From: Movified Podcast
Original Air Date: October 19, 2026
A practical playbook for moving company owners who want more referral leads from realtors using a simple free box offer, stronger relationships, and smart reminders.
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Free Moving Leads From Realtors
Colton Jones of Top Team Moving shares how a 20-box drop can help moving companies build realtor relationships, stay top of mind, and create more referral opportunities before customers book a mover.
Most moving company owners want more moving leads without spending more on ads.
One simple way to do that is to build stronger relationships with realtors and give their clients something useful before they book a move.
This article shows how a moving company can use free box drops, realtor partnerships, and simple reminders to create more referral opportunities.
QUICK TAKE
Give realtors an easy reason to introduce your moving company to their clients. A free box drop is low-cost, useful, and can create a natural referral before the customer chooses a mover.
Why Realtors Can Be a Strong Source of Moving Leads
For residential moving, the target customer is often someone buying or selling a home.
The main person connected to that customer is usually the realtor.
That makes realtors a practical relationship channel for a moving business.
- They know who is moving: Realtors are involved before the move happens.
- They can make introductions: A trusted recommendation can matter more than a cold ad.
- They want to help clients: Useful support can make the realtor look good.
The goal is not to ask for referrals with no reason. The goal is to give the realtor something valuable to offer. If you want a repeatable process, build a realtor referral system for moving companies instead of depending on random introductions.
What Free Offer Can Make Realtors Remember You?
Top Team Moving uses a simple lead magnet: 20 free small moving boxes delivered to the client.
The offer is easy to understand. Homeowners who are moving need boxes.
The 20 Free Box Referral Framework
- Target realtors: Focus on agents who serve people buying and selling homes.
- Offer free boxes: Provide 20 small moving boxes with no obligation to book.
- Ask for the introduction: Have the realtor connect you with the client.
- Deliver to the door: Drop the boxes at the listing, office, or client address.
- Include your information: Add a simple flyer so the customer knows how to contact you.
This works because it comes before the main service.
The move is the core offer. The boxes are the helpful step before the move.
Quick Win
Make a list of 10 realtors you already know or want to meet. Send each one a simple message offering 20 free boxes for their next moving client.
How Do You Make the Realtor Look Good?
The box offer becomes stronger when it helps the realtor build their own brand.
Top Team Moving has used co-branded boxes with the brokerage or realtor logo large on the box, with “boxes brought to you by Top Team Moving” smaller at the bottom. The same idea can support how to build a premium moving brand if the service experience backs up the box.
- Feature the realtor: Put their logo front and center when possible.
- Keep your brand visible: Add your moving company name clearly but simply.
- Bundle the boxes: Keep the boxes taped together so they are easy to store and deliver.
- Add a flyer: Include basic company information and a reason to call.
GROWTH OPPORTUNITY
Do not make the free box offer only about your moving company. Make the realtor feel like they are giving their client a helpful gift.
How Do You Keep Realtors From Forgetting?
The problem is not always that realtors dislike the offer.
The problem is that they are busy and may forget at the exact time their client needs it.
Top Team Moving worked on an automation that watches for newly listed homes tied to a realtor. The realtor can then receive a text asking if they want the boxes delivered. The right real estate signals moving companies should track can help you decide when to reach out.
The message gives simple reply options:
- Reply 1: Deliver boxes to the listing address.
- Reply 2: Deliver boxes to the realtor’s office.
- Reply 3: No boxes needed right now.
This removes friction. The realtor does not have to remember your offer or write a long message. A simple networking follow-up system for movers can do the same thing for realtor relationships that do not start with an automation.
Colton built an early version of this by asking Claude to walk him through the automation step by step.
What Makes This Strategy Work Long Term?
A free box offer can open the door, but service quality keeps the relationship alive.
If a realtor refers you and the move goes poorly, the realtor’s name is also on the line. That reputation is also what helps you win moving jobs without being the cheapest when the client compares movers.
- Protect reputation: Fix or replace items when something goes wrong.
- Improve after every job: Ask, “What can we do better?”
- Raise hiring standards: Build around movers who can grow, lead, or become excellent at the craft.
- Play the long game: Strong relationships matter more than fast, sloppy growth.
“Okay, now what can we do better?”
That question can become a simple operating habit for your moving company.
Common Mistakes
- Only asking for referrals: Give realtors something useful to offer first.
- Making it hard to say yes: If the realtor has to think too much, they may do nothing.
- Letting service quality slip: A realtor referral system will not last if customers are unhappy.
How to Apply This This Week
- Pick your target list: Choose 10 realtors or brokerages in your service area.
- Create the offer: Decide if you can deliver 20 small boxes for free to qualified moving clients.
- Write a simple pitch: Explain that there is no obligation and the boxes help their client prepare.
- Add a flyer: Include your moving company name, contact info, and basic service details.
- Track every drop: Record which realtor sent the request and whether the customer called for an estimate.
BOTTOM LINE
Free boxes can be more than a nice gesture. Used correctly, they become a simple lead magnet that gives realtors a reason to introduce your moving company before the customer books a mover.
This article was inspired by the Movified episode “This Moving Company Found a Genius Way to Get FREE Leads! With Colton Jones from Top Team Moving.” Watch the full video at YouTube and visit the Movified YouTube channel for more moving industry conversations.
What is the Movified Podcast?
Dive deep into the thrilling world of moving and storage with us! From the unpredictable highs and lows of the business to those unexpected, laugh-out-loud moments, we’ve seen it all and we’re here to share our stories. Whether you’re a fellow business owner in the industry or someone gearing up for a big move, MOVIFIED Podcast is your go-to destination.
But that’s not all! We’re also passionate about sharing our expertise. Get hands-on training, pro-tips, and packing advice to make your next move as smooth as possible. So, whether you’re in it for the tales, the tips, or just a good laugh, you’re in the right place. Join us on this journey and get MOVIFIED!
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