Moving Supply Store
Sell boxes, tape, wrap and packing kits from a small shop to people moving and to local movers.
- $25k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
What it is
A small retail shop stocking moving boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, paper, mattress bags, dish packs and wardrobe boxes. You can also sell ready-made room kits and offer a box buyback.
Your first three steps
- Check with your city or county about zoning and a business license, then price a few retail spaces near apartment complexes or main roads
- Get quotes from packaging wholesalers and compare their minimum orders and delivery costs
- Introduce yourself to local moving companies, realtors and property managers and offer them a trade account
Who pays
Households moving house, apartment renters, landlords, college students, small moving companies and local businesses.
How it makes money
You buy in bulk at wholesale prices and sell at retail. Margin comes from packing kits, add-on items like tape and markers, and repeat orders from local movers, property managers and realtors.
Skills that help
- Buying and stock control
- Friendly customer service
- Basic retail bookkeeping
Watch out for
- Register with your state for a sales tax permit and ask about a resale certificate for buying stock
- Cardboard takes up a lot of room and may be subject to fire code rules, so check storage limits with your local fire department
- Seasonal demand: moving tends to be busier in some months, so plan your cash flow
- General liability and property insurance, and a careful read of any commercial lease before you sign
🔒 Full research report for US
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 moving supply store?
Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your premises, lease terms and how much stock you buy. Reading any commercial lease carefully before you sign is worth the time.
What rules should I check before opening a moving supply store?
Register with your state for a sales tax permit and ask about a resale certificate for buying stock. Cardboard takes up a lot of room and may be subject to fire code rules, so check storage limits with your local fire department.
How much revenue can a moving supply store bring in?
Monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on location and season. Moving tends to be busier in some months, so plan your cash flow around the quieter periods. Expect around 35 hours a week at minimum.
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