💰 Make Money
How to Start a Moving Company Side Hustle
People pay $500-$2,000+ for help moving. Learn how to start a moving company side hustle with just a truck and a strong friend.
Why Moving Is Profitable
Moving is one of life's most stressful events, and most people are willing to pay good money for help. The moving industry generates over $20 billion annually, and there's always demand because people are constantly relocating.
Types of Moving Services
- Local moves: Same-city relocations ($300-$800)
- Long-distance moves: Cross-state relocations ($1,500-$5,000+)
- Small moves: Apartments, dorm rooms, single items ($100-$400)
- Office moves: Business relocations ($1,000-$5,000+)
- Packing services: Pack and unpack for clients ($200-$500)
- Junk removal: Dispose of unwanted items ($100-$300)
How Much Can You Earn?
| Service Type | Revenue Per Job | Costs Per Job | Profit Per Job |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local move (2-bedroom) | $500-$800 | $150-$300 | $350-$500 |
| Apartment move | $200-$400 | $80-$150 | $120-$250 |
| Office move | $1,000-$3,000 | $300-$800 | $700-$2,200 |
| Packing service | $200-$500 | $50-$100 | $150-$400 |
| Long-distance move | $2,000-$5,000 | $800-$2,000 | $1,200-$3,000 |
Step-by-Step: How to Start
- Get a vehicle: Rent a truck ($50-$100/day) or buy a used box truck ($10,000-$30,000)
- Hire helpers: Pay $15-$25/hour for strong, reliable workers
- Get insured: Moving insurance costs $500-$2,000/year
- Register your business: LLC formation ($50-$500 depending on state)
- Create your brand: Name, logo, website, and social media
- List on platforms: Yelp, Google My Business, Thumbtack
Quick start strategy: Don't buy a truck yet. Rent a truck from U-Haul or Penske for your first 10-20 jobs. This keeps startup costs under $500 and lets you test the business before investing in equipment.
Startup Costs
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Truck rental | $50-$100/day | Start by renting, buy later |
| Moving equipment | $200-$500 | Dollies, straps, blankets, tools |
| Insurance | $500-$2,000/year | General liability + cargo |
| LLC registration | $50-$500 | Varies by state |
| Marketing | $100-$300 | Business cards, flyers, ads |
| Website | $100-$300/year | Squarespace or WordPress |
⚠️ Important warnings:
- Don't skip insurance " — one damaged item could cost you thousands
- Don't underprice " — $100 for a full apartment move is too low
- Don't hire unreliable workers " — one bad experience ruins your reputation
- Don't forget to get moving blankets " — they protect furniture and your liability
How to Get Clients
- Google My Business: Free listing that shows up in local searches
- Yelp: Most people search Yelp for movers
- Facebook Marketplace: List your services locally
- Apartment complexes: Partner with property managers
- Real estate agents: They refer clients to reliable movers
- Craigslist: Post in the services section
The bottom line: Moving companies can earn $3,000-$10,000/month with just a truck and 1-2 helpers. Start by renting equipment, listing on Google and Yelp, and offering competitive rates. Focus on customer service and reviews " — one five-star review can bring in 3-5 new clients.