From Box Lifter to Business Builder: Starting a Removal Company

I remember moving home a few years baack, it was literally me, a friend and his van. Not long ago I helped a friend move home as they had numerous drop-offs for their items, so they wanted me to oversee one of the stops to make sure everything was delivered safely. They booked a removal company Kiwi Movers which was two guys, a van, and a whole lot of hustle & hard work. What caught my attention wasn’t just how efficiently they worked (and of course the final price), but how valuable and trusted they were in that moment as assembling furniture was part of the service. This wasn’t just a “man and van” gig it was a logistical lifeline for someone going through a big life transition as there were numerous stops including a storage centre. Additionally they had their own branding that included car wrapping on their van, something I spoke about on my last blog post .

Kiwi Movers

That move planted the seed for this blog. What would it take to start a professional removal company, and what kind of potential does this industry really offer?

Whether you’re considering a hands-on career shift or searching for a scalable business model, the removals industry may be more full of opportunity than you think.

The Modern-Day Removal Company is more than just lifting boxes - a removal company’s core service is helping people move their belongings from one property to another but that’s just the surface. The best companies offer more than transport, they reduce stress, handle logistics, and provide peace of mind.

In today’s market removal services often include packing and unpacking, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and even temporary storage solutions. Companies that specialise in high-value item handling such as: pianos, antiques, or fine art can command premium fees. Many also support international relocations which involve customs paperwork, overseas freight, and complex coordination. I have given examples of removal companies below that provide these specialised services- click on the images to give them a visit. 📦 AnyVan offers full packing, unpacking, and furniture disassembly—perfect for busy households that want a hands-off move.

🎹 William & Yates handles specialist items like pianos, antiques, and fine art, using expert packing and climate-controlled transport to protect valuable possessions.

🌍 Britannia movers leads in international relocations, managing everything from customs paperwork to freight logistics for smooth overseas moves.

🛏️ Bishop’s Move provides secure short- and long-term storage, ideal for clients between homes or needing extra space while selling.

Some businesses even step into emotionally sensitive situations like helping elderly clients downsize or families move after a bereavement requiring empathy, patience, and professionalism. The takeaway? A removal company isn’t just about transport. It’s about Trust. An example of this would be The Senior Move partnership.

If you’re thinking of starting a business in this space, here’s the truth: competing on price alone is a race to the bottom. Instead build your brand around specialisation, customer experience, or a strong ethical stance.

Imagine launching a removal company that champions eco-conscious practices by using electric vans, offering reusable packing materials, and offsetting your carbon footprint. That alone could speak volumes to environmentally aware customers.

Alternatively, you could become the go-to provider for student relocations, offering budget-friendly moves tailored to shared flats and campus life. Or perhaps you want to serve retirees and downsizers, combining practical logistics with genuine compassion.

By tapping into a clear niche whether it’s luxury clients, single-room flats, or digital nomads you position your brand as more than “just another van service.” You become memorable, shareable, and marketable. A great example is Pasks Removals. Founded in 2020 by Joshua and Shantol Pask, Pask's Removals has rapidly established itself as a trusted name in the London removals industry. Their unique blend of professional athletic discipline stemming from Joshua's background as a professional footballer, and commitment to exceptional customer service sets them apart.  Despite being a relatively young company, they've garnered over 500 five-star reviews across platforms like Trustpilot and Google, reflecting their dedication to making moving as stress-free as possible. Whether handling local moves in South London or international relocations for professional athletes, Pask's Removals combines meticulous attention to detail with a personal touch, ensuring each client's belongings are treated with the utmost care.​ What truly sets them apart is their approachability and hands-on support, you’re never just a booking reference. From working with influencers to supporting charitable organisations, Pask’s blends professionalism with a down-to-earth ethos that resonates with today’s customers.

So, what’s required to start a legit removal business? Can anyone just buy a van and offer services? Technically, yes but if you want to scale and stay compliant, there are some important legal and practical requirements.

First, if you’re operating a vehicle over 3.5 tonnes, you’ll need a Goods Vehicle Operator Licence issued by the Traffic Commissioner. This shows you’re fit to manage heavier commercial vehicles and follow road safety standards.

Your van must be insured for commercial use, taxed, and up to date with MOT testing. If you’re driving anything over a standard van, you may need a Category C1 licence.

But licences aren’t the only thing you need—insurance is crucial. This includes:

• Public liability insurance, in case a client’s property is accidentally damaged.

• Goods in transit insurance, which protects clients’ belongings during the move (more on that via Compare My Move).

• And if you employ anyone, employer’s liability insurance is a legal must. Guidance on this is available from the HSE.

Planning to offer clearance or disposal services? You’ll also need to register with the Environment Agency for a waste carrier licence, a simple step that gives clients peace of mind and shows you’re handling items responsibly.

Let’s talk opportunity. In 2025 and beyond, the removals industry is expected to grow steadily, not just because people move, but because of how they move.

More people are relocating for lifestyle reasons: working remotely, moving out of cities, or downsizing post-pandemic. At the same time there’s rising demand for digital convenience, like real-time booking, online tracking, and SMS updates. Tech-savvy removal companies are becoming the new standard. Take Shift for example. This UK-based, tech-forward removal company lets customers book moves online in minutes, track drivers in real time, and get SMS updates for every stage of their move.

Sustainability also plays a role. Clients are starting to ask whether your vans are eco-friendly or if you use recyclable materials. That’s not just a nice touch, it’s a selling point.

And with an ageing population, there’s increasing need for gentle, people-first removals for the elderly. A company that can offer calm, supportive, and respectful relocation services for older adults is positioned for meaningful, repeatable business.

According to the British Association of Removers, customer trust is the number one priority. That trust comes from clear communication, strong systems, and visible professionalism. All of which you can build into your brand from day one.

If you’re serious about entering the removals industry, here are a few resources to help guide your thinking:

Manual Handling at Work – HSE PDF – A must-read for understanding safe lifting practices, which will be core to your operations.

How to Start a Trucking Company by A.K. Davidson – Great insight for scaling into logistics, vehicle management, or multi-driver fleets.

Starting a removal company won’t be for everyone, it’s physical work and you need to care about the details. But for those who enjoy problem-solving, logistics, customer service, and the satisfaction of helping people during life’s transitions it can be an incredibly rewarding and scalable business.

The beauty of it is this: you’re solving a problem that will never go away. People will always move. What changes is how they want that experience to feel. And that’s where your brand, your values, and your niche make all the difference.

So, whether you’re dreaming of building a business or simply looking for inspiration for your next career move, this might just be the industry where your next chapter begins with a van, a plan, and the drive to build something of your own.