If you have hired a moving company, you may be wondering if it is customary to tip the movers.

Should You Tip Your Movers?

The answer to this question is not black and white, as tipping movers is not an obligatory practice. It is a nice gesture to show your appreciation for their hard work and the exceptional service they provide.

One rule of thumb for tipping movers is to keep in mind the quality of service you receive. If the movers went above and beyond to ensure your belongings were handled with care, arrived on time, and completed the job efficiently, then a tip is certainly warranted. It is also important to factor in any extra care they took with fragile items or heavy furniture, as this demonstrates their dedication to providing excellent service.

How Much Should You Tip Movers

For a half-day move, it is typically recommended to tip between $20 to $50 per mover. For a full day move, the suggested range is $50 to $100 per mover. You can adjust these amounts based on factors such as the distance of the move and the difficulty level. [1]

Also, consider how the moving company charges for their services. If they provide a flat rate for the move, tipping is a great way to recognize the extra effort put in by the movers. Conversely, if you are paying an hourly rate, you may choose to tip based on the number of hours per mover.

When it comes to the method of tipping, cash is typically preferred. This allows the movers to receive their gratuity directly and immediately.

A general guideline is a tip between 5% and 20% of your total moving costs. [2]

We conducted a survey asking 1,000 Americans how much they tip their movers. Most people (58%) tip their movers at least 5% of the total move cost. The majority of respondents tipped 10–20%. [3]

Considerations When Deciding How Much to Tip

If the movers were punctual and professional and went above and beyond to ensure the safe transport of your belongings, a generous tip is certainly warranted. On the other hand, if you were not satisfied with the service for any reason, you have the right to adjust or withhold the tip accordingly.

Moving long-distance or having multiple flights of stairs in your home can significantly increase the physical and mental demands on the movers. These factors should be taken into account when determining the amount of the tip. Recognizing their hard work and the extra time and effort they put into the move with a larger tip can be a great way to show appreciation.

Ways To Tip Movers

• Cash: Cash is the most common and preferred method of tipping movers. It allows you to personally hand the tip to each mover and show your gratitude immediately. Before the moving day, make sure you have enough cash on hand, and consider tipping each mover individually based on the level of service provided. [4] 
• Check: If you prefer not to give cash, you can also write a personal check to the moving company, specifying that it is for the movers’ tips. Make sure to address it to the company rather than individual movers. Keep in mind that some moving companies may have policies against accepting personal checks, so it’s best to check with them beforehand.
• Gift Cards: Another way to show your appreciation is by giving gift cards as a tip. Consider popular retailers or restaurants that the movers may enjoy. This allows them to choose something they like and can be a thoughtful gesture of gratitude.
• Food and Refreshments: On moving day, you can provide food and refreshments for the movers as a way to show your appreciation. Consider offering bottles of water, coffee, soft drinks, snacks, or ordering food for the team. This not only keeps them energized during the move but also shows that you value their hard work.
• Online Reviews and Recommendations: Besides tipping, leaving a positive review and recommending the moving company to others can go a long way in showing your appreciation. Sharing your positive experience can help the moving company gain more business and acknowledge the exceptional service provided by the movers.

When to Tip Movers?

• At the end of the move: Most people choose to tip their movers at the completion of the move. Once all your belongings have been safely delivered to your new home, you can take a moment to express your gratitude and hand out tips accordingly.
• At the start of the move: While less common, some individuals prefer to tip movers at the beginning of the move. This can serve as an incentive for the movers to provide excellent service from start to finish.

Why Tipping Matters

• Recognition for Hard Work: Moving is a physically demanding job that requires strength, skill, and endurance. Movers often lift heavy furniture, navigate narrow hallways, climb lots of stairs, and handle fragile items with care. Tipping is a way to acknowledge the hard work and effort these professionals put into making your move a smooth and successful one.
• Motivation for Exceptional Service: Tipping provides an incentive for movers to go above and beyond in providing exceptional service. When movers are recognized and rewarded for their efforts, they are more likely to take extra care with your belongings, ensure proper packing and loading, and complete the job efficiently and professionally.
• Fair Compensation in a Service Industry: The service industry relies heavily on tips as a significant portion of workers’ income. Movers often rely on tips to supplement their wages, as their hourly rates may not be as high as other professions. Tipping movers ensures fair compensation for their hard work and dedication, making it an important part of supporting the service industry workers.
• Building Positive Relationships: Tipping is not just about the immediate transaction; it helps in building positive relationships between movers and clients. When movers feel appreciated, they are more likely to provide exceptional service, ensuring a positive moving experience for you. This can also lead to repeat business and referrals, benefiting both the movers and future clients.
• Spreading Goodwill: Tipping movers goes beyond monetary value. It is a way to show gratitude and spread goodwill. By tipping, you contribute to creating a positive environment within the service industry, where hard work and dedication are recognized and rewarded. It also sets an example for others and encourages them to do the same, creating a cycle of appreciation and support.

Do You Have to Tip Movers?

When you hire professional movers, you are not just paying for the physical labor, but also for their expertise, efficiency, and skill in handling your belongings with care.

Tipping movers is a way to recognize and acknowledge their hard work. It serves as a motivation for them to provide exceptional service. When movers know that their efforts are appreciated and rewarded, they are more likely to go the extra mile to ensure that your move is handled with utmost care and professionalism.

While the decision to tip movers ultimately depends on your personal choice, it is a customary practice in the moving industry.

When you are planning your next move, consider tipping your movers as a way to show gratitude for their efforts.

At Matt’s Moving, we understand that moving can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. That’s why we believe in providing exceptional service to our customers. Our team of professional movers goes above and beyond to ensure a smooth and efficient move, and tipping is a great way to show appreciation for their hard work. Contact them today for your moving needs.

Sources

[1] Render, J. (2023, July 24). Aim for $5 to $10 per laborer per hour. Consumer Affairs. https://www.consumeraffairs.com/movers/tipping-your-movers.html

[2] How much should you tip movers? (2022, December 15). Capital One. https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/life-events/how-much-to-tip-movers/

[3] Goodshore, C. (2023, August 1). How Much Should You Tip Your Movers? Advice and FREE Calculator. Home Bay. https://homebay.com/moving/how-much-to-tip-movers/

[4] Notification. (n.d.). https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/real-estate/how-much-to-tip-movers