HONEST ANSWERS FROM THE OWNER
Frequently Asked Questions
Straightforward answers about pricing, piano moves, senior relocations, insurance, dump fees, and what it’s really like to hire a local Southwest Florida moving company.
I’m Marshall Rapp, owner of Great Moving & Packing. With 15+ years of personal hands-on experience and a one-truck operation, I answer these questions the same way I talk to every client — directly and honestly.
USDOT 3023880 • Intrastate Florida Only • Fully Licensed & Insured
How much does it cost to hire movers in Naples or Fort Myers? ▼
Pricing depends on the size of the home, access (stairs or elevator), packing needs, any specialty items, and other factors. Every move is different. We always provide a free written estimate after an in-person or detailed video assessment. There are no hidden fees — dump fees for haul-away jobs are clearly disclosed upfront.
Are you licensed and insured for moves in Florida? ▼
Yes. Great Moving and Packing Inc. is fully licensed under USDOT 3023880 for intrastate Florida household goods moves only. We are registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and carry full cargo and liability insurance on every job. We are not authorized for interstate or long-distance moves outside Florida. You can verify our active status directly on the FMCSA SAFER website. See our About page for full licensing details.
Do you move pianos and other specialty items? ▼
Absolutely. Piano moves are one of our specialties. We have the proper equipment — piano boards, heavy-duty straps, padding, and crating materials — to safely move both grand and upright pianos in homes and condos across Naples, Fort Myers, Estero, and surrounding areas. We also handle gun safes up to 600 lbs and other specialty items. Learn more on our piano and specialty moves service page.
What areas in Southwest Florida do you serve? ▼
We provide local moving, packing, and haul-away services throughout Southwest Florida, with a focus on Naples, Fort Myers, Estero, Bonita Springs, Marco Island, and Golden Gate Estates. All moves are intrastate Florida only. We know the condo associations, high-rise logistics, and neighborhood challenges in each area.
How do you handle senior and retirement moves? ▼
Senior and retirement moves are a core part of our business. We bring extra patience, clear communication, and a calm presence. Many families hire us to help a parent downsize from a large home into a condo, assisted living, or retirement community. We can pack, move, unpack, and even help with donation haul-away. See our dedicated retirement and senior moves page for our full approach.
What should I expect on moving day? ▼
You can expect punctual arrival, professional appearance, and clear communication from start to finish. We protect floors and walls, use quality padding on all furniture, and work efficiently while taking the time needed for delicate items. I (Marshall) am usually on-site or in close contact. We walk through the new home together at the end to ensure everything is placed where you want it. Most local moves are completed in one day.
Do you offer packing and unpacking services? ▼
Yes. We offer full packing services, partial packing (fragile items only), and complete unpacking at the destination. Our team uses high-quality boxes, wardrobe boxes, and proper padding techniques. Many clients choose to have us pack the kitchen and breakables while they handle the rest. When we perform the packing, we bring all necessary materials. Visit our packing and unpacking services page for details.
What items should I keep with me instead of having you pack them? ▼
We recommend you personally pack and transport the following items on moving day:
- All prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Jewelry, cash, and other high-value items
- Important documents (Social Security cards, passports, birth certificates, financial or legal records, etc.)
- House keys, car keys, and safe deposit keys
- Hearing aids, glasses, and other medical devices
- Personal overnight essentials and toiletries
What are dump fees for haul-away and junk removal? ▼
Dump fees are the actual charges from the landfill or transfer station and vary by weight and material type. We always provide a transparent estimate that includes the expected dump fee before we begin haul-away work. There are no markups or surprises — you pay the real fee plus our labor. We also prioritize donation and responsible disposal whenever possible. See our haul-away and junk removal page for current guidance.
Are there any hidden fees? ▼
No. Our written estimates are clear and itemized. The only variable costs that may appear are actual dump fees on haul-away jobs (disclosed in advance) and any fuel surcharges only if fuel prices spike dramatically between booking and move date. We do not charge for stairs, elevators, or long carries within reason on local moves — we price the job fairly from the start.
How far in advance should I book my move? ▼
We recommend booking 2–4 weeks ahead during peak season (May–September and around the holidays). For senior moves or complex piano/condo jobs, earlier is better. Last-minute moves are often possible depending on our schedule — call me directly at (239) 297-4809 and we’ll do our best to help.
Do you require a deposit to book? ▼
We typically require a small deposit to secure your date on the calendar, with the balance due on moving day after the job is complete. The exact amount is discussed during your free estimate. This protects both of us and ensures we can plan our small crew appropriately.
What happens if something is damaged during the move? ▼
We carry full insurance and handle claims directly and fairly. While we take every precaution (proper equipment, padding, and careful handling), accidents can happen. You will receive a written inventory and we document everything. Contact us immediately if anything is damaged and we will make it right quickly.
Can I hire you just for loading or unloading help? ▼
Yes. Many customers doing long-distance or out-of-state DIY moves hire us for professional loading of their U-Haul, Penske, or container. Proper weight distribution and securing is especially important when the truck will travel hundreds or thousands of miles. This is often the smartest money spent when you are providing your own long-distance transportation.
How do condo, apartment, and high-rise moves work? ▼
We are very experienced with Southwest Florida condos and apartments. We coordinate elevator reservations with building management, use narrow hallway techniques, stair protection, and proper equipment for tight spaces. Many buildings in Pelican Bay, downtown Naples, Fort Myers Beach, and Marco Island have specific move-in rules we already know. Tell us your building when you request a quote.
Do you assemble furniture or handle IKEA deliveries? ▼
Yes. We offer furniture assembly and reassembly as part of our full-service moves or as a standalone service. This includes IKEA furniture, beds, bookshelves, dining sets, and more. We also provide store-to-home furniture pickup and delivery. See our furniture delivery and assembly service pages.
What is your cancellation policy? ▼
We understand that life happens. If you need to cancel or reschedule with at least 72 hours notice, your deposit is fully transferable to a new date. Last-minute cancellations may forfeit the deposit depending on circumstances. We always work with our clients in good faith.
Do you move on weekends or in the evenings? ▼
Yes. We regularly work Saturdays and can accommodate some evening or early morning moves for clients with specific scheduling needs (such as avoiding rush hour or working around HOA restrictions). Let us know your constraints when you call or request a quote.
Why should I choose a small local company over a big national mover? ▼
With a large company your move is one of hundreds that day and you rarely speak to the actual crew. At Great Moving & Packing you deal directly with the owner — me, Marshall. We bring genuine care, proper equipment for pianos and seniors, honest pricing, and the time to do the job right instead of rushing. Our reputation for careful handling in Southwest Florida is built one family at a time.
Still have a question we didn’t cover?
I’m happy to answer personally. Call me directly — no sales team, just straight answers.
Owner Marshall Rapp • Great Moving and Packing Inc. • USDOT 3023880 (Intrastate Florida Only)