How to Start a Residential Moving Company

A residential moving company can be run from home, and there are franchise opportunities. Individuals always need residential moving services, so business should be steady.

At first, you will not need to register your business, as you will be a sole proprietor in most cases, although it is highly recommended you do so. Starting a residential moving business can be low cost, requiring little investment.

Things You'll Need

• Telephone All-in-one printer Computer Broadband Internet access Business cards, flyers, envelopes Office supplies such as paper, staplers, index cards, etc. Moving truck or van Website Several mailing lists of local residences

Instructions

1. Decide on a name for your business and its logo. Once you have a final draft of your logo, take your concept to a printer, and have it print envelopes, letterhead stationery and business cards. Set up your home office.

2. Create mailing lists. You can buy them online or create your own using the telephone directory and online databases to find residents in your area. This can be time consuming, so it might be worthwhile to hire someone to do this on a contract basis. Your mailing lists should be put into a database.

3. Make your fliers and brochures to market your moving company. Hire a professional or, with a little creativity and a word processing program, make them yourself. Your brochures and fliers should be as professional as possible. Have a few hundred copies made at a local copy store. Save the master copies for later printings.

4. Draft up an introduction letter to let local residents know who you are, and what it is you do. Be clear and concise in your letter. Print out a copy of this letter on your company's letterhead. This is a master copy for future printings.

5. Send out your mailing. Use your mailing list database to print out labels or envelopes. If you have Microsoft Word, use the mail merge feature to automate the printing of envelopes or labels. Stuff the envelopes with your introduction letters, apply the labels (if you printed labels) and mail them.

6. Set up a website that advertises your services and gives prospective customers another way to contact you. Add customer testimonials from satisfied customers.

7. Leave brochures and small stacks of business cards in places like furniture and grocery stores, and shopping centers in the area, after asking for permission from managers. This is a great way to spread the word about your business.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember look into any legalities in your area particularly those concerning Department of Transportation guidelines, or the operation of a residential moving service.