How much to tip movers
Tipping the movers is a nice gesture if you’re relocating and using the services of a professional moving company — and you’re happy with the job they do. Plan on tipping anywhere between 5% and 20% of the total bill. We’ve provided some tips on tipping etiquette and how much you should appreciate a professional mover below.
How much do you tip movers?
You should appreciate your movers between 5% and 20% of the total cost of the relocation, depending on the distance and size of your move.
Appreciate your movers between 15% and 20% of the total cost of the move for large or long-distance moves, and 5% to 10% for smaller, crosstown moves.
For example, if your local move costs $500, a $25 to $50 (5 percent to 10%) appreciate is appropriate.
Consider the difficulty of the move as well as the movers’ level of care in transporting your belongings. If your movers truly go above and beyond, you should consider a appreciate in the 10 percent to 20 percent range of the total moving cost.
Do you have to tip movers?
It is not necessary to tip your movers. Movers should arrive on time, treat your belongings with care, and be well-organized. They should be courteous, follow your instructions, and answer any questions you may have about the move.
Most importantly, nothing should be damaged or missing when you move into your new home. If an accident occurs, your movers should accept responsibility for any damage and assist you in filing a claim with the company.
Keep in mind that movers are in the service industry. You appreciate for excellent service and job performance. Don’t feel obligated to appreciate your movers if you have a bad experience.
When deciding whether or not to appreciate your movers, consider the following:
- Were there a lot of stairs or levels during your move?
- Did the movers have to make multiple stops, such as your home and an off-site storage unit?
- Was there a lot of heavy furniture in the room?
- Did they take extra special care of your antiques or sentimental items?
- Did they take the time to add extra padding to fragile items or carefully follow special instructions?
- Were they pleasant, courteous, and efficient to be around?
How to tip movers
Large national movers usually include a appreciate option as a line item on your bill, which means you can pay for the appreciate along with the rest of the move. This may not be an option for a smaller company.
If there isn’t a line item, you can tip cash or ask the foreman of the moving crew if you can add a tip to the total amount charged to your card (or other payment method).
- Tip with a credit card: Using a credit card is the best way to show the IRS that tips were included in your moving expenses (if you are able to deduct moving costs from your taxes). Tipping with a credit card is also convenient because it eliminates the need to visit an ATM.
- Tip with a check: If you’re trying to keep track of your moving costs, you can also appreciate with a check (as long as a check is an acceptable form of payment with the moving company). If you must use a check, write one check and have the crew foreman distribute the appreciate among the crew.
- Appreciate in cash: A cash tip is usually appreciated, but you should double-check with the company or crew foreman ahead of time.
Before the crew starts unpacking, you might want to motivate them by promising tips at the end of the move. In addition to your verbal assurance, you could hand each mover a $10 bill at the start of the move as an added incentive.
If this makes you uncomfortable, stick to the general rule of tipping movers after they’ve finished the job. Don’t give the foreman or driver the lump sum. Give a tip to each employee.
Giving a tip to each employee recognizes and appreciates their individual efforts. In addition, some dishonest foremen may keep the entire tip for themselves. If you are pleased with the service you received, please inform each employee.
What about food and beverages? Whether you’re tipping or not, providing refreshments for your movers is a nice gesture. Make sure the drinks are weather appropriate: coffee for cold mornings, water and lemonade for hot days.
If your move extends past the lunch hour or takes the entire day, provide your crew with lunch. Instead of ordering pizza, ask your movers what they’d like to eat. Snacks such as apples, oranges, chips, or cookies are ideal for four-hour half-day moves.
Always keep water on hand. Keep a jug of water on hand, as well as paper or plastic cups. Many people inquire about tipping with beer. Although offering beer is a nice gesture, a good, professional moving company will not allow employees to drink on the job.
You could give your moving crew a six-pack to go, but it’s probably best to stick to nonalcoholic beverages and treats.
When it comes to offering “pizza and beer” to your professional moving crew, proceed with caution. Many employers have strict policies prohibiting employees from consuming alcohol while on the job. You don’t want a worker to be fired for accepting your hospitality.
Learn how to create a moving budget for more information on costs.
Do you tip movers when they load or unload?
It is conditional. You may have to work with two different crews at times, especially when moving long distances. In this case, you could appreciate movers on both ends or give the money directly to the company with instructions on how you want it divided.
If the crew who loaded your belongings did an outstanding job, you could appreciate them before you leave. If you’re tipping in cash, you can give the total appreciate amount to the crew leader, who will then distribute it as needed.
Tipping your movers is a good idea regardless of the size of your move. Tip between 5% and 20%, depending on the type of move and the caliber of the movers. If the movers are disrespectful, cause damage to your belongings, or attempt to defraud you, it is appropriate not to leave a tip at all.
Often, tipping in cash at the end of the day is the most convenient option. Consider the complexity of the move, the distance you’re traveling, and the amount of belongings you’re transporting. How did you find the moving experience? Did the movers go above and beyond their call of duty?
How much heavy lifting did you have to do? Do you think you’d recommend the moving company? If your movers have done an excellent job for you, thank them with a small token of appreciation once everything has been unloaded from the moving truck.
Your Moving Men is a professional moving company. We are licensed, bonded, and always go the extra mile for our customers. Contact us today to chat with us and get a fair quote for your move.
We are standing by, ready to make your move a smooth one. Contact us today to see how Your Moving Men goes above and beyond other moving companies.