Small-Move Van and Helper Service
Move apartments, student rooms and single items with a cargo van and a helper, charged by the hour.
- C$5k-25k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A small moving service using a cargo van or pickup with a trailer. You load, drive and unload for apartment moves, students, furniture deliveries and short local moves.
Your first three steps
- Check local movers' hourly rates and decide your price and minimum booking
- Get a quote for commercial auto and cargo insurance before buying or converting a van
- Set up a Google Business profile and post in local community groups and marketplaces
Who pays
Renters, students, people buying or selling furniture online, and small landlords.
How it makes money
Hourly rate for you plus a helper, often with a minimum of 2 or 3 hours, plus a fee for distance or stairs.
Skills that help
- Safe lifting and packing a van well
- Reliable timekeeping
- Friendly, careful customer service
Watch out for
- Commercial auto insurance and cargo cover: personal car policies usually do not cover paid moving, so check with a broker
- Vehicle weight and licence rules vary by province, so check your provincial transport ministry
- Check whether your municipality needs a business licence
- WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire helpers (rules differ by province)
- Back injuries and damage claims: use straps, blankets and a written price agreement
- Moving is very busy in summer and at month-end and quiet in winter
🔒 Full research report for Canada
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a small moving van business?
Startup costs are estimated at typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the van or pickup and trailer you use, insurance and equipment like straps and blankets. Treat this as an estimate and get your own quotes.
How much can a small-move van service earn?
Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on your hourly rate and how many jobs you take. Moving is very busy in summer and at month-end and quiet in winter.
What should I check before starting a small moving business in Canada?
Check commercial auto insurance and cargo cover, as personal car policies usually do not cover paid moving. Check vehicle weight and licence rules with your provincial transport ministry, whether your municipality needs a business licence, and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire helpers.
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Photo: congerdesign on Pixabay