Light hauling and small moves with a van

Households, students, landlords, small retailers, renovators and people buying or selling large items online.

Hourly rate or a fixed price per job, often with a minimum charge. Extra helpers or longer distances cost more.

• Safe lifting and loading
• Careful driving with heavy loads
• Clear quoting and communication

• Commercial auto and cargo insurance, since personal cover may not apply to paid hauling
• Provincial rules for commercial vehicles, weights and safety inspections can differ, so check with your provincial transport authority
• Some provinces and municipalities regulate moving companies or require business licences
• Disposal of junk, as dump fees and rules vary, so check before offering removal
• Physical strain and damage claims, so use straps, blankets and clear terms

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on whether you already have a pickup or cargo van, plus insurance, straps and blankets. The estimates assume at least about 12 hours a week.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on how many jobs you take, your rates and the hours you work. These are revenue estimates, so allow for fuel, vehicle costs and dump fees.

Check commercial auto and cargo insurance, since personal cover may not apply to paid hauling. Also check your provincial transport authority's rules on commercial vehicles, weights and inspections, any moving company or business licence rules, and local disposal rules before offering junk removal.