Trying to figure out how to tip your movers is never a a simple task. Every individual has a different view of what a fair tip is. Our customers consistently ask us what we suggest for tipping their movers. There is no exact answer to this question, but we have come up with some industry standard suggestions for you to keep in mind at the completion of your next moving experience.
We do encourage you to keep in mind that moving is a part of the service industry. People often don’t view movers in the same light as restaurant staff, hairdressers or barbers when it comes to tipping. This may be due to moving being such a large life event and the very high, yet deserved, expectations for movers to do a good job.
When do my movers deserve a tip?
Tipping your movers is not a requirement. Your personal financial situation is an important part of the equation and movers do not expect a tip. That being said, if you can afford to tip your movers and they provide you a very high-level of service, provide them with a tip that you feel they deserve for their efforts. A high-level of service might mean that they worked extremely hard and moved very fast, without damaging any items. Maybe they completed the move much faster than your moving estimate suggested. They may have also taken extra special care of your most prized possessions by carefully protecting them with moving materials.
Keep in mind that moving is a service that is beeing provided to you. Movers have one of the most difficult service industry jobs and they work extremely hard. There is also a lot of pressure on your movers, because unlike a waiter in a restaurant who can get you a new meal from the kitchen if he messes up your order, movers only have 1 shot at getting your job right.
What amount is fair to tip my movers?
There are a few different ways to come up with a dollar figure when considering how to tip your movers based off of industry trends.
- $4-$8 per hour for each mover. If your movers go above and beyond and make your moving experience go so much more smoothly than you ever could have imagined, consider giving them a tip of $6-$8 per hour for each mover. If they just do OK and you think they could have done a better job, stick with the $4 per hour per mover range. For example, if it takes 2 movers 4 hours to move your 1 bedroom apartment and they do a great job, that’d be $7/hour per mover, or $28 each.
- 5-10% of the total bill. If your total move cost you $500 and you elect to tip 7% to your 3 movers, that’d be a $35 tip, or roughly $12 per mover. Again we suggest using the range and review how great of a job they did for you to choose the percentage that you tip.
- $10-$20 per mover. $30 per mover for very large jobs. If your movers complete the move in 4 hours, tip them $10 per mover. If its an 8 hour move, $20 per mover. For a very long job in the 12 hour range, you may want to go up to as much $30 per mover.
Other ways to tip your movers
When considering how to tip your movers, keep in kind that there are other ways than just providing them money. Moving can be a very large expense and maybe tipping is just another cost that you can’t handle at the moment. You could consider providing lunch or snacks for your movers. This is an excellent way to show that you’re greatful for the hard work without breaking the bank. Having cold water on hand is also very appreciated by your movers (and keeping them hydrated can keep them moving quick!).
Aside from food and drink, you can take the time to thank each of them individually for their efforts. Telling your movers that they did a great job and that you’re appreciative of their hard work is very gratifying for them. It also doesn’t leave them wondering if they did a good job just because they didn’t receive a tip.
Leaving online reviews on sites like Google and Yelp is also a great option. Praising your mover online not only lets them know that they did a great job, but is very important to the company in a world where everyone uses the internet to find their service industry partners.
How not to tip your movers
In the how to tip your movers conversation, we must also consider ways that your movers would prefer to not be tipped. Offering them items from your home such as an old air conditioner is something movers see very often and don’t particularly enjoy. It can put them in an awkward situation as they don’t want to seem unappreciative of the offer you’ve extended.
Don’t tip your movers with alcohol. Its a bit stereotypical and some of the moving crew may not drink alcohol, which would leave part of the crew not benefitting from the tip you’ve provided.
Cash is king. If you’re going to tip your movers at all, provide them with a cash tip. Avoid using a check or gift cards to tip your movers if you can.
We hope that this information is helpful for the next time you need to consider how to tip your movers. If you’re interested in receiving a FREE Moving Estimate from our team, just fill out the Moving Request form and we’d be happy to help!
