Starting a moving company doesn’t require large trucks or warehouses.
A comprehensive business plan is essential for running a successful moving company.
Obtaining the necessary permits and licenses is crucial to operate legally, requirements vary by state.
To start a moving company, you’ll need moving equipment such as dollies, ropes, furniture belts, moving pads, and packing materials.
How to Open a Moving Company?
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Starting a new business today would be a scary undertaking considering the state of the economy. Yet many people would like to take the risk and start a new business and thus become financially independent.
Some people think that they need those big commercial trucks and a huge warehouse in order to start the business when in fact you can start small.
How to start a moving company? Here we will share starting moving company business ideas, steps and requirements.
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Save up to 40% on your upcoming move and get a quote from reputable moving experts.
To start a moving company you don’t need to buy those big trucks and rent a warehouse. In most big cities 80 percent of the moves are small, local moving jobs for which you don’t need storage facilities or big trucks.
Many people are also looking for in-house moving help that only requires manpower to move a bedroom’s worth of furniture.
Thus, you can easily start your new moving company with a smaller van.
Many customers today prefer to call a small moving company because usually is less expensive and still quality moving service.
This though does not mean you won’t be making a profit. Moving is a hard labor and it is not cheap.
There are some different types of moving companies for you to choose from. You should decide if you want to provide moving labor services only or become a full-service coast-to-coast mover.
A few general and mandatory steps will get you started on how to open a moving company business.
Draft a Business Plan
You can’t start a business without a business plan. No matter the size of your new moving company you will need a plan of action.
Writing a business plan for starting a moving company is necessary, just like when starting any other business.
A business plan will help you answer the question of how to start a small moving company. It is vital for running a successful business.
It will help you forecast business development, allocate resources and markets, focus on key points and opportunities and prepare for possible problems.
Customize your plan to highlight unique aspects that differentiate your moving business from competitors.
License for Moving Company
Permits are legal authorizations you need to start a moving company in any state. Since you want to open a legal business, you will need to apply for a moving company license depending on what type of moving company you want to start.
For more information contact your local state regulatory authority or go to The US Department of Transportation to get information on registration and licensing.
This is how to start a moving business – training, professionalism and hard work. Having a well-trained crew is key to the company’s success.
Depending on how big you want to start, the amount of money you would need will vary. When starting a moving company, it is a good idea to start small.
Purchase Moving Equipment
Buy or rent a van or smaller moving truck to start your new moving company. If you already have a van or a pick-up truck, your initial costs will be fuel and some moving equipment.
You may need a couple of moving dollies, ropes, furniture belts, moving pads (also called moving blankets) and some packing and wrapping materials. Buying an initial inventory of various moving boxes is a good idea.
These necessary moving basics will make you look professional in the eyes of your first customers. You can even rent a dolly for around $10 and approximately $100 more for the rest. If you have to rent a truck for a day, it will be an additional $80 – $160.
However, if you are serious about starting a moving company business, you should definitely consider buying a small truck. You can find great deals on used trucks or talk to any truck rental company near you for their inventory for sale.
Of course, if you want to open a moving company that will be your main source of income, then you should consider investing in a new truck with a moving body.
Keep in mind that additional insurance requirements come with purchasing your truck.
Once you have your moving truck, you will need to register it with the US Department of Transportation. You will receive a unique US DOT number and another moving license for your company.
In some states, having a valid US DOT registration is enough to operate as a moving company. Depending on the state, the local regulations differ.
Moving and Transportation Insurance
When starting a moving company you need to have liability and cargo insurance.
Contact your insurance agency to obtain reasonable insurance coverage for damages and liability.
Some states have specific requirements on what is the minimum legal amount of your cargo and vehicle insurance.
Check with your state authority or insurance agent.
Advertise Your New Moving Company Business
You should develop a brand that stands out. Branding your new moving company successfully will result in more sales.
Name of The Company
Think of a great name for your new company. Choose carefully and make sure you don’t get sued.
Logo
Invest in a great logo. Put your logo and company numbers on your moving truck, so people can see it in the city while you are working. Most moving companies have unique branded T-shirts for all employees.
Online or Offline Advertising?
Today your online strategy is your business strategy. There is no other answer.
Sure you need to make some connections, become a member of local chambers of commerce and get listed on local business directories, online and paper-based publications.
Become a member of the most popular moving associations and become one of the accredited BBB moving companies. You should also join us for free and become a registered moving company at MyMovingReviews.
Website
Nowadays, people search online first. According to Google today we do more than 30 billion searches each month, and 80 percent of them are about services and products.
Thus, having a strong online presence is a major component of your business. This means you need a well-designed, professionally-looking website, which can become your main source of jobs.
This is where you will list your moving services provided. Consult with a professional web design and online marketing company to secure your online presence.
Affiliations
If you want to kick-start your newly opened moving company, contact some online brokers and lead providers.
You need to have a source of jobs as soon as you are in the business.
Starting a moving company is not an easy job, but it is totally doable if you are persistent.
Having your moving schedule filled up all year long is not an easy task to accomplish.
Labor Service
If you decide to provide moving labor services and not full-service moves, you can join some of the online communities, marketplaces, and services that offer moving labor services.
Some of the popular moving labor services are Emove by Uhaul and Hire a Helper.
You definitely need moving leads for your business if you want to have a headstart. This is the easiest way to start booking jobs and pretty much how this industry operated.
Most professional moving companies offer storage services as a part of their moving service options.
Obtain moving training. You will definitely need some kind of training if you have not moved households before. Practice is the best teacher.
It will help you better understand the mechanics behind proper packing and loading. It will make you look professional in your customers’ eyes. Having a good reputation is very important in this business.
You may need to obtain some sales training. This is when you start growing and getting busier. Employing proper sales techniques will teach you how to book more jobs and respectively help you increase your profit.
This would be the moment when you will start thinking about hiring employees and renting an office. But for now, your home is your office.
Start small and then grow when starting a moving company – moving a business office is easy once you have your company working well.
Secure a warehouse if offering storage when you start your new moving company. If you are thinking of starting large by offering storage services, you will have to find the space.
This will be an additional cost because you will have to rent storage space and secure it. You may also contact the local storage facilities and get into a long-term contract with them. Check your storage insurance options as well.
Take good care of your customers and turn them into referrers. Make sure you can answer all frequently asked questions to ask movers. People say that word-of-mouth advertising is the best and in the moving industry, this is particularly true.
Many moving companies owe a huge percentage of their business each year to repeat customers and referrals.
Please, let us know if we have not addressed any questions you may have about how to start a moving company. We will gladly give more details or direct you where to find the right information. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is owning a moving company profitable?
Like every other business if you take good care of it- have patience, invest time and money, your success is guaranteed one day.
What is the average profit of a moving company?
According to Sharpsheets.io a moving company can make on average $35,000 per year.
What is the average moving price?
The national cost of moving is on average $1500, it ranges from $500 for small short-distance moves and up to $5,000 for big long-distance moves.
Great Article. Im thinking of starting a moving company, but i’m having trouble developing a business plan. I’m 24 and would like to have my building and at least 15-20 trucks (10-24′) purchased before I’m 30. My other problem is that the military takes up most of my time, so it’s almost impossible to get started!
Starting a moving company may seem easy at first because it is mainly labor based and almost anyone can do it. What people do not realize is that constant new regulations can drive your cost to run business up. Non regulated moving companies who are not licensed or operate under the radar provide cheap services to the public which you have to compete with which drive your price down.
My advice would be to stay small and local at first and gain authority with quality work. Also, do not forget to avail yourself of the internet when it comes to marketing and advertising. Nowadays most people use the internet to find the services they need. Then slowly expand as the money allows for it.
Should I get a business license and all the right insurances to run my own small business? I will have four workers, but this will be a small company. I will have a small cargo van and I plan on renting Uhauls for the bigger moves.
Hey Dexter, It really depends on the state you are about to operate locally. Some states require only a DOT number in order to permit you to operate, while others require additional certification. Here is a list of some of the states that are regulated: https://www.mymovingreviews.com/move/moving-companies-regulations
Should I take a company to court over a non comp contract that I know is to be overly broad like saying I can’t work in this industry at all instead of a certain job like sales? I have an opportunity to be a operations manger or owner, but my financial backer is scared to back me with this dark cloud over me. I spent 4 days in the office on my time then went back in the field when these kids couldn’t teach me anything I did not learn in 25 years of just doing it. I have a solid business plan the know how and I’m one of the best estimators in the state. This can’t be legal I have seen too many of this kind contracts to know the court won’t hold this up because of the exstint of not being able to work in this field at all or 39 states they need to be more simple like 1 page to cover 4 basic. No way they can make a six page non comp stand in Indiana. Can they?
Hey Mark,
Unfortunately it depends on the contract you’ve signed in the past. What I will advice you is to contact an attorney that specializes in that just to be on the safe side before you go ahead and start the business.
Hi,
I am currently interested in starting a small moving company. However, I have run into a problem. I wanted to start small, by renting trucks. However, It looks like I cannot get cargo insurance unless I buy. Any advice for me?
I sort of had the same idea and ran in to the same problem. I ended up buying a used 14ft truck in order to get proper insurance to become lic. But if i had to do it all over again I would first try going to a friend or family member with a pickup truck and ask if I can use their truck info to apply for my lic and insurance, and let them know you will not need to drive their truck because you will be renting. I am not saying this is a sure answer to your problem, just trying to help you brain storm.
First of all Thanks for the great article, really enjoyed reading it, I have some questions:
1- Am I restricted to specific kind of moving’s stuffs or I can do any kind of moves, I mean can I move furniture and also groceries stuffs and toys etc… Or am not allowed to do so?
2- The used truck soled by local big moving companies, they have a huge mileage on them I mean over 300,000 miles, do you think they will be good to start my small moving company with?
If you think you can be a professional mover just go to movinghelper.com. you can make tons of money without spending a dime. All you do is load and unload uhual trucks alrea rented by your customers.
I have been wanting to start a local moving company for years now. I've worked for the big moving companies all over the country,and kind of managed a small local moving company about 13 years ago,but the owner got involved in drugs and a bad divorce,so it didn't go well.i just moved from another town in another state that only had one moving company.(BEKINS), and the town I live in now only has one moving company (also BEKINS),
Hello, I want to start my own moving business, but I’ve never worked in that industry except for a couple of coast to coast moves that I did for a couple of friends. Other than that I have no training. Can anyone tell me where I can get the proper training without having to work for a moving company? Or that’s a must?
Hello, I live in Florida and i hv 5 yrs moving exp. , better to start w dba fictitious name? And if im not providing the truck, only labor is there a way to register locally as opposed to paying state $1000 to register? Sorry for all the questions.
I have an established Moving Company in Upstate NY. I am retiring within the next year and would like to sell. I am willing to finance with a substantial down payment. Please contact me via email.
Great article. I currently work for a moving company that primarily provides labor. A lot of the suggestions in this article are things that I can see the company do better; but Ive decided I can invest my ideas into myself.
I appreciate the helpful tips on starting a moving company. I have been wondering how I would start one myself, and never considered getting an online broker involved to get it kick-started. I will keep these tips in mind when I decide to start my ideal moving company!
Great article. You’re right “Take care of your customers” is crucial. Moving companies fight a bad reputation every day because of other ripoff companies.
It’s that when we do a good job for our customers they act surprised since they didn’t expect to be treated fairly. Bummer.
One thing that got my company on track and extremely profitable was using a moving company application. There are a bunch out there. We use movingpro.io. It offers the most for the best price and it does everything for me except answer the phone!!
Hi my name is ms davis my family is in the moving company .im really thinking about starting a moving company my family doesn’t think I’m serious I’m a mother of 4+1 my grandson that is .im working in hospitality tired of the everyday 5-1pm looking for a better income for my family. Watching your video was very inspirational. I’m a women and u have me believing I can. So thanx for giving me hope because yes this is what I want to do.
I have been doing this work for Quite some time.With over 25 years of experience.I wanna start my own Packing business.I made around 20,000 dollars in a 4 month period.Im always requested by others from their friends and collegues.Im finally ready to start.Where do I begin?
If you are trying to push yourself into the moving industries and want to start a successful moving business, then you should probably learn and the get ideas on how to start a moving company. Create a documentation of your business drafts and start investing on having necessary required vehicles and movers team. Have basic moving boxes and packaging for safe moving.
I have found this website very helpful. I am in Canada and would like to start my own business. The lead that can be bought from this website are they only USA based?
I have the same question do I need DOT for local moving in California. I have LLC waiting on EIN. When you go to government websites they are not clear of all that needed.
Great Article. My husband and I are looking into opening our own moving company to keep it small and local for the moment. Do we need to have a business license in order to operate, health insurance, workers comp, and any other items we may need? He has a van that he has had for a few years now.
Every new customer has the potential to become loyal in the future. Therefore, your goal is to be professional and to always communicate with your customers. Answer their questions, or even ask them yourself if they are satisfied with your service. Make sure your vehicles are clean and your drivers always act like professionals. Remember, being successful in this industry is not that easy since the competition is very high. However, if you take a lot of time and effort to create adifference between you and competitors, you will, most likely, create a successful moving company.
Am new to the moving company and about to occupy the position of a manager. Kindly help me with the kind of training that will make me stand out in this new position
I’m currently a senior in college and have worked for a very prestigious and well known moving company in Wisconsin, mainly working with designers as well as normal house jobs. I actually enjoy the work (most days) and it’s opened my eyes into the world of entrepreneurship. My current plan is to start my own moving company after college, although I would be working full time as well to try and relieve some debt from going to college. I will have a bachelors in finance which honestly seems completely useless for what my goal is now, but I would most likely start small, such as a truck or two and maybe a couple storage units. If i plan to start this in Florida, is there any tips/guidance anyone can give me? I appreciate it in advance, thank you!
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Great Article. Im thinking of starting a moving company, but i’m having trouble developing a business plan. I’m 24 and would like to have my building and at least 15-20 trucks (10-24′) purchased before I’m 30. My other problem is that the military takes up most of my time, so it’s almost impossible to get started!
Hey Dondre’
Starting a moving company may seem easy at first because it is mainly labor based and almost anyone can do it. What people do not realize is that constant new regulations can drive your cost to run business up. Non regulated moving companies who are not licensed or operate under the radar provide cheap services to the public which you have to compete with which drive your price down.
My advice would be to stay small and local at first and gain authority with quality work. Also, do not forget to avail yourself of the internet when it comes to marketing and advertising. Nowadays most people use the internet to find the services they need. Then slowly expand as the money allows for it.
Should I get a business license and all the right insurances to run my own small business? I will have four workers, but this will be a small company. I will have a small cargo van and I plan on renting Uhauls for the bigger moves.
In Oregon our moving company is regulated very heavily. All movers get audited often.
Do i have to have license to start
Hey Dexter, It really depends on the state you are about to operate locally. Some states require only a DOT number in order to permit you to operate, while others require additional certification. Here is a list of some of the states that are regulated:
https://www.mymovingreviews.com/move/moving-companies-regulations
Should I take a company to court over a non comp contract that I know is to be overly broad like saying I can’t work in this industry at all instead of a certain job like sales? I have an opportunity to be a operations manger or owner, but my financial backer is scared to back me with this dark cloud over me. I spent 4 days in the office on my time then went back in the field when these kids couldn’t teach me anything I did not learn in 25 years of just doing it. I have a solid business plan the know how and I’m one of the best estimators in the state. This can’t be legal I have seen too many of this kind contracts to know the court won’t hold this up because of the exstint of not being able to work in this field at all or 39 states they need to be more simple like 1 page to cover 4 basic. No way they can make a six page non comp stand in Indiana. Can they?
Hey Mark,
Unfortunately it depends on the contract you’ve signed in the past. What I will advice you is to contact an attorney that specializes in that just to be on the safe side before you go ahead and start the business.
yes,you need some sort of business license. Dependent on what your title.(I.e. LLC,Inc.,Self, Corp. etc…) Very nice moving piece………..
Hi,
I am currently interested in starting a small moving company. However, I have run into a problem. I wanted to start small, by renting trucks. However, It looks like I cannot get cargo insurance unless I buy. Any advice for me?
I sort of had the same idea and ran in to the same problem. I ended up buying a used 14ft truck in order to get proper insurance to become lic. But if i had to do it all over again I would first try going to a friend or family member with a pickup truck and ask if I can use their truck info to apply for my lic and insurance, and let them know you will not need to drive their truck because you will be renting. I am not saying this is a sure answer to your problem, just trying to help you brain storm.
Hi there,
First of all Thanks for the great article, really enjoyed reading it, I have some questions:
1- Am I restricted to specific kind of moving’s stuffs or I can do any kind of moves, I mean can I move furniture and also groceries stuffs and toys etc… Or am not allowed to do so?
2- The used truck soled by local big moving companies, they have a huge mileage on them I mean over 300,000 miles, do you think they will be good to start my small moving company with?
3- Can I operate my business from home?
Best!
i want to start one but am afraid of the competition,how can i make my business survive even when competition is cut throat?
If you think you can be a professional mover just go to movinghelper.com. you can make tons of money without spending a dime. All you do is load and unload uhual trucks alrea rented by your customers.
i want to start it this month on my own sucessful business of my own,its path of my life to be a business tycon
Hello, how are you.
I want to start my own moving company but just don’t know how much money i might need to start and how to get customers.
I have been wanting to start a local moving company for years now. I've worked for the big moving companies all over the country,and kind of managed a small local moving company about 13 years ago,but the owner got involved in drugs and a bad divorce,so it didn't go well.i just moved from another town in another state that only had one moving company.(BEKINS), and the town I live in now only has one moving company (also BEKINS),
I want to start a moving company but not sure to get LLC or Corporation license. What is most beneficial ?
Hello, I want to start my own moving business, but I’ve never worked in that industry except for a couple of coast to coast moves that I did for a couple of friends. Other than that I have no training. Can anyone tell me where I can get the proper training without having to work for a moving company? Or that’s a must?
Great article, I was thinking about doing a facebook page and then moving in to a website later. Like a good design.This article was extremely helpful
Hello, I live in Florida and i hv 5 yrs moving exp. , better to start w dba fictitious name? And if im not providing the truck, only labor is there a way to register locally as opposed to paying state $1000 to register? Sorry for all the questions.
I have an established Moving Company in Upstate NY. I am retiring within the next year and would like to sell. I am willing to finance with a substantial down payment. Please contact me via email.
Great article. I currently work for a moving company that primarily provides labor. A lot of the suggestions in this article are things that I can see the company do better; but Ive decided I can invest my ideas into myself.
I appreciate the helpful tips on starting a moving company. I have been wondering how I would start one myself, and never considered getting an online broker involved to get it kick-started. I will keep these tips in mind when I decide to start my ideal moving company!
How is the best way to get a truck to get the company started
Great article. You’re right “Take care of your customers” is crucial. Moving companies fight a bad reputation every day because of other ripoff companies.
It’s that when we do a good job for our customers they act surprised since they didn’t expect to be treated fairly. Bummer.
One thing that got my company on track and extremely profitable was using a moving company application. There are a bunch out there. We use movingpro.io. It offers the most for the best price and it does everything for me except answer the phone!!
Hi my name is ms davis my family is in the moving company .im really thinking about starting a moving company my family doesn’t think I’m serious I’m a mother of 4+1 my grandson that is .im working in hospitality tired of the everyday 5-1pm looking for a better income for my family. Watching your video was very inspirational. I’m a women and u have me believing I can. So thanx for giving me hope because yes this is what I want to do.
How did it turn out?
Where do I find the correct paperwork such as the bill of lading, interstate revised written estimate, post contracts
I have been doing this work for Quite some time.With over 25 years of experience.I wanna start my own Packing business.I made around 20,000 dollars in a 4 month period.Im always requested by others from their friends and collegues.Im finally ready to start.Where do I begin?
If you are trying to push yourself into the moving industries and want to start a successful moving business, then you should probably learn and the get ideas on how to start a moving company. Create a documentation of your business drafts and start investing on having necessary required vehicles and movers team. Have basic moving boxes and packaging for safe moving.
I have found this website very helpful. I am in Canada and would like to start my own business. The lead that can be bought from this website are they only USA based?
Do I need DOT to operate as a local moving company in California??
I have the same question do I need DOT for local moving in California. I have LLC waiting on EIN. When you go to government websites they are not clear of all that needed.
Great Article. My husband and I are looking into opening our own moving company to keep it small and local for the moment. Do we need to have a business license in order to operate, health insurance, workers comp, and any other items we may need? He has a van that he has had for a few years now.
thank you for sharing this information with us. we are very glad to inform you that it is very useful for us.
Every new customer has the potential to become loyal in the future. Therefore, your goal is to be professional and to always communicate with your customers. Answer their questions, or even ask them yourself if they are satisfied with your service. Make sure your vehicles are clean and your drivers always act like professionals. Remember, being successful in this industry is not that easy since the competition is very high. However, if you take a lot of time and effort to create adifference between you and competitors, you will, most likely, create a successful moving company.
—
Regards,
Sourav Basak
Namaste UI
It’s stressful, if there damage to floors or walls your paying for it, can’t get good help, customers think 8 hr move takes 2 hrs . So on and so on
Am new to the moving company and about to occupy the position of a manager. Kindly help me with the kind of training that will make me stand out in this new position
I’m thinking of starting moving business and want to start with domain. Any suggestions my friends?
Thanks that you have to share your informative blog with us.
I’m currently a senior in college and have worked for a very prestigious and well known moving company in Wisconsin, mainly working with designers as well as normal house jobs. I actually enjoy the work (most days) and it’s opened my eyes into the world of entrepreneurship. My current plan is to start my own moving company after college, although I would be working full time as well to try and relieve some debt from going to college. I will have a bachelors in finance which honestly seems completely useless for what my goal is now, but I would most likely start small, such as a truck or two and maybe a couple storage units. If i plan to start this in Florida, is there any tips/guidance anyone can give me? I appreciate it in advance, thank you!