Looking for work that doesn't require experience or a degree? Moving companies are always hiring, but here's what they don't tell you upfront.
Forget the fancy job ads. Here's the truth:
If they won't tell you the base hourly rate and only talk about "earning potential," walk away.
Tips aren't just nice-to-have - they're a significant part of your income:
What customers typically tip:
Real example: 6-hour job at $20/hour = $120 base pay. Customer pays $1,000 and tips 20% ($200). Split 3 ways = $67 per person. Your total: $187 for the day (about 1.5x your base wages).
Tip reality check: Some moves you'll get $0 in tips, others you'll make $100+ extra. It averages out, but the good jobs make a huge difference.
The reality: Most moves happen on weekends. Companies are more willing to hire part-timers than full-timers. Be prepared to work every weekend and have an unpredictable schedule - some days you'll start at the truck at 5AM to get to jobs by 8AM, and some jobs will run until 10PM because time estimates were wrong or there weren't enough workers.
Good signs:
Be cautious of:
Moving managers play favorites. Here's how to become the favorite:
The managers know which jobs tip well and which don't. Reliable workers get the good jobs with the generous customers.
Summer (May-September):
Winter (October-April):
Here's what many don't know: With experience, you can use your moving job as a stepping stone to get CDL training and move into truck driving roles. Many moving companies will help train experienced, reliable workers to become drivers.
The pay bump is significant:
This career path can turn a temporary job into a long-term, higher-paying career.
For basic mover jobs: Basic safety English is usually enough. Many crews are bilingual.
For customer-facing roles: You need conversational English, but being bilingual often means extra pay.
Reality check: Customers care more about their stuff being handled carefully than perfect grammar.
Week 1: Apply to 5-10 local companies (in person is better than online)
Week 2: Follow up with phone calls - show you're serious
First month: Never be late, ask questions, volunteer for extra shifts, learn everyone's names
Pro tip: Start part-time to learn the ropes, then ask for full-time work once you've proven yourself.
Moving work isn't glamorous, but it's honest work that pays decent money if you approach it wisely. Be reliable, be available, and treat people's stuff with respect. With tips on good jobs, you can make about 1.5x your base wages - especially in summer - but you have to earn it.
Most companies care more about showing up every day than having experience. Be the person they can count on, and you'll work your way up to the jobs with better tips fast. With time and reliability, you might even get CDL training that opens doors to higher-paying driving careers.
Don't wait - moving companies are always looking for reliable workers. Get started today and build toward better-paying opportunities.
Your reputation in this industry follows you. Work hard, show up on time, treat customers' belongings like treasure, and you could be making good money within months - and potentially building toward a CDL driving career that pays even more.
