On the Move: Essential Steps for Starting a Moving Company in Ontario -

Ontario, with its bustling cities, thriving economy, and a constant flow of people and businesses, presents an ideal market for a successful moving company. Whether you’re interested in residential moves, commercial relocations, or specialized services, understanding the nuances of the industry is key to building a reputable and profitable business.

In this guide, we will take you through the crucial steps involved in launching your moving company in Ontario. Get ready to embark on an exciting journey that helps people transition smoothly while building a successful and thriving business.

Key Takeaways

Creating a solid business plan is the first step to starting a successful moving company in Ontario.
Setting up your moving company involves registering your business, obtaining permits and licenses, and securing insurance.
Hiring and training staff, marketing your business, and providing excellent customer service are key to growing your moving company.

1. Creating Your Business Plan

Creating a business plan is an essential step in starting a moving company in Ontario. It helps you organize your ideas, set realistic goals, and understand your financial needs. Here are some tips on how to create a business plan for your moving company:

Conduct Market Research

Before you start writing your business plan, you need to conduct market research. This will help you understand the industry and market that you will be operating in. You need to identify your target market, your competitors, and your unique selling proposition. You can use online resources, industry reports, and trade associations to gather information.

Define Your Business Idea and Goals

Your business plan should explain your business idea, short and long-term business goals, and what resources are available to start and operate your business. You need to define your services, pricing strategy, and marketing plan. You also need to set financial goals, such as revenue targets and profit margins.

Determine Your Financial Needs

Your business plan should include a financial plan that outlines your startup costs, operating expenses, and revenue projections. You need to determine how much money you need to start your moving company and how you will finance it. You can use a spreadsheet template or a business plan software to create financial projections.

Get Professional Help

If you need help writing a business plan, you can contact your local Small Business Enterprise Centre or a Regional Innovation Centre. They offer free or low-cost business consulting services, workshops, and resources. You can also hire a professional business plan writer or consultant to help you create a professional and comprehensive business plan.

3. Raise Funding For Your Business

Funding is typically more important for a moving company than many other service businesses due to higher startup costs and equipment requirements, but the amount needed varies significantly based on your approach.

Why Raising Capital is Important

Here’s why funding can critical for starting a new moving business in Ontario:

Equipment and Vehicle Costs – Moving trucks, dollies, straps, blankets, and professional equipment represent substantial upfront investment. A single moving truck can cost $30,000-$100,000+ depending on size and condition.
Insurance Requirements – Commercial vehicle insurance and liability coverage are expensive in Ontario, especially for moving companies due to higher risk profiles.
Licensing and Bonding – You’ll need proper commercial licensing, and many clients require bonded and insured movers.
Working Capital – Seasonal fluctuations (busy summers, slower winters) mean you need reserves to cover fixed costs during slower periods.
Labor Costs – Unlike solo delivery services, moving typically requires 2-4 person crews, creating immediate payroll obligations.

Here’s how you can raise funds for your moving company:

Traditional Banking Options Major banks (RBC, TD, BMO, Scotiabank) have commercial vehicle financing programs specifically for transportation businesses. Credit unions like Meridian or DUCA often provide more flexible terms for local businesses. Consider both equipment loans for trucks and lines of credit for working capital.
Equipment and Vehicle Financing Commercial truck dealerships offer financing packages tailored to moving companies. Equipment leasing companies allow you to acquire trucks and equipment with lower upfront costs. Some specialized lenders focus exclusively on transportation and logistics businesses and understand industry cash flow patterns.
Angel Investors and Private Capital Toronto Angel Group and Southern Ontario SmartStart Angels connect entrepreneurs with investors. Local business networks through chambers of commerce can introduce you to private investors. Some logistics industry veterans invest in promising moving companies.
Industry-Specific Opportunities Established moving companies sometimes offer franchise opportunities with built-in financing. Partnership arrangements with real estate agencies or storage facilities might include capital investment. Some truck rental companies have programs to help operators transition to ownership.
Creative Financing Strategies Owner-financing from truck sellers allows you to make payments over time. Revenue-sharing agreements with complementary businesses (storage facilities, real estate agencies). Crowdfunding for unique moving concepts or community-focused services.
Government programs are such as grants, rebates, loans, and loan rebates are available for starting a new business in Ontario.

Government Programs and Grants

Here are some of the government grants and programs for starting a new business in Ontario:

BDC Small Business Loan: A BDC Small Business Loan is designed to help Canadian entrepreneurs like you fund a wide range of business needs, from purchasing equipment to covering payroll or launching marketing campaigns. You can apply easily online for amounts up to $100,000, with approval subject to review.
BDC Startup Financing: If you’re looking to launch or grow a business in Canada, BDC’s Startup Financing can help get you started with flexible loans up to $150,000. BDC is specifically focused on supporting entrepreneurs and offers advice alongside funding.
Community Futures program: The program delivers a mix of funding, mentorship, and business advisory and could be a key source of support for your small business. This federally funded initiative focuses on building resilient local economies across Canada.
Canada Small Business Financing Program: CSBFP is a federal initiative that aims to make it easier for you to get loans from major banks or credit unions by having the government share part of the risk with your lender.
Ontario Business Grants: This article outlines the business grants available in Ontario, who offers them, how they can be used, and what it takes to qualify.
Thunder Bay Ventures Northwestern Ontario Investment Pool Loans: NWOIP offers loans extending up to $600,000. Thanks to their funding partner FedNor/Industry Canada, these expanded loans support local businesses in starting up or expanding.
Superior North CDFC: Superior North CFDC administers a local investment fund to help finance new or existing small businesses and social enterprises in the Northwest Region of Ontario.
RRFDC Equity Investments: Rainy River Future Development Corporation provides equity investments to entrepreneurs in the Northwest Region of Ontario, wishing to expand their businesses or begin a new business.
Patricia Area Community Endeavours Business Loans: PACE provides access to capital for small businesses in Patricia Region through loans.
Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund (NADF): NADF delivers Women Entrepreneurship Fund to support Indigenous women entrepreneurs seeking financing to start or grow a business.
Chukuni Community Development Corporation Business Loans: The Corporation offers financing through equity participation, loans, and loan guarantees to business ventures in its catchment area.
Community Futures of North & Central Hastings & South Algonquin Business Loans: Community Futures of North & Central Hastings & South Algonquin Business Loans
Women Founders, Business Owners and Entrepreneurs: Invest Ottawa’s vision is for Canada’s Capital to be the best city in the world for all women founders and business owners to launch, grow and scale commercially successful, globally oriented and sustainable companies.
ACCFutures ACCTermStartup: The ACCTermStartup Loan, offered by ACCFutures, is a specialized financial solution for startups within Akwesasne, Cornwall, and The United Counties of Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry.
Orillia Area Community Development Corporation CCBF Grant: The Community Capacity Building Fund is intended to strengthen its communities by supporting projects of both for-profit businesses and non-profit organizations/social enterprises.
Surplus rebate for businesses: The Ontario government is keeping costs down for workers and businesses by giving back over $2.5 billion by rebating Workplace Safety and Insurance Board surpluses.
Invest Ottawa Starter Company Plus: The Starter Company Plus program offers free training and mentorship to support early-stage, non-tech, Ottawa-based businesses.

2. Set Up Your Moving Company

Starting a moving company in Ontario can be a profitable business venture. Here are some steps to help you set up your moving company:

Choose a Business Name and Logo

Choosing a business name and logo is an important step in establishing your company’s brand identity. Make sure the name you choose is unique and not already taken by another company. You can check the availability of your business name through the Ontario Business Name Search tool. Once you have a name, create a logo that represents your brand.

Register Your Business

Registering your business is important for legal and tax purposes. You can register your business as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation. To register your business, you will need to obtain a Business Number and register for a GST/HST account through the Canada Revenue Agency.

Secure Financing and Budgeting

Starting a moving company requires a significant amount of capital. You will need to secure financing to cover startup costs such as purchasing equipment, vehicles, and insurance coverage. Create a budget to help you manage your finances and ensure you have enough capital to cover expenses.

Establishing a Physical Location

Establishing a physical location for your business is important for credibility and convenience. You can rent a commercial space or operate your business from home. Make sure your location is easily accessible and has enough space to store equipment and vehicles.

Purchase Necessary Equipment and Vehicles

To start your moving company, you will need to purchase equipment such as dollies, furniture pads, and packing materials. You will also need to purchase vehicles such as trucks or vans to transport goods. Make sure your equipment and vehicles are in good condition and meet safety regulations.

Secure Insurance Coverage

Insurance coverage is important for protecting your business and clients. You will need to obtain liability insurance, commercial auto insurance, and workers’ compensation insurance. Make sure your insurance coverage meets legal requirements and provides adequate protection.

3. Hire and Train Staff

Hiring and training staff is crucial when starting a moving company in Ontario. Your staff will be responsible for handling the customers’ belongings, and it’s essential to ensure that they are well-trained and professional. Here are some tips on hiring and training staff for your moving company.

Hiring Staff

When hiring staff, you need to consider their experience, skills, and qualifications. You can advertise job openings on job boards, social media, and local newspapers. You can also ask for referrals from your network or other moving companies.

Before hiring, conduct background checks and ask for references. It’s also essential to ensure that your staff is legally authorized to work in Canada. You can check their status on the Government of Canada’s website.

Training Staff

Training your staff is crucial to provide quality services to your customers. You should train them on packing, loading, unloading, and driving techniques. You can also train them on customer service skills to ensure that they provide excellent customer service.

You can conduct training sessions in-house or hire external trainers. You can also provide training materials, such as videos, manuals, and checklists, to help your staff learn at their own pace.

Workplace Safety

Workplace safety is critical when working in the moving industry. You should train your staff on safety procedures, such as lifting techniques, equipment handling, and driving safety. You should also provide them with personal protective equipment, such as gloves and safety shoes.

It’s also essential to ensure that your workplace is safe and compliant with the Occupational Health and Safety Act. You can consult the Ministry of Labour’s website for more information on workplace safety in Ontario.

4. Market Your Moving Company

Once you have set up your moving company, you need to market it to attract clients. Marketing your moving company is crucial to its success. Here are some tips on how to market your moving company:

Create a Professional Website

Creating a professional website is important for your moving company. Your website should be user-friendly and informative. It should include your company’s contact information, services offered, and pricing. You can also include customer reviews and testimonials on your website to build trust with potential clients.

Use Social Media

Social media is a great way to market your moving company. You can use platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to promote your services. You can also use social media to share customer reviews, pictures, and videos of your team at work.

Advertise Online

Online advertising is a cost-effective way to reach potential clients. You can use Google Ads or Facebook Ads to target people who are searching for moving services in your area. You can also use local directories like Yelp and Yellow Pages to promote your business.

Network with Real Estate Agents

Networking with real estate agents is a great way to get referrals for your moving company. Real estate agents often work with clients who are moving and can refer them to your business. You can also offer a referral program to incentivize real estate agents to refer clients to your business.

Offer Competitive Pricing

Offering competitive pricing is important to attract clients. You can research your competitors’ pricing and offer competitive rates. You can also offer discounts for repeat clients or referrals.

5. Provide Excellent Customer Service

Providing excellent customer service is essential to the success of any moving company. It helps to build a positive reputation and encourages repeat business. Here are some tips on how to provide excellent customer service:

Be Friendly and Courteous

The most important rule in providing excellent customer service is to be friendly and courteous. Greet your customers with a smile, and always be respectful and polite. Listen to their needs and try to offer recommendations before they ask. Make them feel valued and appreciated.

Communicate Effectively

Effective communication is key to providing excellent customer service. Keep your customers informed about the moving process, including the timeline, any potential delays, and any additional charges. Be transparent and honest about your pricing and services.

Be Professional

Maintain a professional demeanor at all times. Dress appropriately and act in a professional manner. Be punctual and reliable. If you make a mistake, own up to it and take steps to rectify the situation.

Provide Quality Service

Provide quality service that meets or exceeds your customers’ expectations. Handle their belongings with care and respect. Provide packing and unpacking services if needed. Offer additional services, such as cleaning or furniture assembly, to make their move easier.

Follow Up

Follow up with your customers after the move to ensure their satisfaction. Ask for feedback and take any constructive criticism to heart. Use this feedback to improve your services and provide even better customer service in the future.

6. Operational Considerations

Starting a moving company in Ontario requires careful planning and consideration of operational factors that can impact the success of your business. In this section, we will discuss some key operational considerations to help you run your business effectively.

Develop Efficient Processes and Procedures

Developing efficient processes and procedures is essential for streamlining your operations and ensuring that your business runs smoothly. This includes having a well-defined workflow for the entire moving process, from packing and loading to unloading and unpacking. You should also have clear guidelines on how to handle different types of items, such as fragile or oversized items.

To develop efficient processes and procedures, you can create checklists and standard operating procedures (SOPs) that outline the steps involved in each stage of the moving process. This will help ensure that your team members are on the same page and can work together effectively.

Implement a Reliable Scheduling and Tracking System

Implementing a reliable scheduling and tracking system is crucial for managing your team’s workload and ensuring that your customers’ moves are completed on time. You can use scheduling software to manage your team’s schedules and assign tasks based on availability and skill level.

You should also have a tracking system in place to monitor the progress of each move and ensure that everything is going according to plan. This can include using GPS tracking for your moving trucks and having a system for tracking the location of each item during the move.

Ensuring Proper Handling and Storage of Customer Belongings

Ensuring proper handling and storage of customer belongings is essential for maintaining a good reputation and minimizing the risk of damage or loss. You should have a system in place for properly packing and securing items, as well as for loading and unloading them from the moving truck.

You should also have a secure storage facility where you can store customer belongings if necessary. This can include having a climate-controlled storage area for items that require special handling, such as antiques or artwork.

Maintain Accurate Record-Keeping and Documentation

Maintaining accurate record-keeping and documentation is critical for ensuring compliance with regulations and resolving any disputes that may arise. You should keep detailed records of each move, including the inventory of items being moved, the condition of each item, and any damages that occur during the move.

You should also have a system for documenting customer information, such as contact details and payment information. This can include using a customer relationship management (CRM) system to manage customer data and track customer interactions.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

Movers are not licenced in Canada, which means, by and large, the moving industry does not have a lot of rules and regulations to abide by.

Starting a moving company with no money can be challenging, but it is possible. You can start by offering your services as a subcontractor to an established moving company. Another option is to rent a truck and offer your services as an independent mover. You can also try crowdfunding or getting a small business loan or grants to help get your company off the ground.

If you want to start a moving company with U-Haul, you can become a U-Haul dealer. This means you will rent out U-Haul trucks and equipment to customers. You will need to meet certain requirements, including having a physical location for your business and meeting U-Haul’s financial requirements. Visit the U-Haul website for more information.

Starting a moving company without a truck can be challenging, but it is possible. You can start by offering your services as a subcontractor to an established moving company. Another option is to rent a truck or use a rental service like U-Haul or Budget Truck Rental. You can also consider partnering with a trucking company or purchasing a used truck.

Yes, you will need a license to start a moving company. In Ontario, you will need to obtain a Motor Vehicle Carrier License (MVCL) from the Ministry of Transportation. You will also need to register your business with the Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services. Depending on the size of your company and the types of services you offer, you may also need additional permits and licenses.

Starting a moving company can be profitable if you manage your business well. However, like any business, it takes time and effort to build a successful moving company. You will need to invest in equipment, marketing, and insurance, and you will need to find a way to differentiate yourself from your competitors. It’s important to do your research and create a solid business plan before starting your moving company.