Approximately 14% of Americans move at least once each year. That's 40 million people, with 40 million people's worth of stuff that's going to need transporting.
So, it's no real shock that the moving industry is a highly lucrative one to tap into at any time. That said, starting a business in a new field always comes with a few hurdles you'll need to get over before you can start collecting checks.
Ready to start packing and loading, but aren't sure where to begin business wise? Don't worry, we've got you covered for masterful moves.
Here are seven, must-have tips for starting a moving company you should know if you want to build a successful business.
1. Build Your Business Plan
Just as every building is only as stable as its foundation, every business is only as secure as it's base; namely your business plan.
Before you start stocking up on duct tape and cardboard boxes, you'll need to sit down and take the time to figure out where your company is going to start. And, more importantly, you'll need to start thinking of ways to help it grow.
Start by figuring out exactly how much you have to finance your new moving company. Then, start listing all your start-up expenses.
Remember to leave yourself a bit of a financial cushion to help you take care of any surprises that may pop up.
When writing your business plan, you should also consider what services you want your company to offer. While moving is one thing, packing services can take your business to a whole new level.
Your business plan should also cover part of how you intend to grow your company and at what rate.
Remember, when it comes to running a business, you want to keep things slow and sustainable.
If you get too big too fast, odds are the bubble will pop and your company will collapse.
2. Get a Truck
You can't walk a person's entire life across town; you're going to need a truck for that.
A moving company's greatest asset is its truck. Without your ride, there wouldn't be a moving company at all. That said, not all rigs are equal, and the type you buy depends on how much you have to spend and what kind of jobs you intend to take on behind its wheel.
If this is your first foray into the world of moving companies, or you're on a strict budget, you may want to consider looking at pre-owned vehicles.
Remember, your truck doesn't have to be pretty, it just has to be big enough to fit everything, you need it to move.
3. Stock Up on Extra Equipment
As vital as your truck is, it's not the only thing you're going to need to run a successful moving company.
Before taking your first job, you may want to consider investing in a moving dolly or hand truck to help you lift heavy objects. You may also want to get some moving straps so you can tie everything down.
On top of that, there's more to moving than carrying large pieces of furniture from point-A to point-B.
If you intend on offering packing services, you're going to need the resources to help you transport the little things to their new home. Duct tape, boxes, sharpies, and other tools are essential to this side of a moving company.
You can check out this article for more ideas on how to up your moving and packing game.
4. Hire Your Team
Odds are, you're not planning on trying to lift a fragile, 300-pound china cabinet all by yourself. Ask anyone who has ever moved, and they'll tell you, moving is a team effort.
So, you're going to need a reliable team to back you up on all your jobs.
When it comes to hiring employees for a moving company, it's important to remember that it's not just about their experience. It's about how much your employees can carry.
Moving is a physically demanding job, so your employees need to be able to lift and carefully carry a pretty decent amount of weight.
Also, as a mover, you'll b responsible for taking care of your clients' livelihoods. So, you need to make sure you hire a team that you can trust to treat each job with the respect your clients deserve.
5. Find Insurance
Between your truck, your team, and your client's stuff -- as a mover, every job you take on puts you at risk of losing a lot of money. Which, is why making sure you've got the right insurance is essential before you start lifting any couches.
You'll need insurance to cover your truck, on-the-job injuries, and your all-important cargo.
While you can try to shop around to find the right plan for you, insurance can be a tricky business. So, you may want to consider consulting a professional insurance broker, or even a lawyer, before making any big decisions.
Remember, when it comes to insurance, the goal is to protect your business. So give this task the time and money it deserves.
6. Covering all Your Legal Bases
Whenever you start a business, no matter what that business entails, you're going to going to have to weave your way through a forest of paperwork.
Depending on where your company is, starting a moving company may require that you apply for a few different permits and licenses.
On top of those permits, starting a company also requires a little bit of legal-legwork. Again, depending on where you are, you'll need to register your business and legally establish your new firm.
While there are several tools to help you navigate the legal maze of starting a business, you may want to consider consulting a local lawyer.
7. Build a Website and Spread the Word
Once you have your company up and running, it's time to start letting everyone know there's a new mover in town who's ready to shake things up.
In our Internet-based society, creating a website is essential to the success of your small business.
Your website should include a list of your moving company's services, a price sheet, and your contact information.
Fortunately, there are dozens of online tools available to help you build a professional looking website with just a few clicks.
Must-Have Tips for Starting a Moving Company
Moving will always be a part of life. Because of that, the world will forever need movers, making this field one of the most lucrative and secure markets.
By following these tips for starting a moving company, you will have your new business up and running in no time.
Are you looking for more business advice? We have got you covered on starting moving companies or other businesses.
We have dozens of articles on everything from managing a new company, to marketing that business yourself on social media. Check them out today!