It’s moving day! You’re all packed up and ready to go. Your boxes are labeled, and a team of professional movers nj is there to help you get settled into your new home.
If your moving team makes the process easier and ensures a smooth transition, you might be wondering if it’s appropriate to show your gratitude with a tip. After all, they handle everything from delicate dishware to heavy furniture, ensuring that your big screen TV arrives safely.
Is it okay to tip movers who do an excellent job? Definitely. While tipping isn’t mandatory, if you’re working with a professional team that alleviates some of the stress of moving, a tip can be a great way to acknowledge their hard work.
How Much to Tip Movers?
People often tip at restaurants or salons, where it’s common to give around 15 to 20 percent of the total bill. However, since moving is something most people do infrequently, you might not have a clear idea of how to approach tipping your movers.
Since tips aren’t required during a move, it’s entirely up to you to determine the right amount. You can choose to give a flat rate or a percentage of the total moving cost.
A good guideline is to tip between $4 to $5 per hour for each mover or to give between 5 and 10% of the total moving cost. For instance, if your move costs $1,000, you might consider tipping between $50 and $100, distributing it evenly among the team assisting you.
What Factors Should I Consider When Deciding How Much To Tip My Movers?
People often tip movers based on various factors related to the move, such as:
- How organized you are before they arrive. If you have all your boxes sorted and labeled, your movers will definitely appreciate it. On the other hand, if your boxes are unmarked and the movers have to spend extra time coordinating with you to get everything in the right rooms, you might want to consider giving them a little extra for their efforts. (Need help getting organized? Check out our printable moving checklist.)
- Weather conditions. Moving is tough enough without dealing with extreme heat, rain, or icy ground. If your movers handle these challenging conditions well, you might want to tip them for their hard work.
- Whether they pack items for you. Some moving companies offer packing services in addition to their regular moving services. While you might remember to tip the movers, don’t forget the packers who ensure your collectible coffee mugs and LEGO Millennium Falcon are safely wrapped.
- How many hours they work on-site with you? A typical move for a 3-bedroom house can take between 7 and 10 hours. If your move takes longer than expected or if the movers are still there at dinner time when they thought they’d be done by mid-afternoon, consider the circumstances. If the delays are due to their slow pace, you’re not obligated to tip. However, if they’re working hard and putting in extra hours, a tip would likely be appreciated.
- Whether they’re moving items upstairs or downstairs. Moving a sectional couch to an upstairs game room takes significant effort and skill. If your movers are making multiple trips up and down stairs, they’re saving you a lot of time and effort. You might want to consider tipping a bit more for the extra work involved with all those flights of stairs.
- How many oversized items are part of your move? According to Zillow, the average contents of a 1,000 square foot apartment weigh over 5,000 pounds. That’s quite a bit of heavy lifting! If you’re moving two antique china cabinets, a dozen boxes of books, and a grand piano, that’s a significant amount of weight! Think about what it would take to move those oversized items by yourself and how much time and effort you’re saving by hiring professionals.
You might also consider tipping your movers based on intangible factors—like whether they are particularly friendly and accommodating to your family or if they go the extra mile to make the move easier for your kids.
Should I Tip My Movers More Based on the Size of My Home/Length of My Move?
The amount you tip your movers can vary depending on the type of move you’re undertaking. An in-town move can feel quite different—in both experience and cost—compared to a cross-country one.
If you live in a large home or one with multiple stories, you might tip more since the movers will have to navigate more stairs and cover more distance. In such cases, it could be reasonable to tip a percentage of the total moving cost.
For a cross-country move, you’re likely spending more overall, and tipping a percentage could add up quickly. In this scenario, it might be better to give a flat rate to the movers and drivers handling the logistics. You can check with your moving company to determine how many people will be involved in your move and plan your tips accordingly.
When Should I Give the Movers Their Tip?
The timing of your tip for the movers can vary based on the type of move you’re undertaking.
Tipping When Moving Cross-Country
For cross-country moves, the team that packs your belongings might not be the same as the one driving them to your new home. Additionally, you could have a different crew unloading your items at your destination. In this case, it might be more appropriate to tip each team separately rather than just the final crew.
Tipping On an In-Town Move
For local moves, you have the flexibility to tip at any point during the process. Some people prefer to wait until the end of the day to ensure they’re satisfied with the move, while others might tip at the start to encourage the movers. Additionally, offering non-cash tips throughout the day, like water, sports drinks, or snacks, can help keep morale high. Our movers appreciate starting the day positively, so they often bring their own treats to kick off the move on a good note.
Can I Tip Movers Using a Credit Card?
If you’re pleased with your movers and want to give them a tip but find yourself without cash, you might be wondering if tipping with a credit card is an option. As cash becomes less common and credit cards more prevalent, this is a valid question.
If you’re working with a moving company, you can reach out to their local office to inquire about their credit card policies. For instance, you might be able to give a tip by requesting that your moving company process a separate transaction specifically for rewarding your movers.
If your move is covered as a corporate relocation expense or if you plan to categorize it as a business expense, documenting the tip through your credit card transaction could be beneficial. Moving can be quite stressful, but a reliable moving team can help ease that burden and make your relocation smoother. When you have a fantastic team assisting you, they’ll truly appreciate any gesture of gratitude you choose to offer.
