How to Get Started in the Moving Industry:  Six Simple Steps for Where to Begin!

Step 1: Research and Plan Your Business

Starting a moving company begins with careful research and planning. Understand your market, identify your target audience, and analyze competitors to find opportunities. Create a business plan outlining your goals, budget, and pricing strategy to ensure a solid foundation for success.

• Understand Your Market: Study your local area to identify target customers, peak moving seasons, and competitors.
• Define Your Niche: Decide if you’ll focus on residential moves, commercial relocations, specialty moves (e.g., pianos, antiques), or all three.
• Analyze Competitors: Identify gaps or services you can improve upon.
• Create a Business Plan: Outline your startup costs, pricing strategy, and goals for the first year.

Step 2: Obtain Required Licenses and Insurance

Running a moving company legally and professionally requires the proper licenses and insurance. These ensure you comply with regulations, protect your business, and build trust with customers.

• Business Registration: Register your company name and choose a business structure (LLC, partnership, or sole proprietorship).
• Licenses and Permits:
  • Obtain a USDOT number from the FMCSA for interstate operations.
  • Check local regulations for intrastate moves.
• Insurance: Protect your business with liability insurance, cargo insurance, and worker’s compensation for employees.

Step 3: Invest in the Right Equipment

Investing in the right equipment is essential for running an efficient and successful moving company. The right vehicles and tools will help streamline operations and ensure you can meet your customers' needs.

• Vehicles: Decide between buying, leasing, or renting trucks. Ensure your trucks are the right size for your target jobs. There's nothing wrong with renting a U-Haul, Penske or Hertz Box Truck when getting started. 
• Moving Equipment: Purchase dollies, furniture pads, straps, and shrink wrap.
• Storage Options: Consider offering temporary storage as an add-on service.
• Choose a Software:  One of the best things you can do from the beginning to make running your business is picking the right Software.  Cost can be a factor, but there are some free / low cost solutions for managing your customer database, like:  Google Suite, Monday, Zoho, Square, Hubspot.   There will always be Pros & Cons of these and the Free / Low Cost versions are usually very limited in capability.  
  
  Of course this is where MoveitPro comes in.  Our software is the only Moving CRM actually Built For Movers, By Movers. With over a decade into development, we knew the pitfalls and needs of Moving Companies.  We have a dedicated Support Team with unlimited complimentary software training to walk you through every aspect of your software and solve your issues quickly with care.  
  
  If you would like to see how MoveitPro can benefit your business, one of our Software Consultants is happy to sit down and show you. 
  
  

Step 4: Build Your Team

Building a strong team is key to delivering excellent service and growing your business. Focus on hiring the right people, providing proper training, and creating a professional image for your company.

• Hiring Movers: Look for employees who are physically fit, reliable, and customer-service-oriented.
• Training: Provide training on safe lifting techniques, packing, and customer interaction.
• Uniforms: Branded uniforms make your team look professional and trustworthy.

Step 5: Create a Marketing Strategy

To grow your business, you need to let people know you’re open and ready to help. A solid marketing strategy will help you reach potential customers and build a strong presence in your community.

• Build a Website: Showcase your services, pricing, and contact information. Include a booking form for convenience.
• Leverage Social Media: Use platforms like Instagram and Facebook to share behind-the-scenes content, moving tips, and testimonials.
• Partner Locally: Collaborate with real estate agents, apartment complexes, and senior living facilities for referrals.
• Run Local Ads: Target neighborhoods with postcards, online ads, and community sponsorships. 
  
  

Step 6: Focus on Exceptional Customer Service

Delivering outstanding customer service is key to building a strong reputation and gaining repeat business. By focusing on clear communication, punctuality, and follow-ups, you can ensure customer satisfaction and foster positive word-of-mouth.

• Clear Communication: Be transparent about pricing and services. Do not get into the pitfalls of unhappy customers over miscommunication or dishonesty. 
• On-Time Arrivals: Customers value punctuality. 
• Presentation Matters:  You may not be showing up in a branded truck, but whether being on the truck yourself or hiring experienced guys and drivers, it's your job as the owner to make sure they come with a good appearance (dressed nice, smell good, wearing your company shirt etc.)   Remember, they are a direct representation and extension of your brand. 
• Follow-Ups: Ask for feedback and encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews.  Consider using easy QR Codes that can be scanned that takes the customer to a place to leave a review, whether using Google Reviews, Yelp or some other service.

Bonus Step: Invest in Growing Your Knowledge

Final Thoughts

Starting a moving company can be challenging, but with the right steps, it’s also incredibly rewarding. Begin today by researching your market and building your business plan—you’ll be on your way to success in no time!

Have you been thinking about Starting a Moving Business?  
Comment below and let us know. If you have any questions or there's anything we can assist with, we're happy to share.