A moving franchise lets you run a moving company under an established brand — you pay for the name, systems, and training, then operate it in your own territory.
Most franchises cover local and long-distance moves, with many offering packing services and some adding storage as an extra revenue stream.
Moving businesses fall under the broader umbrella of home service franchises. But you’re not here for a category overview — you’re here to answer one question: is it worth your money?
Is the Investment Worth It?
Yes, a moving franchise can be a good investment for hands-on owners who want steady demand and a proven system. Your returns depend on the brand, your territory, and how involved you are.
Demand holds up because people keep relocating for work and family reasons, giving owners a needs-based customer base rather than a passing trend.
- Technavio projects the U.S. moving services market will grow by $4.4 billion from 2024 to 2029, a 3.8% CAGR.
- Supermove reports nearly 28 million Americans — about 8% of the population — move each year.
The rest of this guide covers costs, profit, and how to size up a brand.
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Moving Franchise?
Total investment covers the franchise fee, trucks, equipment, marketing, and working capital. Costs vary by brand and by how large your market is.
On top of that, expect a royalty — an ongoing fee, usually a percentage of sales, paid to the franchisor each month. Budget for it as a recurring cost, not a one-time expense.
Two examples show the range:
- Two Men and a Truck: metro market start-up costs run $165,700–$538,700, including a $50,000 franchise fee.
- College HUNKS: total initial investment of $203,100–$355,500, with a $75,000 franchise fee and ongoing royalties of 7% plus a 2% brand fund.
Always verify these figures in the franchise disclosure document (FDD) — the legal filing that spells out costs in Item 7 and earnings in Item 19.
How Profitable Is a Moving Franchise?
Revenue potential is real, but it varies a lot by owner and market. Gross sales are total revenue before expenses — not the same as profit.
College HUNKS’ 2026 FDD (Item 19) shows a system-wide average gross sales per location of $1.55 million in 2025. Individual results vary.
Your take-home pay depends on labor, fuel, and truck use. Before you decide, it’s worth comparing moving against the most profitable franchises in other categories.
Why Demand for Moving Services Stays Steady
People move for new jobs and family changes, so demand is needs-based rather than trend-based — one reason this category appeals to first-time owners.
- New single-family house sales reached roughly 660,000 in January 2024 (Technavio), supported by rising buyer interest and high transaction volume.
- The moving and storage industry generates $92.2 billion in economic activity, employs more than 480,000 people, and pays nearly $13 billion in wages (Supermove/ATA Moving & Storage Conference data).
Call the industry resilient rather than recession-proof: demand tracks home sales, so when home buying slows, moving volume can soften too.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Moving Franchise
Every investment has trade-offs. Here’s how they stack up:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Established brand and customer trust | Labor-intensive daily operations |
| Training and ongoing franchisor support | Seasonal demand peaks in summer |
| Steady, needs-based customer demand | Fuel and insurance costs squeeze margins |
| Lower entry cost than many franchises | Royalties reduce monthly revenue |
For the wider picture across categories, our guide on whether are franchises a good investment offers a helpful framework.
Which Ownership Model Fits You: Owner-Operator or Semi-Absentee?
An owner-operator works in the business daily, which is common in the early years. A semi-absentee owner hires a manager and keeps a job or other interests.
Moving franchises often reward hands-on ownership at first, then let you step back as you build a team. That path can suit an executive who wants to protect a corporate salary while getting started — worth exploring through a semi-absentee ownership model that fits a busy schedule.
How to Evaluate a Moving Franchise Before You Buy
Good due diligence protects your money. Adam Goldman has built and sold a multi-million-dollar franchise business, so our team knows these trade-offs firsthand. Work through these key points before you sign anything.
- Read the FDD: Check Items 7 and 19 for costs and earnings before you commit.
- Talk to franchisees: Ask current owners about their real profit and daily workload.
- Check the territory: Confirm your area is available and protected from nearby franchisees.
- Plan your funding: Compare franchise financing options so you know what you can afford.
- Investigate the brand: Follow a clear process for how to investigate a franchise before you buy.
FAQs
Yes, it can be, though profit depends on truck use and labor costs, and gross sales are not the same as take-home pay.
It can suit hands-on people who want steady demand and a proven system, and success depends on brand fit and how involved you stay.
There is no single best brand, since the right fit depends on your budget and local market, and guided matching helps you compare options.
Startup costs range widely by brand and market, as the cost section above details, so confirm the exact figures in the FDD before you commit.
Final Thoughts: Is a Moving Franchise Right for You?
A moving franchise is a solid investment for the right owner in the right market. Demand stays steady and entry costs are manageable, though the business rewards hands-on effort and careful brand selection.
You do not have to sort through thousands of concepts alone. Our free coaching helps you match with a brand that fits your goals and budget.
Book a Strategy Call with Adam Goldman and take the next step with confidence.
