“How many moving companies should I actually get quotes from?” is a question that comes up on nearly every estimate call we take at Two Chicks Moving, usually from someone who has just gotten their first number back and isn’t sure if it’s a good one. It’s a smart question to ask before you book, not after. As a mover in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Estero, and Bonita Springs, here’s the honest answer, plus what actually separates a solid quote from a risky one.
How Many Moving Quotes Do You Really Need?
How many quotes should I get before hiring a moving company?
Three is the widely recommended minimum. Getting estimates from at least three moving companies gives you enough of a price range to spot what’s normal for your move and what’s a red flag, while still keeping the process manageable. Some homeowners with larger or more complex moves choose to collect four or five, especially if they’re also comparing reviews, insurance coverage, or crew size before deciding.
Here’s why three is the sweet spot, and what to do with the numbers once you have them:
- One quote tells you nothing. Without something to compare it to, you have no way of knowing whether a price is fair, high, or suspiciously low.
- Two quotes can be misleading. If they’re far apart, you won’t know which one is the outlier without a third data point to break the tie.
- Three or more quotes reveal the pattern. Once you have three estimates, a price that’s dramatically lower than the others usually means missing services, a lowball bait-and-switch tactic, or a company cutting corners on insurance and licensing — not a genuine bargain.
- More than five rarely adds value. At that point you’re spending hours on estimate calls without meaningfully improving your decision. Three to four solid, in-home or video-walkthrough estimates is usually the most efficient range.
It’s also worth paying attention to how a company arrives at its number. A written estimate based on an in-home or live video walkthrough of your belongings is far more reliable than a flat quote given over the phone with no inventory review — phone-only quotes are one of the most common ways non-binding estimates balloon into surprise final bills. ConsumerAffairs’ guide to moving quotes breaks down what a legitimate estimate should include and the red flags — like a required deposit before any work is done, or a quote far below every competitor — that signal a company isn’t playing by the rules.
A few practical tips for comparing quotes side by side: ask each company for the same information (binding vs. non-binding estimate, hourly rate vs. flat rate, crew size, and what’s included for stairs, long carries, or bulky items) so you’re actually comparing apples to apples. And remember that the cheapest quote isn’t automatically the safest one — it’s worth weighing price against licensing, reviews, and whether the crew are trained employees or subcontracted labor before you sign anything. If you’re relocating to or within Southwest Florida, our Moving Service Areas page covers exactly what to expect from an estimate call with Two Chicks Moving.
Local Area Guide: Cape Coral Welcomes Its Newest Ice Cream Shop
If you’re settling into Cape Coral this summer, there’s a sweet reason to check out the Nicholas Parkway corridor: Ice Sssscreamin’ celebrated the grand opening of its newest Cape Coral location on Saturday, July 18, at 290 Nicholas Parkway N.W., Suite 18. The family-friendly celebration, hosted with Sip & Social Cape Coral, ran from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and included free one-scoop cones for the first 100 guests, free face painting and hair tinsel, giveaways, and appearances from the SWFL Model Academy, according to the Cape Coral Breeze’s business briefs coverage.
It’s a small, genuinely fun addition to the neighborhood — the kind of local business opening that gives new residents an easy excuse to get out and explore once the moving boxes are unpacked. If you’re relocating to Cape Coral, take a look at our Cape Coral movers page to see how we handle everything from canal-front homes to new-build communities across the city.
Planning a Move in Southwest Florida?
Whether you need a mover in Fort Myers, a mover in Cape Coral, a mover in Naples, a mover in Estero, or a mover in Bonita Springs, Two Chicks Moving is a locally owned, background-checked crew that provides a real, written estimate before move day — no phone-only guesswork, no surprise fees. Curious about our packing services? Get in touch for a free quote.
