if you were doing animations you had to use the HIP for translations because the BODY dials didnt save in a pose file. Thats now been corrected so using BODY for moving the figure is better. 

I suggest ockhams procedure , but once centered in top view, switch to right or front view and check the Y position of the center.

Moving the objects center can simplify animation , like a bird circling a tower. Just reposition its center and you can simply rotate it.