I recently hired a moving company to move a family member who was downsizing and had very little money. The cost of the move was $1500. At the end of the day some furniture was still left in the home. This prompted me to ask the workers moving the furniture if they do side work. The answer was yes and at a fraction of the cost.
Here is the breakdown on getting started. Note this side hustle is at least a two man job. Caution muscles and a strong back are required.
To get started advertise on social media and Craigslist. Make sure to get a few t-shirts and business cards to make your operation look professional. This small step will go along way in making the customer feel at ease. Remember for you it is just a job, but for the customer a move can be stressful. Do your part to make this day stress free for the customer.
Start by visiting the job site to get an idea of the inventory and any special circumstances such as stairs, door openings, close parking or restricted access time. Next let the customer know that you can have a quote within twenty four hours. Use this time to get a quote on a truck rental. When renting a truck make sure it is tall enough to store couches on ends. Don’t forget to include the cost plastic wrap for furniture and cardboard to protect flat screen televisions. The quote should also include material needed to protect floors and door ways. Make sure your quote is fair and accurate. Customers do not like added surprise costs. For a more competitive cost research the competition.
For this side hustle, I suggest staying in the local market or suggesting a pod rental that is moving out of state. Let the customer know that you only work in the local market and the customer will need to hire another company in whatever state they are moving to unpack the pod. Also, let the customer pack all of the personal items, dishes, clothes and linens. You will be the one who moves the boxes.
To move the boxes you need a dolly or hand truck. Take time to protect the items that you are moving as well the floor and door way. A ramp will make stairs easier to transcend and will also make loading the truck easier. As you load the truck or container maximize the space by standing couches and long items on end. Using moving blankets and straps as you load. Remember to use a spotter when needed to prevent from damaging the customers property. For dining room tables you may want to remove the top from the base to save space. Everything that you load needs to arrive at the correct destination undamaged. If you notice something is damaged prior to moving the item notify the customer and make them aware of your concern.
Remember moves are often times multi-steps. Items are moved out and into storage or a container and the move into another home or apartment. This second move is a separate quote unless you are moving out of one home and into another without the need of a storage unit. As always make appointments based on your schedule and accept multiple forms of payment. This side hustle requires five star reviews. Do not be afraid to ask the customer for a review. Also, make sure your team mate works well with you, because it will make the job easier.
