How to Plan a PPM Move to Fort Gordon: The 2026 Guide

Getting a new set of orders is a major milestone for any military family, but the excitement of a new duty station quickly gives way to a massive to-do list. When you find out you're heading to Georgia for your next duty station, the immediate next step is figuring out how to transport your belongings.

Many military families choose to handle a permanent change of station themselves. A Personally Procured Move (PPM) gives you total control over your timeline and your items. Plus, if you manage your expenses well, you might even keep some of the government allowance. Here's exactly how to manage a PPM move to Fort Gordon and keep more money in your pocket.

The Basics of Planning a DITY Move

You have to coordinate the logistics yourself when planning a DITY move. Your first stop should always be your transportation office. You need official approval before you start packing boxes or renting equipment. The transportation office will provide the correct DD forms and explain your specific weight allowances based on your rank and family size.

Once you have the green light, focus on these main areas:

Budgeting Your Move

Keep every single receipt. Gas, packing materials, moving blankets, and container rental fees are usually reimbursable or deductible. The military reimburses you based on what it would cost them to hire a government contractor. If your actual moving costs are lower than that payout, you get to pocket the difference. Create a simple spreadsheet to track your spending as you go.

Pro Tip: Use the Defense Department’s Plan My Move tool to stay organized. Simply answer a few questions about your move, and it’ll create a personalized checklist to help you stay on track.

Understanding Weight Tickets

Weight tickets are how you prove to the military exactly how much you moved. You'll need certified weight tickets from a registered scale. First, get a ticket for your empty vehicle or portable storage container. Then, get a second ticket once it's fully loaded with your belongings. The military uses the difference between these two numbers to calculate your final payout. Don't lose these tickets.

Booking Your Move Early

Book your move as soon as possible. Summer is peak moving season for the military. As soon as you have your hard orders and dates, reserve your truck or container so you aren't scrambling to find a truck at the last minute.

Want a step-by-step guide? Check out our Top Tips for Military Families Moving to Fort Gordon.

Where to Live: Neighborhoods Near Fort Gordon

You need to know your housing options before moving to a military base. Richmond County and the surrounding areas offer a variety of choices for incoming service members. Living on base is an option, but many choose to buy or rent in the local community.

Grovetown

This area sits right outside the base gates. It's incredibly convenient for a short commute. Grovetown has grown rapidly in recent years, meaning you'll find plenty of newer housing options and family friendly subdivisions.

Evans

Located just northwest of the base, Evans is highly sought after by military members. It offers highly-rated schools, plenty of public parks, and a quieter suburban feel. The commute to the base is slightly longer than Grovetown, but many families find the trade-off worth it.

Martinez

Sitting right between Evans and Augusta, Martinez offers older, established neighborhoods with mature trees and larger lots. It provides easy access to local shopping centers and quick routes to the main base entrances.

Augusta

If you want more city amenities, living in Augusta, Georgia puts you close to restaurants, local shops, and the Cyber Center of Excellence. Augusta, GA has historic districts, downtown lofts, and traditional single-family homes, giving you a wide variety of housing styles to choose from.

Pro tip: Dive into our CSRA Neighborhood Guide and Ultimate Guide to Moving to Augusta for more insider tips on the best places to live and play in the CSRA!

Why Military Families Trust Go Mini's for Moves to Fort Gordon

Go Mini's offers flexible portable storage containers for military moves that let you pack on your own schedule.

• Pack on Your Schedule: Our portable storage containers give you the flexibility to pack at your own pace, whether you need a few days or a few weeks.
• Convenient Delivery and Transport: We deliver the container to your current home, and once you’re ready, our professional drivers transport it safely to your new home in Georgia. No need to drive a bulky moving truck yourself.
• Ground-Level Loading: Our containers are designed for easy loading, so you won’t have to deal with steep ramps while moving heavy furniture.
• Spacious Options: With containers up to 20 feet long, you’ll have plenty of room for all your household items.
• Secure Storage: If your plans change, we can store your container at one of our secure facilities until you’re ready for delivery.

Most importantly, we give you clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees or surprise mileage charges so you can make the most of your PPM dollars.

FAQ: Fort Gordon PCS Move Questions

Is a DITY move the same thing as a PPM?

Yes. The military updated the official name to a personally procured move (PPM). Plenty of service members still call it a DITY move. The paperwork and reimbursement work the exact same way.

How do weight tickets work for a PPM move?

You need certified weight tickets to get your final payout. When you rent a portable container with us, we coordinate the empty and full weights of the unit for you. That gives you the exact documentation your transportation office requires.

Can you actually make money on a DITY move?

Yes. By doing the packing yourself and using an affordable portable container like Go Mini's, you keep your overall costs low. You get to pocket the leftover cash from your authorized government allowance.

Can I use a portable storage container for a military move?

Yes. The military allows service members to use portable storage containers. You just submit your rental receipts and weight tickets for reimbursement.

Can I get money upfront for my PPM move expenses?

Yes. You can apply for an Advance Operating Allowance through your transportation office. This gives you upfront funds to help cover truck rentals and packing supplies so you aren't paying out of pocket.

Are there weight limits for a DITY move?

Yes. Your maximum weight allowance depends entirely on your rank and your dependent status. Always double-check your specific allowance with the transportation office before you start packing.

Where do military families usually live around Fort Gordon?

If you choose not to live on post, the surrounding area is very welcoming. Grovetown and Evans are very popular choices, as both offer great schools and a variety of housing options.

How soon should I book my container after getting my PCS orders?

As soon as you have your hard orders in hand, book your moving equipment. Peak moving season runs heavily through the summer, and resources dry up fast.

Can I use portable storage for a long-distance PCS move?

Yes. Go Mini's has a nationwide network. We can drop a unit off at your old base and coordinate the delivery right to your new driveway in Georgia.

Can Go Mini's deliver a container directly onto the base at Fort Gordon?

Yes. Our local drivers are highly familiar with the area. If you secure housing on post, just let us know. We'll coordinate the delivery logistics to drop the container right at your door.

Book Your Fort Gordon Move with Go Mini's

You have enough paperwork to handle with your new duty station. Your actual move should be the easy part.

Ready to get moving? Contact our team today to get a free transparent quote and put your move on the calendar.