“Why is this quote higher than what I was told on the phone?” is a question we hear often at Two Chicks Moving, and it’s almost never because someone tried to pull a fast one. Most of the time, it comes down to a handful of common accessorial fees — legitimate, industry-standard charges for things like stairs, long carries, or waiting on an elevator — that simply weren’t part of the original conversation. As a mover in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Estero, and Bonita Springs, here’s an honest look at the extra charges that can show up on a moving bill, so you can ask about them before moving day instead of after.
Q&A: What Extra Fees Should You Watch for in a Moving Quote?
What Are the Most Common Extra Charges Movers Add?
A base hourly or flat-rate quote usually assumes a straightforward move: a ground-floor pickup, a ground-floor drop-off, and a truck that can park close to the front door. When any of those conditions change, movers typically apply one of a few standard accessorial fees. According to FreightWaves Checkpoint’s breakdown of hidden moving fees, these charges are common across the industry — not unique to any one company — and knowing them in advance is the best way to avoid a surprise on your final bill.
- Stair fees: often $50–$250 per flight beyond the first, since carrying furniture up and down stairs takes longer and more manpower than a single-level move.
- Long-carry fees: added when the truck can’t park within roughly 75 feet of your door — common in gated communities, high-rises, or homes with long driveways — typically $90–$120 per extra 75 feet.
- Elevator fees: not always itemized by name, but the extra time spent waiting for a freight elevator or coordinating building access adds to an hourly bill regardless.
- Bulky-item fees: for pieces that need extra crew or special handling, like a piano, gun safe, hot tub, or oversized sectional.
- Fuel surcharges and travel fees: cover the crew’s drive time and mileage to and from your home, especially for moves outside a mover’s core service area.
A closely related question — do movers charge extra for stairs specifically — comes up on nearly every estimate call we take for a condo or two-story home in Southwest Florida, which is exactly why we walk clients through it before, not after, the crew shows up.
How Can You Avoid Surprise Charges on Your Final Bill?
The single best step is describing your move in detail before your mover ever gives you a number. Mention stairs, elevators, gated community access codes, HOA loading-dock rules, and anything unusually heavy or awkward to carry. A trustworthy mover in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Estero, or Bonita Springs should be able to tell you which accessorial fees might apply and roughly what they’ll cost — in writing — before move day, not as a surprise line item afterward. If you’re comparing quotes, our local moving services page walks through exactly what’s included in a Two Chicks Moving estimate so there’s nothing left to guess at.
Local Area Guide: Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls Lands in Estero’s Coconut Point
If you’re settling into Estero this month, there’s a genuinely fun reason to add Coconut Point to your list: Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls has opened its newest Southwest Florida location at 8017 Plaza del Lago Drive, Suite 107, right next to Cold Stone Creamery. According to Estero Life Magazine’s August 2026 coverage, the fast-casual seafood shack brings authentic Maine lobster rolls to the area, built around a simple philosophy from founder Dan Beck: let high-quality lobster, sourced directly from Maine fishermen, speak for itself.
The Estero location is run by Lisa and Kevin Stroud, who previously operated Mason’s locations in Virginia before bringing the concept to Southwest Florida — joining a second regional spot on Daniels Parkway in south Fort Myers, with a Bonita Springs location already planned for next year. Everything on the menu, from the Classic Maine Lobster Roll to the lobster bisque, is made fresh to order daily, according to the restaurant’s management.
It’s part of a broader wave of new daytime spots settling into Coconut Point this summer, alongside Alba Breakfast & Brunch and The Toasted Yolk Cafe — good news for anyone relocating to the area who’s looking for an easy new lunch spot once the boxes are unpacked. If Estero is where your next move is taking you, our Estero movers page has the details on how we handle local and long-distance moves throughout the village.
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 gives you a clear, itemized quote up front — including any accessorial fees that apply to your specific home — so there are no surprises on moving day. Explore our full range of services or reach out for a free estimate.
