Getting started in moving & hauling help
Steps to go from zero to your first paying moving or hauling client.
- 1
Confirm your vehicle can do the job
A pickup truck or cargo van covers most studio/1-bedroom loads and hauling runs; renting a truck ($150-200/day) or a utility trailer is a low-commitment way to take on bigger jobs before buying anything dedicated.
- 2
Get commercial auto and general liability insurance
Budget roughly $2,000-3,000/yr combined — personal auto policies typically exclude paid hauling work, and liability coverage protects you if something is damaged during a move.
- 3
Buy basic moving equipment
A hand truck/dolly, furniture blankets, and ratchet straps run $500-800 to start — enough gear to protect items and move heavy furniture safely with one or two people.
- 4
Set your hourly rate and minimum job charge
Price per hour with a stated 2-3 hour minimum, plus clear surcharges for stairs, long carries, and oversized items so a hard job doesn't quietly become underpaid.
- 5
Create a simple move agreement
Cover scope, estimated hours, damage-liability limits, and cancellation policy before your first job.
- 6
Check local licensing requirements
Some states/cities require registration or a permit for household-goods movers even at small scale — requirements vary widely by location, so check before advertising interstate or long-distance moves specifically.
- 7
List yourself on moving-help marketplaces and ask for reviews
Dolly, HireAHelper, and a Google Business Profile drive most early bookings; asking satisfied clients for a review builds trust fast in a category where people are handing over their belongings.