How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Fort Myers
You should consider several important factors when choosing a moving company. Here are some things to look for when hiring movers in Fort Myers.
Determine Your Budget
Based on our findings, the average cost of a local mover in Fort Myers is $54 per hour. The overall cost adds up to $4,207 for a two-bedroom move. Your actual cost will depend on any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, your home size, move distance, and the season.
We advise obtaining quotes from at least three reputable movers in your area. Don't forget to request written estimates. These should provide a breakdown of the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate handy until the move is done to ensure fair pricing practices.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer reviews hold significant value when looking for a mover. You can identify moving companies that prioritize positive customer experiences by reading reviews on platforms like the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, Trustpilot, social media, and Yelp.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Fort Myers must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are making a short-haul move that's purely within Florida, your moving company must be registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). You can check for an active business license using its License Lookup tool.
If you're moving across state lines, the regulations are different. Interstate moving companies must be licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and must carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use these numbers to look up the company’s registration status and complaint history on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Assess whether your chosen mover offers the services you need during the quote process. Take inventory of your belongings when getting quotes and note down any additional services that you may need to ensure accurate pricing. Moreover, inform your moving company representative about any particular requirements or unique circumstances you may have to evaluate the company's capacity to offer adequate service.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers provide the following standard services as a part of their base price:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
If you require special services from your moving company, disclose these when requesting a quote. Services that can contribute to higher pricing include:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Fort Myers, FL
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when relocating to, from, or within Fort Myers.
Schedule an Early Move
Fort Myers traffic during the morning and evening rush hours is often hectic. Navigating gridlock with a moving truck is even more difficult than with a standard personal-use vehicle. Movers stuck in traffic typically leads to higher costs if they charge by the hour. You can prevent this by arranging your move a few hours before or after morning rush hour.
Avoid Busy Season
The peak moving season—between May and September—coincides with Fort Myers' hottest time of year. This can adversely affect your move if you begin looking too late and can't find an available moving company. By planning and booking at least eight weeks before your move, you should be able to lock in the moving company you want. However, be prepared for the possibility that the hot weather could make the move more difficult for your movers.
Pack in Advance
Most moving companies only carry items that have been packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should have everything boxed up before they arrive. You should begin packing around six weeks in advance. Pack a few boxes every day to avoid rushing when move day comes. Your movers may have some spare boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t count on it.
How Much do Movers Cost in Fort Myers, FL
Movers in Fort Myers cost $2,629 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,054 to move a larger 4 bedroom house the same distance. See the chart below for more moving estimates, and contact a moving company for a more accurate quote specific to your situation.
Distance | Studio-1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedroom | 4+ Bedroom |
---|---|---|---|
Less than 250 miles | $2,629 | $3,052 | $7,054 |
250-999 miles | $3,242 | $3,672 | $10,540 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,278 | $4,220 | $10,858 |
2,500+ miles | $3,185 | $5,284 | $12,992 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Fort Myers
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