Most people think starting a business takes capital, equipment, or some kind of insider knowledge. It doesn’t. If you’re willing to work, you can launch a scrappy, profitable moving service tomorrow — even if you don’t own a truck. I’ve done it myself using GoEasy truck rentals and Kennards Storage in Brisbane. This guide walks you through the exact steps to go from zero to your first $200 profit — without needing anything upfront but a deposit and a plan.
The Concept: Rent Everything. Charge More. Pocket the Rest.
Here’s the game plan:
• Someone books you to move something
• You collect a deposit upfront
• You rent a truck for the day
• You show up, move the stuff, and get paid
If they need storage, you use Kennards Storage — high-security, low-cost, with online quoting and optional insurance. Just pass the cost on to the customer (or mark it up a little if you want).
Simple. Scrappy. Profitable.
Step 1: List Yourself Online (Right Now)
You don’t need a website. Just put yourself out there today:
• Set up a Google Business Profile
• List services on Facebook Marketplace
• Drop a post on Gumtree
• Sign up for Airtasker (optional but worth trying)
• Share in any local Facebook groups for your area
Offer:
• House moves
• Junk removals
• Urgent furniture pickups
• Storage delivery or retrieval
Use words like:
“Reliable mover available tomorrow – short notice OK – truck & labor included.”
Step 2: Take a Deposit
When someone messages you, figure out:
• What needs moving?
• Where from and to?
• Are there stairs?
• Do they need you to hold the stuff in storage?
Then give them a quote.
Only require enough upfront to book the truck (and storage, if needed). You’re not asking for the full amount — just enough to secure the job.
Step 3: Rent the Truck on Move Day
GoEasy in Brisbane offers trucks around $150/day — and they don’t need a truck license.
You pick it up, do the job, return it. Done.
They may let you borrow things like moving blankets or a dolly, but don’t count on it. Eventually, invest in:
• 2–4 moving blankets
• A couple ratchet straps
• A basic dolly or hand trolley
This kit might cost you $100 total and will make you look far more legit.
Step 4: Offer Storage as a Bonus
If someone needs their stuff held for a few days (or months), you’ve got an instant solution: Kennards Storage.
• Get a quote instantly on their website
• Find the nearest location with space
• Charge the customer that rate (plus a buffer if you want)
• Store the goods under your name or theirs
This also creates a natural repeat customer — they’ll call you again when it’s time to move their stuff out.
Step 5: Do the Move
You can start solo, but it’s better with a mate.
• Offer your friend $50–$100 cash to help
• Be on time
• Be strong, polite, and professional
• Don’t overthink it — just get the job done right
Step 6: Profit
Let’s run the numbers:
• You quote the customer $400 for the job
• You rent the truck for $150
• You pay a mate $50 to help
• You pocket $200 for the day
Do that a few times a week and it starts to stack up.
Eventually, you can:
• Buy your own truck
• Build a simple booking site
• Run ads
• Grow into a real operation
Bonus Hustles With the Same Setup
Once you have a truck booked, you can also advertise:
• Furniture pickups (Facebook Marketplace finds)
• Storage relocations
• Junk removal
• Deliveries for small furniture businesses
As long as the job covers your truck rental and a margin, it’s game on.
Final Thoughts
This is the kind of business you can start with zero dollars and no equipment — just your back, your phone, and a willingness to figure it out.
Forget the business plans.
Forget the perfect setup.
Forget waiting until you’re “ready.”
You’re ready now.
Start with one job. Get paid. Reinvest. Keep going.