Moving can be a stressful and physically demanding process, but having the right moving company to facilitate the process makes it significantly easier. Movers handle everything from heavy lifting to ensuring your belongings are transported safely. If you’ve chosen to use professional movers for your relocation, you might wonder should I tip my movers? If so, how much?
In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about tipping movers, including when it’s appropriate, how much to give, and other ways to show appreciation for their hard work.
Before we get into how much to tip your movers, let’s touch on how to make your moving process as smooth as possible. A smooth move starts with proper planning and organization. Taking the time to prepare your home and belongings can make a big difference in how efficiently your movers can work. Here are a few key steps to get ready:
Sorting through your belongings before packing can save time and money. Donate, sell, or discard items you no longer need to reduce the number of boxes and make unpacking easier. Getting rid of unneeded or unused items will also make organizing your move that much simpler.
If you’re handling your own packing, be sure to use sturdy boxes, padding, and labels. When packing, take things room by room to stay organized and make unloading and unpacking easier. Mark each box with its contents and the designated room in your new home to streamline the unloading process.
Ensure your home is ready for the movers by clearing hallways, staircases, and entryways. If parking is limited, reserve a spot or parking permit close to your home so the movers can load and unload efficiently.
If you have fragile or valuable items that require extra care, let your movers know in advance. Providing clear instructions can help prevent damage and ensure these items are handled appropriately.
A well-planned moving day ensures everything goes smoothly for both you and your movers. Here’s how you can help:
Stay available to answer any questions or give directions, but avoid micromanaging. Professional movers know how to handle furniture and fragile items efficiently.
Moving is physically demanding work. Providing bottled water, sports drinks, or snacks is a nice gesture and can help keep the crew refreshed throughout the process.
Check with your moving company beforehand to understand their tipping policies. Have cash ready if you plan to tip, or ask if gratuity can be added to your final bill.
Keep walkways clear of obstacles, secure pets, and make sure children are in a safe area. This not only helps the movers work efficiently but also reduces the risk of accidents.
While tipping is not mandatory, it is a common practice to show appreciation for exceptional service. Consider tipping your movers if they:
There’s no set rule for tipping movers, but here are some common guidelines:
One common approach is tipping based on the number of hours the crew works. A general rule of thumb is $10 to $20 per mover per hour. This should always be adjusted based on quality of service, difficulty or size of the move, or distance.
Some people prefer to tip as a percentage of the total moving cost, especially for longer moves. This amount is typically 15% to 20% of the bill. For long-distance or large moves, its recommended to tip on the higher end of that range, whereas for small or local moves, anywhere in that range is appreciated.
If you prefer a more straightforward approach, consider tipping $50 to $75 per mover for shorter local moves and $75 to $100 per mover for long-distance moves.
If your movers handle unexpected challenges, such as moving in extreme weather, dealing with a difficult staircase, or completing the move faster than expected, consider tipping on the higher end of the range.
If you want to avoid any potential awkwardness and want to know the most customary way to tip your movers, it’s recommended to give each crew their equal share in cash at the end of the moving process. This ensures everybody directly gets their tip. Some companies also allow for the option of adding gratuity during your regular payment process by card.
If tipping in the traditional sense isn’t for you, or if you want to go the extra mile, consider these alternatives:
Tipping your movers is a great way to recognize their hard work and dedication. While there’s no fixed amount, using these guidelines can help you decide how much to tip based on time worked, the total cost of the move, or a flat rate per mover. Regardless of how you choose to show appreciation, proper preparation to make moving day as smooth as possible will benefit both you and your moving crew.
If you’re looking for the best Manchester movers who are committed to giving you a positive moving experience, Ray the Mover is just who you’re looking for. Whether moving across town, across New Hampshire, or across the country, our dedicated teams go above and beyond to make sure your relocation runs smoothly. Contact us at 800-321-7170 to learn more about our services or get a free quote today to see why we’re the best Manchester moving company!
1 Allard Drive
Manchester, NH 03102
1087 Elm Street Ste 510,
Manchester, NH 03101
