Start a Moving Company

People assume you need trucks and a warehouse; labor-only moving with a rented truck gets you paying customers first.

1. 1

   Start labor-only, not truck-first

   Customers rent the U-Haul; you supply the crew. This gets you paid in weeks without financing a box truck you have not earned yet.

2. 2

   Get legal for your state

   Most states require a household goods mover permit or state DOT number plus general liability, cargo coverage, and workers' comp once you hire. Deals with realtors and offices die without proof of insurance.

3. 3

   Buy the pro kit

   Dollies, straps, moving blankets, wardrobe boxes, and floor runners run under $1,000 and make you look like a company instead of two guys with a truck.

4. 4

   Price by crew hour

   Charge $100 to $150 per hour for a two-person crew with a two or three hour minimum. Quote from a room-by-room inventory so jobs never blow past the estimate.

5. 5

   List where movers get found

   U-Haul Moving Help, HireAHelper, Thumbtack, and a Google Business Profile. Answer every lead within 15 minutes; speed wins moving jobs.

6. 6

   Stack reviews, then add a truck

   After 25 five-star reviews, rent or finance a box truck and raise rates for full-service moves. Reviews are the license to charge more.

7. 7

   Go after commercial moves

   Office relocations happen on weekends, pay premium rates, and repeat. Pitch property managers and commercial realtors once your crew is proven.