How to Start a Packing Business

A packing business can be profitable in the right areas. You can pack people's belongings for storage or when they move but not have to deal with the actual transporting and moving of the items. Follow these steps to learn how to start a packing business.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Learn the proper way to wrap breakables and valuable items. You can learn this information from an experienced packer or an employee of a full service moving company.
2. Research the areas in which it looks like you might have a demand for business. Look in the upscale areas where people can afford to have others pack for them and the communities where there seems to be a lot of moving going on. These are the neighborhoods where you should advertise your packing business.
3. Apply for a business license from your local Department of Finance before you begin your packing business.
4. Invest in packing supplies. These include but are not limited to boxes, tape, bubble wrap, peanuts, permanent markers and plastic wrap.
5. Determine the costs involved with packing and supplies. Document these prices on a price list so there's no misunderstanding between you and your customers of the costs involved in packing an item.
6. Have a contract made up. It's best if this part of the business is handled by an attorney so you know that all the legalities and potential liabilities are covered. You don't want to be held responsible if something valuable breaks through no fault of your own or your packing business.
7. Carry insurance just in case. If you fail to pack something correctly and it's damaged then your packing business insurance will pay for it.

Tips & Warnings

• It may be punishable by fine to operate a business without a license depending upon where you live.