How It Works
Three simple steps to get accurate calculations
1
Set Your Rates & Schedule
Enter your hourly rate, typical job duration, and weekly job volume to establish your revenue baseline.
2
Calculate Labor Costs
Add your helper count and their hourly wages to determine total labor expenses per job.
3
Include Vehicle & Equipment Costs
Factor in truck rental, fuel costs, mileage, and equipment depreciation for complete cost analysis.
4
Add Fixed Expenses
Include weekly insurance, marketing, and other fixed costs that don't vary with job volume.
5
Analyze Your Profitability
Review your profit per job, break-even point, and get actionable insights to optimize your business.
Moving Help Side Hustle Calculator
Enter your rates, costs, and job details to analyze your moving service business profitability.
Share Your Scenario
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Moving help business analysis
Very low profit per job. Consider increasing rates or reducing costs.
Your Moving Help Business Analysis
Complete financial breakdown of your moving service side hustle.
Weekly Gross Revenue
$1,080.00
6 jobs × $180.00
Weekly Net Profit
$49.30
After all expenses and taxes
Profit Per Job
$8.22
Net profit per moving job
Break-even Jobs
3.5
jobs needed per week
Per Job Analysis
Revenue & Costs
Revenue per job:$180.00
Variable costs per job:$157.00
Net per job:$8.22
Cost Breakdown
Helper costs:$72.00
Truck rental:$75.00
Fuel costs:$7.00
Equipment depreciation:$3.00
Weekly Financial Summary
Weekly Gross Revenue:$1,080.00
Variable Costs (6 jobs):-$942.00
Fixed Costs:-$80.00
Pre-tax Profit:$58.00
Tax (15.0%):-$8.70
Net Profit:$49.30
Weekly Fixed Costs
Insurance:$50.00
Marketing:$30.00
Total Fixed:$80.00
Business Insights
Low Profit per Job
Your profit per job of $8.22 is quite low. Consider increasing your hourly rate or reducing helper costs.
Optimization Tips
- • Increase your hourly rate - moving is physically demanding and valuable
- • Focus on marketing to increase job volume - you have growth potential
- • Offer additional services like packing/unpacking to increase revenue per job
- • Build relationships with real estate agents for consistent referrals
- • Consider investing in your own truck to eliminate rental costs
Financial Projections
Monthly Income: $213.47($2,563.60 annually)
Hourly Earnings: $2.05/hour (after all expenses)
Equipment Analysis
Equipment cost per job: $3.00
Payback period: 19.0 weeks to recover equipment investment
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I realistically earn with a moving help side hustle?
Earnings vary widely based on location, rates, and volume. In major cities, you can charge $25-50/hour. With proper planning, many moving helpers earn $200-600 per week working part-time. Full-time operations can generate $1,000+ weekly, but this requires consistent marketing and excellent service.
What should I charge per hour for moving services?
Moving service rates typically range from $25-50 per hour per person, depending on your location and services offered. Research local competitors and consider factors like job complexity, travel distance, and whether you provide equipment. Start competitively and increase rates as you build reputation.
Do I need to hire helpers or can I work alone?
You can start alone for smaller jobs, but helpers significantly increase earning potential for larger moves. Most furniture and appliance moves require 2-3 people for safety and efficiency. Factor helper wages carefully - they typically earn $15-25/hour while you keep the difference.
How much does truck rental cost for moving jobs?
Truck rental costs vary by size and duration. Small trucks (10-12 ft) cost $30-50/day plus mileage, while larger trucks (16-20 ft) cost $50-90/day. Budget $60-120 per job including fuel. Consider daily vs. hourly rates and factor travel time to/from rental locations.
What equipment do I need to start a moving help business?
Essential equipment includes moving dollies ($50-150), furniture straps ($20-50), moving blankets ($100-200), and hand tools ($50-100). Total startup equipment costs typically range from $300-800. Quality equipment lasts longer and improves efficiency, making jobs faster and safer.
How do I find moving jobs and customers?
Start with online platforms like TaskRabbit, Thumbtack, and Craigslist. Create social media profiles and ask friends for referrals. Partner with real estate agents, apartment complexes, and storage facilities. Excellent service leads to repeat customers and word-of-mouth referrals, which are your best sources of steady work.
What insurance do I need for a moving service business?
You need general liability insurance ($200-600/year) and commercial auto insurance if using your vehicle. Some platforms provide coverage, but having your own policy builds customer confidence. Consider bonding ($100-300/year) for additional credibility, especially for high-value items.
How long does a typical moving job take?
Job duration varies greatly. Studio/1-bedroom moves: 2-4 hours. 2-3 bedroom homes: 4-8 hours. Large homes or long distances: 8+ hours. Local moves are typically faster than long-distance. Factor in travel time, packing services, and stairs/elevators when estimating job duration.
What are the tax implications of a moving side hustle?
Moving help income is subject to self-employment tax (15.3%) plus regular income tax. Keep detailed records of expenses including vehicle costs, equipment, insurance, and marketing. Many expenses are deductible. Consider quarterly tax payments if earning over $1,000 annually. Consult a tax professional for your situation.
How can I scale my moving help business?
Start by optimizing pricing and efficiency to maximize profit per job. Build a team of reliable helpers to handle multiple jobs simultaneously. Invest in your own truck to eliminate rental costs. Expand services to include packing, storage, and specialty moves. Focus on customer service to generate steady referrals and repeat business.