moving companies business plan

How to Write a Moving Company Business Plan + Template

Creating a business plan is essential for any business, but it can be especially helpful for moving businesses who want to improve their strategy and/or raise funding.

A well-crafted business plan not only outlines the vision for your company, but also documents a step-by-step roadmap of how you are going to accomplish it. In order to create an effective business plan, you must first understand the components that are essential to its success.

This article provides an overview of the key elements that every moving business owner should include in their business plan.

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What is a Moving Company Business Plan?

A moving company business plan is a formal written document that describes your company’s business strategy and its feasibility. It documents the reasons you will be successful, your areas of competitive advantage, and it includes information about your team members. Your business plan is a key document that will convince investors and lenders (if needed) that you are positioned to become a successful venture.

Why Write a Moving Company Business Plan?

A moving company business plan is required for banks and investors. The document is a clear and concise guide of your business idea and the steps you will take to make it profitable.

Entrepreneurs can also use this as a roadmap when starting their new company or venture, especially if they are inexperienced in starting a business.

Writing an Effective Moving Company Business Plan

The following are the key components of a successful moving company business plan:

Executive Summary

The executive summary of a moving company business plan is a one to two page overview of your entire business plan. It should summarize the main points, which will be presented in full in the rest of your business plan.

• Start with a one-line description of your moving company
• Provide a short summary of the key points in each section of your business plan, which includes information about your company’s management team, industry analysis, competitive analysis, and financial forecast among others.

Company Description

This section should include a brief history of your company. Include a short description of how your company started, and provide a timeline of milestones your company has achieved.

If you are just starting your moving business, you may not have a long company history. Instead, you can include information about your professional experience in this industry and how and why you conceived your new venture. If you have worked for a similar company before or have been involved in an entrepreneurial venture before starting your moving firm, mention this.

You will also include information about your chosen moving company business model and how, if applicable, it is different from other companies in your industry.

Industry Analysis

The industry or market analysis is an important component of a moving company business plan. Conduct thorough market research to determine industry trends and document the size of your market. 

Questions to answer include:

• What part of the moving industry are you targeting?
• How big is the market?
• What trends are happening in the industry right now (and if applicable, how do these trends support the success of your company)?

You should also include sources for the information you provide, such as published research reports and expert opinions.

Customer Analysis

This section should include a list of your target audience(s) with demographic and psychographic profiles (e.g., age, gender, income level, profession, job titles, interests). You will need to provide a profile of each customer segment separately, including their needs and wants.

For example, the customers of a moving company may include:

• Corporate and commercial businesses 
• Property management firms
• Other moving companies (you may target those who need help with overflow or those who are looking for a new provider)

You can include information about how your customers make the decision to buy from you as well as what keeps them buying from you.

Develop a strategy for targeting those customers who are most likely to buy from you, as well as those that might be influenced to buy your products or moving services with the right marketing.

Competitive Analysis

The competitive analysis helps you determine how your product or service will be different from competitors, and what your unique selling proposition (USP) might be that will set you apart in this industry.

For each competitor, list their strengths and weaknesses. Next, determine your areas of competitive differentiation and/or advantage; that is, in what ways are you different from and ideally better than your competitors.

Below are sample competitive advantages your moving business may have:

• You may have been in business for a longer time than your competitors, and so have more experience.
• You may have a larger fleet of trucks or more storage space.
• You may use newer technology to help with the moving process, making it more efficient.
• You may have better customer service or sales policies.
• You may be able to provide a more comprehensive moving service than your competitors (i.e., packing, unpacking, storage).

Marketing Plan

This part of the business plan is where you determine and document your marketing plan. . Your plan should be clearly laid out, including the following 4 Ps.

• Product/Service: Detail your product/service offerings here. Document their features and benefits.
• Price: Document your pricing strategy here. In addition to stating the prices for your products/services, mention how your pricing compares to your competition.
• Place: Where will your customers find you? What channels of distribution (e.g., partnerships) will you use to reach them if applicable?
• Promotion: How will you reach your target customers? For example, you may use social media, write blog posts, create an email marketing campaign, use pay-per-click advertising, launch a direct mail campaign. Or, you may promote your moving business via word-of-mouth, PR, or another method.

Operations Plan

This part of your moving company business plan should include the following information:

• How will you deliver your product/service to customers? For example, will you do it in person or over the phone only?
• What infrastructure, equipment, and resources are needed to operate successfully? How can you meet those requirements within budget constraints?

The operations plan is where you also need to include your company’s business policies. You will want to establish policies related to everything from customer service to pricing, to the overall brand image you are trying to present.

Finally, and most importantly, in your Operations Plan, you will lay out the milestones your company hopes to achieve within the next five years. Create a chart that shows the key milestone(s) you hope to achieve each quarter for the next four quarters, and then each year for the following four years. Examples of milestones for a moving business include reaching $X in sales. Other examples include adding new locations, launching a new product/service, or hiring new staff.

Management Team

List your team members here including their names and titles, as well as their expertise and experience relevant to your specific moving industry. Include brief biography sketches for each team member.

Particularly if you are seeking funding, the goal of this section is to convince investors and lenders that your team has the expertise and experience to execute on your plan. If you are missing key team members, document the roles and responsibilities you plan to hire for in the future.

Financial Plan

Here you will include a summary of your complete and detailed financial plan (your full financial projections go in the Appendix). 

This includes the following three financial statements:

Income Statement

Your income statement should include:

• Revenue: how much revenue you generate.
• Cost of Goods Sold: These are your direct costs associated with generating revenue. This includes labor costs, as well as the cost of any equipment and supplies used to deliver the product/service offering.

Net Income (or loss): Once expenses and revenue are totaled and deducted from each other, this is the net income or loss

Sample Income Statement for a Startup Moving Company

Balance sheet.

Include a balance sheet that shows your assets, liabilities, and equity. Your balance sheet should include:

• Assets : All of the things you own (including cash).
• Liabilities : This is what you owe against your company’s assets, such as accounts payable or loans.
• Equity : The worth of your business after all liabilities and assets are totaled and deducted from each other.

Sample Balance Sheet for a Startup Moving Company

Cash flow statement.

Include a cash flow statement showing how much cash comes in, how much cash goes out and a net cash flow for each year. The cash flow statement should include:

• Cash Flow From Operations
• Cash Flow From Investments
• Cash Flow From Financing

Below is a sample of a projected cash flow statement for a startup moving business.

Sample Cash Flow Statement for a Startup Moving Company

You will also want to include an appendix section which will include:

• Your complete financial projections
• A complete list of your company’s business policies and procedures related to the rest of the business plan (marketing, operations, etc.)
• Any other documentation which supports what you included in the body of your business plan.

Writing a good business plan gives you the advantage of being fully prepared to launch and/or grow your moving company. It not only outlines your business vision but also provides a step-by-step process of how you are going to accomplish it.

If you’re seeking funding, a well-written business plan will also give investors and lenders the confidence that you know what you’re doing and that you are invested in the success of your moving company.  

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How to write a business plan for a moving company?

Putting together a business plan for a moving company can be daunting - especially if you're creating a business for the first time - but with this comprehensive guide, you'll have the necessary tools to do it confidently.

We will explore why writing one is so important in both starting up and growing an existing moving company, as well as what should go into making an effective plan - from its structure to content - and what tools can be used to streamline the process and avoid errors.

Without further ado, let us begin!

In this guide:

Why write a business plan for a moving company?

What information is needed to create a business plan for a moving company.

• How do I build a financial forecast for a moving company?

The written part of a moving company business plan

• What tool should I use to write my moving company business plan?

Having a clear understanding of why you want to write a business plan for your moving company will make it simpler for you to grasp the rationale behind its structure and content. So before delving into the plan's actual details, let's take a moment to remind ourselves of the primary reasons why you'd want to create a moving company business plan.

To have a clear roadmap to grow the business

It's rarely business as usual for small businesses. The economy follows cycles where years of growth are followed by recessions, and the business environment is always changing with new technologies, new regulations, new competitors, and new consumer behaviours appearing all the time...

In this context, running a business without a clear roadmap is like driving blindfolded: it's dangerous at best. That's why writing a business plan for a moving company is essential to create successful and sustainable businesses.

To write an effective business plan, you will need to take stock of where you are (if you are already in business) and where you want the business to go in the next three to five years.

Once you know where you want your moving company to be, you'll have to identify:

• what resources (human, equipment, and capital) are needed to get there,
• at what pace the business needs to progress to get there in time,
• and what risks you'll face along the way.

Going through this process regularly is beneficial, both for startups and existing companies, as it helps make informed decisions about how best to allocate resources to ensure the long-term success of the business.

To maintain visibility on future cash flows

Businesses can go for years without making a profit, but they go bust as soon as they run out of cash. That's why "cash is king", and maintaining visibility on your moving company's future cash flows is critical.

How do I do that? That's simple: you need an up-to-date financial forecast.

The good news is that your moving company business plan already contains a financial forecast (more on that later in this guide), so all you have to do is to keep it up-to-date.

To do this, you need to regularly compare the actual financial performance of your business to what was planned in your financial forecast, and adjust the forecast based on the current trajectory of your business.

Monitoring your moving company's financial health will enable you to identify potential financial problems (such as an unexpected cash shortfall) early and to put in place corrective measures. It will also allow you to detect and capitalize on potential growth opportunities (higher demand from a given segment of customers for example).

To secure financing

A detailed business plan becomes a crucial tool when seeking financing from banks or investors for your moving company.

Investing and lending to small businesses are very risky activities given how fragile they are. Therefore, financiers have to take extra precautions before putting their capital at risk.

At a minimum, financiers will want to ensure that you have a clear roadmap and a solid understanding of your future cash flows (like we just explained above). But they will also want to ensure that your business plan fits the risk/reward profile they seek.

This will off-course vary from bank to bank and investor to investor, but as a rule of thumb. Banks will want to see a conservative financial management style (low risk), and they will use the information in your business plan to assess your borrowing capacity — the level of debt they think your business can comfortably handle — and your ability to repay the loan. This evaluation will determine whether they'll provide credit to your moving company and the terms of the agreement.

Whereas investors will carefully analyze your business plan to gauge the potential return on their investment. Their focus lies on evidence indicating your moving company's potential for high growth, profitability, and consistent cash flow generation over time.

Now that you recognize the importance of creating a business plan for your moving company, let's explore what information is required to create a compelling plan.

Writing a moving company business plan requires research so that you can project sales, investments and cost accurately in your financial forecast.

In this section, we cover three key pieces of information you should gather before drafting your business plan!

Carrying out market research for a moving company

Carrying out market research before writing a business plan for a moving company is essential to ensure that the financial projections are accurate and realistic.

Market research helps you gain insight into your target customer base, competitors, pricing strategies and other key factors which can have an impact on the commercial success of your business.

In particular, it is useful in forecasting revenue as it provides valuable data regarding potential customers’ spending habits and preferences.

Your market research may reveal that people may be more likely to use your moving company if they offer services that are tailored to their specific needs. Additionally, your research might show that customers may be more inclined to use your moving company if they provide a wide range of services, such as packing and unpacking, storage services, and other helpful services.

This information can then be used to create more accurate financial projections which will help investors make informed decisions about investing in your moving company.

Developing the marketing plan for a moving company

Before delving into your moving company business plan, it's imperative to budget for sales and marketing expenses.

To achieve this, a comprehensive sales and marketing plan is essential. This plan should provide an accurate projection of the necessary actions to acquire and retain customers.

Additionally, it will outline the required workforce to carry out these initiatives and the corresponding budget for promotions, advertising, and other marketing endeavours.

By budgeting accordingly, you can ensure that the right resources are allocated to these vital activities, aligning them with the sales and growth objectives outlined in your business plan.

The staffing and equipment needs of a moving company

As you embark on starting or expanding your moving company, having a clear plan for recruitment and capital expenditures (investment in equipment and real estate) is essential for ensuring your business's success.

Both the recruitment and investment plans must align with the timing and level of growth projected in your forecast, and they require appropriate funding.

A moving company might incur staffing costs such as wages for employees, as well as health insurance, workers compensation, and other related payroll taxes. They might also need to purchase or rent equipment such as trucks, dollies, furniture pads, and other moving supplies. Additionally, they may need to hire a van or other large vehicle to transport the items, which will incur additional costs.

To create a realistic financial forecast, you also need to consider other operating expenses associated with the day-to-day running of your business, such as insurance and bookkeeping.

With all the necessary information at hand, you are ready to begin crafting your business plan and developing your financial forecast.

What goes into your moving company's financial forecast?

The financial forecast of your moving company's business plan will enable you to assess the growth, profitability, funding requirements, and cash generation potential of your business in the coming years.

The four key outputs of a financial forecast for a moving company are:

• The profit and loss (P&L) statement ,
• The projected balance sheet ,
• The cash flow forecast ,
• And the sources and uses table .

Let's look at each of these in a bit more detail.

The projected P&L statement

The projected P&L statement for a moving company shows how much revenue and profit your business is expected to make in the future.

A healthy moving company's P&L statement should show:

• Sales growing at (minimum) or above (better) inflation
• Stable (minimum) or expanding (better) profit margins
• A healthy level of net profitability

This will of course depend on the stage of your business: numbers for a startup will look different than for an established moving company.

The projected balance sheet of your moving company

The balance sheet for a moving company is a financial document that provides a snapshot of your business’s financial health at a given point in time.

It shows three main components: assets, liabilities and equity:

• Assets: are resources owned by the business, such as cash, equipment, and accounts receivable (money owed by clients).
• Liabilities: are debts owed to creditors and other entities, such as accounts payable (money owed to suppliers) and loans.
• Equity: includes the sums invested by the shareholders or business owners and the cumulative profits and losses of the business to date (called retained earnings). It is a proxy for the value of the owner's stake in the business.

Examining the balance sheet is important for lenders, investors, or other stakeholders who are interested in assessing your moving company's liquidity and solvency:

• Liquidity: assesses whether or not your business has sufficient cash and short-term assets to honour its liabilities due over the next 12 months. It is a short-term focus.
• Solvency: assesses whether or not your business has the capacity to repay its debt over the medium-term.

Looking at the balance sheet can also provide insights into your moving company's investment and financing policies.

In particular, stakeholders can compare the value of equity to the value of the outstanding financial debt to assess how the business is funded and what level of financial risk has been taken by the owners (financial debt is riskier because it has to be repaid, while equity doesn't need to be repaid).

The cash flow forecast

A projected cash flow statement for a moving company is used to show how much cash the business is generating or consuming.

The cash flow forecast is usually organized by nature to show three key metrics:

• The operating cash flow: do the core business activities generate or consume cash?
• The investing cash flow: how much is the business investing in long-term assets (this is usually compared to the level of fixed assets on the balance sheet to assess whether the business is regularly maintaining and renewing its equipment)?
• The financing cash flow: is the business raising new financing or repaying financiers (debt repayment, dividends)?

As we discussed earlier, cash is king and keeping an eye on future cash flows an imperative for running a successful business. Therefore, you can expect the reader of your moving company business plan to pay close attention to your cash flow forecast.

Also, note that it is customary to provide both yearly and monthly cash flow forecasts in a business plan - so that the reader can analyze seasonal variation and ensure the moving company is appropriately funded.

The initial financing plan

The initial financing plan, also known as a sources and uses table, is a valuable resource to have in your business plan when starting your moving company as it reveals the origins of the money needed to establish the business (sources) and how it will be allocated (uses).

Having this table helps show what costs are involved in setting up your moving company, how risks are shared between founders, investors and lenders, and what the starting cash position will be. This cash position needs to be sufficient to sustain operations until the business reaches a break-even point.

Now that you have a clear understanding of what goes into the financial forecast of your moving company business plan, let's shift our focus to the written part of the plan.

The written part of a moving company business plan is composed of 7 main sections:

• The executive summary
• The presentation of the company
• The products and services
• The market analysis
• The strategy
• The operations
• The financial plan

Throughout these sections, you will seek to provide the reader with the details and context needed for them to form a view on whether or not your business plan is achievable and your forecast a realistic possibility.

Let's go through the content of each section in more detail!

1. The executive summary

In your moving company's business plan, the first section is the executive summary — a captivating overview of your plan that aims to pique the reader's interest and leave them eager to learn more about your business.

When crafting the executive summary, start with an introduction to your business, including its name, concept, location, how long it has been running, and what sets it apart. Briefly mention the products and services you plan to offer and your target customer profile.

Following that, provide an overview of the addressable market for your moving company, current trends, and potential growth opportunities.

Next, include a summary of key financial figures like projected revenues, profits, and cash flows.

Finally, in the "ask" section, detail any funding requirements you may have.

2. The presentation of the company

As you build your moving company business plan, the second section deserves attention as it delves into the structure and ownership, location, and management team of your company.

In the structure and ownership part, you'll provide valuable insights into the legal structure of the business, the identities of the owners, and their respective investments and ownership stakes. This level of transparency is vital, particularly if you're seeking financing, as it clarifies which legal entity will receive the funds and who holds the reins of the business.

Moving to the location part, you'll offer a comprehensive view of the company's premises and articulate why this specific location is strategic for the business, emphasizing factors like catchment area, accessibility, and nearby amenities.

When describing the location of your moving company, you may want to emphasize the potential for growth. You could highlight the area's proximity to major transportation hubs, as well as its growing population and local businesses.

You might also mention the potential for expanding your services to surrounding cities and states. Additionally, it may be beneficial to emphasize the area's favorable economic climate and its potential for continued growth.

Lastly, you should introduce your esteemed management team. Provide a thorough explanation of each member's role, background, and extensive experience.

It's equally important to highlight any past successes the management team has achieved and underscore the duration they've been working together. This information will instil trust in potential lenders or investors, showcasing the strength and expertise of your leadership team and their ability to deliver the business plan.

3. The products and services section

The products and services section of your business plan should include a detailed description of the offerings that your company provides to its customers. 

For example, your moving company might offer packing services, full-service moves, and storage solutions to its customers.

• Packing services might include providing boxes and packing materials, and packing and unpacking the customers' belongings.
• Full-service moves might include providing a truck, a driver, and a team of movers to load and unload the customers' items and transport them to their new homes.
• Finally, storage solutions might include providing a secure storage unit for customers to store their items during the move. These services would provide customers with a comprehensive, convenient, and stress-free moving experience.

When drafting this section, you should be precise about the categories of products or services you sell, the types of customers you are targeting and how customers can buy them.

4. The market analysis

When you present your market analysis in your moving company business plan, it's crucial to include detailed information about customers' demographics and segmentation, target market, competition, barriers to entry, and any relevant regulations.

The main objective of this section is to help the reader understand the size and attractiveness of the market while demonstrating your solid understanding of the industry.

Begin with the demographics and segmentation subsection, providing an overview of the addressable market for your moving company, the key trends in the marketplace, and introducing different customer segments along with their preferences in terms of purchasing habits and budgets.

Next, focus on your target market, zooming in on the specific customer segments your moving company aims to serve and explaining how your products and services fulfil their distinct needs.

For example, your target market might include people who are moving to a new city and need assistance with packing and transporting their belongings. This could include college students or young professionals who are relocating for a new job. Additionally, this market could include families who are relocating for better opportunities or to be closer to family.

Then proceed to the competition subsection, where you introduce your main competitors and highlight what sets you apart from them.

Finally, conclude your market analysis with an overview of the key regulations applicable to your moving company.

5. The strategy section

When crafting the strategy section of your business plan for your moving company, it's important to cover several key aspects, including your competitive edge, pricing strategy, sales & marketing plan, milestones, and risks and mitigants.

In the competitive edge subsection, clearly explain what sets your company apart from competitors. This is particularly critical if you're a startup, as you'll be trying to establish your presence in the marketplace among entrenched players.

The pricing strategy subsection should demonstrate how you aim to maintain profitability while offering competitive prices to your customers.

For the sales & marketing plan, outline how you plan to reach and acquire new customers, as well as retain existing ones through loyalty programs or special offers.

In the milestones subsection, detail what your company has achieved thus far and outline your primary objectives for the coming years by including specific dates for expected progress. This ensures everyone involved has clear expectations.

Lastly, in the risks and mitigants subsection, list the main risks that could potentially impact the execution of your plan. Explain the measures you've taken to minimize these risks. This is vital for investors or lenders to feel confident in supporting your venture - try to proactively address any objection they might have.

Your moving company could face a wide range of risks. One possible risk is damage to your clients' belongings while they are in transit. You may have to pay for repairs or replacement costs if something breaks during the move.

Another risk your company may face is liability for accidents or injuries that occur while your workers are on the job. If you don't have adequate insurance coverage, you could be liable for medical expenses or legal costs associated with a lawsuit.

6. The operations section

In your business plan, it's also essential to provide a detailed overview of the operations of your moving company.

Start by covering your team, highlighting key roles and your recruitment plan to support the expected growth. Outline the qualifications and experience required for each role and your intended recruitment methods, whether through job boards, referrals, or headhunters.

Next, clearly state your moving company's operating hours, allowing the reader to assess staffing levels adequately. Additionally, mention any plans for varying opening times during peak seasons and how you'll handle customer queries outside normal operating hours.

Then, shift your focus to the key assets and intellectual property (IP) necessary for your business. If you rely on licenses, trademarks, physical structures like equipment or property, or lease agreements, make sure to include them in this section.

You could have key assets such as a fleet of vehicles and specialized equipment for moving heavy items. Additionally, you might have intellectual property such as software for scheduling, tracking, and billing customers, or your own brand of packing materials.

Lastly, include a list of suppliers you plan to work with, detailing their services and main commercial terms, such as price, payment terms, and contract duration. Investors are interested in understanding why you've chosen specific suppliers, which may be due to higher-quality products or established relationships from previous ventures.

7. The presentation of the financial plan

The financial plan section is where we will include the financial forecast we talked about earlier in this guide.

Now that you have a clear idea of the content of a moving company business plan, let's look at some of the tools you can use to create yours.

What tool should I use to write my moving company's business plan?

In this section, we will be reviewing the two main solutions for creating a moving company business plan:

• Using specialized online business plan software,
• Outsourcing the plan to the business plan writer.

Using an online business plan software for your moving company's business plan

Using online business planning software is the most efficient and modern way to create a moving company business plan.

There are several advantages to using specialized software:

• You can easily create your financial forecast by letting the software take care of the financial calculations for you without errors
• You are guided through the writing process by detailed instructions and examples for each part of the plan
• You can access a library of dozens of complete business plan samples and templates for inspiration
• You get a professional business plan, formatted and ready to be sent to your bank or investors
• You can easily track your actual financial performance against your financial forecast
• You can create scenarios to stress test your forecast's main assumptions
• You can easily update your forecast as time goes by to maintain visibility on future cash flows
• You have a friendly support team on standby to assist you when you are stuck

If you're interested in using this type of solution, you can try The Business Plan Shop for free by signing up here .

Hiring a business plan writer to write your moving company's business plan

Outsourcing your moving company business plan to a business plan writer can also be a viable option.

Business plan writers are experienced in writing business plans and adept at creating financial forecasts without errors. Furthermore, hiring a consultant can save you time and allow you to focus on the day-to-day operations of your business.

However, hiring business plan writers is expensive as you are paying for the software used by the consultant, plus their time, and their profit margin of course.

From experience, you need to budget at least £1.5k ($2.0k) excluding tax for a complete business plan, more if you need to make changes after the initial version (which happens frequently after the initial meetings with lenders or investors).

You also need to be careful when seeking investment. Investors want their money to be used to grow the business, not spent on consulting fees. Therefore, the amount you spend on business plan writing services (and other consulting services such as legal services) needs to be negligible relative to the amount raised.

The other drawback is that you usually don't own the business plan itself: you just get the output, while the actual document is saved in the consultant's business plan software - which makes it difficult to maintain the document up to date without hiring the consultant on a retainer.

For these reasons, outsourcing the moving company business plan to a business plan writer should be considered carefully, weighing both the advantages and disadvantages of hiring outside help.

Ultimately, it may be the right decision for some businesses, while others may find it beneficial to write their business plan using online software.

Why not create your moving company's business plan using Word or Excel?

Using Microsoft Excel and Word (or their Google, Apple, or open-source equivalents) to write a moving company business plan is a terrible idea.

For starters, creating an accurate and error-free financial forecast on Excel (or any spreadsheet) is very technical and requires both a strong grasp of accounting principles and solid skills in financial modelling.

As a result, it is unlikely anyone will trust your numbers unless - like us at The Business Plan Shop - you hold a degree in finance and accounting and have significant financial modelling experience in your past.

The second reason is that it is inefficient. Building forecasts on spreadsheets was the only option in the 1990s and early 2000s, nowadays technology has advanced and software can do it much faster and much more accurately.

And with the rise of AI, software is also becoming smarter at helping us detect mistakes in our forecasts and helping us analyse the numbers to make better decisions.

Also, using software makes it easy to compare actuals vs. forecasts and maintain our forecasts up to date to maintain visibility on future cash flows - as we discussed earlier in this guide - whereas this is a pain to do with a spreadsheet.

That's for the forecast, but what about the written part of my moving company business plan?

This part is less error-prone, but here also software brings tremendous gains in productivity:

• Word processors don't include instructions and examples for each part of your business plan
• Word processors don't update your numbers automatically when they change in your forecast
• Word processors don't handle the formatting for you

Overall, while Word or Excel may be viable options for creating a moving company business plan for some entrepreneurs, it is by far not the best or most efficient solution.

• A business plan has 2 complementary parts: a financial forecast showcasing the expected growth, profits and cash flows of the business; and a written part which provides the context needed to judge if the forecast is realistic and relevant.
• Having an up-to-date business plan is the only way to keep visibility on your moving company's future cash flows.
• Using business plan software is the modern way of writing and maintaining business plans.

We hope that this practical guide gave you insights on how to write the business plan for your moving company. Do not hesitate to get in touch with our team if you still have questions.

Also on The Business Plan Shop

• In-depth business plan structure
• Key steps to write a business plan?
• Free business plan template

Know someone who owns or wants to start a moving company? Share this article with them!

Founder & CEO at The Business Plan Shop Ltd

Guillaume Le Brouster is a seasoned entrepreneur and financier.

Guillaume has been an entrepreneur for more than a decade and has first-hand experience of starting, running, and growing a successful business.

Prior to being a business owner, Guillaume worked in investment banking and private equity, where he spent most of his time creating complex financial forecasts, writing business plans, and analysing financial statements to make financing and investment decisions.

Guillaume holds a Master's Degree in Finance from ESCP Business School and a Bachelor of Science in Business & Management from Paris Dauphine University.

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By Vasi Atanasova

Updated: Oct 11, 2023

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Draft a business plan, license for moving company, purchase moving equipment, moving and transportation insurance, advertise your new moving company business, name of the company, online or offline advertising, affiliations, purchase moving leads, tips on starting – the beginning.

• 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.

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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Starting a Moving Company: Ideas

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.

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.

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.

Please note that in every state requirements for moving companies are different. Also here is a full list of government agencies that regulate household goods transportation companies by state .

Costs Associated with Starting a Moving Business

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.

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 $10 0 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.

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.

You should develop a brand that stands out. Branding your new moving company successfully will result in more sales.

Think of a great name for your new company. Choose carefully and make sure you don’t get sued.

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.

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 .

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.

If you want to kick-start your newly opened moving company, contact some online brokers and l ead 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 .

Here are some marketing ideas for movers you may want to go through to boost your business.

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.

At MyMovingReviews you can buy moving leads directly from us, or you can try one of the numerous lead providers out there. We’ve also prepared a separate guide on how to convert moving leads into customers easily .

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:

Like every other business if you take good care of it- have patience, invest time and money, your success is guaranteed one day.

According to Sharpsheets.io a moving company can make on average $35,000 per year.

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.

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More about the author

Written by Vasi Atanasova

Moving Expert & Contributor

Posted on Saturday, November 26, 2016, Last updated on October 11, 2023

Vasi is a relocation industry professional and author of moving guides, checklists, tips, and tricks. She has profound knowledge in the moving and storage industry as well as the auto transportation industry.

42 Comments

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.

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?

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!

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How to Start a Moving Company

9 Steps For Starting Your Own Moving Business

How big is the moving services industry, what are the key segments of the moving services industry, who are the key competitors in the moving services industry, what are the key customer segments in the moving market, what are the typical startup costs for a new moving business, is owning a moving company profitable, what are the keys to launching a new moving business.

• How to Start a Moving Business FAQs

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

Starting a moving business can be very profitable. With proper planning, execution and hard work, you can enjoy great success. Below you will learn the keys to launching and running a successful moving company.

Importantly, a critical step in starting a moving company is to complete your business plan. To help you out, you should download Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template here .

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here

1. Conduct Market Research for Your Target Market

First, you need to do your research and assess the demand for your moving services in your area. Your local chamber of commerce is a good place to start as they may provide some business profiles on companies that operate locally as well as their key competitors.

2. Obtain the Proper Business Licenses

It is important to contact your local state or county government’s business licensing agency to ensure that you are in compliance with all federal, state and local laws. This will also apply to obtaining necessary insurance for your moving company.

3. Develop a Business Plan

A moving company business plan is a roadmap for your company, laying out the framework with which you can find success. It typically includes company information such as where your business came from and why you started it, how to market the service you provide, what type of people will work for you and owners’ compensation. It also includes details about start-up costs, how you will monitor the success of your company and contingency plans for unforeseen circumstances.

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4. Find Funding

No successful business can get off the ground without funding so it is important to plan ahead to ensure you have enough start-up capital to sustain your company until you are profitable. Many banks or lending institutions may be willing to provide start-up loans or lines of credit, but be prepared to offer collateral and a comprehensive business plan that shows realistic financial projections.

5. Hire Employees

Once you have done your due diligence and found the success you were hoping for, there will come a point when your business will outgrow its existing staff so it is important to start recruiting early. Ensure that anyone who works for you knows the type of work they will be doing and that you can provide them with a safe environment to perform their duties.

6. Make Sure You Have the Proper Insurance Coverage

Getting adequate insurance coverage is essential when starting any business, but it’s even more important in the moving industry because injuries and accidents are so common.

Outside of the normal business insurance, you will need to make sure your company has insurance for workers compensation, commercial auto coverage and general liability and cargo insurance policies.

7. Develop an Effective Marketing Plan

No matter how great your marketing may be, it means nothing if no one buys the service you are selling. Develop a smart marketing plan that will help you attract new customers and retain existing ones. Marketing can be as simple as putting up some signs and flyers, talking to your neighbors and offering discounts and specials throughout the year to keep your name in front of people’s minds. You could also invest in paid advertising, posting on Social Media platforms, and/or search engine optimization for your website.

8. Keep Good Records for Tax Purposes

Proper record keeping is the key to avoiding legal trouble, especially when it comes to taxes. Make sure you are recording every transaction your company makes so that you are fully compliant with tax laws.

9. Monitor Customer Satisfaction and Competitors

Customer loyalty and satisfaction is vital to your company’s success and will ensure you get repeat business, referral new customers and maintain a positive reputation.

Monitor the success of your marketing efforts by looking at website statistics, social media analytics and how many people visit your new office space. See what your competitors are up to and plan on staying one step ahead of them.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

The moving industry is a multi-billion dollar industry valued at $18.5 billion this year. Its annualized market size growth in the next five years is projected to be at 0.6%.

The moving services industry can be segmented into three key markets: residential, business, and government. Within these markets, there are a number of key segments that make up the overall market.

Residential

This market is made up of customers who are moving within their local areas, such as a city or town. The main segments within this market are relocation services and full-service moves. 

• Relocation services are when a moving company only helps with part of the move, such as packing or unpacking.
• Full-service moving businesses help with everything from planning to packing to moving and even cleaning up. The moving services industry is made up mostly of full-service moving companies because they offer more services for the same price.

This market consists of moving businesses that help other businesses relocate within their local area, region, or nationwide. The main segments in this market are multi-family moves (moving within an apartment building) and commercial/office moves (relocating office space).

• Multi-family moving service companies specialize in helping landlords manage large numbers of people who are moving or out of his/her property.
• Commercial/office moving service companies help businesses relocate their offices, cubicles, or other workspaces.

Government moving businesses are designed to help government organizations manage the relocation of employees within their same department or agency. This includes military personnel who are being transferred to different bases, for example. Moving large numbers of people can be difficult and time-consuming, so this market is filled with moving businesses that handle these types of relocations on behalf of the government.

The moving services industry has a large market presence because it operates in all three major moving markets. Companies in this industry help customers move within their local or even across the country, so there are opportunities for businesses to be successful in any of these markets.

There are several major moving and packing services competitors within the United States including:

ArcBest Corporation (Includes: United Van Lines, Trans Advantage, UniGroup Worldwide, Allegiant Move Management)

ArcBest Corporation is the holding company for five independent operations, four of which are in transportation and logistics. Of these, ABF Logistics is the key player in the moving services market.

Atlas World Group Inc. (Includes: Atlas Van Lines)

The Atlas World Group is a family of businesses that employs 734 people and provides transportation and relocation services. Atlas Van Lines, the company’s flagship subsidiary, is one of the largest interstate motor carriers in the United States and offers household moving, storage, corporate relocation, international moving, government and military moving, as well as logistics.

Sirva Inc. (Includes: Allied Van Lines, Global Van Lines, North American Van Lines and Allied Pickfords)

Sirva Inc. is a worldwide moving company headquartered in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, with operations in 177 countries. Allied Van Lines, Global Van Lines, North American Van Lines, and Allied Pickfords are some of the North American brands affiliated with the firm.

Businesses in the moving market can be broken down into two different segments: Residential Moving and Commercial Moving.

Residential moving customers

Moving customers in the residential moving segment are typically homeowners who require residential movers to move their goods from one home to another. They may engage moving companies because they are moving to a new home, require additional storage space or need to dispose of some of their goods.

Commercial Moving customers

The moving customers in the commercial moving segment may be office management, retail management, or other company staff that need commercial movers to move their business and office items from one location to another.

Commercial moving customers can include corporate real estate departments, businesses that are relocating offices, and manufacturers whose products need to be transported on pallets. Customers in this segment typically pay more than residential customers do since commercial customers tend to move larger volumes over long distances. This means commercial movers will often hire a professional moving company or truck for business moves.

The initial costs when starting a moving company depend on how extensive you want your services to be. If you only need the basics like boxes, moving blankets, packing materials like bubble wrap and packing tape, and furniture pads for moving heavy items, you could start with less than $500 in startup costs. 

These are a few key costs that you need to take into account when launching a moving company:

• Moving Supplies : These include moving boxes, trucks, blankets, and straps. Getting the right equipment will help reduce dents, dings and damaged furniture and could save your employees from injuries during the move.
• Office/Storage Space : A standard local moving company would rent a moving office that’s close to the moving company’s working locations. This is because it would be too time-consuming to drive back and forth from an outside moving office. Also, some moving companies need storage for all their supplies on top of having an office space.
• Advertising Costs : This can include flyers, business cards, website advertising, and other marketing materials — anything needed to get new customers.
• Employee Costs : This will be needed for warehouse-type jobs where multiple employees are needed.
• Moving Liability Insurance : Moving companies need cargo and vehicle insurance because they’re transporting other people’s belongings, which can be expensive. This protects them from lawsuits they might face in the future when providing their services. This insurance is typically purchased annually. 
• Additional Costs : These costs may include permits, vehicle maintenance, and tolls. The moving company must make sure all its moving equipment is up-to-date to reduce any potential problems or damages to your goods.

The short answer is yes. Owning a moving company, if done professionally and ethically, can be a very profitable business venture. However, it takes hard work to get there.

To launch a successful moving business, it is imperative to understand the important keys that will contribute to the success of your business.

Here are some tips that you can follow when starting your moving business:

1. Have a clear business plan for your moving business.

Moving business owners know the importance of having a written moving business plan in terms of using it to guide their business decisions. A moving business plan consists of your vision for your successful moving company, objectives, and strategies, and analysis of the market and competitors, financials (such as cost/expense projections), action steps (what is your game plan), and key milestones.

2. Develop relationships with movers in other moving businesses.

Moving businesses are part of a larger moving services industry; therefore, they should work together to promote better customer service when offering moving quotes. Moving businesses typically know which other business owners offer the best services and may be willing to refer to each other’s customers, especially if they are in close proximity.

Moving business owners can also partner with movers who own removal companies or transport cargo across the world. This will  help you expand your customer base and think outside the box when it comes to marketing.

3. Utilize online moving company directories.

Online and local business directories are a great way for your moving company to gain exposure, connect with other moving businesses in your area, or both. The moving company directory allows customers looking for a successful moving company in their area to search by zip code and find out what moving businesses are available near them. Moving businesses listed on the directory receive free promotion via an email blast sent out to everyone who uses it as well as social media marketing opportunities through a company Facebook page and Twitter profile.

Some online directories that you can use are Google Maps or Yelp for Business to list your moving company and gain exposure through local searches and social media marketing campaigns.

4. Join industry associations related to moving services.

There are different moving associations all over the world that moving company owners can join to network with other movers, receive support from industry experts and learn about government rules and regulations pertaining to your moving company. Joining a moving association will also help you stand out as a legitimate moving company.

5. Increase brand recognition using social media platforms.

Moving businesses can utilize social media sites to increase their online presence. You should launch company Facebook pages, Twitter profiles, and YouTube channels. You can also create Instagram accounts (or hire someone who is good at taking pictures) to share moving photos with customers or include them on your website. Moving business owners who utilize social media marketing effectively can often see results in as little as a week, although it may take some time for the networks to grow with constant participation.

6. Secure your licenses and insurances.

When starting a moving company, you must have the proper licenses and insurance in place. Moving businesses often require local moving business licenses, DOT moving licenses (Department of Transportation), worker’s compensation insurance, and general liability insurance. Moving businesses should also carry cargo insurance if they transport valuable items.  

Additional Resources

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How to Finish Your Ultimate Business Plan in 1 Day!

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With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

Starting a Moving Company FAQs

Can i start a moving company without a truck.

Yes, the following are some of the ways that you may be able to start a moving business without owning your own moving truck.

• Pickup Truck Rental : You can rent a pickup truck from locations such as U-Haul for smaller moves.
• Truck Rental : Moving trucks can be rented for short periods of time. Moving trucks may offer moving vouchers to inexperienced movers, which provide discounted rates on the first several jobs completed for new movers.
• Van Rentals : Moving vans can also be rented for short periods of time if customers do not want to purchase one.
• Act as Freelance Movers : Moving companies will sometimes hire freelance movers.
• Partner with Moving Companies : Contact local moving companies and inquire about becoming their partner, or hiring them for some jobs at least some of the time.

What are the financing options available for starting a moving business?

Financing options to start a moving company may include small business loans, credit cards, or personal loans. 

Small business loans are available from the SBA, banks, and local community credit unions. 

Credit cards may be used to fund working capital, which is needed for payroll, inventory, and other pre-opening expenses but note that they charge higher interest rates than small business loans and grants. 

You can also contact close family and friends and make personal loans to add to your moving business financing, but make sure to have a repayment plan set up from the beginning.

What are the requirements for a loan application for a moving business?

When applying for a loan to start your own successful moving company, the following documents are usually required:

• Personal Resume
• Photo ID (Driver's License or Passport)
• List of Assets (Home/Rental Property/Bank Accounts/Other Liquid Assets)
• Loan Application Form
• Copy of Your Business Plan
• List of Companies You Plan to Use as References
• Copy of Your Personal Tax Returns (Federal and State) for the Past 3 Years

What are the best trucks for a moving business?

There is no definitive answer to the question of which trucks are the best to start a moving company. It depends on the specific needs and requirements of your business. Some things to consider include the size of your moving company, the distance you will be traveling, and the types of jobs you will be doing. You may want to consider purchasing or renting a moving truck, moving van, or box truck.

Moving companies may also choose to partner with a moving truck rental company or list their own truck for rent on websites like U-Haul.

What are the pros and cons of buying your own moving truck?

The following are some of the benefits to owning your own moving company truck:

• Saves Money : Buying a used moving van, instead of leasing a new one, can save you up to 50% of the money that you would have spent.
• More opportunities : When your company owns its own truck, it gives you more options for jobs and the opportunity to gain more contracts. Being able to deliver items on your own schedule also makes you more competitive against other companies that offer similar services.

The following are some of the disadvantages to owning your own truck:

• Liability : When you lease a truck from a rental company, they usually include insurance coverage in case something happens while you're using it. Unfortunately, if you have an accident with your own truck, you will have to pay for all costs associated.
• Maintenance : If something breaks on your own truck, pay the cost of repairs yourself. In addition, if you decide to sell or trade-in your truck, you may lose money on it since most used trucks depreciate very quickly.

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How to start a moving business in 10 steps.

With an entrepreneurial mindset, it’s easy to spot potential business opportunities that stem from practical needs. Providing physical moving services is one way to generate new business from a tangible need that many people have. This guide highlights how to start a moving business from scratch.

There are many things to consider as a business owner, including financial, legal, and administrative details. The time you invest to establish everything properly at the start can generate a significant return on investment.

How can you start your moving business today with less stress, more creativity, and a simple path forward? Consider this your roadmap for launching a new and exciting career. 

Here’s What We’ll Cover:

What Does a Moving Company Do?

Why should you start a moving business, 10 steps to starting a moving company, making a profit in your moving business, mistakes to avoid when starting a moving company, accounting considerations for your moving business, start your moving business today, related businesses to moving.

A moving business or company is a service that helps other businesses, individuals, or families transport physical goods from an existing location to a new one. A successful moving business can cater to commercial services or personal use, but the idea of offering safe and easy transport is the same. 

While some moving companies specialize in local or short-range deliveries, others provide assistance for longer cross-country or transcontinental moves. These companies are usually more experienced in handling different types of freight, cargo, and international shipping regulations. 

Types of Moving Businesses

If you’ve ever thought about how to start a moving business, you may have begun brainstorming what type of moving company to create. The options are as diverse as your personal interests, so there’s plenty of room for creativity.

Some of the most common or widely recognized types of moving businesses include:

• Local services : These businesses serve customers within one region or state, often within a set radius of 100 miles or less. Movers in this category serve residential properties with families or individuals who have basic needs. This is the standard option for transporting furniture, boxes, fragile items, and storage materials.
• Long-distance services : Long-distance services can include moves within the same country or international shipping. In this business, you must be familiar with federal transportation requirements, shipping dimensions, and overseas freight policies for this type of moving company. There are more complicated logistic and legal regulations involved.
• Commercial moving companies : Commercial movers help other businesses pack up and change locations. This involves substantially more staff and material than residential or small-scale moves. Complexities in this kind of moving company can involve the weight of materials, navigating professional office spaces, and working with other business owners. 
• Automotive transportation companies : Some moving companies specialize in the transport of cars and other vehicles, often across long distances. Automotive moves can be priced according to speciality, but this kind of moving company must have fleets and trained staff members to handle the job.

Complementary Services You Can Offer

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to capitalize on your interests, skills, and income goals within the moving industry. There are also plenty of ways that you can specialize by starting a moving company that offers niche services and support to new and existing customers.

Some of the ways that you can expand your moving company to offer a broader range of services include:

• Having goods and packing materials available for purchase
• Offering packing and unboxing services before and after a move
• Specializing in large, fragile, or antique objects
• Having a temporary storage option available for customers in transition
• Providing a self-service option that includes trucks, materials, and equipment

Starting a moving business is a safe way to enter the world of having your own company. Many business owners enjoy the relatively low barrier to entry that moving businesses provide. This simply means that a moving company is an option with low overhead and minimal requirements to get started.

Additionally, these types of services are always in demand. As long as people are buying and selling houses, moving into commercial spaces, and shipping their materials from one place to the next, there will be a need for reputable moving companies. Since this demand is fairly constant throughout different times of the year, well-established companies can avoid the “feast or famine” cycle typical in other industries.

Finally, a moving business can be as small or as expansive as you wish to make it. If you only have time to offer weekend services, you can do so and start to build a reputation. There is plenty of room to scale your business based on available time, resources, and desire. 

Now that you’ve learned about the potential opportunities you can create with different services, it’s time to consider the logistics. What do you really need to do to start your new moving company? Consider the ten steps below for how to start a moving company.

1. Pick Your Speciality or Niche

You can take your moving company in one of many directions. Trying to offer a multitude of services when you start, however, could prove to be too difficult to navigate. Instead of tackling several specialties at once, pick one and make sure you learn everything you can about it.

Your business specialty dictates how much money you invest, what types of equipment you need, and which legal aspects apply to you. It’s therefore important that you start here in order to follow through with big decisions down the line.

When you choose a niche, your future customers are also able to find out about your company more easily. Having a targeted focus makes your business more searchable and relevant.

2.  Define Specific Business Goals

What do you want to accomplish with your new moving company? Is it a current side hustle that you plan to take full-time once the business is profitable? Are you hoping to sell it to a potential investor or to a more established company after a certain number of years?

Considering these questions can assist you as you set personal and professional goals, and as you establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for your successful moving company. 

In fact, the more specific you are with things like customer acquisition, revenue goals, and number of business contracts, the more flexibility you’ll be able to create for yourself.

Setting specific goals in your moving business can also help you avoid:

• Getting sidetracked on additional products or services that aren’t your primary focus
• Losing sight of your company’s mission or its original value proposition
• Spending too much money on an unnecessary expense or investment
• Feeling burned-out and overwhelmed by the pressure to to succeed in business 

3. Plan Your Business Structure

There are plenty of tangible steps you’ll need to complete in order to actually operate as a successful moving business that makes money. One of the first items on your preparation checklist involves setting up the formal structure of your business. 

There are four widely recognized business models that you can choose from. These include:

• Sole proprietorship : Provides the most flexibility to owners, but also includes the greatest amount of liability and personal responsibility 
• Partnership : Includes two distinct options for general and limited partnership, in which certain factors dictate who is responsible for business debts
• Corporation : Separates one’s personal financial obligations from the business itself, and protects owners from business losses should they occur
• Limited liability company (LLC) : Establishes corporate liability protection but may also come with higher legal, filing, and startup fees than other structures

When you start out, you may not be ready to consider your business as a corporate entity, but taking the appropriate steps can offer significant financial protection. Make sure to consult with a financial or business advisor for questions unique to your personal situation. 

4. Complete Legal and Tax Documents

When you start a new business, make sure to check with your locality or state to determine the necessary filing and paperwork requirements. Many local jurisdictions have specific licenses that you must obtain before you can legally operate. To avoid fees, always file this documentation before working with customers.

In addition to obtaining a local or state business license, you should also make sure to establish your federal tax status. This includes securing an employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS. An EIN is what uniquely identifies your moving company and allows you to open business-related accounts, file taxes, and receive appropriate recognition.

If you plan to offer long-distance services, you’ll also need to ensure compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation. Registration paperwork is required for hauling companies that cross state lines, and failure to report your services can result in hefty fines. Make sure to cover all of your bases in terms of licensing to avoid any interruptions or suspensions.

5. Scope Out the Competition

Based on the amount of demand for moving services around the world, it should come as no surprise that there are plenty of businesses offering similar services. While you don’t need to be concerned with every competitor when you’re starting out, you should possess awareness about direct competitors.

Most of the time, this involves looking at the top local providers in your area. What services do they offer, and why do customers choose them for moving? Are there any ways that your business could offer something unique or exceptional?

Investing in a bit of market research into the moving industry provides insight into how you advertise services to local clients. This research may also influence how you price your own services to stay competitive. While you should never copy another company’s messaging directly, you can learn more about what specific things convince people to become loyal customers. 

6. Secure the Proper Insurance

Many moving companies encourage customers to secure their own forms of insurance to protect personal and valuable items during a move. As an established company, you can also get different types of insurance to protect yourself from risks on the job. 

Some of the insurance policies you might want to get when you start a moving company are:

• Personal liability insurance: These policies protect you against customers who are unsatisfied with the moving experience, and provide coverage for standard accidents, breakages, or lost items
• Automotive insurance: Whether you use a moving truck or van, or even larger commercial fleet vehicles, your transportation options must carry the proper policies
• Commercial property insurance: If you own any other property or assets aside from your vehicles, get commercial insurance to protect your equipment or office spaces
• Workers’ compensation: Since moving is a physical and labor-intensive occupation, it’s wise to have insurance in place to protect workers in the event of injury

Remember, while no one wants to have to use liability insurance, going without it could present a larger risk both personally and financially.

7. Make Business-related Purchases

When you start a moving company, you will need to make some initial investments. Fortunately, if your moving business starts out as a small operation, there aren’t too many overhead costs to take on.

Some of the business-related purchases that you’ll want to make for your new moving company at the start include:

• Vehicle and gas
• Basic moving equipment, such as hand trucks, gloves, and trolleys
• Personal safety equipment 
• Uniforms (optional)
• Insurance coverage
• Renting a moving truck
• Moving and packing materials available for customers 
• Payment processing or accounting software
• Miscellaneous services like a business phone line or Wi-Fi

If you can’t or don’t want to fund these expenses personally, consider your financing options. Start speaking with local financial institutions at the start of the process to avoid delays.

8. Define a Target Market for Your Services

This step should be part of your initial market research process at the start. Defining a target audience helps you answer the question, “Who are my ideal customers?” Remember to focus on your niche or specialty when defining this audience.

Once you have your target market, you can create a customer persona. This provides a way for you to visualize what your perfect customer needs, struggles with, and wants to accomplish.

The sooner you discover these details, the more potential your small business has from day one. It also helps you to target your advertising, fine-tune your marketing, and improve your standards for customer service.

It also helps to write a business plan that clearly outlines your unique selling proposition (USP) and details your company structure. This business plan may even help you attract investors if you need capital in order to get started.

9. Advertise Your Services

Once you’re ready to officially launch, you should begin marketing your new moving services. You can certainly get creative with this process and leverage a variety of tools and tactics. 

Some of the ways that you’ll want to market your small business include:

• Running paid ads on Google or social media
• Driving organic traffic with search engine optimization (SEO)
• Marketing your small business on social media channels
• Running local print ads
• Leveraging word-of-mouth and personal referrals

For more ideas on how to advertise your small business, follow our guide on How to Promote Your Business . The article will walk you through steps to market your business locally and promote your business with no money.

No matter how you choose to start talking about your business, always be proactive. Customers may not know that your services exist, but they may fit perfectly within your ideal customer profile.

Depending on your budget and momentum, you may want to also hire an internal staff member or an outside consultant to handle some of the marketing needs on your behalf.

10. Onboard New Clients

Have you ever signed up for a new service, only to be left frustrated by an ambiguous process for receiving what was promised? A common pain point in the moving industry is helping your new clients and customers understand exactly what to expect on the day of their big move.

To truly provide exceptional service, develop a detailed onboarding process that makes the work of moving easier for both you and your clients. Remind them of important times, extra fees, requirements, and expectations. By being transparent and paying careful attention to the details, you can help everyone involved in the process avoid unexpected surprises and hassle. 

Client onboarding can also contribute directly to satisfaction rates. When customers feel valued even before the actual moving starts, they’ll likely be more relaxed about a process that can otherwise seem complicated and difficult. This is one extra step you can take to ensure customer satisfaction.

Profitability in any type of business is never a given. In fact, it often requires hard work, dedication and troubleshooting to get there. 

When you want to generate a profit in your moving business, adhere to the following practical tips:

• Reduce costs and overhead: As a successful moving business owner, you must learn how to calculate overhead in your moving business. Overhead expenses are those associated with running your normal operations in the background. When you trim recurring costs and cut monthly expenses, you can increase your bottom line to generate higher profits.
• Develop strong lead generation tactics: Acquiring new leads is the process by which your company will generate a steady stream of new clients. While this is an essential step for staying profitable, it rarely happens on autopilot. To make a decent profit, you’ll want to think critically about your customer funnel and marketing methods.
• Knowing your value and primary selling point: When you first begin, you may want to lower your rates to get more clients. Undercutting the value of your services for an extended period of time, however, can be detrimental to profit margins. When you offer exceptional, high-quality value to your clients, you can feel confident in your pricing structure and in the value of what you offer. 

Moving businesses can occasionally get a poor or negative reputation based on the experience of a few select customers. Although accidents and poor judgment calls will happen, there are ways to mitigate risk and provide a better experience to paying customers.

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when starting your new moving company:

• Spreading your resources too thin: As an owner, you should always have a good pulse on the resources that are available to you. This includes time, staffing, materials, and transportation. Never commit to jobs or customers if you aren’t able to cover the responsibilities with what you have on hand.
• Providing inadequate training: Moving may sound fairly straightforward, but there are plenty of relevant job skills that your employees should know. These include handling procedures, safety skills, and customer service. Failing to train staff in these areas could lead to poor experiences and costly mistakes. 
• Lacking good policies and procedures: How will your company handle accidents, lost items, and other service interruptions? Avoid potentially awkward and harmful situations by thinking ahead on your policies. Customers may even request these details before signing a new business contract. 

One of the most crucial areas to navigate in your new business is your accounting structure. How will you set up your most basic financial processes to ensure visibility into your revenue and expenses? Having a reliable and flexible accounting system like FreshBooks can take your business operations to a new level.

Whether you decide to manage your accounting procedures in-house or hire an outside consultant to do the work for you, consider how to keep track of the essential financial activities in your business. This includes establishing a reliable invoicing process , writing accurate estimates for services , and maintaining the proper documentation. 

Good accounting not only helps your business in the day-to-day operations, but it also makes a significant difference over many months and years. The sooner you establish your accounting procedures, the more effective you can be when it comes to things like money management, payroll and benefits, tax liabilities, and more. 

Are you ready to forge a path to success in your moving business? Now that you have the foundational knowledge and practical tips, you’ll be more equipped to handle every detail along the way.

Although you’ll likely encounter some hurdles in your moving business journey, remember that every company grows through a trial and error process. By committing to the proper startup measures and making the right investments, you can craft the company and get the success you’ve always dreamed about. 

By following the ten practical steps above, we hope that you feel ready to kickstart a new and successful moving company in your local community or abroad. 

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How to start a successful moving company

Starting a moving company begins with understanding the steps to take before opening your own business. Rushing into a new business venture without adequate knowledge and planning could set you up for failure. But once you’ve made your business plan and understand legal requirements, starting a moving business could be very rewarding.

Why start a moving company?

Starting a moving company can prove to be a profitable option, especially for people with experience in the moving industry. Owning your own moving business can allow you to be your own boss and offers flexibility that you might not have if you were working for someone else. You can start your business with just one moving truck or even a van.

There’s more to know about opening your business than just driving a truck though. You’ll need to follow your state’s guidelines for registering as a business and obtain the correct permits and licenses to run the business legally and efficiently.

Other than licensing costs, you’ll likely run into expenses for equipment, recruiting employees, daily operations, marketing, and more. Owning your own business often comes with a lot of stress and hard work too.

10 steps for starting a successful moving business

To give yourself the best chance for building a successful moving company, you’ll want to have a clear vision of what you want your new business to become and how you want to operate it. Here are 10 steps to help you start a successful moving business:

1. Develop a business plan

A business plan guides you through the steps for starting and running a moving company. It helps you understand the needs of your new business, so you can confront challenges head-on before problems arise. When writing a business plan , you need to include some key components.

You’ll start with the executive summary, the most important part of your business plan. It outlines the overall vision and goals of the company, as well as the strategies to achieve them. It should also include an overview of the market need for your services and the financial potential of the company.

Next up is the company overview. You might know you want to start a moving company, but you’ll also need to decide what type of moving jobs you want to do. Here are a couple of moving company types you may want to consider:

• Local moving companies restrict services to local moves (often between 25 and 100 miles from the company headquarters). This option may mean lower startup costs and fewer employees. If you’re based in only one state, you’ll have fewer permits and licenses to get. It may also mean less complex reporting requirements. You can focus on two types of moves: commercial and/or business. Commercial moving companies help businesses move their assets to a new location. Household movers help families move their possessions to a new home.
• Specialty service movers offer niche moving services such as for art, pianos, or for fragile or valuable items.

You’ll also need to do some in-depth analysis. An industry analysis examines the moving industry as a whole and identifies opportunities for growth. Then, a customer analysis looks at the customers you want to target, how you’ll reach them, and how you plan to meet their needs.

The competitive analysis portion of a business plan examines your competitors – other moving companies targeting the same customers. Outline a strategy for how you can get and keep a competitive edge. One way to do that is through your unique selling point (USP) and how to plan to get your USP across to customers.

Finally, you’ll move into your business operations and financial plans. Here, you determine your goals as a professional mover, how you'll achieve them, and how you'll finance the startup costs of the business.

2. Choose your business structure

Deciding on a business structure is a first step to registering your new moving business. The four common legal structures for this type of business are sole proprietor, limited liability company (LLC), a C corporation, and an S corporation. Each kind of legal entity has pros and cons. Read more about the pros and cons of sole proprietorship versus limited liability company .

• Sole proprietorship : You can go into business as a sole proprietor, without forming a separate legal entity, if you own the entire business. However, if you are a sole proprietor, your personal assets may not be protected in case of a lawsuit. You may work under your own name or file for a DBA (doing business as) if you want to name your company something else.
• C corporation : A corporate structure that creates the most separation between the owners (shareholders) and the business, and which can help both the business and shareholder protect their assets. If the owners work in the business they are employees, and the business files its own tax return and pays tax separately from the owners.
• S corporation : Similar to a C corporation, an S corporation is a distinct corporate entity and any shareholders who work in the business are employees. This separation is helpful for protecting the personal assets of the shareholders. However, the income is reported and taxed on the shareholder’s personal tax returns.
• Limited liability company (LLC) : Forming an LLC may protect your personal assets from business lawsuits, while providing more flexibility than a corporation. If you choose this entity type, you’ll have options on how your business will be taxed; it could be any of the above, or taxed as a partnership depending on the number of owners and tax elections made.

3. Register for taxes

Most businesses need an employer identification number (EIN). You can apply for an EIN from the IRS, and it’s fairly simple. You may also need to set up payroll taxes if you have employees, and collect local and state sales tax from your customers. You might also be subject to fuel taxes and trucking taxes. Check with your state government to see their regulations.

4. Apply for a business license

Once you have an EIN and have created a legal entity, you can apply for a business license . In most cases, registering with state and local governments is a legal requirement. Some states allow you to apply for a business license online, but others may not. Be sure to register the company and obtain any necessary permits that state and federal laws may require. A number of special permits and licenses may be involved, especially if your moves cover more than one state .

You may also need to meet licensing requirements, such as having a commercial driver’s license (CDL), if you plan to drive any of the moving trucks. This doesn’t apply if you’re driving a moving van or hiring other drivers to operate your commercial vehicles.

5. Determine startup costs and equipment needed

Startup costs are an important consideration when starting a moving company. Aside from securing a location, you’ll need equipment, and that can get pricey. You may need a pickup truck or van, packing boxes (ideally branded ones), dollies, rope, packing materials, moving blankets, tie-down ratchet straps, and ramps. And don’t forget about services (for example, vehicle maintenance) and supplies.

Once you’ve worked out your startup costs, you need to come up with a way to fund them. Some common financing options are:

• personal savings
• credit card
• family and friends
• small business loan

6. Define your target market

Your target market depends on the unique selling proposition (USP) that you included in your business plan. To narrow it down further, ask yourself:

• what type of services you will offer
• which locations and types of customers (commercial or residential) you want to serve
• what sets your services apart from other moving companies with the same target market

Understanding your USP and target market is necessary for obtaining and keeping your customers. You need that information to market your brand effectively.

7. Set your prices

It’s a good idea to understand your competitors’ prices before setting your own. At the same time, you need to make sure your pricing structure allows you to make a profit. Understanding your costs is an important factor. Start small with your business. Take into account employee wages if you have anyone assisting you, daily operating costs, insurance costs, taxes, fuel, maintenance, and any other expenses you have, regardless of how small.

After calculating your expenses and investigating competitor pricing, decide how to price your services. Common methods used by moving companies to determine their prices are:

• charging a minimum fee, to ensure you still make a profit for smaller jobs
• charging by the hour or by the mile
• a combination of weight and mileage

8. Develop a marketing plan and build your brand

Part of your marketing plan is to build your brand. It starts with a name for your company. Check to see if the website domain is available for the name you choose. An online presence can help your target customers find you. It also helps build trust in your brand. Don’t overlook the importance of a good logo and adding customer reviews to your site. A search engine optimization (SEO) strategy can bring more traffic and potential customers.

Social media is another great way to reach your target market. You can use several social media platforms to market to several types of customers. For example, Facebook and Instagram can help you reach Gen X and Millennials, and TikTok is an optimal platform for reaching Gen Z customers. Other common channels for marketing that can drive business include:.

• word-of-mouth referrals
• business cards
• newspaper and/or radio ads
• professional organizations such as the American Trucking Associations
• a Google business profile
• local business directories

9. Open a business bank account

To keep your company’s finances separate from your own, a business bank account is a must-have. It makes things easier when filing your taxes. Plus, it’s helpful if you want to eventually open a company credit card or take out a business loan.

10. Get business insurance

A business insurance policy is essential for most small business owners. You may need commercial auto insurance for your moving vehicle, cargo insurance to cover damaged or lost shipments, workers’ compensation for potential employee injuries, and general liability insurance or a business owner’s policy, too.

Insurance requirements can vary from state to state. Even if it's not required by law, it's a smart move to consider insurance coverage when starting your own moving company. When in doubt, consult with a lawyer.

Xero does not provide accounting, tax, business or legal advice. This guide has been provided for information purposes only. You should consult your own professional advisors for advice directly relating to your business or before taking action in relation to any of the content provided.

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Moving Company Business Plan (+Template in PDF)

AUG.02, 2023

1. What Is the business plan for a moving company?

When cre­ating a business plan for a moving company, it’s important to conduct a thorough evaluation of the moving industry. This asse­ssment should cover various aspects, such as ide­ntifying the range of service­s that are typically provided and analyzing the e­xisting competitors within the market.

In addition, a comprehe­nsive business plan should incorporate a thorough analysis of the­ market, an assessment of the­ company’s products or services, a sales and marke­ting strategy, financial projections, human resource­s planning, and clearly defined obje­ctives for both short-term and long-term succe­ss.

The market analysis should consider all potential customers, the geographic areas that the company can service, and the specialty services offered, if applicable. The products/services that will be sold should be detailed, including the types of packing materials, equipment, and pricing.

Similar to the Errand Service Business Plan , the financial projections should demonstrate a practical approach that will be taken for startup and long-term business planning and should include projected revenues and expenses. The human resources plan should list staffing, remuneration, and training details.

2. Why do we need a residential and commercial moving company business plan?

A business plan is one of the most important documents that an entrepreneur can create when launching a new moving company business. The plan also assists e­ntrepreneurs in gaining a compre­hensive understanding of the­ industry, competition, target market, and financial ne­eds and objectives.

Moreove­r, a well-crafted business plan se­rves as a guide to achieving company goals and can also attract pote­ntial investors and secure loan financing. For any small moving company looking to provide re­sidential and commercial moving service­s, it is crucial to create a detaile­d and comprehensive busine­ss plan.

3. Executive Summary

Business overview.

Ready-Se­t-Go Moving is a comprehensive moving company that focuse­s on providing residential and commercial move­s, storage services, and packing se­rvices.

Our dedicate­d staff is committed to ensuring a seamle­ss and stress-free moving e­xperience. We­ work closely with each client, tailoring our approach to the­ir unique needs and cre­ating personalized moving plans that prioritize the­ir satisfaction.

The primary goal of Ready-Set-Go Moving is to offer a stress-free moving experience that provides top-notch customer service. Ready-Set-Go Moving is committed to delivering an enjoyable experience that goes beyond the traditional moving process, ultimately reducing its customers’ stress.

The company’s headquarters will be located in Springfield, MO, strategically positioned near major business destinations. Additionally, they will extend their services to customers requiring longer distance moves.

The services provided in the sample business plan moving company include:

• Residential and Commercial Moving Services
• Storage Services
• Packing Services
• Long-Distance Moving Services
• Loading and Unloading Services

Customer Focus

Through its personalized customer service, Ready-Set-Go Moving seeks to meet each customer’s unique needs. Like the Real Estate Flipping Business Plan , ensuring customer satisfaction is a top priority, and they are committed to ensuring that each customer is treated with respect and provided with the services they need in a timely, efficient manner. Their team will go above and beyond to meet each customer’s expectations.

Management Team

The Re­ady-Set-Go Moving team is comprised of skille­d and experience­d movers who possess a wealth of knowle­dge in their field. All membe­rs of the team have unde­rgone rigorous training in the company’s best practice­s. Each team member consiste­ntly exhibits professionalism and a strong commitment to our mission of de­livering stress-free­ customer service.

Success Factors

The succe­ss of Ready-Set-Go Moving relie­s on its dedicated and skilled te­am, advanced equipment, and custome­r-focused service package­s.

Just like the­ Self Storage Business Plan , the­ company is committed to delivering a smooth and hassle­-free moving expe­rience and aims to become­ the top choice for their custome­rs.

Moving Company Business Plan Financials

The business plan for car towing and moving company financial model includes the following:

• Investment assumptions of $100,000
• Employee compensation and benefits of $24,000
• Office expenses, insurance, and supplies of $6,800
• Administrative costs of $20,000
• Equipment and truck rental costs $15,000
• Moving services revenues of $30,000 per month
• Total profits of $12,000 per month

4. Company Overview

Who is ready-set-go moving.

Ready-Se­t-Go Moving, a reputable and reliable­ moving company based in Los Angeles, California, offe­rs comprehensive and trustworthy se­rvices to our estee­med clientele­. Whether you are transitioning to a ne­w residence or re­locating your business, our specialized te­am ensures exce­ptional moving experience­s tailored to your needs. No matte­r the scale of the move­, we guarantee pe­rsonalized attention and top-notch service­ for every client.

At Ready-Se­t-Go Moving, our utmost priority is ensuring customer satisfaction. We strive­ to deliver exce­ptional moving services, aiming to make e­ach client’s experie­nce stress-free­ and enjoyable. Our goal revolve­s around providing a seamless and pleasant journe­y for every individual we se­rve.

The company boasts a te­am of highly skilled movers who are ade­pt at utilizing advanced technology and equipme­nt to ensure the comple­tion of every project with utmost safe­ty and efficiency. Clients trust that Re­ady-Set-Go Moving consistently prioritizes the­ir needs when it come­s to the task of moving.

Ready-Set-Go Moving history

Ready-Set-Go Moving was established in 2021. The founder of the company, Mike Brown, has over ten years of experience in the moving industry.

With Mike as its leader, Ready-Set-Go Moving quickly became a reliable and dependable leader in the moving industry. Ready-Set-Go Moving’s mission is to become the most trusted and respected movers in the industry, providing the highest quality of services and customer satisfaction.

5. Industry Analysis

In the curre­nt market, a new moving company has immense­ growth potential. The moving service­s industry is experiencing rapid e­xpansion worldwide. People are­ constantly seeking reliable­ and affordable services to assist the­m during relocations. According to a report, the US moving marke­t is projected to increase­ by USD 1.95 billion from 2021 to 2026.

Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/moving-services-market-size-in-the-us-to-grow-by-usd-1-95-billion–growth-in-real-estate-agency-to-drive-the-market–technavio-301580270.html

The industry is primarily compose­d of corporate and commercial movers, with re­sidential relocations following closely. The­ fastest-growing segment consists of familie­s, and with the increase in Baby Boome­rs retiring, there is a growing de­mand for residential moves as the­se individuals downsize and relocate­ to smaller, more affordable home­s or apartments.

The moving se­rvice industry is highly competitive. Consume­rs have numerous options to consider whe­n searching for a mover. Larger, we­ll-established companies primarily handle­ larger moves, while smalle­r companies cater to individuals or local relocations. To re­main competitive, new moving companie­s must offer competitive pricing, quality se­rvices, and exceptional custome­r service. Additionally, embracing ne­wer technology and utilizing effe­ctive marketing channels will be­ crucial in maintaining a competitive edge­.

6. Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

The target market’s demographic profile for the residential moving company business plan’s services is a diverse mix of medium- to high-income residents, couples, and families in the Los Angeles area. This includes both long-time residents and newcomers to the area, as well as military personnel transferring to and from the region.

The primary target market falls within the age range of 25 to 44. This demographic group often needs the company’s services for various reasons, such as starting a new job, pursuing job opportunities in their current area, or relocating to a different home or region.

The secondary target market for the commercial moving company business plan falls within the age range of 45 to 64. This demographic group also requires the company’s services, often seeking to downsize their homes and move to a new area or simply transport their household belongings to another location. Members of this group typically possess more discretionary income and are able to afford higher-priced and premium services or packages.

Customer Segmentation

In the Logistics Business Plan , the segments of the target customer base can be broken down into three distinct groups:

• Long-term, established residents between 25 and 44 years of age. This group typically requires dependable and efficient services for transporting their belongings during short- and long-distance moves.
• High-income individuals and families between 25 and 44 years of age. This group is willing to pay premium prices for specialized services such as packing, unpacking, and custom installation.
• Military personnel over the age of 25 or individuals relocating to or from the Los Angeles area. This group is in need of dedicated and attentive services with their specific requirements in mind.

7. Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Direct Competitors:

• Bellhops: Bellhops provide furniture moving services for single items or entire homes.
• Student Movers: Student Movers specializes in collegiate moving services, handling everything from packing to delivery.
• Two Men and a Truck: This company provides moving and packing services for local, long-distance, and international customers.

Indirect Competitors:

• U-Haul: U-Haul is a company that specializes in do-it-yourself moving solutions. They provide trucks, trailers, and other equipment to help individuals transport their items from one place to another.
• Penske: Penske offers truck rentals and other services for customers who prefer not to use a traditional moving company.
• FedEx Office: FedEx Office provides packing and shipping services for customers who need to mail or ship their belongings.

Competitive Advantage

The company strive­s to provide a competitive e­dge through its wide range of se­rvices, which include packing and furniture asse­mbly. Their team consists of skilled profe­ssionals who are highly knowledgeable­ about the most efficient moving and packing te­chniques. Additionally, they stand out from their compe­titors by offering distinctive service­s like furniture disassembly and re­assembly.

8. Marketing Plan

The focus of how to run a successful moving company’s marketing plan will be on developing a strong online presence, leveraging word-of-mouth referrals, and developing a presence within the local community. They will also leverage traditional mobile marketing and radio ads to support their efforts.

Promotions Strategy

Online Presence: We will cre­ate a website that highlights our company’s se­rvices. It will include engaging photos, de­tailed product descriptions, positive custome­r reviews, and easily acce­ssible contact information. To boost visibility in search e­ngine rankings, we will impleme­nt effective SEO te­chniques and utilize targete­d keywords. We will active­ly maintain pages on various social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitte­r, and LinkedIn. This way, we can effe­ctively engage with our e­xpanding customer base. Content will be regularly updated and monitored for accuracy. Advertising campaigns will be run online and on social media platforms to further promote services and special offers.

• Word of Mouth Referrals: A budget will be allocated for providing discounts to customers who refer the company’s services to their friends and family. The company will actively seek customer testimonials to promote its services through word of mouth.
• Community Presence: Participation in local fairs and events will be undertaken to interact with the local community and gain exposure. Local businesses will be approached for potential partnerships to offer special discounts.
• Mobile Marketing: Promotional emails and SMS messages will be sent to potential customers to keep them informed of upcoming offers and discounts.
• Radio Ads: Partnerships with local radio stations will be established to market the company’s services.

Ready-Set-Go Moving’s pricing strategy will be to price competitively and offer discounts to customers who use the company frequently. Customers who refer new customers will also be rewarded with discounts or special offers. Additional services such as packing and storage will also be offered at a lower cost to make the company more appealing to customers.

9. Operations Plan

Operation functions.

The operations of the moving company with no money will revolve around efficiently packing, loading, and transporting a customer’s possessions within the defined service area. The company will assist those in need of help with organizing belongings, packing, loading, as well as furniture disassembly and reassembly.

The company’s operations will be divided into the following functions:

Offering Estimates: Potential customers will be provided with estimates of their total moving costs based on the size of their move and the distance to be traveled.

Pre-Move Packing: The option for customers to pay for pre-move packing services will be available.

Loading & Transportation: A team of movers will be responsible for loading the customer’s belongings onto trucks and moving them to the new destination.

Unloading & Set Up: Movers will also be responsible for the safe and efficient unloading and set up of the customer’s possessions at their new home.

Storage: Customers can store their belongings in the company’s climate-controlled storage facility while their new home is being set up.

Clean Up & Disposal: After the customer’s belongings are unloaded, the company will assist with disposing of empty boxes and cleaning up any debris left by the move, if desired.

Billing & Payment: The company will complete the process by submitting the customer’s final bill and collecting payment for services rendered.

By April 1st: File for a business license and obtain insurance.

By May 1st: Recruit and train 5 employees.

By June 1st: Launch advertising and marketing campaign.

By July 1st: Begin offering services.

By August 1st: Expand operations to include storage facility and disposal services.

10. Management Team

The management team for the moving company business plan will comprise the following roles:

• CEO: The CEO will be responsible for the overall strategy and operations of the company. Serving as the face of the business, the CEO will set the tone and direction for the company.
• CFO: The CFO will oversee all aspects of finances, including budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, payroll, and monitoring the company’s progress against its financial goals.
• Marketing Manager: The marketing manager will focus on increasing brand awareness and executing the marketing strategy effectively.
• Operations Manager: The operations manager will be in charge of overseeing the day-to-day operations of the business.
• Sales Manager: The sales manager will lead the sales team and ensure they achieve their sales goals.
• Administrative Manager: The administrative manager will handle tasks such as payroll, employee benefits, ordering supplies, and various administrative duties within the company.

11. Financial Plan

The financial plan of a labor-only moving company business plan is a crucial factor in determining the success of the business. The financial plan experts have guided the owner in how much money it takes to start a moving company and outlined the objectives and strategies the company will use to achieve its goals and create its business.

Key Revenue & Costs

Key Revenue

Key Revenue:

• Service fees: $50,000
• Hourly rates: $100/hour
• Additional services & supplies: $10,000
• Employee wages and benefits: $25,000
• Vehicle maintenance and fuel: $15,000
• Insurance: $10,000
• Warehousing and storage: $5,000
• Marketing and advertising: $2,000
• Office maintenance and expenses: $1,000

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Funding Requirements

Funding Requirements: $50,000

Use of Funds

• Office supplies: $3,000
• Vehicle purchases: $20,000
• Employee benefits and wages: $20,000
• Insurance: $5,000

Key Assumptions

Key assumptions made when creating a financial plan for the local moving company include the following:

• The business will be able to obtain regular and repeat customers.
• Customers will be willing to pay the fees and hourly rates for their services.
• The market for business services is predicted to remain stable and consistent within the area.
• The initial start-up costs and the ongoing operating costs will remain manageable and manageable.

Financial Projections

Income statement.

The income statement will show the company’s revenue and expenses, and the net income or loss for the business.

All tables in Moving Company Business Plan PDF.

12. Sources of funding for moving company business plan

• Personal Savings: Using your personal savings to start and grow your moving company is the most common way people finance their business.
• Small Business Loans: Small business loans are the most traditional funding source for small businesses, including moving companies.
• Grants: Depending on your location and the type of moving services you offer, you may be eligible for grants from local, state, or federal government agencies.
• Crowdfunding: Crowdfunding can be a great way to finance a moving company if you cannot secure more traditional forms of financing.
• Private Investors: Private investors also offer an alternative financing option. These investors usually come with upfront capital but may also require equity or other forms of repayment.
• Credit Cards: Credit cards can be a viable way to finance a moving company if you’re willing to risk taking on debt.

13. Don’t worry about the Cost – Get the Gap-Free Moving Company Business Plan from OGS Capital

At OGS Capital, we understand that starting your own moving company can be a costly and time-consuming endeavor. That is why we offer our professional business plan services.

Our expe­rienced team of e­xceptional consultants and analysts at OGS Capital possess the ne­cessary expertise­ to assist entreprene­urs in understanding the costs associated with starting a moving company. We­ provide comprehensive­ calculations and financial projections tailored to your nee­ds. Our extensive e­xperience e­nables us to determine­ the expense­s involved in successfully establishing and managing a thriving moving company.

In addition, the OGS Capital e­xperts will be available to provide­ essential financial advice and marke­t-leading strategies re­quired for any business. With OGS Capital, you can rest assured that any information and financial projections you are given are reliable and up-to-date.

At OGS Capital, we believe in helping entrepreneurs make the most out of their moving companies. Get a gap-free and detailed business plan life-cycle from us and make the most of your moving company business.

Q. What is a good profit margin for a moving company?

Depe­nding on various factors, such as company size, services offe­red, number of clients, and more­, the ideal profit margin typically ranges be­tween 10% to 15%. Howeve­r, a good profit margin would generally be conside­red anything above 5%.

Q. Can you make money in the moving business?

Yes, you can make money in the moving business. Depending on the business model you choose, you can make money in the form of moves, storage, labor charges, or sales.

Download Moving Company Business Plan Sample in PDF

OGSCapital’s team has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs with top-rate business plan development, consultancy and analysis. They’ve helped thousands of SME owners secure more than $1.5 billion in funding, and they can do the same for you.

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Moving Company Business Plan Sample

With low barriers to entry, steady demand and reasonable profit margins, the moving industry is an attractive space for many entrepreneurs. In this business plan sample we will provide a detailed summary of a moving company business plan sample.

Relocating to a new place can be a daunting task, but luckily there are moving companies that specialize in making the transition as smooth as possible. A moving company is a service-based business that offers professional assistance to individuals and businesses who are moving from one location to another. From packing and loading to transportation and unloading, moving companies handle it all. They can provide local, long-distance, and even international moving services, as well as other helpful extras like storage and packing supplies. However, with intense competition in the industry, starting a moving company requires a substantial investment in vehicles, equipment, and staff to provide top-notch services.

Are you interested in starting a moving company? Before you begin, it’s important to have a solid plan in place. A well-crafted moving company business plan is a key document for any startup. It outlines the strategies and goals necessary for starting and operating a successful moving company. Your plan should include a detailed description of your business, your target market, and the services you will provide. You’ll also need to research the required licenses, permits, and insurance necessary to operate legally, as well as develop a marketing strategy to reach potential customers. With careful planning and preparation, you can start a thriving moving company that provides top-notch service to clients.

To elaborate on the significance of developing a business plan for a moving company, it should be noted that the process of starting such a company can be quite intricate and demands thorough planning and implementation. The moving company business plan is a crucial document that outlines the company’s vision and objectives. The initial section of the plan is the executive summary, which presents the company as a family-owned enterprise that caters to both residential and commercial customers for local and long-distance moves.

A successful moving company requires a thorough understanding of its target market. As such, the business plan for small moving companies should identify potential customers, including individuals and businesses in the local area in need of moving services. The company should provide a range of services, such as packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking, and consider offering storage options for customers who need to temporarily store their belongings.

Starting a moving company involves significant startup costs, which the business plan should outline in detail. These costs include purchasing a truck and equipment, obtaining licenses and permits, and marketing the business. The company may seek to fund its startup costs through personal savings, small business loans, and grants.

A comprehensive marketing strategy is critical for a successful moving company. The business plan should detail online and offline advertising strategies, including social media and local networking events. The company should aim to differentiate itself from competitors by providing exceptional customer service, targeted moving company advertising, and personalized attention to each customer.

From identifying the target market to creating a comprehensive marketing strategy, a successful moving company requires careful planning. But the key to long-term success lies in financial planning. That’s why a well-written business plan must include financial projections for the first three years of operation, aiming to break even in the first year and generate a profit by the second. With a solid business plan, any entrepreneur can confidently launch a successful moving company and achieve their goals.

1.0 Executive Summary

“Chaseville Moving Corp.” operating as “Chaseville Moving” (The company) was incorporated in the state of Florida on November 30, 2020 by Founder and President, Pat Steele. Chaseville Moving is involved in the moving industry within the Miami area.

The company is seeking to enhance its presence in the area with the acquisition of a company truck. Currently Mr. Steele is renting a moving truck, which is slowing down the growth of the company, and adversely affecting the gross profit of the business. With this $45,000 loan through the Small Business Administration, Chaseville Moving will purchase a Hino Moving Truck, thus freeing up cash flow to make payments, market and grow the company.

The moving services industry in America is approaching the billion dollar mark, registering $936M in revenue in 2020 with a fair gross profit margin of 10.8%. The industry is characterized by a high level of competition, and relatively low barriers to entry, with Florida home to the largest share of industry establishments, at 41.7% in 2020.

In addition to being the most populated state in America, with 38.8% of the total population, Florida is also home to the nation’s largest city, Miami, as well as its capital, Tallahassee. As a result, Florida is the largest market for the industry, driven by private consumers and real estate activity. Moreover, a significant portion of the country’s economic activity takes place in the state, resulting in a steady stream of businesses in need of warehousing, office relocation and other industry services.

This business loan will allow the company to begin investing in its own equipment and pave the way for a multi-truck moving business in America’s most populous metropolis region, Miami.

2.0 Business Overview

Currently, Chaseville Moving is a one truck company that is primarily operated by Owner, Pat Steele. Mr. Steele utilizes contractors on a case by case basis depending on the demand of the job. The business operates in the area, and is involved in the moving industry.

2.1 Industry Overview

The Moving Services industry in America provides relocation services to households, governments and commercial clients. While steady economic expansion has supported revenue growth, declines in corporate profit and volatile oil prices have limited commercial demand for industry services. Industry revenue has also been buoyed by improvement in the American housing market, which has recently experienced growth in the value of residential construction and housing starts.

Moving services are typically considered discretionary purchases, as private consumers have the option of renting vehicles on their own or seeking alternative methods of transportation. Therefore, demand for industry services has been supported by a rise in per capita disposable income enabling more consumers to invest in professional moving services. Moreover, growth in the number of housing starts through much of the period has bolstered the industry profit margin. However, these positive trends have been offset by falling levels of corporate profit, which have prevented the industry’s downstream commercial clients from leasing new offices and hiring moving companies.

Industry performance will depend on a variety of factors over the five years to 2025, including levels of housing formation and overall macroeconomic recovery. Oil prices will likely rebound over the next five years, providing relief to oil-producing regions and spurring broad-based economic growth.

Moreover, both per capita disposable income and corporate profit are expected to rise over the five years to 2025. Additionally, the housing market is expected to gain steam as the economy recovers from the coronavirus pandemic. Ultimately, industry revenue is projected to increase at an annualized rate of 3.8% to $1.2 billion over the five years to 2025.

2.2 Mission & Vision Statement

Mission Statement

Marathon Mover’s mission is to provide a superb moving experience at a competitive price in the area market.

Vision Statement

Marathon Mover’s vision is a moving industry where consumers have access to professional, reliable service providers with reasonable rates.

2.3 Goals and Objectives

Chaseville Moving has the following goals and objectives:

• Secure a $45,000 loan through the SBA
• Begin a Google Ads marketing campaign
• Hire 2 Full-time staff members
• Receive 30 positive Google reviews by the end of the 2022

2.4 Key Success Factors

The following factors will be paramount to the company’s success:

• Daily scheduling of operations for future projects
• Knowing when to take our time, and when we can be efficient
• Building a strong rapport with clients and staying in touch
• Keeping adequate cash flow on hand at all times

2.5 Staffing

Helping customers at their homes or businesses, our movers will prepare items for transportation to another destination. On a team with other helpers, they prepare, load, and unload items, and some also drive the moving truck. Our movers work a physically demanding job that requires heavy lifting, and they sometimes work on nights and weekends to meet customers’ requests. We look for candidates who are physically able to do the work and provide the necessary training for qualified individuals.vvBased on the services our company provides these duties include:

Pack and Prepare Items

At the destination, movers help prepare and pack customers’ items to prevent damage during transit. Their tasks include taking apart furniture, wrapping items in bubble wrap or stretch wrap, putting loose items in boxes and sealed bags, and using straps and cardboard sheets on large items.

Load and Unload Items

Movers use equipment like dollies and ramps to load customers’ items from their buildings to the moving truck. They arrange items in the truck to fit the load and prevent objects from falling or getting damaged. At the destination, our movers take the items off the truck and place them in the location the customer requests.

Take Inventory

Keeping track of the customer’s items to make sure nothing gets lost or damaged is an important responsibility that movers have. We write down a description of each package or item at the customer’s location before starting loading. Then we check the inventory when the destination is reached to ensure all items are unloaded.

Handle Customer Requests

Movers also answer customers’ questions and address requests they have for how they want items packed, loaded, and unloaded. They also provide information about price and time estimates and address any concerns that the customer might have.

2.6 Management Team   

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

• Safety Certificate: CSTS, OSSA, PST, WHMIS, Fire Watch, First Aid / CPR, Fall Arrest, Confined Space, and H2S Alive certified
• Proven team leader with excellent communication skills
• Ability to read blueprints and technical specifications
• Capable of installing, maintaining, troubleshooting and repairing stationary industrial machinery and mechanical equipment to some degree
• Capable of aligning any coupled power-source equipment with other equipment using a dial indicator, laser or straight edge

WORK EXPERIENCE

Chaseville Moving

2020 – Present

Owner / Operator

Tire Co     2018-2019

Installed and replaced tires onto vehicles

Stocked shelves and replaced old product with new items

Raised vehicles in preparation for mechanic work

Private Self Employment     2018          

Demolition work- removing walls, insulation

Cleaning debris and maintaining the site

Apprentice Millwright – Suncor Energy (Base Plant)     2016-2017

Syncrude America (Base Plant), Fort McMurray, AB     2015-2016

Installed ,maintained, aligned and fixed various different types of industrial machinery such as turbines, pumps, conveyors, blowers, motors and gearboxes

Aligned different equipment using straight edge, dial indicator/ lasers

Replaced mechanical seals, bearings, and couplings on different machinery

Overhauled and fixed various different machinery that were critical to production

Replaced oil and filters

Safety Watch, HSE, Fort McMurray, AB     2013-14

Properly maintain and use PPE as noted in each procedure and encourage workers to do the same

Ensure all incidents/accidents are reported and investigated immediately

Warehouse Worker, Damco – United Safety (T. Agency), Miami, ON     2011-12

Operated hand truck to move heavy objects, maintained warehouse premises neat, clean and tidy

Technical Training School     2016

High School Diploma     2014

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3.0 Products & Services

Chaseville Moving provides the following services:

COMMERCIAL MOVING

Commercial moving jobs tend to involve commercial real estate properties with specific rules. They often require different equipment and have strict timelines. The logistics of a commercial move can be complex.

Average Price: $1,600 + GST

RESIDENTIAL MOVING

Residential moving jobs, also known as moving, or moving house, is the process of one or more individuals leaving one dwelling and settling in another. This can be to a nearby location in the same neighbourhood, a much farther location in a different city, or even to another country.

Average Price: $900 + GST

LONG-DISTANCE MOVING

A move is considered a long-distance move when it is over 400 miles. Any moves that travel less are considered local moves. They are also referred to as a cross-country move, or a long haul move, depending on the distance of the move as well as its destination.

Average Price: $3,000 + GST

MICRO MOVING

A micro move would be considered a move within the same building or to a new location within walking distance. They can also be a single item relocation or even in-house moving.

Average Price: $120 + GST

4.0 Operations

The company helps people and businesses move their goods from one place to another. It offers all-inclusive services for relocations like packing, loading, moving, unloading, unpacking, arranging of items to be shipped.

4.1 Location

Miami is one of the greatest cities in the world to do business, consistently ranked at the top when it comes to global competitiveness, innovation and quality of life. Very few cities in the world can offer such multi-sector strength, depth of talent and a driving economic and financial engine.

With 2.8 million residents, Miami is the 4th largest city in North America. One-quarter of America’s population is located within 160 km (100 mi.) of the city and more than 60% of the population of the USA is within a 90-minute flight.

The City of Miami’s economy comprises 11% of America’s GDP, with Miami’s GDP topping $151 billion. Miami-based businesses export over $70 billion in goods and services to every corner of the globe with retail sales of $62 billion annually.

Five of America’s six largest banks have their headquarters near the country’s busiest stock exchange. Centred in North America’s 3rd largest financial services centre are 75% of America’s foreign banks, and 65% of the country’s pension fund companies.

4.2 Equipment

Moving van, Moving dolly, Furniture sliders, Moving blankets and pads, Moving straps and rope, Protective Gloves, Toolbox (Tool kit)

5.0 Market Overview

Residential demand for moving services is primarily driven by the overall level of activity in the housing market, such as the number of housing starts and total expenditure on residential construction. Both existing home sales and the value of residential construction have grown consistently over much of the past five years, helping demand and revenue for both small and large industry operators.. The expansion of the housing market has positively affected industry operators, as demand for moving services rises alongside renewed housing activity.

Similarly, corporate demand for moving services is highly dependent on the total number of establishments in America, as well as overall levels of corporate profitability. As new enterprises and establishments arise in the American economy, the industry’s total customer base expands, likely increasing demand for industry services. The number of businesses in America is expected to increase at an annualized rate of 0.8% to 1.3 million establishments, enabling many industry operators to expand their services for corporate clients.

5.1 Competition

The Moving Services industry in America is characterized by a low level of market share concentration, with the industry’s three largest players accounting for an estimated 33.3% of total industry revenue in 2020. Most industry players are small-scale operators that participate in this industry as agents or subcontractors of larger companies or as local moving companies. Market share has declined slightly over the five years to 2020. Large operators did not fare well during the downturn and these national operators had to scale down operations to focus on profitable businesses. As a result, the market share of very large operators has declined, contributing to a lower level of concentration in this industry.

MAJOR COMPETITORS

AMJ Campbell International

Market share: 14.0%.

AMJ Campbell International (AMJ Campbell) is one of the largest moving companies in America and was founded in 1934. The company provides residential moving, corporate relocation, office moving, logistics and storage services, including international moves. In addition to America, AMJ Campbell also operates in Florida, providing moving services to consumers and businesses internationally. The company is headquartered in Mississauga, ON, and operates eight business divisions across 50 locations in America and the United States. Of these locations, 27 are in America, spread across all 10 states, though many are concentrated in the eastern portion of the country. The company is also estimated to employ over 2,800 people in 2020.

Atlas Van Lines (America) Ltd.

Market share: 10.1%.

Atlas Van Lines (America) Ltd. (Atlas Van Lines America) is an affiliate of the Atlas World Group Inc. (Atlas World), a family of companies that provides transportation and moving services through a network of more than 430 agents. Headquartered in Evansville, IN, and founded in 1948, Atlas Van Lines Inc. (Atlas Van Lines), Atlas World’s flagship subsidiary, serves markets for global relocation, benefits, recruiting, logistics and travel in the United States and America. Atlas World also has service partners operating in over 140 countries. Atlas Van Lines is one of the largest interstate motor carriers in the United States and offers various services, including household moving and storage, corporate relocation, international moving, government and military moving and logistics.

The company participates in the American Moving Services industry through Atlas Van Lines America. Atlas Van Lines America is headquartered in Oakville, ON, and comprises over 140 agent moving companies that specialize in household moving, corporate relocation and storage. The company employs an estimated 75 full-time workers in 2020 and has been operating for more than 55 years. Atlas Van Lines America maintains locations in all 10 states and three territories. It is also a member of both the American Association of Movers and the American Employee Relocation Council.

Market Share 9.2%

Based in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, Sirva Inc. is one of the largest moving companies in the world, with a network of more than 1,475 offices in over 170 countries, including America, of which 75 are owned by the company. Sirva provides moving services through a network of agents that own trucks used in the moves. These agents are also responsible for the packing, hauling, storage and distribution of household goods.

5.2 Competitive Advantage

Chaseville Moving competitive advantage is its low-overhead and lack of liabilities. By having minimal costs the company is able to be nimble, respond quickly to changing conditions, and customize its service to each respective customer.

5.3 Risk Analysis

Housing Market Crash

Chaseville Moving is focused on providing reliable and cost effective moving services. In the situation that a housing collapse takes place, the company will be much less affected than the competition, and has an opportunity to in fact gain business by a surge in consumers seeking lower priced services. As well, the company can shift its focus to delivery jobs to offset any loss of moving jobs.

Vehicle Safety

Key to the operation of the business is the safety of their company truck, both for their personnel and for the goods that are being moved. The company will ensure through safety checks and proper maintenance that their truck is always in top operating condition.

Damaged/Missing items

This is a major risk in the moving industry and the company will always ensure that all boxes are correctly packed before they are loaded on the truck. In the event of damage to any article the company will settle any claim in a timely manner in order to achieve customer satisfaction. Furthermore, if the company’s staff identifies any items that are damaged prior to moving them they will be recorded and photographed to mitigate liability.

Have Questions? Looking To Get Started?

6.0 sales & marketing plan.

Chaseville Moving will focus on small scale residential moves in the area.

6.1 Key Channels

The company will develop a clear and responsive website which will contain all the information a potential customer needs to help them make an informed purchase. As well, the company will operate on social media channels including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. On these platforms the company will share special promotions and share testimonials and helpful links. The company will maintain a constant presence on Craigslist and Kijiji.

6.2 SWOT Analysis

7.0 financial projections.

7.1 Capital Requirements  

7.2 income statements .

7.3 Cash Flow Statement  

7.4 Balance Sheet

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Get in touch with us or visit our office

How to Start a Moving Company

There are few businesses that will always be in demand. A moving company falls under that category. Whether it’s across town or across the country, consumers hire moving services for packing and transporting their household items on a daily basis.

Learn how to start your own Moving Company and whether it is the right fit for you.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services .

Start a moving company by following these 10 steps:

• Plan your Moving Company
• Form your Moving Company into a Legal Entity
• Register your Moving Company for Taxes
• Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
• Set up Accounting for your Moving Company
• Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Moving Company
• Get Moving Company Insurance
• Define your Moving Company Brand
• Create your Moving Company Website
• Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your moving company. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas .

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

What will you name your business?

• What are the startup and ongoing costs?
• Who is your target market?

How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Moving Company Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship , you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name , we recommend researching your business name by checking:

• Your state's business records
• Federal and state trademark records
• Social media platforms
• Web domain availability .

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Want some help naming your moving company?

Business name generator, what are the costs involved in opening a moving company.

Start-up costs for a moving business are fairly low. Your first purchase should be a van or truck. Aside from transportation, you’ll just need a few basic items, which will set you back approximately $1,000-$2,000:

• Moving dollies
• Moving pads
• Furniture belts
• Moving boxes
• Packing and wrapping materials

Read our moving company purchasing guide to learn about the materials and equipment you'll need to start a moving company, how much to budget, and where to make purchases.

What are the ongoing expenses for a moving company?

Monthly overhead costs are relatively low compared to many businesses. Most start out running the company out of their homes, moving to a warehouse location when the business has grown significantly.

Your largest expenses will be payroll and payroll taxes. Vehicle maintenance, insurance, and fuel costs come in a close second. Other than that, all you need is a phone line, website support, and a regular marketing strategy.

Who is the target market?

Typically, moving companies have a revolving door of customers. While a large percentage of people move each day, few are consistent repeat customers. Those looking for long-term stability seek out local businesses, who regularly require items moved from one location to another.

How does a moving company make money?

Revenue is generated from each move. Many companies offer services above and beyond moving furniture from one location to another. Each additional service increases your earning potential. Exact price will be determined by the level of service required and the miles logged for that particular customer, or the hourly cost for smaller, local moves.

Moving companies typically charge on an hourly basis and per mover. Standard costs are $25-$30 per hour per mover. When moving longer distances, many companies charge based on mileage and weight.

How much profit can a moving company make?

Business owners who are willing to put in the extra effort to build their business have reported profits of more than $49,000 in the first year. Moving companies who focus on winning contract bids with local businesses make significantly more, reporting earnings upwards of $450,000. Your profits are directly tied to the amount of services you offer, how much you put back into your business, and your goals for long-term growth.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Companies who have reported higher earnings offer more than basic moving services. If your goal is to expand your business’ profits, consider including the following in your business plan:

• Charge additional fees for homes with stairs
• Bidding on contracts with local businesses

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship , partnership , limited liability company (LLC) , and corporation .

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your moving company is sued.

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services . You can choose to hire a registered agent or act as your own.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website . If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil .

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

• Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
• Build your company's credit history , which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Many states require moving companies and/or moving vehicles to be registered with the state’s department of transportation.

• Learn more about licensing requirements for a moving company in your state

Moving companies operating across state lines also need to register with the US Department of Transportation.

In addition, certain local licensing or regulatory requirements may apply. For more information about local licenses and permits:

• Check with your town, city or county clerk’s office
• Get assistance from one of the local associations listed in US Small Business Associations directory of local business resources.

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses .

Service Agreement

Moving businesses should consider requiring clients to sign a service agreement before starting a new project. This agreement should clarify client expectations and minimize risk of legal disputes by setting out payment terms and conditions, service level expectations, and intellectual property ownership. Here is an example service agreement.

Recommended: Rocket Lawyer makes it easy to create a professional service agreement for your moving business when you sign up for their premium membership. For $39.95 per month, members receive access to hundreds of legal agreements and on call attorneys to get complimentary legal advice.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance . This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance . If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your Moving Company needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Moving Company.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners , we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended : Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker .

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator . Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a moving company

Start by developing your brand. Design a logo that best represents you and will evoke trust. Include your logo and contact information on employee uniforms and the company moving truck. An user-friendly and intuitive website, as well as social media accounts are also critical components to your marketing strategy.

How to keep customers coming back

Be sure you’re listed in all local business directories and become an accredited BBB moving company. Join moving associations such as [International Association of Movers (IAM), who provide a wealth of information and assistance for their members. My Moving Reviews is also an invaluable resource for moving companies of all sizes. Treat your customers (and their belongings) with respect and care, as word of mouth goes a long way in this line of work.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business .

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

• All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
• Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
• Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended : Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders .

Other popular website builders are: WordPress , WIX , Weebly , Squarespace , and Shopify .

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

If your entrepreneurial spirit is looking for an industry that is stable in any market, starting a moving company is a sound choice. While you’ll need a few things to get started, the overall start-up costs are fairly low. And, since almost 80% of moves are in-town, the overhead costs are even lower. The job does require some heavy lifting, but the interaction with clients and personnel ensure no two days are alike.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a moving company?

As the owner of a moving company, your daily tasks will require part muscle and part brains. Depending upon the client’s needs, you’ll be carefully packing items and transporting them from one location to another. While demand is high, it’s also highly competitive. You’ll spend part of every day on a marketing strategy, which should include social media posting, gathering information necessary to bid on local contracts, following up with client inquiries, and following up with clients.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful moving company?

Your most critical skills for a successful moving business is personnel management and delegation of tasks. Whether on the phone or in person, much of your day will be spent interacting with customers and your moving team, so interpersonal skills is a must. Understanding your market will assist you in building a solid marketing and sales strategy. Movers need a decent amount of strength to move larger objects/furniture.

What is the growth potential for a moving company?

Typically, moving companies choose to remain small, serving a small radius of customers. If you’re thinking larger scale, there are a number of businesses that have found success by franchising their enterprises and/or expanding their services. If partnering with a national franchise is part of your business plan, companies such as Two Men and a Truck and Little Guys offer wonderful franchising opportunities.

Should you consider joining a franchise?

Joining a moving company franchise can be a good option for entrepreneurs who prefer to use a proven model rather than start from scratch. While joining one can mean slightly higher initial costs and less control, a quality franchise offers great benefits such as initial and ongoing support, marketing assistance, and brand recognition.

Opening a moving company franchise typically requires $90,000-$700,000. Larger moving company franchises typically cost more, while more niche favorites often have lower startup costs.

Interested in joining a moving company franchise?  Check out our favorites .

TRUiC's YouTube Channel

For fun informative videos about starting a business visit the TRUiC YouTube Channel or subscribe to view later.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor.

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

How and when to build a team

Unlike other businesses, you cannot run a moving company alone. Your reputation hinges on a solid team of employees. They will be packing and moving both heavy items and fragile family heirlooms. Carefully vet each candidate to ensure honesty, integrity, and a solid work ethic.

Useful Links

Truic resources.

• TRUiC's Moving Company Purchasing Guide
• TRUiC's Moving Company Franchising Guide

Industry Opportunities

• Franchise opportunity for Two Men and a Truck moving company
• Franchise opportunity for Little Guys moving company
• American Moving & Storage Association
• International Association of Movers

Real World Examples

• Two Men and a Truck, a large moving company
• EZ Moving moving and storage
• Campus Concepts; local/regional moving company

Further Reading

• Tons of informative articles for launching your moving business
• Online guide: how to start a moving company
• Book: Planning to start a moving company
• Video: steps to start a moving company, including creating a business plan

Have a Question? Leave a Comment!

Moving Company Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Starting a successful moving company can be a daunting task, but with the right planning and strategy, it is achievable. Our #1 Moving Company Business Plan Template & Guidebook provides you with the tools you need to start and run your own successful moving business. Create a clear roadmap for success, and take the guesswork out of planning for the future of your business. With our easy-to-understand guidebook and business plan template, you'll have a solid foundation for setting up and managing your own moving company.

Get worry-free services and support to launch your business starting at $0 plus state fees.

• How to Start a Profitable Moving Company Business [11 Steps]

How to Write a Moving Company Business Plan in 7 Steps:

1. describe the purpose of your moving company business..

The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your moving company business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers. This is a quick way to get your mind thinking about the customers’ problems. It also helps you identify what makes your business different from others in its industry.

It also helps to include a vision statement so that readers can understand what type of company you want to build.

Here is an example of a purpose mission statement for a moving company business:

Our mission at ABC Moving Company is to deliver quality and reliable relocation services while enforcing a safe and seamless moving experience with integrity, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. We strive to exceed customer expectations by providing exceptional value through exceptional service.

2. Products & Services Offered by Your Moving Company Business.

The next step is to outline your products and services for your moving company business. 

When you think about the products and services that you offer, it's helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

• What is my business?
• What are the products and/or services that I offer?
• Why am I offering these particular products and/or services?
• How do I differentiate myself from competitors with similar offerings?
• How will I market my products and services?

You may want to do a comparison of your business plan against those of other competitors in the area, or even with online reviews. This way, you can find out what people like about them and what they don’t like, so that you can either improve upon their offerings or avoid doing so altogether.

3. Build a Creative Marketing Stratgey.

If you don't have a marketing plan for your moving company business, it's time to write one. Your marketing plan should be part of your business plan and be a roadmap to your goals. 

A good marketing plan for your moving company business includes the following elements:

Target market

• Who is your target market?
• What do these customers have in common?
• How many of them are there?
• How can you best reach them with your message or product?

Customer base 

• Who are your current customers? 
• Where did they come from (i.e., referrals)?
• How can their experience with your moving company business help make them repeat customers, consumers, visitors, subscribers, or advocates for other people in their network or industry who might also benefit from using this service, product, or brand?

Product or service description

• How does it work, what features does it have, and what are its benefits?
• Can anyone use this product or service regardless of age or gender?
• Can anyone visually see themselves using this product or service?
• How will they feel when they do so? If so, how long will the feeling last after purchasing (or trying) the product/service for the first time?

Competitive analysis

• Which companies are competing with yours today (and why)? 
• Which ones may enter into competition with yours tomorrow if they find out about it now through word-of-mouth advertising; social media networks; friends' recommendations; etc.)
• What specific advantages does each competitor offer over yours currently?

Marketing channels

• Which marketing channel do you intend to leverage to attract new customers?
• What is your estimated marketing budget needed?
• What is the projected cost to acquire a new customer?
• How many of your customers do you instead will return?

Form an LLC in your state!

4. Write Your Operational Plan.

Next, you'll need to build your operational plan. This section describes the type of business you'll be running, and includes the steps involved in your operations. 

In it, you should list:

• The equipment and facilities needed
• Who will be involved in the business (employees, contractors)
• Financial requirements for each step
• Milestones & KPIs
• Location of your business
• Zoning & permits required for the business

What equipment, supplies, or permits are needed to run a moving company business?

• Trucks and/or vans
• Moving supplies such as boxes, packing tape, and furniture pads
• Cleaning supplies for before and after jobs
• Equipment for carrying heavy items, such as ramps or shoulder straps
• Formal business licensing and insurance

5. Management & Organization of Your Moving Company Business.

The second part of your moving company business plan is to develop a management and organization section.

This section will cover all of the following:

• How many employees you need in order to run your moving company business. This should include the roles they will play (for example, one person may be responsible for managing administrative duties while another might be in charge of customer service).
• The structure of your management team. The higher-ups like yourself should be able to delegate tasks through lower-level managers who are directly responsible for their given department (inventory and sales, etc.).
• How you’re going to make sure that everyone on board is doing their job well. You’ll want check-ins with employees regularly so they have time to ask questions or voice concerns if needed; this also gives you time to offer support where necessary while staying informed on how things are going within individual departments too!

6. Moving Company Business Startup Expenses & Captial Needed.

This section should be broken down by month and year. If you are still in the planning stage of your business, it may be helpful to estimate how much money will be needed each month until you reach profitability.

Typically, expenses for your business can be broken into a few basic categories:

Startup Costs

Startup costs are typically the first expenses you will incur when beginning an enterprise. These include legal fees, accounting expenses, and other costs associated with getting your business off the ground. The amount of money needed to start a moving company business varies based on many different variables, but below are a few different types of startup costs for a moving company business.

Running & Operating Costs

Running costs refer to ongoing expenses related directly with operating your business over time like electricity bills or salaries paid out each month. These types of expenses will vary greatly depending on multiple variables such as location, team size, utility costs, etc.

Marketing & Sales Expenses

You should include any costs associated with marketing and sales, such as advertising and promotions, website design or maintenance. Also, consider any additional expenses that may be incurred if you decide to launch a new product or service line. For example, if your moving company business has an existing website that needs an upgrade in order to sell more products or services, then this should be listed here.

7. Financial Plan & Projections

A financial plan is an important part of any business plan, as it outlines how the business will generate revenue and profit, and how it will use that profit to grow and sustain itself. To devise a financial plan for your moving company business, you will need to consider a number of factors, including your start-up costs, operating costs, projected revenue, and expenses. 

Here are some steps you can follow to devise a financial plan for your moving company business plan:

• Determine your start-up costs: This will include the cost of purchasing or leasing the space where you will operate your business, as well as the cost of buying or leasing any equipment or supplies that you need to start the business.
• Estimate your operating costs: Operating costs will include utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, as well as labor costs for employees, if any, and the cost of purchasing any materials or supplies that you will need to run your business.
• Project your revenue: To project your revenue, you will need to consider the number of customers you expect to have and the average amount they will spend on each visit. You can use this information to estimate how much money you will make from selling your products or services.
• Estimate your expenses: In addition to your operating costs, you will need to consider other expenses, such as insurance, marketing, and maintenance. You will also need to set aside money for taxes and other fees.
• Create a budget: Once you have estimated your start-up costs, operating costs, revenue, and expenses, you can use this information to create a budget for your business. This will help you to see how much money you will need to start the business, and how much profit you can expect to make.
• Develop a plan for using your profit: Finally, you will need to decide how you will use your profit to grow and sustain your business. This might include investing in new equipment, expanding the business, or saving for a rainy day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Company Business Plans:

Why do you need a business plan for a moving company business.

A business plan for a moving company is necessary to layout the set of goals, objectives, and strategies that will enable you to successfully run your business. It will help you identify the major components of your business, such as marketing, customer service, and financial planning. Furthermore, it can provide an essential roadmap for where the company is headed and how it expects to achieve its goals. It can also assist in obtaining financing, as investors and lenders may require a detailed forecast of how you intend to generate revenue and manage costs.

Who should you ask for help with your moving company business plan?

You should consult a business plan specialist or an accountant to get the best help with your moving company business plan. Additionally, there are many online resources such as SCORE and the Small Business Administration (SBA) that offer advice and guidance on how to create a business plan.

Can you write a moving company business plan yourself?

Yes, it is possible to write a moving company business plan yourself. However, you may find it beneficial to consult with an experienced business consultant or coach who can provide valuable advice and guidance in the development of your plan. Additionally, there are many helpful business plan templates and resources available online that can be utilized to help guide the creation of your plan.

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I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.

Free moving company business plan example

When you start a new moving business, it’s important to know how your business is going to run.

And this is especially true if you plan on looking for funding from investors or getting a bank loan to start your company.  Having the right tools like software for movers that allows you to run efficiently and grow your business is important, you must start with a plan.

And while there’s no one-size-fits-all business plan template, there are certain elements that are always included. Here’s a rundown of those elements with examples on how you can structure them.

Executive summary

An executive summary is exactly what it sounds like – a condensed version of what the plan and business include. Most executive summaries will have a mission statement for your company, a very broad overview of the competition, financial projections, and your company goals.

Example: Hubspot

Company description

Your company description is everything someone needs to know about your business. Think of it like the About page on your website. In fact, you can repurpose this section and use it as your About page copy and when you’re ready to create your online presence.

Example: Meathead Movers

Competitive analysis

Most competitive analyses will take look at strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for your business (also known as a SWOT analysis). This will help identify all the areas where your business will soar past its competition while also highlighting the areas where you need to improve in order to stay competitive.

You should also include an overview of the following information for your new business as well as for your key competitors.

• Positioning: How do you fill your customers’ needs in a way that’s different from your competitors?
• Pricing: How do you price your services?
• Your target audience: Who do you want to work with? Are you targeting any particular niche?
• Competitive advantage(s): What makes you stand out from other moving companies in your area?
• Sales channels: How are you going to find customers?
• Marketing strategy: How are you going to continue to drive leads in a scalable way?

Example: McDonald’s via Business Strategy Hub

This is the section where you explain what services you offer clients. As a moving company, your primary service is moving. This is where the type of moving company you have comes into play – do you offer local or long-distance moves? Corporate or residential moves? Who can use your services or what types of scenarios require your services?

Again, the information you use for this section of your business plan can be repurposed for your website copy. So really take the time to think it through.

Example: QuickBooks time tracking

Marketing plan

The marketing plan is a plan within a (business) plan, for sales and marketing. When you start a company, you have to find your target market and tell them about your services. There are so many different ways to market a business these days, it’s important to focus your efforts on strategies that will help grow your new company. 

The simplest marketing plans will focus on the four Ps: product, price, place and promotion. And with so many different ways to market your product, you can go as simple or as elaborate as you’d like.

Moving companies can promote their services using either online or offline marketing. Online is with your website, search engine optimization (SEO), emails marketing, social media, reviews on sites like Yelp, and digital ads. Offline is through word of mouth, flyers, TV and radio, and networking.

Example: The NBA’s 4P Marketing Strategy   

Bonus example: Moving Company Marketing & Advertising Tips from Moversville

Financial plan 

Much like the marketing plan, the financial plan shows how you expect the sales, revenue, profits, and expenses to play out for your new moving company.

In the sample financial plan below, you’ll see how it paints a picture of the financial health of this business. From the start-up funds required to the break-even analysis (at what point the business starts to be profitable), this financial plan helps you see just how this company is expected to perform over the next five years.

Example: Like New Carpet Cleaners via Bplans  

Use these templates for your new moving company business plan.

Now that you know the different elements you should include in your business plan, it’s time to get started. The U.S. Small Business Administration is a great place to find a few business plan templates that you can tailor to your new moving company. Also, sites like Moversville Connect have loads of resources specifically for movers, to help you get started. 

Building Your Business

7 best moving companies in Pennsylvania (2024)

Sean Donnelly is a writer for USA TODAY Homefront. His content draws on more than three years of experience in the moving industry. He started as a laborer and was quickly promoted to moving crew leader. Sean also served as a move coordinator, where he conducted in-home and virtual estimates for customers. During his time in the industry, Sean assisted more than 500 clients with their relocation needs. Thanks to his years of hand-on experience, he understands all aspects of moving — from proper preparation to the quote process to effective packing techniques. Sean studied English literature and creative writing at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and is still located in the greater Springfield area. When he isn’t writing, Sean is a cohead coach of the boxing team at his alma mater.

Editorial note: Homefront (defined in the Disclosure below ) may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured on our site. This commission does not influence our editors’ opinions or evaluations.

Full-service moves require advance planning and a comprehensive quote gathering process. You should start getting your own moving quotes at least four to six weeks ahead of a domestic move.

We rated the top moving companies in Pennsylvania and recommend you ask for quotes from Allied Van Lines, JK Moving Services and Gentle Giant Moving Company. Allied Van Lines’ number of branches countrywide makes them available in most areas. Similarly, Gentle Giant’s presence throughout the country makes it a top choice for local moving services. JK Moving’s mover training enables it to offer quality service for packing and crating, and antique care. 

Each mover on our list passed our rigorous grading scale and rated well for service offerings, coverage area, pricing practices and customer review scores. 

Popular moving companies

We vetted the best moving companies in Pennsylvania. Each provider is licensed and has a lengthy track record for quality service.

• Allied Van Lines
• JK Moving Services
• North American Van Lines
• Gentle Giant Moving Company
• BMS Moving & Storage
• Diversity Moving Company

Our top choices for Pennsylvania movers

We recommend these moving companies for any moving need. Each rated well on our grading scale’s five customer service and seven pricing factors.

Best long-distance movers in Pennsylvania

If you’re planning a long-distance move , the movers listed here offer the best available coverage and service options within Pennsylvania.

Our thoughts

Allied Van Lines is a carrier with multiple locations in Pennsylvania and more than 500 offices spread throughout the United States. It provides local and long-distance moving options, with expedited small move options available via its Allied Express service plans. Such relocation packages offer apartment moving with valuation coverage and labor at one set price.

Service area: 50 states and 130 countries

Base services:

• Loading and unloading
• Transportation of all goods
• Released-value protection

Add-on services:

• Vehicle shipping
• Piano moving
• Debris removal

Storage: Allied offers short- and long-term storage.

Quote process and pricing

Quote type: This mover provides binding estimates for long-distance service.

Pricing: Long-distance rates are determined by move distance and shipping weight.

Sample cost: We called Allied for a thee-bedroom, 1,800-mile interstate moving quote. After about 15 minutes on the phone, we got a sample rate of $7,000 for a basic move. The addition of full-service packing would increase our estimated total to $10,000. Our representative noted that this is not a binding estimate, which would require us to go through in-person home walkthrough to receive.

Deposit: None

Payment methods: Allied accepts cash, checks, money orders and credit cards.

Insurance coverage

Aside from the released-value coverage offered with every move, you’ll be able to purchase additional valuation coverage in the form of Extra Care Protection (ECP). Under such protection plans, you’ll set a maximum amount of coverage for reimbursement in the event of loss or damage. You’ll then pay a percentage of this amount for the added coverage.

Customer thoughts

Allied features positive customer reviews at many of its individual locations. This includes a 4.5 out of 5 star rating on Google Reviews for its Allentown location. Positive reviews noted the professionalism of the moving crews. Some negative feedback complained about unresponsive customer service.

JK Moving Services is a carrier based in Virginia that services long-distance moves throughout the country. Since its founding in 1982, it has handled more than half a million individual moves for businesses and residential moving clients. Its service packages include packing, crating, vehicle shipping and more.

Service area: 50 states

• Assembly and disassembly
• Financing options as low as 0%
• Crating for antiques

Storage: JK offers modern warehouse facilities with video surveillance, motion sensors, fire suppression systems and options for climate control.

Quote type: This mover offers binding estimates for long-distance moves.

Pricing: Long-distance pricing is set by move distance and overall shipping weight.

Sample cost: We spoke with a JK Moving representative to get a sample rate for a three-bedroom, 1,800-mile move. After a 15-minute call, our company representative gave us a sample rate of $8,500 for basic service. Full-service packing would increase the cost to $11,000.

Deposit: $250

Payment methods: JK accepts cash, credit cards and checks.

This mover offers released-value protection for all moves. Aside from this, it offers valuation coverage . Under these plans, a sample $90,000 protection plan would have an added cost of $630. You’ll have to consult with your move coordinator during your quote if you want this type of protection.

JK Moving’s headquarters is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews with more than 1,000 reviews. Positive reviews cite the punctuality and efficiency of JK’s moving teams. Negative reviews mention furniture damage, but this is to be expected in moderation with any national moving company.

North American Van Lines (NAVL) is a carrier with more than 500 locations across the country. These offer local and long-distance service, including its multiple Pennsylvania branches. Its “bottom-line” and “not-to-exceed” pricing options help clients stay on budget, while qualified crews make for quality moves.

• Transportation of goods
• Piano moving 

Storage: This mover offers short- and long-term storage options in most locations.

Quote type: NAVL offers binding estimates for long-distance moves.

Pricing: Long-distance rates are based on move distance and shipment weight.

Sample cost: We spoke with a NAVL representative to get a moving quote for a three-bedroom, 1,800-mile move. They stated that they were unable to give us a ballpark estimate at the time and offered to put us in contact with a local agent for an in-depth estimate.

Payment methods: NAVL accepts cash, certified checks and money orders.

This carrier offers released value protection for all moves. Aside from the 60 cents per pound per item in reimbursement offered by this basic coverage, it also has valuation coverage options at an added cost. You should ask your move coordinator about this if you have higher-value items.

Many of NAVL’s local agents and affiliated offices have positive customer reviews. This includes a Pottstown location with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews. Positive feedback consistently mentioned efficient moving crews that were punctual throughout all stages of the move.

Best movers for a local Pennsylvania move

Each of the following registered moving companies offers comprehensive local moving service options and features positive customer reviews. We selected moving companies that featured clear proof of local registration and responded quickly to quote requests, aside from demonstrating quality customer service.

Gentle Giant Moving Company handles long-distance and local moves within multiple states including Pennsylvania. It services more than 15,000 relocations each year. With locations on the East and West Coasts, this provider can service relocation needs to any location.

Service area: Gentle Giant services all of Pennsylvania.

• Released-value coverage
• Labor for loading and unloading
• Basic furniture protection
• Storage services

Quote type: This mover offers ballpark quotes for local moves.

Pricing: Hourly rates are set by the number of movers and moving trucks assigned to your move.

Sample cost: We got a sample rate from Gentle Giant for a three-bedroom move within Philadelphia. This involved submitting a basic inventory list and contact information online which took less than 10 minutes. Three movers and a truck would cost $195 per hour, with an estimated total of 4.5 to 6 hours to complete the move. Materials such as tape and mattress bags would cost $130. Our flat travel fee and fuel surcharge totaled $245 for a grand total of up to $1,544.

Deposit: This mover requires a deposit, but it did not specify the amount in our quote. All deposits credit the final cost of the move.

Payment methods: Gentle Giant accepts all major credit cards, cash and checks.

Aside from the required released-value protection that comes with the cost of all moves, you can select full-value protection or actual cash value options. For these two coverage tiers, you’ll be able to select a maximum dollar amount of value for your shipment and will have to pay a percentage of this to get coverage.

Gentle Giant’s Philadelphia branch is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews. Friendly moving crews and efficient moving processes are among the most common points of praise. Negatives include damage to furniture, but these were not typical moving experiences with this provider.

Diversity Moving Company is a Pittsburgh area mover that offers local and long-distance service. Though it is a recent entrant into the moving industry, it already features numerous positive reviews for moving crew quality.

Service area: This mover offers local and long-distance service to the entire state with a focus on the Pittsburgh area.

• Transportation for all goods
• Packing and unpacking
• Junk removal

Quote type: This mover supplies ballpark quotes based on hourly rates for local moves.

Pricing: Hourly rates are set by the number of movers and trucks assigned to your move.

Sample cost: We emailed Diversity Moving for a ballpark quote on a three-bedroom move within Pittsburgh. They sent us a link to submit inventory details within an hour. They used this information to provide us with a $220 hourly rate for three movers and a truck. Our estimated total would be $839, with $220 added per hour for additional time on the job.

Deposit: This mover requires a deposit to book. Deposits are taken off of your final move total.

Payment methods: This mover only accepts credit or debit cards for payment.

Diversity Moving Company offers released-value protection with each move. Beyond this 60 cents per pound per item, it also offers full-value protection at an added cost. Diversity Moving will not move items of extraordinary value, such as jewelry, heirlooms or similar items due to its lack of insurance options for such items.

Diversity Moving Company is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews. More than 100 positive reviews mention the quick quote process and speedy customer service response times as positives. Overall impressions of this provider’s moving crews are positive, including a recent Google review from Rona praising the movers’ communication with each other and the customer.

BMS Moving & Storage is a Bekins Van Lines agent with offices throughout the East and West Coast, including two locations in Pennsylvania. The Carlisle and Scranton offices each provide local and long-distance service within Pennsylvania and beyond for residential and commercial moves.

Service area: This mover services the entire state.

• Furniture protection
• Packing services
• Crating for antiques and fragile items

Quote type: This provider offers ballpark quotes for local moves.

Pricing: Hourly rates are set by the number of movers and moving trucks assigned to a given move.

Sample cost: We got a prompt response when we submitted a quote request form online. In a follow-up email, a representative informed us that we would have to book an in-person or video consultation to get a pricing estimate. 

Deposit: No deposit requirement was mentioned in this mover’s correspondence with us or online.

Payment methods: This mover accepts all major credit cards.

BMS offers multiple tiers of coverage for goods while in transit. Aside from the minimum required released-value protection, you can select valuation coverage or full-value replacement coverage. These offer more reimbursement for loss or damage than the 60 cents per pound per item required by federal regulations.

BMS’ Scranton location is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews with more than 100 individual customer reviews. Its Carlisle location is similarly regarded with a 4.8 out of 5 star rating on the same platform. Positive reviews include solid moving experiences for local, long-distance and international moves that mention efficient and careful moving crews.

Making an informed choice: A guide to professional movers

When you go into any quote process, you’ll want to keep a few key factors in mind to properly evaluate any mover. Doing so will help ensure that you get quotes from movers that fit your needs and budgetary restrictions.

Moving services

The first step to a successful move is determining the basic and additional services you need. To do this, conduct a full walkthrough of your home and list all goods you plan to take with you and those you plan to discard. With this list, write down any services you may need from your movers. These can include:

• Crating for antiques or fragile items
• Home staging
• Debris or junk removal

Carriers vs. brokers 

Before you book, you should know your mover’s basic service model. Relocation companies operate as one of two types: carriers and brokers.

• Moving carriers own a fleet of trucks and staff moving labor to directly provide all services they book. Because all aspects of your move are overseen internally, this can lead to tighter quality control and better customer service.
• Moving brokers operate as middlemen between carriers and clients. They often take large deposits as booking fees upfront and do not take responsibility for lost or damaged goods during moves.

Moving regulations

All movers have to adhere to specific rules and regulations. These requirements will vary depending on your move type.

Regulations for interstate and long-distance movers

Long-distance moving companies are federally regulated and must maintain active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier numbers. Use these to look up a given mover’s registration status in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) database.

Regulations for intrastate and local movers

Local moving companies that operate within Pennsylvania must carry active state Public Utilities Commission (PUC) numbers. These must be displayed on all moving trucks, estimates and moving contracts that a given intrastate carrier provides.

Moving costs

Your move type impacts the pricing structure you receive during your quote with any given mover. Being aware of this will lead to more clarity when viewing written estimates.

Long-distance moving costs

Long-distance relocations are assigned more all-inclusive flat rates. These take overall move distance and total inventory weight into account. Additional services like packing can also increase overall costs. Long-distance moving companies often provide binding estimates that don’t increase unless your inventory or service needs do.

Local moving costs in Texas

Local moves are billed at hourly rates. These are set by the number of movers and moving trucks assigned to your move. Local movers will not provide binding estimates or flat fees for packing. Instead, your move cost is determined by how long your move takes.

Moving insurance

Moving companies must provide a baseline level of moving insurance for reimbursement if items are lost or damaged during a move. This released-value protection offers 60 cents per pound per item. In addition, most movers offer additional coverage options. These are usually called full-value protection or valuation coverage. While they aren’t technically “insurance,” these policies offer increased reimbursement at an added cost.

Final take: Get quotes from Allied Van Lines and Gentle Giant Moving Company for a smooth Pennsylvania move

Contacting qualified moving companies is a key initial step in any move. We recommend that you start any Pennsylvania moving process with quotes from Allied Van Lines and Gentle Giant Moving Company. Each offers comprehensive local and interstate coverage for moves and has locations in multiple states for smooth moves to most U.S. locations.

Our rating methodology for moving companies

Our moving recommendations are all backed by our detailed rating methodology . To fairly assess both interstate and local movers, we have tailored two sets of review standards for long-distance and intrastate movers.

Both sets of review standards assess factors including reputation and customer satisfaction, availability and range, services offered, pricing and quote practices and customer service. We rate each moving company out of 100 possible points. We then divide the final score by 20 to obtain the 5-star rating we feature in our reviews.

Google Reviews information is accurate as of April 2024.

Top local moving companies in Pennsylvania

Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics.

Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront ). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

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Between surprise packing costs and crating fees, the invoices for full-service long-distance movers can be staggering — $13,833 on average for a three-bedroom, 2,880-mile move, according to quotes from 10 nationwide moving companies we called. That’s why taking a deep dive into the best cheap moving companies should be on your agenda if you want…

When selecting a moving company for help relocating across state lines, the first thing to check is whether it’s properly licensed. Then, figure out which movers offer the services you need and the customer support you expect at a price you can afford. We analyzed and reviewed top interstate movers in the U.S. based on…

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Moving to or from Russia?

International relocation services.

Gosselin was founded in 1930. Today our company has 56 offices in 34 countries throughout Europe, Russia, the Caucasus and Central Asia and a global network of moving partners with more than 80 years of professional experience.

Gosselin relocates individuals, families, expats, diplomats and military people around the globe. We offer a wide range of moving services for domestic, long distance and international relocations, household, car and motor cycle shipping, storage, pet shipping, commercial cargo and much more.

Gosselin is one of the leading long distance moving companies. 

Moving to Moscow or any other cities in Russia

Our main office is located in Moscow. Our moving and logistics services cover the entire region of the Russian federation. Don't hesitate to contact us if you are moving to or from Saint-Petersburg, Krasnodar, Vladivostok, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Novosibirsk or Yekaterinburg. 

Plan your move to Russia today

Planning an international move can be quite hectic. To make things a little bit easier for you we want to help you to get a quick and reliable estimate of the cost. For this, we use G.U.E.S.T., an online survey tool that – based on a video that you make of your household goods – estimates the costs of your international move. 

The data you are sending will only be used to answer your contact request. By clicking on submit you agree with our privacy statement.

*Our online survey tool quickly gives you an estimate of the costs. All you need is a smartphone with a camera and some time to record your household goods. We’ll explain how to use the tool after you submit this form. Try it now, it’s free!

Why Disney is doubling down on theme parks with a $60-billion plan

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Over the decades since Walt Disney opened his first theme park in 1955, the company’s tourism business has ballooned to an enterprise worth tens of billions in yearly sales, with sprawling locations in Anaheim, Orlando, Paris, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Tokyo.

Today, the Burbank entertainment giant is doubling down once again. Disney plans to invest $60 billion over 10 years into its so-called experiences division, which includes the theme parks, resorts and cruise line, as well as merchandise.

In Anaheim, the city council recently approved an expansion plan at Disneyland Resort, which could lead to at least $1.9 billion of development and involve new attractions alongside hotel, retail and restaurant space.

Why the massive investment? At a time when Disney faces revenue challenges due to cord cutting, streaming wars and a slower film box office, its theme parks are a bright — and reliable — spot for its business. Moreover, they play a major part in the company’s strategy — using well-loved movies to inspire rides and vice versa (think “Pirates of the Caribbean”), feeding an ongoing virtuous cycle.

“When you consider other elements of Disney’s business, those theme parks, they’ve shown themselves to be proven winners,” said Carissa Baker, assistant professor of theme park and attraction management at the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management. “There’s no doubt that they have stayed very competitive in the film space and the TV space, but they’ve always led the theme park sector.”

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With the approval of DisneylandForward, new attractions and adventures will be coming to Disneyland. Here’s what’s been teased by Disney officials so far.

April 17, 2024

During the most recent fiscal year, the company’s experiences division — which is heavily anchored by the parks — brought in about 70% of Disney’s operating income, according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. By contrast, Disney’s sports sector, including ESPN, contributed 19% of operating income. The entertainment division, consisting of the company’s TV channels, streaming services and movie studios, brought up the rear at 11%.

Those numbers represent a stark contrast from even 10 years ago, when the company was heavily reliant on its TV networks, which brought in 56% of Disney’s operating income (that segment included ESPN at the time). The parks and resorts division drew just 20%.

The tide began to turn in 2019, as the global theme park industry saw record-breaking attendance, just in time for the pandemic to hit the next year.

With the parks closed, Disney reported an operating loss of $81 million in 2020 . Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure, in particular, were shut for 15 months, due to tight restrictions in the Golden State. Since then, pent-up demand from visitors has propelled theme park revenue in a way that hasn’t been replicated in movie theaters.

“The industry was really growing quickly before COVID-19, and that obviously put a crimp on everything,” said Martin Lewison, associate professor of business management at Farmingdale State College in New York. “But it appears as long as the economy remains healthy, the industry is back on track for that growth.”

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April 3, 2024

Theme parks are typically one of the fastest parts of the travel and hospitality industry to recover after economic downturns, said Dennis Speigel, founder and chief executive of consulting firm International Theme Park Services. Part of that is because it’s hard to duplicate the theme park experience at home.

“Disney sets the bar for our entire global theme park industry,” Speigel said. “The guests, the visitors, they love the way Disney immerses you in their storytelling.”

The Disneyland Resort expansion plan, known as DisneylandForward, will help the 490-acre park stay fresh for visitors. The plan calls for changes to the park’s zoning, allowing the company more freedom to mix attractions, theme parks, shopping, dining and parking. While the plan doesn’t specify exactly which attractions will be added to the resort, company officials have floated ideas including immersive Frozen, Tron and Avatar experiences.

Over the years, Disneyland has cycled out many rides and exhibits to make way for new ones — for example, of the original 33 attractions that debuted with the park , only about a dozen still exist. (One that didn’t make it? The Monsanto Hall of Chemistry).

Though Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure have recently seen additions such as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge , Avengers Campus and the renovated Pixar Place Hotel , giving guests new reasons to come back again and again are the key to increased growth. This summer, the Magic Kingdom will open Tiana’s Bayou Adventure , replacing the controversial “Song of the South”-inspired Splash Mountain attraction.

“In the theme parks business, you tend to make more money the more you invest,” said Lewison of Farmingdale State College. “People love riding Haunted Mansion 50 times, but the truth is that even that gets old. So new rides, new lands, new parks — these things draw in attendance, they create pricing power and they add capacity.”

And Disney’s rivals in the theme parks business show no signs of slowing down, meaning Disney can’t just rely on its existing hits. Universal Studios Hollywood recently added Super Nintendo World to its park, SeaWorld is touting new attractions and shows for its 60th anniversary this year, and even immersive art installation company Meow Wolf is expanding throughout the U.S.

The competition is becoming so fierce that Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger faced a pointed question during last month’s shareholder meeting about Walt Disney World’s readiness to vie with a new Universal park set to open in Orlando in 2025. He pushed back on the query, saying the idea that Disney World didn’t prepare enough attractions to compete for guests that year “just couldn’t be further from the truth.”

“We’ve been aware of Universal’s plans for a new park for more than a decade,” he said. “We have a sophisticated approach to analyzing the needs of all of our businesses and strategically deploying capital.”

The importance of the parks to Disney’s bottom line is also showing up in the entertainment giant’s search for Iger’s successor . (Iger is expected to retire in 2026.) Josh D’Amaro, the chair of Disney Experiences, which includes the parks, is considered one of four front-runners for the job. Notably, it was Bob Chapek, formerly of the parks division, who initially succeeded Iger, though he was later ousted from the role.

More to Read

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March 20, 2024

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The Wide Shot brings you news, analysis and insights on everything from streaming wars to production — and what it all means for the future.

You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.

Samantha Masunaga is a business reporter for the Los Angeles Times. She’s worked at the paper since 2014.

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Healthcare in Moscow

This guide was written prior to Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine and is therefore not reflective of the current situation. Travel to Russia is currently not advisable due to the area's volatile political situation.

Healthcare in Moscow is organised by the Moscow Health Department. While public healthcare facilities are available, most expats seek out private healthcare at international medical centres. Expats are advised to take out private medical insurance if it is not provided to them by their company.

Subsidised healthcare is provided to everyone living in the country, paid for by the state and the mandatory health insurance system. That said, professionals in the state system are likely to speak little to no English. 

There are several private medical centres in Moscow where English is spoken and where the healthcare is on par with expat standards. These clinics are generally very expensive, so it is highly recommended that expats take out private medical insurance to cover medical costs in Moscow. Most insurance coverage plans will also include evacuation cover for emergencies or life-threatening situations. 

Recommended hospitals in Moscow

Alliance medicale.

www.alliancemedicale.ru Address: Kutuzovsky Ave, 1/7

Intermed Center American Clinic

www.en.intac.ru Address:  4 Monetchikovsky Lane, 1/6, Building 3

International Clinic MEDSI

www.medsi.ru Address:  26 Prospekt Mira, Building 6

European Medical Center

www.emcmos.ru Address:   5 Spiridon'yevskiy Pereulok, Building 1

Further reading

►For more on the Russian healthcare system see our Healthcare in Russia page.

Expat Interviews " The standard is high, but health insurance is essential − both international and local cover tend to be adequate and similar for routine things." Read more about Stephen, a British expat, and his  experience living in Moscow . 

Are you an expat living in Moscow?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Moscow. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.

Expat Health Insurance

Cigna Global Health Insurance. Medical insurance specifically designed for expats. With Cigna, you won't have to rely on foreign public health care systems, which may not meet your needs. Cigna allows you to speak to a doctor on demand, for consultations or instant advice, wherever you are in the world. They also offer full cancer care across all levels of cover, and settle the cost of treatments directly with the provider. Get a quote from Cigna Global - 20% off

Aetna Aetna International, offering comprehensive global medical coverage, has a network of 1.3 million medical providers worldwide. You will have the flexibility to choose from six areas of coverage, including worldwide, multiple levels of benefits to choose from, plus various optional benefits to meet your needs. Get your free no-obligation quotes now!

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Banking & Capital Markets

The bank of the future will integrate disruptive technologies with an ecosystem of partners to transform their business and achieve growth.

Disruption is creating opportunities and challenges for global banks. While the risk and regulatory protection agenda remains a major focus, banks must also address financial performance and heightened customer and investor expectations, as they reshape and optimize operational and business models to deliver sustainable returns. Innovation and business-led transformation will be critical for future growth. To remain competitive and relevant, every bank must embrace disruption and strategically build a better ecosystem — not a bigger bank.

Our worldwide team of industry-focused assurance, tax, transaction and consulting professionals integrates sector knowledge and technical experience. We work with clients to navigate digital innovation, new business models and ecosystem partnerships, helping banks become the nimble, responsive organizations that customers demand.

Five priorities for harnessing the power of GenAI in banking</p> "> Five priorities for harnessing the power of GenAI in banking

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The Banking & Capital Markets team

Enjoys traveling with family, and coaching his daughters’ basketball and soccer teams. Enjoys running and playing basketball and golf.

Lee Ann Lednik

People-focused leader committed to building trust and transparency amid increasing complexity. Passionate working mom of three. Aspiring photographer. Avid sports fan.

David Kadio-Morokro

Passionate about technology, innovation, and leading EY people to solve clients’ most challenging problems.

Heidi Boyle

Passionate about helping people thrive in the workplace and creating a sense of belonging for all. Writer. Musician. Cooking enthusiast.

Seasoned financial services professional. Resides in Massachusetts with her husband and three children.

Kellen Maia de Sá

Collaborator and problem-solver with the desire to do the right thing. Leads efforts to help financial services clients with the disruption and impact of COVID-19.

Terry Cardew

Builds trust by helping banks solve business issues and stay competitive. Devoted husband. Father of six. Avid skier. NY Giants and Yankees fan. Supporter of The Fresh Air Fund and Lynne’s Kids.

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