Preview: figures awaiting verification
Some numbers on this page haven't been checked against their sources yet.
Senior Move Management Business
A planning-heavy service that helps older adults downsize and move: sorting, floor plans, selling or donating belongings, and coordinating licensed movers.
Figures last verified October 30, 2026
$1,079 – $3,589*Pending verificationSourcesCalifornia Secretary of State — LLC (domestic) forms and fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026California Franchise Tax Board — limited liability company(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026NASMM — Annual membership dues(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Computed from 4 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded.
Startup cost
Coming soon
Time to first revenue
Moderate
Difficulty
Moderate
Physical demand
Yes
Can run solo
Year-round; driven by life events
Seasonality
* Startup cost excludes budget lines we haven't sourced yet.
Risk Meter
Eight factors from this guide's own data, each scored 1 (lowest risk) to 5 (highest). Every score shows why.
Overall risk
Moderate
2.5 out of 5
Average of 6 of 8 factors, weighted equally. 1 is the lowest risk and 5 the highest. It measures risk, not how much you'll earn, and it isn't a prediction. How we score risk.
Money at risk
Not scoredAt least $3,589
6 startup lines aren't sourced yet, so the real total is higher. We'll score this once the budget is complete.
Time to earn it back
Not scoredNot scored yet
Some startup or operating cost lines aren't sourced yet, so a payback time would look shorter than it really is.
Franchise closure rate
3 / 56.3% a yearPending verificationSourcesCaring Transitions 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026, as amended September 2, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Blue Moon Estate Sales 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 18, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Closures = terminations + non-renewals + outlets that ceased operations, divided by franchised outlets at the start of the year.
Average of 2 brands: Caring Transitions 5.4% (2025); Blue Moon Estate Sales 7.3% (2025). Our calculation from each FDD's Item 20.
Loan default rate
4 / 58.5% vs 7.2% for all industriesPending verificationSourceSBA 7(a) FOIA loan-level data, files as of September 30, 2026 (our count by NAICS code)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Charged off = the SBA wrote off the unpaid balance after the borrower stopped paying. An industry code can include businesses unlike this one.
262 of 3,074 SBA 7(a) loans to All Other Personal Services (NAICS 812990), approved FY2010–2019, were charged off. Our count from the SBA's loan-level data; 275 loans were still open, so the final rate may be slightly higher.
Demand trend
1 / 5Growing much faster than all businessesPending verificationSourcesU.S. Census Bureau — County Business Patterns 2019, U.S. file (cbp19us)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026U.S. Census Bureau — County Business Patterns 2023, U.S. file (cbp23us)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026
All other personal services (NAICS 812990), the nearest code we found for senior move management, employer establishments +38.1% (17,877 to 24,681) vs +5.1% for all industries, 2019–2023. The code also covers many unrelated personal services, so treat this as loose evidence.
Licensing and rules
1 / 5Light
No state license if you plan and oversee moves and hire a BHGS-licensed mover to transport; only a city or county business license, plus a seller's permit if you sell clients' items (see Licensing). Moving goods yourself needs a household mover license.
Customer concentration
3 / 5A few large customers or referral partners
Households pay, but most work comes through a handful of referral partners (senior living communities, real estate agents, elder-law attorneys and care managers).
Physical demand
3 / 5Moderate
From the guide's at-a-glance rating; see the risks section for details.
Franchise vs. Independent
Same type of business. Two very different paths.
| Franchise (2 brands) | Independent | |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise fee | $57,000 – $58,900Pending verificationSourcesCaring Transitions 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026, as amended September 2, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Blue Moon Estate Sales 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 18, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Range across 2 franchise brands. | $0 |
| Initial investment | $75,860 – $123,250Pending verificationSourcesCaring Transitions 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026, as amended September 2, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Blue Moon Estate Sales 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 18, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026FDD Item 7 estimated initial investment (includes the franchise fee), across 2 brands. | $1,079 – $3,589*Pending verificationSourcesCalifornia Secretary of State — LLC (domestic) forms and fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026California Franchise Tax Board — limited liability company(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026NASMM — Annual membership dues(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Computed from 4 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded. |
| Ongoing royalties | 5.5% – 6% of revenuePending verificationSourcesCaring Transitions 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026, as amended September 2, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Blue Moon Estate Sales 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 18, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Percent of gross revenue, across 2 brands. | None |
| Operating costs (5 years) | $16,745 – $31,745Pending verificationSourcesCaring Transitions 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026, as amended September 2, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026NASMM — Annual membership dues(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026California Franchise Tax Board — limited liability company(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Five years of the operating costs we have sourced so far (insurance, software, fees), charged to both paths. | $16,745 – $31,745 |
| Brand, training, and support | Included | You build your own |
| 5-year total cost | $154,405 – $292,995 | $17,824 – $35,334* |
Franchise fee
- Franchise (2 brands)
- $57,000 – $58,900Pending verificationSourcesCaring Transitions 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026, as amended September 2, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Blue Moon Estate Sales 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 18, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Range across 2 franchise brands.
- Independent
- $0
Initial investment
- Franchise (2 brands)
- $75,860 – $123,250Pending verificationSourcesCaring Transitions 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026, as amended September 2, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Blue Moon Estate Sales 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 18, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026FDD Item 7 estimated initial investment (includes the franchise fee), across 2 brands.
- Independent
- $1,079 – $3,589*Pending verificationSourcesCalifornia Secretary of State — LLC (domestic) forms and fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026California Franchise Tax Board — limited liability company(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026NASMM — Annual membership dues(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Computed from 4 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded.
Ongoing royalties
- Franchise (2 brands)
- 5.5% – 6% of revenuePending verificationSourcesCaring Transitions 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026, as amended September 2, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Blue Moon Estate Sales 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 18, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Percent of gross revenue, across 2 brands.
- Independent
- None
Operating costs (5 years)
- Franchise (2 brands)
- $16,745 – $31,745Pending verificationSourcesCaring Transitions 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026, as amended September 2, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026NASMM — Annual membership dues(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026California Franchise Tax Board — limited liability company(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Five years of the operating costs we have sourced so far (insurance, software, fees), charged to both paths.
- Independent
- $16,745 – $31,745
Brand, training, and support
- Franchise (2 brands)
- Included
- Independent
- You build your own
5-year total cost
- Franchise (2 brands)
- $154,405 – $292,995
- Independent
- $17,824 – $35,334*
5-year totals assume $78,000–$195,000 in yearly revenue (our forecast presets at full volume), the same sourced operating costs (insurance, software, fees) on both paths, and both the lean and professional independent plans. Franchise investment figures come from each brand's disclosure (FDD Item 7) and already include the franchise fee. * Excludes independent startup lines we haven't sourced yet. Adjust the assumptions.
What franchisees report taking in
From each brand's own disclosure (FDD Item 19), copied exactly. These are gross sales before royalties and costs, not profit, and not a promise of what you will earn.
Caring Transitions
Item 19 reports 2025 gross receipts by quartile for franchisees open all of 2025, split by whether they run one, two, or three or more territories; the figures below are for single-territory owners.
- Average 2025 gross receipts, top quarter of single-territory franchisees (40 franchisees; gross sales, not profit)$546,789 a yearPending verificationSourceCaring Transitions 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026, as amended September 2, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 202618 of 40 (45%) reached this average. FDD Item 19, Table 2 (franchisees operating a single territory, 160 franchisees, 40 per quartile), from franchisee financial reports. Gross receipts before royalties and all expenses — not profit. Excludes franchises opened in 2025 by new franchisees and franchises that closed in 2025. Some franchisees have sold this amount; there is no assurance you'll do as well.
- Average 2025 gross receipts, second quarter of single-territory franchisees (40 franchisees; gross sales, not profit)$258,115 a yearPending verificationSourceCaring Transitions 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026, as amended September 2, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Table 2 (franchisees operating a single territory, 160 franchisees, 40 per quartile), from franchisee financial reports. Gross receipts before royalties and all expenses — not profit. Excludes franchises opened in 2025 by new franchisees and franchises that closed in 2025. Some franchisees have sold this amount; there is no assurance you'll do as well.
- Average 2025 gross receipts, third quarter of single-territory franchisees (40 franchisees; gross sales, not profit)$142,940 a yearPending verificationSourceCaring Transitions 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026, as amended September 2, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Table 2 (franchisees operating a single territory, 160 franchisees, 40 per quartile), from franchisee financial reports. Gross receipts before royalties and all expenses — not profit. Excludes franchises opened in 2025 by new franchisees and franchises that closed in 2025. Some franchisees have sold this amount; there is no assurance you'll do as well.
- Average 2025 gross receipts, bottom quarter of single-territory franchisees (40 franchisees; gross sales, not profit)$50,445 a yearPending verificationSourceCaring Transitions 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026, as amended September 2, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Lowest in this group: $2,448. FDD Item 19, Table 2 (franchisees operating a single territory, 160 franchisees, 40 per quartile), from franchisee financial reports. Gross receipts before royalties and all expenses — not profit. Excludes franchises opened in 2025 by new franchisees and franchises that closed in 2025. Some franchisees have sold this amount; there is no assurance you'll do as well.
Blue Moon Estate Sales
Item 19 reports 2025 gross estate sales (the total price of items sold, from which the franchisee earns a commission) per territory and per owner, grouped by time in business.
- Average 2025 gross estate sales per territory (73 territories open before 2025; total sale proceeds, not franchisee revenue or profit)$320,636 a yearPending verificationSourceBlue Moon Estate Sales 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 18, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Table A. 25 of 73 (34%) reached this average. FDD Item 19. Important: 'Gross Sales' here is the total sale price of everything sold at the estate sales, less sales tax — not the franchisee's own revenue, which is a commission on those sales. Not profit. Excludes territories open less than a year, held for resale or termination, transferred, or reporting combined. Your results may differ.
- Median 2025 gross estate sales per territory (same 73 territories; total sale proceeds, not franchisee revenue)$228,904 a yearPending verificationSourceBlue Moon Estate Sales 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 18, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Table A. FDD Item 19. Important: 'Gross Sales' here is the total sale price of everything sold at the estate sales, less sales tax — not the franchisee's own revenue, which is a commission on those sales. Not profit. Excludes territories open less than a year, held for resale or termination, transferred, or reporting combined. Your results may differ.
- Average 2025 gross estate sales, territories in business 13–24 months (15 territories; total sale proceeds, not franchisee revenue)$173,790 a yearPending verificationSourceBlue Moon Estate Sales 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 18, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Table A. FDD Item 19. Important: 'Gross Sales' here is the total sale price of everything sold at the estate sales, less sales tax — not the franchisee's own revenue, which is a commission on those sales. Not profit. Excludes territories open less than a year, held for resale or termination, transferred, or reporting combined. Your results may differ.
- Average 2025 gross estate sales per owner (65 owners, some with 2–3 territories; total sale proceeds, not franchisee revenue)$383,853 a yearPending verificationSourceBlue Moon Estate Sales 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 18, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Table B. The FDD notes per-owner figures may look more favorable than per-territory ones. Includes a former affiliate's territory ($746,699 in 2025, from a larger-than-usual population). FDD Item 19. Important: 'Gross Sales' here is the total sale price of everything sold at the estate sales, less sales tax — not the franchisee's own revenue, which is a commission on those sales. Not profit. Excludes territories open less than a year, held for resale or termination, transferred, or reporting combined. Your results may differ.
What a franchise does give you
Franchises cost more, but the fees buy real things. Weigh them honestly.
- A national brand focused only on senior transitions
- Initial training and the Certified Relocation Transition Specialist program
- A designated call center to answer client calls
- CTBids.com, the brand's own online auction site for clients' belongings
- A network of other owners to learn from
- An established estate-sale brand with move management and consignment services
- Initial training and an operations manual
- Point-of-sale, inventory and shopper-marketing systems
Going independent means
- You keep 100% of what you earn after costs — no royalties.
- You build your own brand, systems, and customer base.
- You need more self-reliance, especially in the first year.
Startup Budget
One-time costs to launch, from cited sources. Totals are added up from the lines below.
| Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| California LLC filing (Articles of Organization and Statement of Information)Pending verificationSourceCalifornia Secretary of State — LLC (domestic) forms and fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026$70 for the Articles of Organization plus $20 for the Statement of Information. A sole proprietor can skip this. | $90 | $90 | $90 |
| California LLC annual tax (first year)Pending verificationSourceCalifornia Franchise Tax Board — limited liability company(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Every LLC organized or doing business in California owes $800 a year. Only if you form an LLC. | $800 | $800 | $800 |
| City or county business license | Data coming soon | ||
| NASMM Cornerstone Courses (four courses)Pending verificationSourceNASMM — Annual membership dues(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Member price for all four courses, which NASMM requires to move from Provisional to full membership. Annual dues are listed under operating costs. | $189 | $189 | $189 |
| Laptop and phone | Data coming soon | ||
| Measuring tools and floor-plan software | Data coming soon | ||
| Starter packing supplies (boxes, tape, labels, wrap) | Data coming soon | ||
| Website, scheduling and invoicing software | Data coming soon | ||
| Marketing launch (cards, brochures for senior communities, referral outreach) | Data coming soon | ||
| Total (sourced lines only) | $1,079 | $1,079 | $1,079 |
Share of mid estimate
- California LLC filing (Articles of Organization and Statement of Information)8%
- California LLC annual tax (first year)74%
- NASMM Cornerstone Courses (four courses)18%
Budget spreadsheet
Every line with its sources, included in the complete kit.
The total leaves out 6 lines we haven't sourced yet. We don't guess.
24-Month Forecast
An example to plan with. Every assumption is yours to change.
This is an estimate, not a prediction
Average ticket is the low end of A Place for Mom's $1,500–$5,000 project range. Jobs per week, ramp-up, variable costs (supplies, mileage, part-time help) and the flat seasonality are our assumptions, not operator data. Change any assumption to match your market. Your results will differ.
- Break-even
- Month 2
- Year-1 revenue
- $56,063
- Year-2 profit
- $61,452
Show monthly table
| Month | Jobs | Revenue | Costs | Profit | Cumulative cash |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Mar) | 1.1 | $1,625 | $648 | $977 | -$102 |
| 2 (Apr) | 1.5 | $2,234 | $739 | $1,495 | $1,393 |
| 3 (May) | 1.9 | $2,844 | $831 | $2,013 | $3,407 |
| 4 (Jun) | 2.3 | $3,453 | $922 | $2,531 | $5,938 |
| 5 (Jul) | 2.7 | $4,063 | $1,013 | $3,049 | $8,987 |
| 6 (Aug) | 3.1 | $4,672 | $1,105 | $3,567 | $12,554 |
| 7 (Sep) | 3.5 | $5,281 | $1,196 | $4,085 | $16,639 |
| 8 (Oct) | 3.9 | $5,891 | $1,288 | $4,603 | $21,242 |
| 9 (Nov) | 4.3 | $6,500 | $1,379 | $5,121 | $26,363 |
| 10 (Dec) | 4.3 | $6,500 | $1,379 | $5,121 | $31,484 |
| 11 (Jan) | 4.3 | $6,500 | $1,379 | $5,121 | $36,605 |
| 12 (Feb) | 4.3 | $6,500 | $1,379 | $5,121 | $41,726 |
| 13 (Mar) | 4.3 | $6,500 | $1,379 | $5,121 | $46,847 |
| 14 (Apr) | 4.3 | $6,500 | $1,379 | $5,121 | $51,968 |
| 15 (May) | 4.3 | $6,500 | $1,379 | $5,121 | $57,089 |
| 16 (Jun) | 4.3 | $6,500 | $1,379 | $5,121 | $62,210 |
| 17 (Jul) | 4.3 | $6,500 | $1,379 | $5,121 | $67,331 |
| 18 (Aug) | 4.3 | $6,500 | $1,379 | $5,121 | $72,452 |
| 19 (Sep) | 4.3 | $6,500 | $1,379 | $5,121 | $77,573 |
| 20 (Oct) | 4.3 | $6,500 | $1,379 | $5,121 | $82,694 |
| 21 (Nov) | 4.3 | $6,500 | $1,379 | $5,121 | $87,815 |
| 22 (Dec) | 4.3 | $6,500 | $1,379 | $5,121 | $92,936 |
| 23 (Jan) | 4.3 | $6,500 | $1,379 | $5,121 | $98,057 |
| 24 (Feb) | 4.3 | $6,500 | $1,379 | $5,121 | $103,178 |
Pricing
What customers typically pay, from large-sample cost data.
What customers pay
- Senior move manager, hourly rate (national average)$40 – $80Pending verificationSourceA Place for Mom — Senior move managers: role, cost, and why you need them (updated May 7, 2024)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Per hour. A Place for Mom national average, last updated May 2024. No published sample size. The move manager's fee does not include the moving company.
- Senior move manager, total project cost$1,500 – $5,000Pending verificationSourceA Place for Mom — Senior move managers: role, cost, and why you need them (updated May 7, 2024)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026A Place for Mom national average, last updated May 2024. No published sample size. The move manager's fee does not include the moving company.
- Move manager, hourly rate (one New Jersey firm's view)$55 – $100Pending verificationSourceKiplinger — A move manager helps you downsize in retirement (October 26, 2018)(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Per hour. Single tier-3 source from 2018, quoting one move-management company owner. Shown for context only.
- House to a two-bedroom independent-living apartment$2,500 – $5,000Pending verificationSourceKiplinger — A move manager helps you downsize in retirement (October 26, 2018)(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Single tier-3 source from 2018, quoting one move-management company owner. Excludes the moving company.
What similar businesses take in
Context only, not a promise of what you will earn. Government figures cover every business in the industry; guide figures are rougher. Tap the source icon to see which is which. These are revenue, before costs.
- Average yearly receipts per 'all other personal services' firm with fewer than 5 employees (NAICS 812990, U.S. employer firms, 2022)$256,577 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — Statistics of U.S. Businesses 2022, U.S. and states, 6-digit NAICS (us_state_6digitnaics_2022)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Calculated by us from the Census table: $4,702,801,000 in receipts across 18,329 firms, rounded to the nearest dollar. Receipts are gross revenue, not profit. There is no NAICS code just for senior move management, and we could not confirm which code Census assigns these businesses; NAICS 812990 (All Other Personal Services) is a broad catch-all we chose as the nearest fit, so treat this as loose context. Shown for context only — not a promise or prediction of your results.
- Average yearly receipts per 'all other personal services' firm with fewer than 5 employees in California (NAICS 812990, employer firms, 2022)$298,444 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — Statistics of U.S. Businesses 2022, U.S. and states, 6-digit NAICS (us_state_6digitnaics_2022)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Calculated by us from the Census table: $665,231,000 in receipts across 2,229 California firms, rounded to the nearest dollar. Receipts are gross revenue, not profit. There is no NAICS code just for senior move management, and we could not confirm which code Census assigns these businesses; NAICS 812990 (All Other Personal Services) is a broad catch-all we chose as the nearest fit, so treat this as loose context. Shown for context only — not a promise or prediction of your results.
- Average yearly receipts per nonemployer (solo, no payroll) 'all other personal services' business (NAICS 81299, U.S., 2024)$37,118 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — Nonemployer Statistics 2024, U.S. file (nonemp24us)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Calculated by us from the Census file: $28,740,059,000 in receipts across 774,283 nonemployer businesses, rounded to the nearest dollar. Many are part-time. Receipts are gross revenue, not profit. There is no NAICS code just for senior move management, and we could not confirm which code Census assigns these businesses; NAICS 812990 (All Other Personal Services) is a broad catch-all we chose as the nearest fit, so treat this as loose context. Shown for context only — not a promise or prediction of your results.
Key Risks and How to Manage Them
Emotional weight
Clients are often grieving, ill or leaving a home of decades, and family members may disagree about what to keep. The work can be draining.
How to manage it: Set clear agreements up front about who decides, take NASMM's courses on client stress and difficult conversations, and pace your calendar so you can recover between projects.
Accidentally acting as an unlicensed mover
In California, anyone paid to move household goods needs a BHGS license. Hauling a client's furniture in your own vehicle for pay can put you outside the law. BHGS ran sweeps in 2026 that issued $110,230 in citations.
How to manage it: Hire licensed movers for all transport, check each mover's license on the BHGS website, and confirm your arrangement with BHGS before your first job.
Physical strain
Even without carrying furniture, sorting and packing a house means long days of bending, lifting boxes and climbing stairs. That is real wear for someone in their mid-50s.
How to manage it: Hire out the heavy lifting from day one, use part-time helpers for packing as you grow, and price your hours so you are not tempted to do it all yourself.
Slow start while referrals build
Most work comes through senior living communities, real estate agents, elder-law attorneys and care managers. Those relationships take months to develop.
How to manage it: Keep a cash reserve for the first year, and start visiting referral sources before you launch.
Damaged, lost or disputed belongings
You handle valuables, heirlooms and papers. A broken item or a missing piece of jewelry can turn into a claim or a family dispute.
How to manage it: Carry liability insurance, use a written contract, photograph and inventory valuables, and let the licensed mover's cargo coverage handle items in transit.
Irregular, lumpy workload
Projects are one-time and often start on short notice after a fall, a diagnosis or a death. Some weeks are packed and others are empty.
How to manage it: Build a bench of on-call helpers, keep a waiting list, and add steady services such as decluttering for people staying in their homes.
Licensing by State
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction.
More states are coming.
A general guide only. Rules change and vary by city and county — confirm with your local government before you start.
Household mover license (BHGS) — only if you transport goods yourself
Pending verificationPending verificationSourcesCalifornia Bureau of Household Goods and Services — Household Moving applicants FAQ(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026California Bureau of Household Goods and Services — Household Moving licensees FAQ(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026The Bureau of Household Goods and Services says anyone who is paid to move household goods within California needs a household mover license. The application fee is $500. Owners must be fingerprinted, a qualifier must pass an open-book exam on the Max 4 tariff, and you need vehicle liability insurance, $20,000 of cargo liability coverage, and workers' comp if you have employees. Licensees also file quarterly revenue reports.
Verify with the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS)(opens in a new tab)The alternative: hire a licensed mover for transport
Pending verificationPending verificationSourcesCalifornia Bureau of Household Goods and Services — Household Moving applicants FAQ(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026California DCA news release — BHGS targets unlicensed movers (July 9, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Most move managers plan and oversee the move and leave the driving to a BHGS-licensed mover. Check every mover's license on the BHGS website before you book them. BHGS also advises getting a visual inspection and written estimates before any move. Ask BHGS to confirm that your role, such as arranging and supervising but not transporting, does not need its own license.
Verify with the BHGS license search(opens in a new tab)Seller's permit — may apply if you sell clients' items
Pending verificationPending verificationSourceCalifornia Department of Tax and Fee Administration — Permits and licenses(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026If you sell tangible goods at retail in California, CDTFA requires a seller's permit; registration online is free. If you run estate sales or sell belongings for clients, ask CDTFA whether you need one.
Verify with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA)(opens in a new tab)City or county business license
Pending verificationRequired almost everywhere in California. Check with the city where your business is based.
NASMM membership and SMM-C certification — voluntary
Pending verificationPending verificationSourcesNASMM — Membership requirements(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026NASMM — Senior Move Manager-Certified (SMM-C)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026California does not license move managers, and NASMM membership is voluntary. Full NASMM membership requires four Cornerstone Courses, proof of general liability insurance and a live website. The Senior Move Manager-Certified (SMM-C) credential adds nine courses, proof of 40 invoiced projects and a $399 application fee for members.
Verify with the National Association of Senior & Specialty Move Managers (NASMM)(opens in a new tab)
The Playbook
A step-by-step guide from setup to growth.
Phase 1
Setup
- Choose your business structure and register it
- Get general liability insurance
- Join NASMM and take the Cornerstone Courses
- Line up two or three BHGS-licensed movers you trust
- Write your service agreement and estimate template
Phase 2
Launch
Included in the complete kit
Phase 3
Referral partners
Included in the complete kit
Phase 4
Marketing
Included in the complete kit
Phase 5
Running a move
Included in the complete kit
Phase 6
Hiring helpers
Included in the complete kit
Phase 7
Growth
Included in the complete kit
Suppliers and Tools
Vendors independent operators use.
No supplier pays to be listed. If we ever earn a referral fee from a link, it will say “Affiliate link” right next to it.
Trade association and training
Courses, certification and a referral directory for move managers.
Estate sale listings
Sites where you advertise estate sales for clients' belongings.
The Kit Is Coming
Everything on this page is free. The downloadable kit (playbook, spreadsheets, templates) is in the works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a franchise?
No. The Open Franchise is not a franchise and does not sell franchises. You start and own your business yourself, with no franchise fee, royalties, or territory rules. We sell guides and kits; that's all.
Do I need a moving license?
Only if you are paid to transport household goods yourself. In that case California requires a household mover license from the Bureau of Household Goods and Services. Most move managers hire licensed movers for transport instead; confirm your setup with the Bureau before you start.
Do I have to do the heavy lifting?
No. The job is mostly planning, sorting, and coordinating. Licensed movers carry and transport furniture, and you can hire helpers for packing as you grow. Expect some bending and box lifting, though.
Are these numbers guaranteed?
No. Every cost and price is an estimate from a cited source, shown as a range where possible, with the date we last checked it. Your costs and results will depend on your market and choices.
Figures last verified October 30, 2026. Every number links to its source. See all sources for this page.