stay organized, reduce stress, and save money. This guide breaks down each type of military move and how to navigate the process with confidence.

What Is a PCS Move?

A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is an official military relocation. PCS moves can be:

• Across the country

• To another state

• From base housing to a local home

• Or between two local addresses

During PCS season, military families can choose:

1. Government-Arranged Movers (TSP)

The government hires a contracted carrier to pack, load, transport, and unload your belongings.

2. PPM / DITY Move

YOU take charge of the move (full or partial) and receive reimbursement.

3. A Hybrid

Some items move with government movers, some with you.

PCS moves are fast-paced and time-sensitive, making preparation essential.

What Is a PPM (Personally Procured Move)?

A PPM — formerly known as a DITY move — is when you manage your move instead of using government-provided movers.With a PPM, you can:

• Rent your own truck

• Hire a professional moving company (like us)

• Use a trailer or POV

• Combine your labor with professional services (hybrid)

*The government reimburses you based on the net weight of your household goods — not the cost you paid.

Why many service members prefer PPM:

• More control over timeline and care of belongings

• Cleaner, simpler documentation

• You choose your movers

• Potential to keep money if your move costs less than the government allowance

• Better protection for your property

• Less stress during peak PCS season

How a PPM Works (Step-by-Step Guide)

1. Get PPM Approval From TMO

Your transportation office gives you authorization and paperwork.

2. Weigh the Truck Empty

The driver is the only person inside. You’ll get a certified empty weight ticket.

3. Load the Household Goods

You can load yourself or hire professional movers.

(We handle packing, wrapping, loading, furniture protection, and truck organization.)

4. Weigh the Truck Full

Same scale preferred. Get your certified full weight ticket.

5. Submit Documentation to TMO

You’ll submit:

• Empty weight ticket

• Full weight ticket

• Itemized invoice (we provide a clean, TMO-ready version)

• PCS orders

• Rental agreements & receipts

6. Receive Reimbursement

DFAS processes payments — deposits usually arrive within 1–3 weeks.

Local Military Moves (On-Base & Off-Base) — Not Just for PCS

Many military families at McConnell AFB move locally during their assignment.These moves aren’t tied to PCS orders and do not require PPM paperwork.

Common local military moves:

• Moving off-base into a Wichita, Derby, or Andover home

• Moving into base housing

• Leaving the dorms for an apartment

• Moving to a bigger home due to family size

• Relocating due to landlord/lease changes

• Switching school districts

• Moving into temporary housing before PCS

Local moves are simply standard home-to-home relocations — but military families often need speed, reliability, and flexibility, which is where a dedicated moving team becomes valuable.

How We Help With PCS, PPM, and Local Military Moves

PCS Moving Services

• Full packing & loading

• Wrapping, padding & home protection

• Long-distance relocation

• Flexible scheduling

• Transparent communication

PPM Moving Services

• Certified empty & full weight-ticket guidance

• TMO-approved invoices & documentation

• Professional loading to maximize truck space

• Clean, secure packing & furniture protection

• Hybrid options to help you save money

• Assistance with U-Haul, Penske, and rental trucks

Local Military Moves

• On-base → off-base

• Off-base → on-base

• Wichita → Derby, Andover, Bel Aire, Maize, Haysville

• Apartment, house, or dorm moves

• Furniture assembly/disassembly

• Stair & elevator moves

• Floor & wall protection

Why Military Families Trust Perfect Peace Moving

✔ Licensed & Insured

Your household goods are safe from start to finish.

✔ Military-Friendly Teams

We respect your time, your home, and your service.

✔ Base Access Ready

We understand on-base procedures and expectations.

✔ Clean, Accurate PPM Documentation

We help prevent reimbursement delays.

✔ Flexible Scheduling

Short notice? Tight deadlines? PCS week chaos?We work with you.

✔ Transparent Pricing

No hidden fees. Ever.

Quick Comparison: PCS vs PPM vs Local Move

Type of Move	Requires Orders?	Weight Tickets?	Reimbursement?	Best For
PCS (Gov Movers)	Yes	No	N/A	Hands-off moves
PPM (DITY)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Control + potential savings
Local Military Move	No	No	No	Moving on/off base or around Wichita

Final Thoughts: Your Move, Our Mission

Whether you're relocating across the country, maximizing your PPM reimbursement, or simply moving across town, military life demands efficiency, clarity, and trust. Our mission is to give your family the professionalism and peace you deserve during each step of the journey.

At Perfect Peace Moving, every move is handled with care, respect, and purpose — because your household is more than boxes; it’s your life. Ready to get started?

Click Below or call/text us today at 316-361-6046.

Schedule a Move!