People who need to relocate for work, family, or a fresh start often hire someone else to do the heavy lifting (e.g., packing boxes, hauling furniture, driving vans). That’s where a removals company comes in. It’s a service that people will always need, and it has the potential to grow if you lay the right groundwork. The global moving services market is estimated to be worth $110.97 billion USD in 2025, and it’s projected to have a compound annual growth rate of 5.23% through 2030.

A removals business doesn’t require a fancy shopfront or advanced technology. Good planning and a strong work ethic can go a long way. However, before you start, you will need to do some preparations, such as buying equipment, training staff, and forming a marketing plan. Once your business is up and running, you will have to manage logistics and handle customers’ belongings carefully. The payoff can be substantial, thanks to the steady demand and the chance to offer premium services.

Below, we’ll discuss some of the primary considerations for building a moving company.

What’s in this article?

• Why start a removals company?
  
• What equipment do you need to start a removals company?
  
• What are the legal requirements for a removals company?
  
• How do you hire and train employees for a removals business?
  
• Which payment options should your removals company offer?
  
• How do you market a removals company effectively?
  

Why start a removals company?

Running a removals company offers the opportunity to see the immediate impact of your effort at the end of the day: an empty house or office, a loaded van, or a relieved customer who’s grateful they didn’t have to manoeuvre a couch through a narrow hallway. You can feel a sense of accomplishment. In a time when automation is constantly progressing, the removal industry still relies on human labour, personal attention, and tangible logistics.

Here are a few reasons someone might start this kind of business.

Consistent demand

People move for many reasons: job opportunities, home upgrades, downsizing, or personal milestones. Businesses also relocate or open new branches. Demand for the removal industry remains fairly steady; an individual operator might be busier during the summer months, but there’s plenty of work year-round for companies that can adapt.

Low starting costs

You can start a removals business on a modest scale – maybe one box van and a few employees. If you find success, you can add more vehicles or accept more complex jobs. You won’t necessarily need to invest in a large fleet right away; you can scale up as you collect revenue and see more demand in your area.

Direct customer interaction

The personal contact that’s involved in a removals service is a double-edged sword. While you might get to build genuine relationships and possibly gain word-of-mouth referrals, you’ll also have to manage expectations when customers are stressed out about moving day. If you like talking to people, managing the entire relocation process can be satisfying. Customers will likely remember a removals company who handles their belongings with care, and they might tell their friends and neighbours about your service.

Potential for specialisation

As your business grows, you can focus on specific niches: handling antiques, moving offices, managing speciality items such as grand pianos and valuable art, or perhaps providing eco-friendly removal options (e.g., reusable crates, sustainable packing materials). The more you refine your offerings, the more you can stand out and keep customers coming back for other relocation needs.

What equipment do you need to start a removals company?

Your equipment decisions will impact your removals service. Quality gear keeps you safe, helps you work faster, and conveys professionalism to customers. Make sure to find the right balance between cost and reliability. For example, secondhand vans are often cheaper, but you might end up paying more for repairs in the long term. Newer vehicles come with warranties and predictable maintenance, but they cost more up front.

Here are some basics to invest in when you’re getting started:

• Vehicles: The size of the vehicle you’ll need depends on your typical job volume and the kind of properties in your area. Box vans are the standard vehicle for removals companies, but pickup trucks and cargo vans are nimble options for smaller jobs. Some operators add trailers for overflow items or specialised transport.

• Dollies and hand trucks: Dollies make it easier to move multiple boxes or heavier furniture without straining your back. Hand trucks are perfect for refrigerators, washers, and other large appliances. Both of these are modest investments that can prevent injuries and speed up your workflow.

• Straps and tie-downs: Straps and tie-downs keep furniture from shifting or toppling during turns. Securing loads inside the van is of the utmost importance, as people appreciate removals companies who take the time to protect their belongings.

• Furniture pads and blankets: Wrapping blankets around bed frames, televisions, and dressers can prevent scratches or dents. They’re typically made from dense material that cushions heavy items. You’ll want to keep enough in your inventory to cover big projects.

• Packing materials: Cardboard boxes, plastic bins, bubble wrap, and packing tape are all part of the job. Some companies sell these materials to customers for an extra revenue stream, while others bring them along as part of a full removals package.

• Ramps and lifts: A built-in ramp on your van or a liftgate can make it less strenuous to load big items. Not every van requires a mechanical lift, but if you’re transporting commercial equipment or large appliances, it might be worthwhile to make the investment.

• GPS and routing tools: It’s easy to rely on phone apps, but a dedicated GPS unit or a truck-friendly navigation service can be valuable – especially if you’re driving large vehicles that need to avoid low bridges or certain roads.

• Protective gear: Removals involve manual labour, so it’s smart to have gloves, back braces, and steel toe shoes. Safety goggles and masks might also help if you encounter dust or debris. These items are inexpensive compared to the potential cost of injuries.

What are the legal requirements for a removals company?

Removals often cross municipal, state, or national lines, so you’ll need the right paperwork before your first gig. Specific laws differ by location, but you can expect to follow these common steps.

Register your business structure

Many entrepreneurs file as limited liability companies (LLCs), although some choose to form corporations or sole proprietorships. The right structure depends on various factors, such as liability protection and tax preferences. Registering as an LLC or corporation protects your personal assets if something goes wrong, while a sole proprietorship often doesn’t require formal registration.

Obtain licences and permits

Depending on the location, removal companies sometimes need transportation licences. In the United States, for example, companies typically need a state-level licence for local moves, and companies that move items across state lines need a US Department of Transportation (USDOT) number – which is issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Regulations vary, so make sure to research the requirements in the areas where you’ll be operating.

Consider insurance

Removals businesses involve engaging in manual labour and handling expensive, fragile items, so accidents can be costly. General liability coverage protects you if a customer’s property is damaged or someone gets injured. To cover employees, you’ll need workers’ compensation coverage. It’s also wise to purchase cargo insurance for the items you’re transporting.

Draft a service agreement

A written contract sets the rules for each job, and it outlines your responsibilities and the client’s. It addresses everything from pricing and payment terms, to potential liability for accidental damage. A well-structured contract can protect you from misunderstandings later.

Check zoning and parking regulations

You might store vans on your own property, or you might park them at a rented parking location. Either way, you’ll need to check local zoning laws. If you plan to have an office, confirm whether the neighbourhood permits commercial activity. Make sure to also monitor any local restrictions on street parking for large vehicles.

Clear customs

International moves require customs forms that detail what items are being brought into the country. Familiarise yourself with the customs regulations of all countries involved in your moves.

How do you hire and train employees for a removals business?

Even if you’re starting solo or with a partner, it’s likely you’ll hire a small crew as your business grows. Your employees will interact with customers, handle fragile items, and represent your brand. A well-trained crew can help bring you repeat business and good reviews; clients notice when movers arrive on time, keep a positive attitude, and finish the job without a scratch on grandma’s antique table. Finding the right people and ensuring they’re trained can result in fewer accidents and more satisfied customers.

Here’s how to implement an effective hiring process.

Recruitment and screening

• Check local job boards, online job sites, college bulletin boards, and referrals from friends and colleagues.

• Seek out candidates with physical strength, attention to detail, good communication skills, and reliability. Moving can be tough work, so you’ll want to find people who won’t quit after one shift.

• Run a standard background check. Employees will be entering clients’ homes and handling their property – your clients will want to feel comfortable with the crew you send.

Orientation and onboarding

• Introduce your company’s culture, policies, and safety expectations. Clarity will be helpful to your team, even for a small operation.

• Inform employees of the daily routine: how to load, what kind of scheduling software or calendar you use, and how to address customer questions.

Safety training

• Teach employees how to lift furniture without hurting their backs, how to manoeuvre tight staircases, and ways to position dollies to avoid tipping.

• Emphasise the importance of staying aware of surroundings. Repetitive motion injuries or collisions happen when people rush without the right safety habits.

Customer service coaching

• Emphasise open communication. If something gets damaged, make sure you or your employees own up to it and propose a solution. If there’s a delay, call the client, so they’re not left unaware of the situation.

• Movers often interact directly with clients who might be stressed about relocating. Empathy and respect can go a long way in demonstrating excellent customer service.

Retention tactics

• If you offer a competitive pay, reward strong performance, and maintain consistent scheduling, you’ll keep good workers around longer. Even small perks (e.g., covering lunch on busy days) can help people feel valued.

• If you have a driver who wants to learn new routes or eventually manage a crew, nurture that ambition. Seasonal employees or part-timers might stick around if they see a path for growth.

• Occasional refresher training can boost safety and morale.

Which payment options should your removals company offer?

Flexible payment methods can attract customers with different budgets and preferences. Some prefer to pay with a credit card, while others prefer cheques or digital wallets. Giving clients the freedom to choose can make payments easier to settle.

Credit and debit cards

Cards are convenient for customers, especially corporate or high-end residential clients. Stripe allows you to accept card payments online and in person (via a mobile card reader or smartphone).

Digital wallets

Some customers prefer to pay via digital wallets such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, and Stripe’s card readers are built to accept them. Digital wallets are fast, and they can provide more layers of security.

Bank transfers

In certain cases, clients might prefer direct bank transfers. These can be practical for larger invoices, such as big office moves or in countries where bank transfers are popular. However, note that clearing times can vary depending on the type of bank transfer. You can also accept these payments through Stripe.

Cheques

Some people, especially older clients, still use paper cheques. If you accept cheques, set a policy on deposit timing. There’s always a small risk that the cheque will bounce. You can mitigate that by collecting partial payment up front or verifying the cheque during business hours.

Cash

Customers might pay for small moves in cash. If you accept it, note that good recordkeeping is important. A quick receipt can help keep everything recorded and consistent.

How do you market a removals company effectively?

Marketing is how you introduce yourself to new clients – and how you remind old ones that you’re still around. You don’t have to be a marketing expert to see real results, but you do need a plan that fits your budget and your style. Below are some strategies to explore.

Search engine optimisation (SEO) and listings

• Create a Google Business Profile with accurate contact information and good quality photos.

• Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews. Consistent, positive feedback boosts your visibility and signals that you’re reliable.

• Embed local keywords on your website (e.g., “removal services in Houston”), so it’s easier for people to find you when they search online.

Website and social media

• Build a simple, mobile-friendly site that describes your services, pricing, and contact information. Add a page for frequently asked questions to reduce repetitive inquiries.

• Show photos and short videos of your crew in action on Instagram, Facebook, or other social media channels. Customers often like seeing footage of real people doing work rather than abstract stock images.

Referral programmes

• Provide a small discount or gift card to clients who send you new customers. Word of mouth can be effective in growing your business.

• Partner with estate agents and storage facility managers, if possible. They often hear about upcoming moves first, so it’s smart to get their attention as a dependable mover.

Printed materials and local sponsorships

• Use business cards, flyers, and signage on your vans to reinforce name recognition.

• Consider supporting a local youth sports team or community fundraiser. People who are about to move might notice your logo at these events.

Special promotions

• Offer discounted rates or bundled services in off-peak months to fill your calendar year-round.

• If you also handle packing or storage, promote those add-ons, so customers know they can get all these services in one place.