Summer is moving season. A truck, muscle, and reliability — that's all it takes.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Moving blankets / furniture pads (6-pack) | $25-60 |
| Rope, tie-down straps, bungee cords | $15-35 |
| Furniture dolly / hand truck | $30-75 |
| Work gloves (2-3 pairs) | $10-20 |
| Liability disclaimer / simple service agreement (print) | $0-10 |
| Business cards + magnetic truck sign | $20-50 |
| Venmo/CashApp/Zelle account (free) or card reader | $0-30 |
| Total | $100-280 |
A standard pickup truck handles 1-2 bedroom apartments and small loads. A trailer bumps capacity to small homes. A cargo van is premium. Know the max weight your vehicle handles safely. Also know your back — furniture moving is physical work. Hire a helper for heavy jobs rather than injuring yourself or the client's property.
Two models work: hourly ($50-80/hour, 2-hour minimum) or flat-rate by load size (studio apartment = $150-250, 1BR = $250-400, 2BR = $400-700). Flat-rate is easier to sell and quote upfront. Add a fuel surcharge for jobs 20+ miles away. Always charge a minimum — no job is worth less than $100 of your time.
Moving damage is your biggest business risk. Use a simple service agreement (free template inside this kit) that clients sign before you touch anything. It limits your liability to replacement value for items you've been informed are fragile. For junk hauling, always confirm the items are actually owned by the client. Never haul hazardous materials — paints, chemicals, propane tanks.
Post on Craigslist (Services > Moving), Facebook Marketplace (Services section), Nextdoor, and local Facebook groups. Your post headline: "Reliable Local Moving Help — [Truck Size], Available Weekends." Include your rates, availability, and a photo of your truck. Respond to inquiries within 1 hour — moving jobs go to whoever responds first.
Moving is seasonal (April-September peak). Junk hauling is every month. Estate cleanouts, garage cleanups, old furniture removal, appliance disposal — same truck, different client. Price by the truckload ($100-200 for a partial load, $200-400 for a full truck). Recycling and donation drop-offs let you handle almost anything legally.
After every job, text the client: "Thanks for hiring me today — if you know anyone else who needs moving or hauling help, I'd appreciate the referral." Real estate agents, property managers, and storage facilities are your power referral sources. One agent who manages 20 rentals can keep you busy all summer.
Furniture removal, appliance pickup, garage cleanout, or yard waste. Priced by truckload. Quick jobs, often same-day, year-round demand.
Studio or 1-bedroom moves within 20 miles. Typically 2-4 hours of loading/unloading. Flat-rate or $60-80/hour with a 2-hour minimum.
2-3 bedroom home move with large furniture. Full-day job. May require a helper (charge $25-40/hour for their labor on top of your rate). Long-distance surcharge applies 20+ miles.
Copy these templates, fill in your details, and start marketing today. Every template is tested and proven.
RELIABLE LOCAL MOVING HELP — [Truck/Trailer Size] Tired of friends who cancel? Hire someone who actually shows up. ✓ Apartments, houses, storage units, and junk hauling ✓ Furniture, appliances, boxes — I handle it all ✓ Available 7 days a week, including evenings ✓ Fully loaded truck: moving blankets, straps, dollies Pricing: • Junk hauling: from $[X] per load • Small moves (studio/1BR): from $[X] • Large moves (2BR+): quoted by job Text or call [Phone] to book or get a quote. [Your Area] | Fast response guaranteed.
🚚 Moving season is here and I'm taking bookings! I provide reliable moving and hauling help in [Your Area]. Apartments, houses, storage units, furniture removal — text me for a free quote. I show up on time, handle your stuff carefully, and charge fair rates. References available. Text [Phone] or DM me. Weekends fill up fast!
"Thanks for reaching out! A few quick questions: 1. What are you moving — apartment, house, storage unit, or junk removal? 2. How many rooms / how much stuff? 3. Origin and destination addresses (or just distance)? 4. What date were you thinking? Based on that I can give you a flat-rate quote within an hour. Most small moves are $[X]-[Y], large moves $[X]-[Y]. Deposit of $[X] locks in your date."
Thanks for hiring [Your Name] Moving & Hauling! If you know anyone who needs: • Moving help (local moves, any size) • Junk/furniture removal • Storage unit cleanouts ...send them my way. I'll take good care of them. [Phone] • [Your Area] Text anytime — I respond fast.