How to Start a Halifax Used Household and Office Moving Business
This page provides a practical, step-by-step guide to launching a Halifax-based business in the NAICS 484210 space: used household and office goods moving. You’ll find an overview of the 11 requirements you’ll need to meet, plus what permits and licenses to expect, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline from setup to first move. It’s designed to be clear and actionable, with checklists you can use right away to get moving.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what’s required to operate legally in Halifax under NAICS 484210. We break down the 11 requirements, the permits and licenses you’ll likely need, and how to estimate start-up costs—from vehicle and insurance to equipment and branding. You’ll also get a practical timeline for incorporation, licensing, and training, plus tips on sourcing a used truck, hiring, pricing, and staying compliant so you can move customers smoothly.
Halifax is a growing hub with steady demand for local and regional moves, plus a supportive small-business environment. With strong residential and office activity, plus easy access to suppliers and transportation links, it’s a practical place to launch, scale, and sustain a moving company under NAICS 484210.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a moving business in Halifax is Dangerous Goods Transportation Certification. This certification is legally required if you transport items classified as dangerous goods, and you cannot operate without it. It is non-negotiable—without it you simply cannot legally run a moving service that handles hazardous materials or uses certain equipment.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: In addition to the critical certification, you must meet health and safety standards and obtain the right permits. Ensure National Safety Code compliance for your commercial vehicles, obtain cargo and liability insurance to protect your business and customers, and carry Nova Scotia Workers' Compensation Board coverage for your employees. Depending on your operations, the Nova Scotia NSC Certificate may also apply as part of regulatory compliance.
Business Registration & Tax: Plan your business structure and tax registrations. You’ll need a federal Business Number (BN) and, if you’ll operate under a name other than your own, Nova Scotia Business Name Registration (RJSC). Register for GST/HST if your revenue meets the threshold, and set up Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees. Decide whether you’ll operate as a Nova Scotia Corporation or as a Partnership and complete the corresponding registrations.
Encouragement: Starting a move-by-move business in Halifax is a step-by-step process, but you’ll get there by tackling one requirement at a time. Begin with confirming the Dangerous Goods rule and building a compliance checklist, then set up your BN and RJSC, choose your structure, and arrange insurance, WCB coverage, and tax accounts. Map out concrete next steps and you’ll launch legally and with confidence.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a used household and office goods moving in Halifax:
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Dangerous Goods Transportation Certification RequiredCarriers transporting dangerous goods must comply with TDG regulations including training, placarding, documentation, and emergency response assistance plans. Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act (TDGA). TDG certificate required. Training: general awareness + site-specific. Employer issues certificate. 3-year validity. Proper classification, packaging, documentation. Emergency response. CANUTEC: 613-996-6666 (emergencies). Contact TC: 1-855-824-2020.
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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Nova Scotia Business Name Registration (RJSC) RequiredBusinesses in Nova Scotia must register their business name with the Registry of Joint Stock Companies if operating under a name other than the owner's personal name. This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and trade names. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations, banking, and obtaining licenses. Registration can be completed online or in person. Business registrations must be renewed every 5 years. To register a business name in Nova Scotia: 1. Conduct NUANS name search ($53.09 Atlantic or $66.30 Federal) 2. Complete business name registration through RJSC Connect 3. Pay registration fee ($68.55 sole prop, $93.40 LLP) 4. Receive certificate of registration 5. Renew annually before expiry 6. Report any changes within required timeframes
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Cargo and Liability Insurance ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Commercial carriers must maintain adequate cargo insurance, public liability insurance, and in some cases surety bonds to cover loss, damage, and third-party claims. Cargo liability insurance for freight carriers. Transport Canada requirements. Minimum coverage levels. Interstate/international requirements. Bill of lading requirements. Contact insurance broker or Transport Canada.
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Nova Scotia Corporation ConditionalRequired if incorporating in Nova Scotia. Incorporation under NS law. Apply to Province of Nova Scotia for Nova Scotia Corporation: 1. Contact relevant Province of Nova Scotia department for requirements 2. Complete application form 3. Submit required documentation 4. Pay applicable fees 5. Await approval Check Province of Nova Scotia government website for current requirements and processing times.
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships. Register through Province of Nova Scotia Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of Nova Scotia government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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Nova Scotia NSC Certificate ConditionalRequired for commercial vehicle operators. Commercial trucking companies must hold a valid NSC Certificate from Nova Scotia. Obtain NSC Safety Fitness Certificate from NS Access Nova Scotia: 1. Required for carriers operating commercial vehicles >4,500kg GVW 2. Apply through Access Nova Scotia Motor Vehicle Division 3. Complete safety fitness requirements 4. Provide: company registration, insurance, driver records 5. Safety ratings: Satisfactory, Conditional, Unsatisfactory 6. Maintain driver logs, vehicle inspections, maintenance records 7. Subject to facility audits and roadside inspections Apply at novascotia.ca/sns/access
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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National Safety Code Compliance ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Interprovincial truck carriers must comply with National Safety Code standards for vehicle maintenance, driver hours of service, cargo securement, and safety management. National Safety Code (NSC) for commercial carriers. Provincial CVOR/NSC registration. Safety rating system. Hours of service (HOS) compliance. ELD mandate. Driver qualification files. Vehicle inspection and maintenance. Facility audits. Contact provincial transport authority.
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Nova Scotia Workers' Compensation Board Coverage ConditionalRequired if you have employees in Nova Scotia. Employers in Nova Scotia must register with the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) and maintain coverage if they employ workers. WCB provides insurance coverage for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers with one or more workers are required to register, with some industry exemptions. Registration must occur within 10 days of hiring the first worker. Employers pay premiums based on their industry classification and assessable payroll. To register with WCB Nova Scotia: 1. Determine if you're in a mandatory industry with 3+ workers 2. Register within 10 days of hiring third worker 3. Report assessable payroll annually 4. Pay premiums based on industry rate ($2.65/100 avg 2024) 5. Maintain coverage and report workplace injuries 6. Optional: Special Protection for proprietors/partners
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