Top 8 Moving and Storage Franchise Opportunities

The rise in work-from-home options since the pandemic began has opened up opportunities for many people to relocate. In fact, the number of Americans who moved in 2021 jumped 20% above 2020 levels. Consequently, the moving services industry has grown to be a $19 billion market and is anticipated to see even more growth, according to IBISWorld.

For those looking at franchise opportunities within the moving franchise space, here are some of the top moving and storage opportunities to franchise with.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK*

Investment Range: Standard: $164,000–$435,600; Mini: $105,500–$242,100

Startup Costs: Standard: $179,000–$595,000; Mini: $100,000–$192,000

Unit Count: 390-plus

Headquartered in Michigan, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is the largest franchised moving company in North America with each franchise being independently owned and operated. The company has performed more than 8 million moves since it started in 1985 and has seen consistent growth dating back to December 2009. 

Go Mini’s

Investment Range: $342,804–$662,704

Startup Costs: $342,804–$662,704

Unit Count: 100-plus

Founded in 2002, Go Mini’s has become one of the fastest-growing portable storage and moving companies in North America with locations in 39 states in the United States, Canada and Mexico. In 2012, the company converted into a franchise model and has been recognized by publications such as Entrepreneur Magazine and Franchise Business Review. 

ZippyShell

Investment Range: $657,450–$1,219,830

Startup Costs: $657,450–$1,219,830

Unit Count: 45-plus

Zippy Shell was founded in Australia in 2007and was one of Australia's first mobile storage businesses to operate in the country. It first came to the U.S. and began franchising in 2009. 

Zippy Shell franchisees bring their street-legal shell system of moving storage containers to customers' homes which are then filled and brought to a climate-controlled facility. 

Black Tie Moving

Investment Range: $128,000–$202,800

Startup Costs: $128,000–$202,800

Unit Count: 19

Black Tie Moving was founded in 2013, and since then, has opened eight corporate locations throughout the United States. Franchisees help customers with the entire moving process, including packing, unloading, storage and more for residential and commercial customers. Currently, Black Tie Moving has successful corporate locations in Texas, Tennessee, Ohio and California. 

UNITS Moving and Portable Storage

Investment Range: $686,700–$1,285,000

Startup Costs: $686,700–$1,285,000

UNITS Moving and Portable Storage was established in 2004 as the portable storage and moving industry started to pick up. Local residents or business owners can make both short and long-term use of containers whether they need the container for a quick move or for storage. Currently, the nationwide network of UNITS Storage and Service Centers reaches over 800 cities. 

Storage Authority

Investment Range: Varies

Startup Costs: Varies

Unit Count: 3

Storage Authority is one of the only traditional self-storage facilities using a franchise business model. The company offers a range of storage unit sizes and customers benefit from more advanced systems and technologies compared to the typical independent self-storage company. 

NorthStar Moving Co.

Investment Range: $110,070–$188,450

Startup Costs: $110,070–$188,450

Unit Count: 8

NorthStar Moving has been operating since 1994 and is known for working with celebrity clientele, calling itself the “go to moving company for Hollywood A-Listers, top production companies and other high profile movers and shakers.” Services include local, intrastate, long-distance, international, residential, and commercial moves, production moves, as well as full-service storage and warehousing. 

You Move Me

Investment Range: $30,000–$40,000

Startup Costs: $30,000–$40,000

Unit Count: 29

You Move Me has been committed to revolutionizing the moving industry with a stress-free moving experience since 2012. Franchisees strive to make the moving process as smooth and seamless and possible for customers. Services include packing, moving, and unloading in 17 states as well as several locations in Canada.