From packing up possessions to transporting them to your new location to even setting it all up, moving is one of the most exciting yet strenuous experiences that you can go through. And the people who make it all possible are the moving team. While most people tend to tip between 10-20% for each move, it isn’t unheard of to tip a bit extra for complicated moves. If you want to understand the different ways to tip, what’s considered acceptable, and whether you should tip by the hour or by the project budget, this blog teaches you exactly how much to tip movers.
The Breakdown Of Tipping Culture: Factors To Consider For Appropriate Tips
Are you moving across the country for school? Or maybe it’s just across the town for better living arrangements? While hiring movers is a given for any sort of relocation, the real issue is figuring out exactly how much to tip. You definitely don’t want to stiff them for all their hard work, but you don’t want to go overboard either.
Here are a few things to consider for appropriate tipping.
Moving Cost
It’s a good rule of thumb to set aside 10-20% above your moving bill to tip the movers for all their hard work. If it were a simple move, a 10% tip is fine, but if the move was a bit more challenging, tip close to the higher range. For example, if it’s an $800 move, tip the movers $80-160.
Project Complexity
Speaking of complexities, if your movers have had to work hard in inclement weather conditions, carry heavy furniture, or climb up and down multiple flights of stairs, it’s a good idea to tip a bit extra. In this case, a 10-20 dollar tip for each mover should suffice.
Hours Of Work
Yet another way to tip is by the hour. Some people tip $5 per hour to their movers for a simple project without any narrow hallways or delicate items. Conversely, if it’s a complex move that requires a lot of strategic maneuvering and heavy lifting, you could tip each mover about $10 per hour.
Excellent Service
Remember that moving isn’t a small or simple task, and your crew puts a lot of effort into relocating your items. So, if a move finishes before the estimated lead time—like an 8-hour move that finishes within 4 hours—it’s a good idea to give them a bonus tip.
Crew Size
Another thing you should keep in mind when tipping is the size of the moving team. For example, if it’s a crew of four people, the tip will be equally divided among them. So, when deciding how much to tip movers, consider how much each member will receive to ensure you tip appropriately.
| Pro Tip If you’re unsure, give the tip to the leader so they can distribute it based on performance. |
The Best Ways To Tip Your Movers: Cash, Card & More
Tipping isn’t a burden on anyone and shouldn’t be treated as such. This is why there is a lot of flexibility when it comes to actually tipping your moving crew. While most people still prefer the traditional method of handing over cash, the shift in society and advancement in technology have opened up several other possibilities. Here are a few ways you can tip your team:
- Cash: Traditional, easy, and simple. Just give your moving crew an additional 10-20% for their service at the end.
- Cheque: Less common, but acceptable. Just ask the movers if they accept cheques.
- Credit Card: Some credit card companies let you charge the tip to them, which makes it easy to transaction management easier.
- Digital Transactions: Many moving companies now accept Venmo, PayPal, or even Zelle. So that’s another option to tip.
- Gift Cards: Another way you could tip is to give your movers gift cards to popular stores. It’s unique and a pretty nice way to tip.
Conclusion
To conclude, figuring out how much to tip movers is a bit tricky, but keeping in mind a few things does help you tip appropriately. Take into account the move’s complexity and any extra effort your movers might have put in. Also consider whether you want to tip by the hour or by the project cost. Finally, if you’re struggling to tip, you have a long list of tipping methods like digital payments, credit cards, and even cash, so that you can always show your appreciation for all the effort your movers put in.
FAQs
How do I tip for a long-distance move?
Split it into two. Once when they load everything up, and the next when they unload.
Do I need to tip movers for small moves, too?
For small moves, just scale down the amount for appropriate tipping.
Do you tip movers before or after the move?
Tip them once the service is complete for a fair appreciation of their services.