How much to tip movers

When you hire professional movers, remember to factor tips into your budget. Tips are not only a way to show appreciation for the hard work this demanding job involves, they’re also an important part of a mover’s compensation. The amount you tip can vary based on several factors, including the complexity of the move, the distance (local or long-distance), and the level of service provided.

Standard tipping rate

The most common range is 10% to 20% of the total cost of your move, either paid in a lump sum to the moving company to distribute or divided evenly among the crew. If you prefer to pay each mover, $5 to $10 per hour per mover is another common practice.

Ask first! Is gratuity included?

Before you pay a moving company, ask if the tip is included in their overall quote.  

Factors that can affect your tipping amount

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Distance

Moving companies typically charge by weight or hour. So, if you have a long-distance move, the total cost may be higher, and therefore, the recommended tip amount may be higher as well.

Complexity

If you have a particularly challenging or complicated move, it’s appropriate to tip more for the extra effort. For example, navigating narrow hallways, carrying heavy furniture up multiple flights of stairs, or in extreme weather conditions.

Efficiency

If the movers completed the job faster than expected or did extra like placing items in specific places, you might consider tipping on the higher end of the recommended range.

Attitude and professionalism

Movers who are polite, professional, and respectful of your belongings deserve a larger tip than those who are not.

Service quality

Exceptional service should always be rewarded with a generous tip.

Condition of items

Movers who handle your belongings with care and ensure nothing is damaged deserve recognition.

Extra services

If movers provide additional services like packing, unpacking, or assembling furniture, increase the tip accordingly.

Weather conditions

Difficult weather conditions such as extreme heat, cold, or rain make the job harder, meriting higher tips.

Pro tips for tipping movers

1. Cash is king: Cash tips are preferred as they can be immediately and directly distributed among the crew.

2. Timing: Tip at the end of the move, once you know all tasks are completed satisfactorily.

3. Distribution: Hand the tip to each mover directly to ensure everyone gets their fair share.

4. Fairness: If multiple crews are involved in a long-distance move, tip each crew separately according to the difficulty of their part of the job.

Dealing with awkward tipping situations

• Poor service: If the service was unsatisfactory, tipping a smaller amount or discussing issues with the moving company might be appropriate. However, communicate your concerns respectfully.

• You forgot: If you forgot to tip or were unaware of the custom, sending a tip via the moving company afterward can be a nice gesture.

• No-tip policies: Some service providers don’t allow tips for various reasons. You can always ask ahead about the company’s tip policy. 

Other ways to show appreciation

1. Provide refreshments: Offering water, snacks, or even lunch can show your appreciation.

2. Positive reviews: Leaving a glowing review online can help the movers gain more business.

3. Feedback to company: Inform the moving company's management about the excellent service you received so they can recognize their workers or post your testimonial.

4. Referrals: Recommend the moving company to friends and family.

Tipping movers is a way to show appreciation for their hard work. While the amount can vary based on numerous factors, the key is to be fair and considerate. Whether through monetary tips, refreshments, or kind words, showing gratitude can make a significant impact. 

This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.