Introduction
If you’re looking to start a successful moving company in 2025, you’re stepping into one of the fastest-growing service industries in North America. With increased demand from remote workers, downsizing families, and commercial expansions, there’s never been more opportunity—or more competition.
The moving companies thriving today aren’t just relying on brute strength. They’re scaling smart, using advanced tools, polished branding, and rock-solid systems.
At Movified, we’ve interviewed over 60 moving professionals—from startup founders to 7-figure operators. This guide breaks down the three core essentials you’ll need to launch a moving company that wins in 2025 and beyond.
Key Takeaways
What You’ll Learn:
- Why a modern business plan is your first step to long-term success
- How updated moving software and tech are shaping competitive operations
- What it takes to build and retain a skilled, reliable moving crew in today’s job market
Table of Contents
What This Means for Movers in 2025
Strategy First: The Foundation of a Successful Moving Company
Starting a moving company in 2025 requires more than hustle. You’ll face stricter regulations, higher insurance premiums, and a more digitally-savvy customer base. A well-defined business plan is your first move.
Must-Have Elements in Your 2025 Moving Business Plan:
Defined Services: Residential, commercial, specialty (pianos, fine art, etc.)
Target Audience: Are you serving tech professionals in Vancouver? Seniors in Calgary?
Cost Forecasting: Factor in fuel prices, wages, and insurance
Digital Marketing Strategy: SEO, short-form content, and Google Business Profile optimization
Brand Positioning: What sets you apart—white-glove service? Local expertise? 24/7 support?
Lesson for Movers: Don’t plan for today—plan for where the industry is going.
Tools & Tech You Need to Start a Successful Moving Company in 2025
The Right Software is Non-Negotiable
Running your business on paper and whiteboards? That’s over. To start a successful moving company in 2025, you’ll need systems that scale.
Top 2025 Software Picks for Movers:
- SmartMoving – Scalable CRM with dispatch, estimating, and team management
- Supermove – Modern UI, easy onboarding, perfect for multi-location operators
- Oncue – Streamlined setup, great for startups or 1–3 truck operations
- QuickBooks Online – For real-time accounting, invoicing, and payroll
- Zapier + Google Sheets – Automate leads from Facebook, web forms, or Angi
Operational Equipment You Still Need:
- Branded, well-maintained trucks (2025 customers care about presentation)
- Dollies, floor runners, shrink wrap, heavy-duty blankets, and toolkits
- Custom uniforms with company logos and QR code patches for reviews
Lesson for Movers: The right tools make your crew faster, safer, and more review-worthy.
Building the Right Team in a Tough Labor Market
Talent Shortages Are Real—Culture Is Your Competitive Advantage
It’s 2025, and finding strong, reliable workers who stay is harder than ever. The solution? Create a crew culture that people want to be part of.
Step 1: Recruit Differently
- Partner with trade schools, gyms, and even youth sports programs
- Use videos on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to showcase your crew and build employer brand
- Offer sign-on bonuses, same-day pay, or referral incentives
Step 2: Train with Intention
- Onboard using digital video modules + in-person walkthroughs
- Use checklists and roleplays: greeting customers, wrapping glassware, or stacking a vault
- Shadow veterans and reward learning milestones
Step 3: Keep Them Longer
- Promote internally: packers to drivers, drivers to leads
- Hold quarterly crew meetings and bonus contests for reviews
- Celebrate crew birthdays, anniversaries, and standout moments on social
Movers’ Lesson: A moving crew isn’t just labor—it’s your customer experience in uniform.
Bonus—Legal, Insurance & Compliance for 2025
Rules Are Changing—Stay Protected
Before you take your first job, get your paperwork in place. 2025 has seen more insurance claims, stricter DOT oversight, and rising commercial vehicle costs.
Must-Have Legal Steps:
- Business registration in your province or state
- GST/HST tax registration in Canada
- Operating authority (U.S.: USDOT and MC Number; Canada: provincial transport license)
- Business insurance policy (see below)
Insurance Coverage You’ll Need in 2025:
- Commercial Auto: For each vehicle in your fleet
- General Liability: Coverage for on-site incidents
- Cargo Insurance: Protects client belongings
- Worker’s Compensation: Required for all paid staff
Movers’ Lesson: Get insured before you get booked. One lawsuit can end a business before it starts.
Real Movers. Real Stories. Real Results.
Here are some of the most impactful stories shared on the Movified Podcast this year:
Mario Reyes – South Bay Moving (California)
From a chaotic gunfire job to 23 trucks, 30+ employees, and a thriving business—his journey shows how vision and tech come together.
Taylor & Marcela – BustNMoves (Idaho)
Husband-wife duo scaling a family business while raising a family—focused on building culture and operational strength.
Winston Davis – MoveUp Consulting
How onboarding systems and recruiting strategies helped dozens of moving companies hire and retain great workers in 2025’s competitive labor climate.
Movers’ Lesson: If they can do it, so can you—with the right tools, mindset, and network.
Why Movified?
Movified is your one-stop platform for real stories, systems, and strategies from the moving world.
Why Movers Love Us:
- 60+ episodes with industry leaders and innovators
- Proven resources: business plans, hiring templates, CRM comparisons
- Hosted by Mark Hirschi, award-winning industry leader & speaker
We connect movers across Canada and the U.S.—from new startups to 7-figure operations
Conclusion
The moving industry in 2025 rewards those who prepare. If you want to start your own company, don’t skip the foundation.
- Build a business plan that’s market-smart
- Invest in tech and training to elevate the customer experience
- Hire, train, and retain movers who are proud to represent your brand
🎧 Need inspiration?
Listen to founders who’ve been in your shoes—and crushed it. Subscribe to the Movified Podcast for weekly stories, strategies, and community.
“It’s not about just moving boxes—it’s about moving your business forward.”
— Mark Hirschi, Host of Movified
Meet The Host
Mark Hirschi is the founder and host of Movified. With over a decade in the moving and storage industry, Mark combines real-world leadership experience with a passion for mentorship and elevating industry standards.
