On behalf of the Moving team, we would like to show you how to approach starting a moving company. We have experienced first-hand how exciting it is to set up your own moving company. It gives you freedom, but it also brings challenges. In this guide, you will find practical steps and tips to start a moving company that stands firm. We will take you from the initial investment to the smart use of marketing, so that your move after move can grow into a fully-fledged business.
Starting your own moving company? What do you need?
Starting a moving company starts with a good dose of curiosity and perseverance. You can start small as a freelancer or start a large team right away movers hiring. However you start, always consider these points:
1. Starting your own moving company: financial resources and administration
You will need capital for a van or moving truck, packing materials such as tape, protective covers and proper tools. A single vehicle may be sufficient, but be aware that the cost of a moving company can quickly exceed that of a moving company if you want to work on a large scale right away. So keep a close eye on how much you invest and what you spend on transport costs, labour costs and insurance.
2. To start a moving company you need to be registered with the Chamber of Commerce
You can start by officially registering your company with the Chamber of Commerce (kvk). Go to their website, click on register and verify your email address. Your account is linked to your data once you have filled in everything. Then choose your legal form, because this determines your tax benefits and liability.
3. Permits and regulations for your moving company
Sometimes you need to apply for a parking permit when you help with removals in busy city centres. If you want to do large removals or work across the border, check whether you need additional papers. This way you avoid surprises.
4. Good materials and your own moving company
You want to transport furniture and other belongings of customers safely. A sturdy moving van or a van with a tail lift will help you with that. Pay attention to the capacity, because in urgent removals it can be crucial that you can load and drive quickly.
5. Digital tools and self-employment
Make sure you use a handy accounting program. This will prevent chaos and keep track of your turnover, invoices and any VAT returns. Also try a good planning tool, so you know which move is coming and where you need to be every day.
An example of starting your own moving company
For example, Monique opted for a small investment and first bought an older moving van that she rents as a supplement during busy times. In this way, she spread her risks and remained flexible as a business owner. You can do the same if you want to start a moving business and do not have thousands of euros lying around right away.
Why good administration is vital in the moving industry
Clear administration shows you exactly where you stand. If you don't pay attention to it, you often only see too late that costs are increasing. You don't want to discover that you no longer have money to buy fuel, while you have a huge job ahead of you.
1. Overview of income and expenses for your business operations
Keep track of your cash flows so you know how much you spend on things like transport, labor costs, and insurance. This way you can calculate whether you are making a profit or need to make adjustments in time.
2. How much does a moving company cost? VAT and taxes
You pay VAT periodically, unless you fall within certain exemptions. We advise you to put aside enough, because the Tax Authorities can levy additional tax if you have unexpectedly paid too little.
3. Making quotes for a move
A clear quote for every move builds trust with customers. If you indicate what is and is not included in the price, you prevent misunderstandings. Customers also like to see how your turnover can differ per quote, depending on the size of the assignment.
4. Avoid fines and contact authorities for assistance
A messy administration can result in fines. So make sure you have everything in order, because that way we guarantee that you will have peace of mind to do business.
How do you become a certified mover?
A professional mover does more than just carry boxes. You can join a trade association and meet strict requirements, so that you can put the predicate “recognized” on your website. This gives customers extra confidence and often results in larger moves. You can become certified by following a course or training, after which you qualify for a quality mark that demonstrates your quality.
Tip franchisee
Are you not ready for such an official process, but do you want to make it clear that you deliver quality? Then write reviews or have customers post reviews via independent platforms. This way you still build credibility, even before you have obtained a recognized stamp.
Create a powerful marketing strategy
Without marketing, your schedule may not fill up quickly. With the right approach, you show who you are and why people should do business with your moving company.
Online marketing and social media
- Lead purchasing
Buy leads to make a good start with the growth of your moving company at a late rate. In addition to Moving.nl, there are various platforms where you can buy leads. On Moving.nl you receive leads that are verified via SMS and you know that you are dealing with real and serious applicants. Sign up here! - Optimize your website
Use keywords like start a moving company, start a moving company and own moving company in your texts. Share photos of successful moves, and explain how you work. Potential customers will immediately gain confidence when they read that you can, for example, handle the move urgently. - Social media
Reddit is anonymous, but you can still build a lot of interaction if you share valuable tips. Make sure you verify your email address first and choose a reddit account. Do this carefully, because if your login fails because your details are unclear, you will not be able to log in quickly. - Email campaigns
We find tools like “with klaviyo ai” interesting because you can set up customer segments with them. You automate your newsletters, text messages and reminders, so that you keep your existing customers informed about new services and offers. A nice text message can often help too.
Offline marketing – Flyering at new-build homes
- Flyers and posters
You can flyer very specifically at newly completed homes. People who have just received their keys are often quickly looking for a moving company. Keep your message short and clear: tell who you are, what you do and how you can be reached. - Collaboration with real estate agents
Work with local real estate agents if you are looking for more leads. They talk to people who are moving every day. A customer who is just buying a house often needs a helper to transport furniture and other items.
Monique, who you read earlier, decided after ten years to still regularly flyer at new construction projects. She says that her turnover gets a big boost because of that, because residents of those projects almost all have to move within a few weeks. Starting now!
Want to become a franchisee of a moving company?
Running a moving company requires a lot of management and organization. If you want to share that challenge with a head office, you can become a franchisee. Then you benefit directly from our franchise formula or a similar formula, with a proven concept and a network of franchisees who each serve their region.
You enter into a contract and often pay a fee and monthly contribution, but in return you receive support for quotes, marketing and customer contact. Please note: your working hours are not always in your own hands, because some formulas use fixed guidelines.
Expert tips for long-term success
1. Stay flexible
Leave room in your schedule for emergency removals. This can sometimes result in higher rates. Also be open to removals during weekends or evenings. To start your own removal company in 2025, you first have to consider many things and think carefully so that you know exactly what you are getting into.
2. Choose wisely
It is smart to know whether you want to grow into a large company or prefer to stay small. Those who have big ambitions must hire extra staff and purchase additional equipment in time. That is why we recommend that you always look around, even if you are already a mover.
3. Make clear agreements
Customers appreciate knowing how you work, what the costs are and what service you provide. We provide clear information, because we reassure them and have fewer questions during the job. Take a good look at what exactly you want. Do you want lower prices? Would you rather go for a decent amount? And what will your minimum prices be?
4. Use technology
Integrate your planning with automation software, because that makes your efficient planning easier. This way you keep a cool head when you have multiple moving jobs per week. Also make sure that you understand the privacy policy.
According to the CBS, the moving industry is still growing. That means many opportunities for you as an entrepreneur, but also more competitors. A fresh look and ambitious approach will help you to distinguish yourself in this industry.
Start growing today
You have now received a lot of information, but you will only really benefit from this knowledge if you take action. Consider what financial resources you have, and hiring extra help can be useful if you notice that your workload is increasing. Those who persevere will experience that with a good plan you can already handle plenty of assignments within a few months. Do you often move people? Then you can perhaps opt for a price increase after a few months.
This way you can get started right away by informing your network about your new step. Tell friends, family and colleagues that you are starting your own moving company and ask them to recommend you. Starting a moving company is not for everyone and is "for only a few.
Get started right away!
Now you know what is involved in starting a moving company. Write a checklist for yourself and work through it point by point. This way you can immediately see what you have already arranged and what you still need to do. Would you like to know more or get personal advice? Then feel free to send us a message. We at Moving would love to talk to you, because we think it is important that everyone who wants to start a moving company starts well prepared.
Start small, expand slowly and enjoy every milestone you achieve with your own company. Who knows, you might be serving the whole of the Netherlands within a few years, or maybe you can even take on cross-border jobs. Go for it!
We wish you the best of luck in starting a moving company. Do you have any questions or would you like to think along about our approach? Then contact us. We are happy to help you, so that you can discover without obligation how to make a move a success in every situation.
