Are you considering entrepreneurship? Starting a moving company in Alberta or anywhere in Canada could just be the next big thing for you, and surprisingly, you don’t need to break the bank for this.

The moving industry in Canada is booming, driven by constant demand from people relocating for work, family, or other personal reasons.

Whether you are looking for a side hustle or you want to own a business, transportation is an evergreen sector, and this blog post shows actionable steps you can take to start small and scale.

What is a moving Company?

To clear the air, a moving company is a business that provides services including but not limited to packing and unpacking, loading and offloading, transportation, storage, etc., to help individuals, families, or businesses move their belongings from one location to another.

The goal of a moving company is to make the relocation process as smooth and efficient as possible, reducing the physical and mental stress of moving by taking care of the heavy lifting and logistics.

Steps to Start a Moving Company in Canada on a Budget

1. Choose your preferred sector

Just like any other business, if you want to see success, you have to start by choosing a specific sector to focus on. There are different types of moving services available, including residential, commercial, local, long-distance, international, specialty, etc.

You have to research each sector to know the pros and cons of it and how it aligns with your personality.

The basic pros of starting a moving company are that you will always be in demand and there is little government regulation.

Since you are on a budget, you will need a used moving truck or rent a van, have your insurance, and be agile to lift pieces of stuff. The major drawback is the growing competition as a lot of people are doing this on the side, especially during the weekends.

2. Set up a legal Business Structure

After deciding your forte, go for training and set up a business structure, and apply for a business number from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to legally register your new moving company. This business number is important as it is needed for tax filing purposes.

Another important legal requirement is your permit, Although Movers in Canada don’t need an industry-specific license, you will need to cover municipal, provincial, and federal requirements.

If you plan to drive the trucks yourself, it is recommended to get a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

3. Buy the Right Equipment (On a Budget)

The most significant expense for a moving company is typically the equipment. But don’t worry; there are ways to get started on a budget.

Start with one truck or van; Instead of purchasing an expensive fleet of vehicles, start small with a used moving truck or van that fits your needs. Other essentials to buy include moving blankets, dollies, tie-down ratchet straps, and packing boxes. Don’t forget to include autobody maintenance services in your budget.

Here are options to raise capital to start up the business after you have estimated your budget:

• If you have a job, keep it and gradually fund the business from its yields, and start offering weekend moves while stacking up the income.
• Discuss this idea with close friends and family.
• Use a credit card
• Apply for a small business loan.

With a clear business structure, the Canada Small Business Financing Program can offer you low-interest loans to start up, and if you have a good credit history, you can get a favourable rate on a small business loan from a local bank.

4. Choose a target market and set your price

As a start-up, it is important to have focus and be precise on which part of the market you want to get a share. Define your target, and eliminate the noise.

Your plan should show your core values, including what type of service you are offering, your locations, your customer base, etc. These will help to give you an edge in the market and separate you from the competition.

Additionally, you want to set up your price to cover your expenses and still give you a profit. You should consider factors including advertising fees, daily operating costs, competitors’ rates, maintenance, fuel, taxes, insurance, job-specific costs, etc.

5. Marketing Strategies for your moving company

To get the most out of your business, you need to be online and available. You should consider getting a website, listing your business on local directory websites, and creating a Google Business Page.

If you are in Alberta, contact us now to review and list your business if it follows our review process.

You can also do word-of-mouth referrals, invest in getting business cards, broadcast on newspaper and/or radio ads, and join professional organizations such as the Canadian Trucking Alliance.