Residential & Commercial Moving & Storage
| Low | 1.2× |
| Median | 1.8× |
| High | 2.5× |
| Low | 1.5× |
| Median | 2.5× |
| High | 3.5× |
An established moving company with $200K SDE in a mid-size market typically sells for $240K–$500K (median 1.8× SDE). Premium multiples (2.5×+) only apply to companies with strong commercial/corporate contracts and long-distance capabilities that smooth seasonal swings.
The U.S. moving industry generates $86 billion annually (AMS 2024). ~14,000 interstate movers and thousands of local/mobile carriers. Peak season (May–September) accounts for 55–65% of annual revenue. The industry is highly price-competitive and has low barriers to entry. Long-distance moves are more profitable than local moves (higher ticket, less price-shopping). Customer reviews and BBB ratings drive local brand value.
Contact-based value drivers — buyer due diligence essential.
SBA approval for moving companies is moderate (63–68%) due to cyclicality and labor intensity. Key lender concerns: seasonal revenue concentration, driver retention, and insurance liability. Local moving companies with $500K–$1.5M revenue and 2+ years of stable performance are financeable through community banks. Equipment financing for trucks often needed separately.
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Open Business Valuation Calculator →Seasonality (revenue drops 40–60% in October–April in northern markets), high labor intensity (60–70% of revenue goes to labor and truck costs), and low barriers to entry (anyone with a truck can compete) all compress multiples. Additionally, customer switching costs are low — finding a moving company is a commodity decision for most customers, and BBB ratings and Google reviews can be manufactured. Strong local brand with 8+ years of consistent reviews and long-distance + commercial capabilities are the only paths to premium multiples.
(1) Long-distance moves (25%+ of revenue): long-distance has higher margins ($3K–$8K/move) and customers are less price-sensitive. (2) Commercial/corporate contracts: corporate relocations are less seasonal and provide predictable revenue. (3) Storage capability: warehouses with month-to-month storage generate 25–35% gross margins vs <20% for moves alone. (4) Strong reviews and brand: 8+ years of 4.8+ Google rating is hard to replicate.
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