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Frequently Asked Moving Questions
Moving raises more questions than most people expect. How much does it cost? How far in advance should I book? What happens if it rains? Can the movers take my plants? What about my gun safe? Do I tip the crew? After 40+ years of moving Southwest Florida families, Frank & Sons has heard every question, and the answers below come from four decades of real-world experience, not a generic FAQ template. If your question is not listed here, call us at (239) 574-4151 and a real person will answer. Licensed FL Mover IM-24. USDOT 1122554. Since 1982.
Licensed & Insured
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Family Owned Since 1982
40+Years Serving SWFL
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FLMover IM-24 | USDOT 1122554
Why Choose Us
Southwest Florida's Most Trusted Movers
Decades of honest service, thousands of satisfied families and businesses, and a reputation built one careful move at a time.
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Family owned since 1982
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Local, long distance & commercial
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Licensed & Insured
Your move fully protected
Frequently Asked Moving Questions
Frequently Asked Moving Questions
Cost and Estimates
How much does a local move in Southwest Florida cost?
Local moves are quoted by the hour based on crew size, truck size, and the scope of work. A two-bedroom home with a 2-man crew typically runs 3-5 hours. A four-bedroom home with a 3-4 man crew typically runs 5-8 hours. The hourly rate includes the truck, fuel, equipment, and basic furniture protection. Packing services, if requested, are an additional line item. The best way to get an accurate quote is to schedule a free in-home or virtual survey so we can assess your specific home, access challenges, and specialty items. We provide a detailed written estimate before you commit to anything.
How much does a long-distance move from Southwest Florida cost?
Long-distance moves are priced based on the total weight of your shipment and the distance. A typical 3-bedroom household weighs 7,000-10,000 pounds. The cost varies significantly based on destination, access at both locations, packing services, and specialty items. We provide a detailed written estimate after an in-home or virtual survey. Be wary of any company that quotes a long-distance move over the phone without seeing your home, as that quote will almost certainly increase on moving day. For more on protecting yourself, see our Moving Scam Red Flags guide.
Do you charge for estimates?
No. Every estimate is free, whether in-home or virtual. We assess your home, identify specialty items, evaluate access at both locations, and provide a detailed written estimate with no obligation. You owe us nothing unless you hire us.
Do you require a deposit?
We may require a small deposit to reserve your date during peak season (typically November through April in Southwest Florida), but we never require large upfront cash deposits. Any company that demands a large cash deposit before the move is a red flag. See our Hiring a Mover guide for what to look for.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, checks, and major credit cards. Payment is due upon completion of the move, after your belongings have been delivered and placed in your new home. You inspect the work before you pay.
Booking and Scheduling
How far in advance should I book my move?
For local moves, 2-4 weeks is typically sufficient. For long-distance moves, 4-8 weeks gives us time to coordinate logistics, especially during peak season. During season (November through April) and month-end dates, we book up quickly. If you know your moving date, book as early as possible. The earlier you book, the more flexibility you have on scheduling.
Can you move me on short notice?
We do our best to accommodate last-minute moves when our schedule allows. Call us at (239) 574-4151 and we will check availability. Same-week and even next-day moves are sometimes possible, especially during the off-season summer months.
What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that plans change. If you need to cancel or reschedule, give us as much notice as possible. We do not charge punitive cancellation fees. Specific terms are outlined in your moving agreement, and we are always willing to work with you if your timeline shifts.
Do you move on weekends and holidays?
We move on Saturdays and can accommodate some Sunday and holiday moves depending on availability. Weekend dates, particularly Saturdays, are our busiest days and book up fastest. If a Saturday move is important to you, book early.
Packing and Preparation
Do I have to pack everything myself?
No. We offer full service moving where we pack your entire home, or partial packing where we handle just the kitchen, the fragile items, or specific rooms. You can also pack everything yourself and hire us for loading, transport, and unloading only. We are flexible and match the service level to your needs and budget.
Do you supply packing materials?
Yes. When you book packing services, all materials are included: boxes in multiple sizes, dish packs, wardrobe boxes, mirror boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, stretch wrap, tape, and mattress bags. If you are packing yourself and need materials, we can provide them at an additional cost, or you can purchase your own. See our Packing Tips for Moving guide for what you need.
How should I prepare for moving day?
If you booked full service packing, you do not need to prepare anything except personal items you want to transport yourself (medications, jewelry, important documents, valuables). If you packed yourself, have everything boxed, sealed, and labeled by room before the crew arrives. Clear pathways, disconnect appliances, and empty refrigerators and freezers at least 24 hours before the move. See our Prepare for Professional Packers guide for a complete checklist.
What should I NOT pack in moving boxes?
Movers cannot transport hazardous materials: propane tanks, gasoline, paint, pool chemicals, ammunition, fireworks, corrosive cleaning agents, or perishable food. These items must be disposed of, used up, or transported in your personal vehicle. Medications, jewelry, important documents, cash, and irreplaceable personal items should travel with you, not on the truck. See our Essential Items to Move Yourself guide.
Moving Day Questions
What happens if it rains on moving day?
In Southwest Florida, afternoon thunderstorms are a near-certainty between May and October. We do not cancel for rain. Our crews carry mattress bags on every move, wrap upholstered furniture in stretch wrap for moisture protection, and work quickly during rain events to minimize exposure between the truck and the front door. If severe weather (lightning, tropical storm, hurricane warning) makes conditions unsafe, we will communicate with you about rescheduling. Normal Florida rain does not stop a Frank & Sons move.
Do I need to be present during the move?
Someone authorized to make decisions should be present at both the origin and destination, or at least available by phone. This person directs furniture placement ("put the dresser on that wall"), answers questions about fragile items, and signs the Bill of Lading at completion. This does not have to be you. A trusted family member, friend, or realtor can serve as your representative.
How long does a typical move take?
A 1-bedroom apartment with a 2-man crew typically takes 2-3 hours. A 3-bedroom home with a 3-man crew runs 4-6 hours. A 5-bedroom estate with a 4-man crew can take 8-10 hours. Packing day, if booked separately, adds 4-8 hours the day before. Access challenges (stairs, long driveways, gated communities, elevators, island bridges) add time. We provide estimated time ranges in your written quote so you know what to expect.
Will the movers disassemble and reassemble my furniture?
Yes. We disassemble bed frames, dining tables, desks, shelving units, and other furniture that needs to come apart for safe transport. All hardware is bagged, labeled, and taped to the corresponding piece. At your new home, we reassemble everything and place it where you direct. This is included in both our full-service and standard moving services.
Do you protect floors and doorways?
Yes. We lay floor runners in hallways and entryways at both your old and new home. Door frames are padded to prevent scuffing from furniture. Wall corners get guards in tight passages. We protect tile, hardwood, luxury vinyl, carpet, and every other flooring type from heavy furniture, dolly wheels, and work boot traffic.
Specialty Items and Situations
Can you move a piano?
Yes. We move upright pianos, baby grand pianos, and grand pianos. Piano moving requires specialty equipment (piano boards, skids, heavy-duty straps), trained crews, and specific wrapping techniques that protect the finish and the internal mechanisms. See our Piano Movers page for full details.
Can you move a gun safe?
Yes. Gun safes range from 300 to 2,000+ pounds and require specialty dollies, floor protection, and crews trained in heavy-item handling. We assess the safe's weight, dimensions, and access path during the survey and bring the right equipment on moving day. Firearms should be removed and transported separately by the owner.
Can you move a pool table?
We can move a pool table, but reassembly and re-leveling at the new home is a specialized skill that we recommend having a pool table technician handle. We transport the disassembled components safely and deliver them to the new location for the technician to set up.
Can you move plants?
For local moves within Southwest Florida, we can transport plants on the truck. For long-distance and interstate moves, plants cannot go on the truck. Florida agricultural regulations and the stress of extended transport (days in a dark, hot truck) make it impractical. Most families move plants in their personal vehicle or give them to friends and start fresh at the new home.
Do you move into or out of gated communities?
Yes. Gated community moves are a significant part of our business in Southwest Florida. We handle gate access coordination, HOA scheduling, insurance certificates, elevator reservations, and common-area protection. See our Gated Community Movers page for full details on how we manage these requirements.
Insurance and Protection
What happens if something is damaged during the move?
All moves include basic released-value coverage as required by law. For interstate moves, this is 60 cents per pound per item. For additional protection, full-value coverage is available, which covers the repair or replacement value of damaged items. We explain both options before your move so you can choose the right level of protection. If damage occurs, you file a claim with us directly, and we handle it.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Frank & Sons Moving and Storage is FL Mover Registration IM-24 (Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services) and USDOT 1122554 (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). We carry full commercial general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. Verify our credentials at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov anytime. Our physical address is 1117 SE 12th Pl, Cape Coral FL 33990 and we have been at this location since 1982.
Tipping and Etiquette
Should I tip the moving crew?
Tipping is not required but always appreciated. If the crew did a great job, a common range is $20-$50 per crew member for a local move and $50-$100 per crew member for a long-distance move. You can tip each person individually or give a lump sum to the crew leader to distribute. Cold water, sports drinks, and snacks during the move are also appreciated, especially during Southwest Florida summers when heat and humidity make the work even more physically demanding.
Should I offer food and drinks to the crew?
It is not required, but it is always welcome. Cold water and sports drinks are the most appreciated items, especially during Florida's hot months. If you want to provide lunch, pizza or sandwiches are easy and appreciated. Our crews bring their own water and take scheduled breaks, but a cold drink from the homeowner goes a long way on a 95-degree moving day.
Storage Questions
Do you offer storage?
Yes. We operate a 10,000+ square foot, 24/7 monitored warehouse at our Cape Coral location. We provide short-term and long-term storage for any duration with no long-term contracts required. Your belongings are inventoried, stored securely, and available for delivery whenever your new home is ready. See our Storage page for details.
Can I access my items while they are in storage?
Yes, with advance notice. Contact us to schedule an access appointment and we will make your items available. We do ask for at least 24-48 hours notice so we can have your items accessible when you arrive.
Still Have Questions? Call a Real Person.
Frank & Sons Moving and Storage has been answering moving questions since 1982. If your question was not covered here, call (239) 574-4151 and a real person will answer. No phone tree, no chatbot, no voicemail maze. A real person who has been moving Southwest Florida families for years and can answer any question you have about your specific move.
Frank & Sons Moving and Storage has been the moving company Southwest Florida families trust since 1982. Licensed FL Mover IM-24. USDOT 1122554. Family-owned for over 40 years. 1117 SE 12th Pl, Cape Coral FL 33990. (239) 574-4151.
