If you’re moving in the near future, you may wonder what to tip movers or if you should tip your movers. After all, you tip your Lyft driver, waiter, and stylist, and none of them are hauling your living room furniture to a truck.
Unlike a ride-share or restaurant experience, tipping etiquette with movers isn’t widely known. While it should never be expected, recognizing outstanding service is always appreciated. While there is no customary tip for movers like in the restaurant industry, deciding what to tip movers can be challenging. Consider the following criteria to determine if and how you will tip your movers.
Was it a Tough Move?
While deciding about gratuity for your movers, consider how hard the move was. Were there several stairs your movers had to contend with, tight angles in rooms or hallways, or a particularly cumbersome piece of furniture? Was there a difficulty during your move that your moving crew easily solved? Was it a super hot day or super wet or cold outside? These situations may warrant a tip if you are on the fence. (Note: You may also want snacks, water, or other refreshing drinks for your moving crew as they work, especially if they are moving you on a hot day!)
How Did They Do?
As your moving crew finishes, think about how your moving day went. Did the movers arrive on time? Did they make you feel at ease, listen to you, follow directions, and ask questions? Did they go above and beyond during your move? A tip might be to consider if you can answer yes to most of those questions or if they otherwise impressed you. The amount is entirely up to you.
How Much to Tip Your Movers (If You Decide to Tip)?
It’s entirely up to you, but word on the street (truck?) is an average tip for movers for a local move tip is 5% of the total bill, and for a long-distance move, that range is between $40 and $200 per person depending on how large a job it is.
You can either tip each mover individually or give the money to the foreman for your move. A few moving companies might have policies about gratuity for your (or the workers’) protection, so ask your moving company or check your contract ahead of time. Keep in mind that the movers moving you from your old home may not be the same ones moving you into your new one; if you choose to tip, please tip your movers while you have the opportunity. If an individual mover worked especially hard, feel free to give that mover a slightly larger tip; otherwise, split the tip equally among the team.
Your decision to tip your crew is a highly personal one. If you decide to give your movers a tip, know it will be well-received and send a message that they have done a great job. After a hard day’s work, a tip signals gratitude and respect for their profession.
Moving Soon?
Are you planning a move soon and don’t know where to start? All Around Moving & Storage can help you from start to finish. Contact us to start the ball rolling for your upcoming move.
