Vandenberg Space Force Base Moving Company

The cost of a military move to or from Vandenberg Space Force Base can vary based on several factors, including: 

• the size of the household
• the distance
• whether it is a government-arranged move or a Personally Procured Move (PPM). 

PPMs, also known as Do-It-Yourself (DITY) moves, allow service members to pack and transport their belongings on their own or with a moving company of their choosing. According to Military.com, “The Personally Procured Move (PPM), formerly known as a do-it-yourself, or DITY, move, allows military members to be reimbursed for up to 100% of what your moving job would have cost the government.” You will have to ask your Transportation Office for the current numbers. To figure out the cost of your PPM to or from Vandenberg SFB, you will need to request a quote from a reliable moving company. While the price of your move will be broken down in your free estimate, “The average cost of hiring movers in California is… between $444 and $4,083,” notes moveBuddha.

At Lompoc Van & Storage, we support service members opting for a PPM by offering free estimates, guidance on how to maximize reimbursement, and providing certified weight tickets. “Military families can maximize their PPM reimbursements by working with an experienced moving company,” says Owner Chris DiJulio. Lompoc has completed thousands of moves to and from Vandenberg SFB. Our moving teams have the military moving procedures down to a science, which saves you both time and money on your move. Get your free military moving estimate today by filling out our online form or calling us today for more information.

When planning a military move, the weight of your household goods is one of the key factors that determine how much the military will reimburse for a PPM. Your weight allowance is typically based on your rank and dependent status. The Department of Defense (DoD) sets limits on the total weight you can move, and it’s important to carefully track the weight of your items to avoid unexpected costs. You need to choose a mover who is aware of this and knows the ins and outs of military weight allowances. 

According to the DoD’s DSPO, “Recognizing that Service members only have a limited prescribed household goods (HHG) weight allowance for PCS moving assistance, the Department of Defense has revised PCS moving policy to allow for empty gun safes (up to 500 pounds) to be exempted from the HHG limit.” The Department of Defense’s Joint Travel Regulations lists the weight allowances based on rank and dependents:

“A common mistake we see is service members exceeding their weight allowance by 10-15%, which can cost thousands in out-of-pocket expenses if not adjusted prior to the move,” warns General Manager Jason Turner. Lompoc Van & Storage helps you navigate weight allowances for your PPM move to or from Vandenberg Space Force Base. Our team offers thorough surveys and accurate weight estimates to ensure you stay within your military allowance. We can also help you prioritize your items, ensuring that you don’t exceed your limit and avoid out-of-pocket costs. In addition, we provide certified weight tickets so you have the proper documentation to get your PPM reimbursed.

To receive reimbursement for a PPM move, military service members must submit several key documents. According to the Defense Finance and Accounting Services, the required documents for PPM reimbursement are:

“PPM Requirements:

• DD1351-2- Completed and signed by Reviewing official
• PCS Travel Orders
• DD2278- Calculated by the Transportation Office*
• Copies of Certified Weight tickets including Gross (full) weight and one for Tare (empty) weight
• Operating Expense (OPE) worksheet- if attempting to reduce your taxable income
• Copy of Paid Rental Agreement
• Copy of vehicle registration when utilizing POV and/or boat/trailer move”

These documents serve as proof of the move’s cost and weight, allowing the Transportation Office at Vandenberg SFB to calculate the reimbursement. It’s essential to follow the military’s guidelines carefully to ensure that you receive the maximum allowable reimbursement.

“Missing documentation is a common reason military members receive reduced reimbursements,” explains Owner Chris DiJulio. Lompoc Van & Storage assists with all the paperwork required for a PPM move. We provide you with the necessary weight tickets, inventories, and other documentation to submit for reimbursement. Our team ensures that all forms are filled out correctly, so you can get reimbursed quickly and without hassle.

According to Military.com, “Only after applying for and being authorized for a PPM can you proceed with the move. If you make a partial PPM (i.e., only shipping a certain amount of household goods), make sure you work out all the details with your representative.” For a PPM to or from Vandenberg Space Force Base, the steps are as follows:

1. Receive your PCS orders.
2. Submit a request for a PPM move and receive military approval.
3. Figure out your weight allowance, given to you by the Office of Transportation.
4. Request an estimate from a few local moving companies.
5. A representative from your preferred moving company will either visit your home to survey your belongings or do the survey online if you prefer. They will also need your weight allowance to give you an accurate quote.
6. You will be given an ‘Order of Service’ document that outlines the services you require and their associated prices.
7. Once you sign off on the Order of Service, you will schedule your move to or from Vandenberg SFB with your moving specialist.

Your professional moving company will take care of the rest, weighing all your items in accordance with military regulations and guidelines. The military reimburses you for your move based on weight and distance; service members must submit receipts and weight tickets to receive reimbursement. 

“Proper weight documentation can make the difference between partial and full reimbursement for military moves,” explains General Manager Jason Turner. At Lompoc Van & Storage, we streamline the entire process for you. From providing complete moving services to organizing comprehensive packing services, we ensure accurate documentation for maximum reimbursement and manage all logistics to fit your schedule.

PPM moves require specialized knowledge, especially in understanding:

• Military reimbursement guidelines
• Best practices for transporting household goods
• Weight limits and restrictions
• Required paperwork and timing requirements

Not all companies that offer military moves have this level of knowledge acquired from experience completing military moves. “If you are going to hire a company on your own, make sure they are legit. Some companies pop up with a good-looking website and a low initial fee, but these are often scams. Read reviews online, but beware that reviews can be people who work there and just want business,” suggests PCS Grades.

“Vandenberg SFB relocations require specific knowledge of base regulations and access protocols,” states Owner Chris DiJulio. Lompoc Van & Storage has been completing PPM moves for military families in the Vandenberg Space Force Base area since 1959. We specialize in these types of moves and manage all the logistics for you—from packing to final delivery—so you don’t have to lift a finger. Our team ensures everything is done according to military guidelines, and we make the reimbursement process simple and stress-free.

For a PPM move, the military offers basic reimbursement for lost or damaged items. However, many service members choose to purchase additional insurance, particularly for valuable or fragile items. Military moving companies typically offer a variety of coverage options, including:

• Limited Liability Coverage – Basic protection that moving companies are legally mandated to include in every move that covers a minimal amount per pound per article. According to the FMCSA, “Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds).”
• Full Value Protection – Comprehensive coverage that ensures your moving company will repair, replace, or reimburse you for damaged or lost items at current market value. However, this plan does come at an additional cost.
• Items of Extraordinary Value Declaration – Special coverage for high-value items worth more than $100 per pound that requires separate documentation and valuation.

“Service members should know that military coverage often has significant limitations for high-value items,” notes Owner Chris DiJulio. Lompoc Van & Storage offers a range of insurance options to fully protect your belongings during your PPM move. Whether you need basic coverage or comprehensive protection for high-value items, we’ve got you covered. Our team will guide you through the different insurance options to ensure your items are properly insured throughout the entire move.

Packing is often one of the most time-consuming and challenging aspects of a move. With a PPM, you are responsible for packing your belongings, but many moving companies offer packing services to help you ensure everything is properly packed and protected. “Professional movers will come prepared to protect your expensive belongings using high-quality materials like double-walled boxes for fine china or custom-made wooden crates for artwork,” states Move.org. Your moving company can also let you know whether you are in the ballpark for your weight allowance during packing.

“Professional packing can reduce damage claims by up to 95% compared to self-packing,” says General Manager Jason Turner, who has been with the company since 2003. Lompoc Van & Storage takes care of all your packing needs for a PPM move. We provide:

• High-quality packing materials
• Expert packing services for all items
• Special handling for fragile valuables
• Proper documentation that meets military guidelines for reimbursement
• Complete unpacking services at your new location

Schedule your PPM move with Lompoc today by filling out our online form or calling us at (805) 736-2351 for more information.