Moving Business Franchise - Is Buying One Really Worth It? The Truth Nobody Tells You

Have you ever wondered if owning a moving business franchise is your golden ticket to financial freedom—or just an expensive trap that keeps you working harder while making less money?

You're not alone. Every single day, hundreds of aspiring entrepreneurs search for answers about starting a moving company franchise, dreaming of building their own empire in an industry that generates over $23.3 billion annually in the United States. But here's what most franchise salespeople won't tell you during those glossy presentations: buying a moving franchise comes with hidden costs, frustrating restrictions, and ongoing fees that can drain your profits faster than you can say "royalty payment."

Before you sign that franchise agreement and hand over your hard-earned money, you deserve to know the complete truth. This guide will walk you through everything you need to understand about the moving franchise industry—the good, the bad, and the downright ugly.

Understanding the Moving Business Franchise Industry

The moving industry is booming right now. According to recent data from IBISWorld, the moving services market reached $23.3 billion in 2025, with approximately 28 million Americans relocating each year. That's roughly 8% of the entire U.S. population on the move annually.

The numbers paint an attractive picture. The industry is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.68% through 2027, adding nearly $4 billion to the market size. With the American Trucking Association reporting that the moving and storage sector contributes $92.2 billion in economic activity annually and employs over 480,000 people, it's no wonder entrepreneurs are flocking to this space.

But here's where things get interesting. While the market is massive, competition is fierce. There are currently 9,535 moving businesses operating across the United States, with an average of just 6.2 employees per company. This means you're entering a highly saturated market where small, nimble operators can often outmaneuver expensive franchise systems.

Current Market Trends Affecting Moving Business Franchises

Several key trends are reshaping the moving industry right now:

Rising Operational Costs: According to Supermove's State of Moving report, 62.2% of moving companies cited rising costs—including labor, fuel, truck maintenance, and insurance claims—as their top challenge.

Shifting Demographics: More Americans are moving to suburbs and affordable regions. States like Florida, Texas, and North Carolina are experiencing significant population growth, creating opportunities in specific markets while leaving others oversaturated.

Remote Work Impact: With 26% of U.S. employees now working fully remote jobs, people are relocating to more affordable areas outside urban centers, changing traditional moving patterns.

Technology Integration: Successful moving companies are investing heavily in software systems, online booking, and digital marketing to stay competitive—expenses that franchise fees don't always cover adequately.

What Exactly Is a Moving Company Franchise?

A moving franchise is a business arrangement where you pay a franchisor (the parent company) for the right to operate a moving business under their established brand name. In exchange for your initial franchise fee—which typically ranges from $45,000 to $108,700—you gain access to their business model, training programs, and marketing materials.

Sounds simple enough, right? Here's what they don't emphasize: you're essentially renting someone else's business system while taking on all the financial risk yourself.

Common Moving Franchise Opportunities

Several major players dominate the moving business franchise space:

• TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: One of the largest franchises with 362 locations, requiring substantial investment

  
  

• College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving: Initial investment of $250K-$400K, offering dual services (moving + junk removal)

  
  

• You Move Me: Part of the O2E Brands family, focusing on premium moving services

  
  

• Let's Get Moving: Rapidly expanding with 83+ locations, emphasizing local moves

  
  

• UNITS Moving and Portable Storage: Higher investment range ($626K-$1.2M) for portable storage and moving

  
  

Each franchise promises support, training, and brand recognition. But at what cost?

The Pros of Buying a Moving Franchise (Yes, There Are Some)

Let's be fair—moving franchises aren't all bad. Here are the legitimate advantages:

1. Established Brand Recognition

When you buy into a recognized moving company franchise like TWO MEN AND A TRUCK or College HUNKS, you benefit from existing brand awareness. Customers already know and trust these names, which can help you book jobs faster than starting from scratch.

2. Proven Business Systems

Franchises provide operations manuals, training programs, and established processes. You don't need to figure out pricing strategies, customer service protocols, or operational workflows on your own.

3. Initial Training and Support

Most moving franchises offer comprehensive training programs. You'll learn about truck logistics, customer relationship management, hiring practices, and safety protocols—knowledge that would take months or years to acquire independently.

4. Collective Marketing Power

Franchisors handle national advertising campaigns and provide marketing materials. Some even operate centralized call centers that route leads to franchise locations.

5. Easier Access to Financing

Banks and SBA lenders are often more willing to finance franchise purchases than independent startups because franchises are perceived as lower-risk investments.

The Cons of Buying a Moving Company Franchise (The Part They Hide)

Now for the reality check. Here are the serious disadvantages that franchise salespeople conveniently gloss over during discovery calls:

1. Massive Upfront Investment

This is the big one. Starting a moving business franchise requires enormous capital that you might never fully recoup.

Let's break down the actual costs:

• Franchise Fee: $45,000-$108,700 (just for the right to use their name)

  
  

• Equipment Costs: $302,000-$434,000 for trucks and containers

  
  

• Insurance: $15,000-$30,000 annually for comprehensive coverage

  
  

• Real Estate: $30,000-$50,000 for warehouse space deposits and improvements

  
  

• Working Capital: $50,000-$100,000 to cover initial operational expenses

  
  

• Marketing: $10,000-$15,000 for grand opening advertising

  
  

Total Investment: You're looking at $250,000 to $1.2 million just to get started, depending on which franchise you choose. That's a mortgage-sized investment before you ever move your first customer's couch.

By contrast, you could start an independent moving company for $37,000-$67,000—and keep 100% of your profits.

2. Ongoing Royalty Fees That Drain Your Profits

Here's where franchises really get you. Even after that massive upfront investment, you'll pay ongoing fees for the entire life of your franchise:

Monthly Royalty Fees: Typically 6-8% of your gross revenue (not profit—gross revenue). If you generate $100,000 in monthly sales, you're sending $6,000-$8,000 straight to corporate headquarters.

Marketing Fees: An additional 2-3% of gross revenue for national advertising campaigns that may or may not benefit your local market.

Technology Fees: Many franchises charge $500-$1,500 monthly for mandatory software systems and call center services.

Let's do the math: On $1 million in annual revenue (which is considered good performance), you'll pay:

• $60,000-$80,000 in royalty fees

  
  

• $20,000-$30,000 in marketing fees

  
  

• $6,000-$18,000 in technology fees

  
  

That's $86,000-$128,000 per year in fees alone—money that independent operators keep as profit.

3. Severe Loss of Control and Flexibility

Remember that dream of being your own boss? Kiss it goodbye.

With a moving franchise, you must:

• Use only approved vendors for supplies and equipment (even if you find better deals elsewhere)

  
  

• Follow rigid pricing structures (preventing you from offering competitive rates in your market)

  
  

• Adhere to strict operational procedures (limiting your ability to innovate or respond to local needs)

  
  

• Implement mandatory remodels and updates (expensive changes you must pay for when corporate decides)

  
  

• Operate during specified hours (restricting your ability to serve customers on your schedule)

  
  

As noted by the International Franchise Association, the lack of complete control is the most serious potential disadvantage of becoming a franchisee. You're running a business where someone else makes the critical decisions.

4. Trapped in Your Territory

Most moving company franchises assign protected territories. While this sounds positive, it creates serious limitations:

• You cannot expand beyond your assigned area, even if huge opportunities exist nearby

  
  

• You're stuck competing with other franchisees of the same brand in adjacent territories

  
  

• If your territory has limited population or becomes economically depressed, you're trapped

  
  

• The franchisor can refuse to let you relocate even if your current location fails

  
  

5. You're Responsible for Other Franchisees' Mistakes

Here's a nightmare scenario nobody discusses: When another franchisee in your brand messes up—provides terrible service, commits fraud, steals customers belongings, or generates bad publicity—your business suffers too.

You're all operating under the same brand name. One negative news story about a franchise location 2,000 miles away can tank your local bookings. You have zero control over other franchisees' actions, yet you pay the price.

6. Difficult and Expensive Exit Strategy

Selling or terminating your moving franchise is incredibly complex:

• You must find a franchisor-approved buyer (severely limiting your options)

  
  

• The franchisor charges transfer fees (often $10,000-$25,000)

  
  

• You may face non-compete clauses preventing you from starting a competing business in your area

  
  

• If you want out, you might lose your entire investment

  
  

7. Hidden Costs and Surprise Expenses

Franchisors are masters at hiding additional costs:

• Annual conventions (mandatory attendance costing $2,000-$5,000)

  
  

• Technology upgrades (forced system migrations costing thousands)

  
  

• Rebranding initiatives (when corporate decides to change logos or truck designs)

  
  

• Training programs (ongoing education requirements with travel expenses)

  
  

• Compliance audits (fees for corporate inspections of your operation)

  
  

8. Over-Dependence on Franchisor Performance

Your success is tied directly to the franchisor's decisions. If they:

• Make poor strategic choices, your business suffers

  
  

• Cut support services, you're left stranded

  
  

• Get sold to new ownership, everything can change overnight

  
  

• File bankruptcy, you could lose everything

  
  

You have no control over corporate-level decisions that dramatically impact your business.

9. Market Saturation Issues

Many moving franchises are guilty of over-expansion. They sell too many franchise licenses in the same geographic area because it generates immediate revenue for corporate.

The result? Franchisees end up competing with each other for the same customers. This "cannibalization" reduces everyone's profitability while the franchisor continues collecting royalty fees from all locations.

Key Pain Points Nobody Talks About

Let's address the real struggles moving franchise owners face daily:

The Staffing Nightmare

Finding and keeping quality movers is brutal. According to Supermove's research, 81.5% of small moving companies now allow tips just to retain workers because they can't compete on wages. Meanwhile, you're paying 6-8% royalties on every dollar while struggling to afford competitive pay rates.

The Lead Generation Problem

Franchise marketing support sounds great until you realize their national advertising campaigns rarely drive quality leads to your specific location. You'll still need to invest heavily in Google Ads, SEO, and local marketing—on top of the 2% marketing fee you're already paying.

The Profit Margin Squeeze

Moving companies typically operate on 30-35% net profit margins if you hire staff. But after paying:

• 6-8% in royalties

  
  

• 2-3% in marketing fees

  
  

• Equipment leases

  
  

• Insurance premiums

  
  

• Labor costs

  
  

You're lucky to keep 15-20% profit—barely enough to justify the massive risk and investment.

The Recession Vulnerability

Despite claims that moving is "recession-proof," data from ConsumerAffairs shows demand for moving services decreased by 22.5% between 2015 and 2021. When the economy tightens, people move less frequently and shop harder for discounts—something your rigid franchise pricing structure prevents you from offering.

Why Independent Moving Companies Often Win

Here's what successful independent moving company owners understand:

Lower Overhead = Higher Profits: Without franchise fees, you keep an extra $100,000-$150,000 annually in your pocket.

Complete Flexibility: You can offer competitive pricing, innovative services, and adjust quickly to market changes.

Direct Customer Relationships: You build your own brand loyalty instead of promoting someone else's company.

Unlimited Growth Potential: You can expand into any market, start multiple divisions, or pivot your business model without asking permission.

Full Control: Every decision—from equipment purchases to staffing to marketing—is yours to make.

A Better Alternative: Building Your Own Moving Business (The Smart Way)

Here's what most people don't realize: You can get all the benefits of a moving franchise (training, systems, support, and guaranteed profitability) without the massive fees and loss of control.

How Start My Service Business Does It Differently

Instead of paying $250,000-$1.2 million for a restrictive franchise, consider a proven alternative that costs a fraction of the price while delivering better results.

When you work with a specialized service business development company, you get:

Complete Business Setup for Just $7,000-$8,000: This includes everything you need to launch successfully—without ongoing royalty fees eating your profits forever.

Here's exactly what you receive:

Comprehensive Legal Foundation

• Complete business registration (Corporation or LLC) within your state

  
  

• Federal EIN (Employer Identification Number) for tax purposes

  
  

• Professional company name that stands out in your market

  
  

• Custom-designed logo that represents your brand perfectly

  
  

• Fully-functional website with integrated booking system

  
  

• Domain name (.com) ownership that you control

  
  

Licensing and Compliance

• All necessary business licenses for your City, County, and State

  
  

• Required insurance policies to operate legally and protect your business

  
  

• Guidance on DOT requirements and commercial licensing

  
  

• Compliance support for ongoing regulatory requirements

  
  

Strategic Planning and Financial Projections

• Detailed 5-year business plan with realistic financial projections

  
  

• Revenue forecasting models based on market analysis

  
  

• Investor-ready documentation if you need additional capital

  
  

• Guidance on finding investors who understand service businesses

  
  

Staffing and Recruitment Support

• Customized hiring advertisements for multiple platforms

  
  

• Interview templates and screening processes

  
  

• Employee onboarding systems and training materials

  
  

• Performance management tools to maximize team productivity

  
  

Marketing and Online Presence

• Professional listing on Google Business Profile (the #1 source of moving leads)

  
  

• Bing Places registration for additional visibility

  
  

• Yelp and hundreds of online directories to dominate local search results

  
  

• Review management strategies to build reputation quickly

  
  

• Digital marketing blueprints for paid advertising campaigns

  
  

Hands-On Coaching and Training

• 16 weekly Zoom training sessions with experienced industry professionals

  
  

• One-on-one guidance tailored to your specific market and challenges

  
  

• Operational training covering every aspect of running your business

  
  

• Problem-solving support when issues arise

  
  

• Access to proven templates and systems for:

  
  

• Customer relationship management

  
  

• Scheduling and logistics

  
  

• Invoicing and payment processing

  
  

• Quality control and follow-up

  
  

• Employee management

  
  

• Financial tracking

  
  

Revenue Guarantee

• $10,000+ in monthly revenue guaranteed by month 4 (or full refund, no questions asked)

  
  

• 60% net profit margins when you service clients yourself

  
  

• 30-35% net profit margins when hiring staff

  
  

• Full recoupment of your business purchase price within the first few months

  
  

That's right—instead of paying $250,000 - $1.2 million for a franchise that generates modest profits after endless fees, you could invest just $7,000 - $8,000 (with a convenient 3-month payment plan) and keep 100% of your profits.

No royalty fees. No marketing fees. No territory restrictions. Complete control.

You can also build your entire business by renting box-trucks, and not having to buy any expensive box-trucks for a while. In fact, one of our founders built a $2 million dollar per year moving business by utilizing U-Haul and Penske rental trucks.

Real Success Stories from Moving Business Owners

Marcus T. - Swift Moving Solutions, Dallas, TX

"I almost signed with a major moving franchise. They wanted $300,000 upfront plus 7% monthly royalties. Instead, I worked with Start My Service Business for $7,000. Within 5 months, I was generating $15,000 monthly in revenue and keeping it all. No franchise fees, no corporate control—just pure profit. Best decision I ever made."

Jennifer and Mike R. - Premier Relocators, Phoenix, AZ

"We had $150,000 saved for a moving company franchise. Our mentor at Start My Service Business showed us we could start for under $10,000 and scale faster without the franchise restrictions. Eight months later, we're running three trucks, employing six people, and our profits are 40% higher than projected franchise earnings—because we're not sending $7,000 monthly to corporate headquarters."

Carlos M. - Reliable Movers, Miami, FL

"The moving business franchise I looked at required I follow their pricing structure—which was too expensive for my market. With my independent company, I can offer competitive rates while maintaining 35% profit margins. I've captured market share from the big franchises because I'm more flexible and customer-focused. Plus, I'm not paying $60,000 annually in franchise fees."

Critical Questions to Ask Before Buying Any Franchise

If you're still considering a moving business franchise after reading everything above, ask potential franchisors these hard questions:

Financial Questions:

1. What is the total cash requirement including working capital, equipment, and all fees?

   
   

2. What are the actual median earnings of franchisees in my territory size (not just top performers)?

   
   

3. What percentage of franchisees fail or exit within the first five years?

   
   

4. Can I see audited financial statements from current franchisees?

   
   

5. What are all ongoing fees including hidden costs most franchisees discover?

   
   

Operational Questions:

1. Exactly how much flexibility do I have in pricing and services?

   
   

2. Can I choose my own vendors if I find better deals?

   
   

3. What happens if I want to sell or exit my franchise?

   
   

4. How many competing franchise locations exist in my territory?

   
   

5. What happens if the franchisor is sold or goes bankrupt?

   
   

Support Questions:

1. What specific support do I receive beyond initial training?

   
   

2. Who pays for ongoing training and technology upgrades?

   
   

3. How many dedicated support staff work with franchisees?

   
   

4. What is the average response time when I need help?

   
   

If they can't or won't answer these questions directly, run away.

Essential Factors to Consider

Market Saturation in Your Area

Research moving companies currently operating in your target market. If there are already:

• 5+ major franchises competing

  
  

• Dozens of independent operators with strong reviews

  
  

• Limited population growth in your territory

  
  

You're entering an oversaturated market where even perfect execution might not generate adequate returns.

Realistic Revenue Expectations

Don't believe franchise sales projections. According to industry data, most moving franchises generate:

• Year 1: $200,000-$400,000 in revenue

  
  

• Year 3: $500,000-$800,000 in revenue

  
  

• Year 5: $800,000-$1.5 million in revenue

  
  

After all expenses and franchise fees, you're looking at $80,000 - $200,000 in annual profit by year five—if everything goes perfectly. Is that worth a $300,000 - $1.2 million investment?

Your Personal Goals and Lifestyle

Be honest about what you want:

If you want complete independence, building your own brand is better.

If you prefer following established systems, a franchise might work—but recognize you're paying dearly for that structure.

If you want maximum profitability, independent operations win every time.

If you want to scale to multiple locations, franchise restrictions will frustrate you endlessly.

Take Action: Your Next Steps

You've made it this far, which means you're serious about entering the moving industry. Smart. The opportunity is real, but the path you choose will determine your success.

Option 1: Go the Expensive Franchise Route

• Invest $250,000 - $1.2 million

  
  

• Pay 6-10% of your gross revenue forever

  
  

• Accept limited control and flexibility

  
  

• Hope the franchisor makes good decisions

  
  

Option 2: Build Your Own Moving Empire (The Smart Way)

• Invest $7,000 - $8,000 to get started

  
  

• Keep 100% of your profits

  
  

• Maintain complete control

  
  

• Scale without restrictions

  
  

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Franchises

Q: How much does a moving franchise really cost?

A: Total investment ranges from $250,000 to $1.2 million depending on the franchise, including franchise fees ($45,000 - $108,000), equipment ($300,000 - $400,000), insurance, real estate, and working capital. Plus ongoing royalties of 6-8% monthly.

Q: Can you make good money with a moving franchise?

A: Potentially, but your profits are significantly reduced by ongoing franchise fees. After royalties, marketing fees, and all expenses, most moving franchise owners earn $80,000 - $200,000 annually after 5 years—modest returns on a million-dollar investment.

Q: What's the success rate of moving franchises?

A: While franchisors rarely disclose failure rates, industry experts estimate that 20-30% of moving company franchises close or transfer ownership within five years. The moving industry has seen 22.5% decreased demand between 2015-2021.

Q: Is it better to buy a franchise or start your own moving company?

A: Financially, starting independently almost always provides better returns. You avoid massive upfront costs and ongoing fees while maintaining complete control. With proper guidance and systems, independent operators consistently outperform franchise locations.

Q: How long does it take to break even on a moving franchise?

A: Most moving franchises take 3-5 years to recoup your initial investment—if you generate good revenue and control expenses. Many never break even before selling or closing.

Q: What hidden costs should I watch for in a moving franchise?

A: Beyond obvious fees, watch for mandatory conventions ($2,000 - $5,000 annually), technology upgrades (thousands), rebranding costs, transfer fees, and surprise compliance requirements that drain profits.

Q: Do moving franchises provide leads?

A: Most provide marketing support but not direct leads. You'll still spend heavily on local advertising, Google Ads, and SEO to generate bookings—on top of the 2% marketing fee you're paying.

Q: Can I sell my moving franchise if I want out?

A: Yes, but it's difficult and expensive. You must find a franchisor-approved buyer, pay transfer fees ($10,000 - $25,000), and may face non-compete restrictions. Many franchisees discover their business has little resale value.

Key Takeaways: The Truth About Moving Franchises

Let's summarize everything you need to remember:

Cost Reality

• Moving franchises require $250,000 - $1.2 million in total investment

  
  

• Ongoing fees consume $100,000 - $150,000 of your profits annually

  
  

• Independent operators start for $37,000 - $67,000 and keep all profits

  
  

Control Issues

• Franchises restrict your pricing, vendors, services, and territories

  
  

• You're dependent on franchisor decisions you can't influence

  
  

• Other franchisees' mistakes damage your business

  
  

Profitability Problems

• Royalty fees (6-8%) and marketing fees (2-3%) never stop

  
  

• Your profit margins are 30-50% lower than independent operators

  
  

• Break-even typically takes 3-5 years minimum

  
  

Better Alternative

• Build your own moving company with expert guidance

  
  

• Invest $7,000 - $8,000 instead of $250,000 - $1.2 million

  
  

• Keep 100% of your profits forever

  
  

• Maintain complete control and flexibility

  
  

Conclusion: Make the Smart Choice for Your Future

You deserve to know the truth about moving business franchises before making a life-changing financial decision. Yes, franchises offer some advantages—brand recognition, training, and established systems. But those benefits come at an enormous cost that most entrepreneurs dramatically underestimate.

The reality is that moving franchises are designed to enrich the franchisor, not necessarily the franchisee. They collect massive upfront fees plus ongoing royalties whether your business succeeds or struggles. They limit your control, restrict your growth, and lock you into long-term commitments that often don't deliver the promised returns.

The moving industry is absolutely booming—that part is true. Americans moved over 28 million times in 2025, generating $23.3 billion in revenue. There's tremendous opportunity for entrepreneurs who enter this market strategically.

But you don't need to pay $300,000 - $1.2 million and surrender 8-10% of your gross revenue forever to succeed. With the right systems, training, and support, you can build your own moving company for a fraction of that cost while keeping complete control and vastly higher profits.

Ready to Build Your Moving Empire the Smart Way?

Stop paying franchise fees that drain your profits. Start building a moving business you actually own and control.

The team at Start My Service Business has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs launch profitable moving companies without the franchise burden. They provide everything a franchise offers—training, systems, marketing support, and business setup—for just $7,000 - $8,000 with a 100% money-back guarantee.

No ongoing fees. No royalties. No restrictions. Just pure profit and complete freedom.

Call 877-317-1840 today or schedule your free consultation to learn how you can start generating $10,000+ monthly in your own moving business within 4 months guaranteed—without the franchise chains holding you back.

Your future is waiting. Will you spend it sending royalty checks to corporate headquarters, or building wealth for yourself and your family?

The choice is yours. Choose wisely.

About Start My Service Business

Start My Service Business specializes in helping entrepreneurs launch and rapidly scale profitable service-based companies across the United States. With a proven track record of success and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, they provide comprehensive business-in-a-box services that deliver results—without the franchise fees and restrictions that hold most business owners back.