Project relocation work can create large, repeat moving opportunities for companies that know how to support developers, property managers, residents, and move management firms. This playbook explains what move managers look for, how to price these jobs, and what systems moving companies need before chasing this work.

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How Moving Companies Can Win Project Relocation Work

Natalie Levkovitz, co-founder & CEO of Equally Crafted Management, explains how moving companies can win project relocation work by supporting residents, keeping renovation schedules on track, building clear per-unit pricing, and proving they can communicate, adapt, and execute.

Project relocation work is different from normal residential moving. It can involve seniors, affordable housing communities, multifamily renovations, temporary housing, storage, packing, bulk trash, and tight construction schedules.

For the right moving company owner, this can become a strong line of business. But it is not just “more residential moves.” It is residential moving with more coordination, more pressure, and more people involved.

What is project relocation work?

A relocation management company helps developers, property managers, residents, movers, storage facilities, and vendors stay aligned during renovations. The move manager’s job is to make sure residents are supported and construction does not get delayed because people are not ready to move.

In the eyes of the resident, the moving company and the relocation coordinator often feel like one team. That means your crews are not just handling furniture. They are representing the whole project.

Common project relocation scenarios

• 1. On-site temporary units: Residents move from their apartment into another vacant unit on the same property.
• 2. Off-site apartment housing: Residents move into temporary apartments while their original units are renovated.
• 3. Hotel and storage moves: The resident goes to a hotel while the moving company packs, stores, and later returns their belongings.
• 4. Tenant-in-place renovation: Movers stay on site during the day and move items around as construction works through the unit.
• 5. Staged temporary units: A temporary unit is already furnished, and movers only bring personal items like clothes, kitchen items, plants, and balcony items.

What do move managers look for in a moving company?

Move managers want movers who can execute, communicate, and adapt. Construction changes often. Residents may not be packed. Storage may need to run longer. Schedules may shift with little notice.

The best moving company is not always the biggest company. Local movers can win these projects when they have strong relationships, local storage knowledge, and the crew capacity to respond fast.

How should moving companies price project relocation jobs?

For most project relocations, hourly pricing is not enough. Developers and owners need a budget before the project begins. They need to know what a one-bedroom, two-bedroom, or three-bedroom relocation will cost.

Hourly pricing can work for tenant-in-place projects where a crew is assigned from morning to afternoon. But for full relocations, move managers usually need per-unit pricing.

Project relocation pricing framework

• 1. Price by unit size: Create rates for one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and larger units.
• 2. Separate key line items: Packing, supplies, supply delivery, storage, truck fees, bulk trash, and special handling.
• 3. Decide what is included: You can offer an all-in price with basic supplies and light packing, or list items separately.
• 4. Build in exceptions: Hoarder units, extra packing, extended storage, and schedule changes should be planned for.
• 5. Make the budget easy to read: The move manager needs to show the developer a clear project cost.

Some movers win trust by charging a higher flat price with fewer surprise fees. Others price lower but show each item separately. Either can work, but hidden charges create problems.

How can you avoid losing money on these projects?

Large projects can look attractive because the total contract is big. But if you price them like normal local moving leads, you can underbid the work badly.

5 mistakes to avoid

• 1. Pricing only by the hour: The client needs a project budget, not an open-ended guess.
• 2. Assuming every unit is the same: One senior unit may be nearly empty. Another may be packed with years of belongings.
• 3. Ignoring construction delays: Storage, return dates, and crew schedules may change often.
• 4. Sending no on-site supervisor: Move managers need one trusted person who can lead crews and communicate clearly.
• 5. Letting untrained phone staff handle project calls: If someone calls about a large relocation project, your team must route that call to the right person.

How do move managers find moving company vendors?

Move managers may search Google for local movers in the project city. They may also use referrals, past relationships, conferences, or local market knowledge.

Your moving company marketing matters, but your phone process matters just as much. If the first person who answers the phone does not understand large project work, the opportunity may be lost.

Phone script for project relocation calls

• 1. Thank them for calling.
• 2. Get their name, company, phone number, and email.
• 3. Ask if this is for a residential move, commercial move, or larger project.
• 4. If it is a project, route it to the owner, operations manager, or commercial sales contact.
• 5. Confirm when that person will follow up.

Quick Win: Train your phone team in 30 minutes

Today, tell every person who answers your phones what to do if someone asks about a renovation, senior housing, multifamily, apartment, or relocation project.

• Create one internal note: “Large project calls go to this person.”
• Add the project contact’s phone and email.
• Practice one call where the customer asks about moving 20 or more residents.
• Make sure your team does not answer with a quick hourly rate.

How to Apply This This Week

• 1. Build a project relocation price sheet with per-unit pricing for one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom moves.
• 2. List your add-on services such as packing, supply distribution, storage, bulk trash removal, and tenant-in-place labor.
• 3. Choose your project supervisor who can be trusted on site with residents and relocation coordinators.
• 4. Review your weekend capacity because many project moves must happen Friday through Sunday.
• 5. Update your sales process so large moving leads are routed to the right person fast.

The bottom line for moving company owners

Project relocation work rewards moving companies that are organized, flexible, and easy to work with. You do not need to be a national van line to compete. But you do need clear pricing, strong crews, local knowledge, and a professional communication process.

If your moving business can help residents move safely while keeping construction on schedule, move management firms may see you as more than a vendor. They may see you as a long-term partner.

To learn more from the original conversation, watch “Navigating the World of Move Management” with Natalie Levkovitz and visit the 2 College Brothers Moving & Storage YouTube channel.

What is Grow Your Moving Company Podcast?

Follow the host, Wade Swikle from 2 College Brothers Moving & Storage, Moving Titan Retreats, and Titan Up Training as he showcases successful moving companies from around the world and offers valuable insights on increasing revenue and operating efficiency. They aim to help the independent mover dominate their local market.