How to Value a Home Services Business: The Complete Guide
SDE multiples, EBITDA multiples, revenue multiples — which method is right for your business? A comprehensive guide to home service business valuation.
Read Article →Valuation BenchmarksApril 2025 · 5 min read
Moving Company Business Valuation 2025
Moving company businesses sell for 1.5x–3.0x SDE. Local moving companies with B2B accounts and storage revenue command the best multiples.
JT
Jason Taken
HedgeStone Business Advisors
Moving companies are one of the most challenging home service businesses to value and sell. Seasonal revenue, high liability exposure, equipment intensity, and hourly workforce management create complexity that buyers must price in. That said, well-run moving companies with corporate accounts sell at respectable multiples.
Moving Company Multiple Benchmarks
Local residential moving (seasonal, transactional): 1.5x–2.5x SDE. High seasonality, low barriers to entry for new competitors. Local moving + storage (recurring storage revenue): 2.0x–3.0x SDE. Storage revenue adds predictability. Corporate relocation accounts (B2B, HR department relationships): 2.5x–3.5x SDE. Contracted corporate moves provide consistent volume.
The Liability and Insurance Challenge
Moving companies carry significant liability risk — damaged furniture, personal injury, property damage. Buyers scrutinize workers' compensation and liability insurance history. Clean claims history is a meaningful value driver. Businesses with multiple liability claims in the last 3 years will face higher insurance costs and buyer discounts. Invest in crew training and damage prevention protocols before selling.
What Makes a Moving Company More Valuable
The highest-multiple moving companies have: corporate accounts with HR departments (steady relocating employees), portable storage units (recurring storage revenue from PODS-style containers), long-distance authority (DOT authority enabling interstate moves), specialized moving capabilities (pianos, antiques, safes), and a general manager who runs daily operations without owner involvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
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