“How do I know if a moving company is actually legit?” is one of the most-Googled questions anyone types in before hiring help, and for good reason — the moving industry has its share of fly-by-night operators alongside established, licensed crews. As a mover in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Estero, and Bonita Springs, we get asked some version of this on nearly every estimate call. Here’s what to actually check before you sign anything.
What Should You Ask Before Hiring a Moving Company?
Is the company properly licensed and insured?
For any move that crosses state lines, the mover must hold a valid USDOT number issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can look up a company’s registration and safety record for free before you ever sign a contract — a legitimate mover will have nothing to hide here.
Does the company provide a written, itemized estimate?
A trustworthy mover will walk your home (in person or via video) and provide a written estimate that spells out hourly rates, minimum hours, travel fees, and any charges for stairs, long carries, or bulky items. Be wary of any company that only quotes a price over the phone without seeing your inventory.
Are the movers employees, or subcontracted labor?
Some booking platforms and brokers subcontract your move out to a crew you’ve never vetted. Ask directly whether the company you’re booking with will be the same company physically moving your belongings, and whether crew members are background-checked, trained employees.
What happens if something is lost or damaged?
Every licensed mover is required to offer valuation coverage options under federal law. Ask how claims are filed, what the timeline looks like, and whether the crew documents existing damage before loading. For the federal rules on what movers are required to offer, the FMCSA’s consumer protection guide is the most authoritative source available.
Are there reviews you can actually verify?
Look past star ratings alone and read a handful of recent written reviews across multiple platforms. Consistent complaints about hidden fees, no-show crews, or held belongings are red flags no discount can offset.
Red Flags to Watch For
- A large upfront deposit demanded in cash before any paperwork is signed.
- A quote given with no in-home or video walkthrough of your belongings.
- A company name, phone number, or address that changes between your quote and your contract.
- No physical business address, or one that doesn’t match public license records.
A moving company that answers these questions clearly, in writing, before move day is one of the strongest signals you’re dealing with a reputable crew rather than a broker reselling your job to the lowest bidder. For a closer look at how a locally owned crew handles estimates and crew staffing, our Fort Myers moving services page breaks down exactly what’s included in every quote.
Local Area Guide: A Fort Myers Favorite Makes Its Comeback
If you’re settling into Fort Myers this summer, there’s a nostalgic reason to celebrate: Sweet Tomatoes, the beloved soup-salad-and-bread buffet chain that closed nationwide in 2020, has reopened on U.S. 41 just south of Daniels Parkway. Under new ownership, the Fort Myers location held its grand opening on June 1, 2026 — only the second location in the country to reopen since the brand’s return began in Arizona.
According to WGCU News, lines stretched around the building during the soft opening as longtime fans — some driving up from as far as Naples — waited to sample the restaurant’s signature salad bar, soups, and fresh-baked breads again for the first time in six years.
For new residents settling into South Fort Myers, it’s a small but genuine sign of the area’s steady comeback — and a good excuse to explore the U.S. 41 dining corridor while boxes are still being unpacked.
See our full Fort Myers and Southwest Florida service areas to check coverage for your neighborhood.
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 written estimates before move day — no surprise fees, no subcontracted labor. Curious about our professional packing services? Get in touch for a free quote.
