Thinking about starting your own moving company? It’s a great idea—especially if you enjoy hands-on work, helping people during life transitions, and running a business with solid growth potential. The moving industry continues to thrive, and with the right steps, you can carve out a successful niche for yourself. Here’s a guide to help you get started the smart way.
Do Your Research
Before anything else, we suggest taking time to really understand the moving industry. Look into your local competition, service rates, customer expectations, and legal requirements. You’ll also want to decide early on what kind of moving services you’ll offer:
- Local moves
- Long-distance or interstate moves
- Residential or commercial relocation
- Specialty moves (pianos, antiques, etc.)
We recommend starting small and expanding your offerings as you gain experience and equipment.
Create a Business Plan
A solid business plan is the foundation for success. Outline your goals, target market, startup costs, pricing strategy, and marketing approach. Think about how many people you’ll need to hire and what kind of equipment is required. Your plan doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should guide your first year of operations.
Legal Requirements and Licenses
We can’t stress this enough—make sure you’re operating legally. Requirements vary by location, but you may need:
- A business license
- DOT number (for interstate movers in the U.S.)
- Liability and cargo insurance
- Workers’ compensation (if you’re hiring a crew)
Check with your state or country’s transportation department to be sure you’re compliant from day one.
Buy Equipment and Hire a Team
At the very least, you’ll need a reliable moving truck, hand trucks, furniture blankets, straps, and dollies. If you don’t have a lot of capital, consider leasing equipment in the beginning. When hiring your team, look for physically fit individuals with good customer service skills—your reputation will rely heavily on how your crew handles people’s belongings.
Build Your Brand and Website
Branding matters. Come up with a name that’s memorable, professional, and easy to find online. Then, invest in a user-friendly website where potential customers can get quotes, read reviews, and contact you easily.
If you’re looking for inspiration, we recommend checking out Stewart Movers. Their site is a great example of what a trustworthy moving business should look like—professional, informative, and customer-focused. They’ve built a reputation based on reliability and excellent service, which is exactly what you should aim for when launching your own company.
Marketing and Getting Your First Clients
Once everything’s in place, it’s time to spread the word. Use a mix of online and offline strategies:
- Google My Business and local SEO
- Social media ads and content
- Flyers, yard signs, and referral programs
- Partner with real estate agents or apartment managers
Word of mouth is powerful in this industry. We believe delivering a great experience during those first few moves is the best marketing tool you’ll ever have.
Final Thoughts
Starting a moving company takes effort, but it’s absolutely doable with the right approach. Focus on quality service, stay organized, and build a reputation you’re proud of. Over time, your name will carry weight in the community—and that’s when the real momentum starts. If you’re ready to dive in, learn from established movers like Stewart Movers and take the first step toward building something great.