How to Get Moving Contracts: Win More Commercial and Residential Jobs

If you want to grow beyond one-off residential jobs, you need to learn how to get moving contracts. Contracts provide predictable revenue, higher average job values, and long-term relationships that feed your pipeline month after month. Here's how to position your company to win them.

1. Types of Moving Contracts

Residential contracts come from property managers or real estate agents who need a reliable mover for their clients on an ongoing basis. Commercial contracts cover recurring office relocations and warehouse logistics. Government and military contracts are awarded through formal bidding — often via the GSA Schedule — and tend to be high-volume with strict compliance requirements. Corporate relocation contracts come from companies transferring employees between offices. Each type requires a different approach, but they all reward professionalism and dependability.

2. How to Bid on Commercial Moving Jobs

Monitor local business journals, commercial real estate listings, and procurement portals for opportunities. Submit detailed proposals with itemized costs, insurance credentials, references, and a clear timeline. Emphasize your ability to execute moves during evenings or weekends to minimize downtime. A strong marketing strategy that positions your brand as the go-to commercial mover helps these opportunities come to you.

3. Build Relationships With Property Managers and Real Estate Agents

A single property manager overseeing hundreds of units can send you dozens of moves per year. Offer competitive rates, reliable scheduling, and a seamless experience every time. Attend local networking events, join your chamber of commerce, and reach out with a one-page partnership proposal. Once you land these relationships, focus on generating a steady stream of moving leads from these partners by staying top-of-mind with consistent communication.

4. Getting Government and Military Contracts

Register in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and obtain a DUNS number. For military household goods moves, apply through the Defense Personal Property Program. For broader federal work, getting on the GSA Schedule allows agencies to hire you directly. These contracts require strict adherence to weight certifications, claims processes, and performance standards — but the payoff is consistent volume for years at a time.

5. Corporate Relocation Partnerships

Target HR departments and relocation managers at companies in your area. Offer a dedicated account manager, streamlined billing, and white-glove service. Corporate clients value consistency, so having a team that can convert leads into booked jobs quickly and deliver a flawless experience is essential. Partnering with relocation management companies (RMCs) can funnel significant volume your way as well.

6. Create Professional Proposals and Estimates

The quality of your proposal often matters more than your price. Include a company overview with credentials, a detailed scope of work, itemized pricing, a timeline with milestones, references, and clear terms. Invest in branded templates you can customize for each opportunity. Pairing polished proposals with an outsourced sales team that follows up consistently will dramatically increase your close rate.

7. Use a CRM to Manage Your Contract Pipeline

Winning contracts requires organized tracking and timely follow-ups. A CRM built for moving companies lets you track every opportunity from initial contact through final decision, set follow-up reminders, and attach proposals to contact records. With the right CRM features, your team stays aligned and no opportunity slips through the cracks.

8. Build a Reputation That Wins Repeat Contracts

The easiest contract to win is one from a client who already trusts you. Ask satisfied clients for reviews and testimonials to include in future proposals. Maintain communication between jobs so clients think of you first. Invest in proper training, uniforms, and equipment so every move reflects the professionalism contract clients expect. Combine a strong reputation with a purpose-built CRM to keep your pipeline organized and your follow-ups on schedule.