How to Start a Moving Company

Starting a new company is always daunting. A moving company, thankfully, is not as complicated to operate as you might fear, but there are necessary steps to go through before taking on customers. For example, you will need equipment and insurance. While you could jump straight to a powered stair climbing cart and full moving van, it’s possible to start small with a classic hand cart and a small van. 

Create a Business Plan

The very first step is a business plan. This includes market research, the structure of your company, your target market, number of employees, services you will offer, expenses, funding, projected profits, and more. You will need to show to investors or loan lenders that you’ve done your research, and that your company has a safe enough chance of succeeding to be worth a financial contribution. This is also the time for industry training if needed. 

Buy Moving Equipment

If you intend on running a handyman-type business, moving items within a house or business, you might only need moving equipment at first. A heavy duty hand truck is the perfect start, along with moving blankets, ropes, and packing and wrapping supplies. If needed, you can rent a moving van on a per-job basis. 

Purchase a Vehicle

For a larger business, moving items between two or more locations, consider purchasing a vehicle. Bigger companies occasionally sell vehicles, and you can get great deals on used trucks. If, however, this is your primary source of income, consider purchasing a new moving van as an investment in the company. Either way, be sure to keep an appliance hand truck in the van to assist with moving heavy or oversized items. 

Get a Loan

Apply for a loan or other funding. Visit banks or credit unions and apply for a small business loan to get your business started. 

Get Licenses and Incorporate

Obtain any applicable licenses, such as a Department of Transportation license. Each state has its own requirements. Next, incorporate your business as a legal entity. Register your business with the state and check for your state’s requirements. You will need to choose a business name before incorporating. There are several options, such as becoming a limited liability corporation (LLC). Register with the IRS for an Employee Identification Number (EIN). 

Obtain Insurance

You will need insurance to cover any potential losses or injuries, such as accidentally dropping a fragile object. You will need liability insurance and may need vehicle insurance and worker’s compensation insurance. 

Hire Employees

To start, you will likely only need one or two other employees to help with moving jobs. As you grow, you will likely need someone to keep the books straight and answer the phone. 

Create a Contract

You may want to consult a lawyer, but you will need a contract for each customer. This describes services you are providing, price, and how to resolve any issues that occur. It can also protect you if there are any payment disputes.

Find Customers

Finally, it’s time to promote your business and find customers. Create a website and social media accounts, leave flyers around town and with other local businesses, and give out business cards. Make sure you have a recognizable logo and have employees wear branded shirts as advertising. It’s time to get moving!

About Magline

Magliner products are some of the most well-known and trusted in the material handling industry. A hand truck of any make is often referred to as a “Magliner,” no matter the actual brand. There is, however, no substitute for the Magline brand when it comes to quality. Magline has designed, innovated, and produced the most reliable, durable, and trustworthy material handling equipment available for more than 70 years. While famous for their industry-standard hand truck, Magline also produces a variety of specialized equipment like platform trucks, u boat carts, and motorized hand trucks to reduce employee injuries and increase efficiency.

To learn more about Magliner material handling products and how they can help your business, visit Magliner.com

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