Tipping Movers

If you’re among the millions of people who plan on making a move this year, the question of how much to tip movers will eventually come up. If you search online for the answer you will get hundred of answers that range from flat percentages to flat rates to no tip at all. Just remember that a tip is a token of appreciation and not mandatory.  So what do you do?

First off, there are certain factors that will determine how much you should tip a mover.

1. The size of the move
2. The complexity of the move (stairs, elevator etc)
3. The number of bulky items (washer, dryer, piano etc)
4. How large the move is

The more complex the move, the larger the tip, providing you’re pleased with the movers. Tipping is a gesture of gratitude and it is not mandatory, however, remember that being a mover is a very difficult job. Movers generally get paid a little over minimum wage and heavily rely on tips to support their families. If you’re happy let the movers know it by giving them each a tip individually along with a smile and a sincere thank you. After all they are handling all of your worldly possessions so it’s always a smart move to show your appreciation.

As with most service providers, you would base your tip on job performance – a bad attitude and laziness would hardly be considered tip worthy. A quick suggestion would also let the movers know upon arrival that you do plan on leaving them a tip. A good faith effort can go a long way when it comes to their performance and overall attitude.

So here are some basic guidelines that you can use then tipping a mover. If it’s a half day (4 hour) move, $25 per person is considered appropriate. If it’s a full day move (8 hours), then $40 per mover is the consensus. If you have a large move which requires a lot of back breaking work then you should add some additional toward the tip. At the end of the day it’s your decision how much you tip a mover, so these are just some general ideas that you can use.

Moving is one of those things in life that can bring an overwhelming amount of stress. However, remember that movers also have a stressful job. It’s always recommended to treat your movers with kindness and respect.

• Moving is hard, back-breaking work so it would only be common decency to have cold bottled water, soda or sport drinks on hand.
• Some people prefer to buy the crew lunch in lieu of a tip and this is perfectly fine. Some do both. It’s whatever you are comfortable with. If you do offer to buy the crew lunch, make sure to ask if they have a preference as to food choice. Many people think, “Oh, we’ll get some pizza,” so you can imagine how much pizza these guys might have had that month.
• You will hear varying advice on how much to tip. Percentages don’t really work as they do in restaurant work. The difference between a $2,000 full-truck move and a $20,000 full-truck move is likely the distance the moving van travels, not how much time it took to load the vehicle. Basically, if it’s a half-day (4 hours) move, $25 per person is considered appropriate. If it’s a full-day move (8 hours), then $40 is the consensus. If you have a lot of heavy furniture, narrow or winding stairs, a steep lot, etc., you should consider adding to the amount. If the crew works 12 hours to get your belongings packed, figure $50-$60 as fair.
• A tip about tips from movers themselves: Don’t give the lump sum to the foreman or driver. Give each worker their tip. First, it shows that you recognize and appreciate their individual efforts. Second, there are some unscrupulous foremen, who will keep the entire amount for themselves.
• Avoid giving the guys beer at the end of the day. It’s a bit stereotypical and most legitimate moving companies have rules against drinking on the job. It also opens liability issues. Make the tip cash and the movers can spend it how they wish.

If you have any further questions or need more guidance on how to tip your mover please feel free to contact us at anytime.