How to start a moving company

Start and grow your moving company

Starting a moving company can be a profitable business that offers a service many people need. But there are also some factors to consider and steps to take to start and run a successful business. In this article we describe some important steps to take when starting a moving company.

1. Do some market research

Before you start your moving company, it's important to research the market and identify your competitors, their prices, their services, their target audience and their strengths and weaknesses. This will help you create a business plan that stands out from the competition and offers customers something unique.

2. Register your company

Register the company — a limited company with the Swedish Companies Registration Office (Bolagsverket), a sole trader with the Swedish Tax Agency — and apply for F-tax and VAT registration with the Tax Agency. If you transport goods commercially with trucks over 3.5 tonnes, you also need a haulage licence from the Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen). Read up on the rules that apply to your business.

3. Get the right insurance and documentation

Insurance is important when you start a moving company. You need to protect your company, your staff and your customers from damage and losses that can occur during a move. Contact an insurance agent to find out which insurance is required and what suits your company. Read up on, for example, Bohag 2010, the agreement and documentation between the industry organisations and the Swedish Consumer Agency.

4. Rent or buy equipment and vehicles

You'll need to invest in the right equipment and vehicles to run your business efficiently. This can include trucks, moving boxes, protective covers, packing materials and other equipment. Rent or buy high-quality equipment to reduce the risk of damage to customers' property and to your staff.

5. Recruit staff

If you don't plan to run the business on your own, you'll need to hire staff to help with moves. Hire experienced movers with good customer service skills. Also make sure all employees go through a background check and hold the right driving licence for the vehicles you use.

6. Build your website and market your company

An effective way to market your moving company is to create a website that describes your services and prices. Use search engine optimisation (SEO) to increase your website's visibility and attract customers. Also advertise in local newspapers and on social media.

7. Connect your moving company to Pandy

By connecting your moving company to Pandy, moving and cleaning companies can easily find more jobs and customers and grow faster.