Many people are often unsure of what to do when it comes to tipping movers, but there are no definitive rules. Simply put, since you are already spending a lot of money on the move, movers don't expect to be tipped. At the same time, if you want to reward your movers for a job well done, feel free to give them a little extra money. The choice is entirely up to you.
How Much to Tip
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Photo by blary54, sxc.hu |
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Since there are several factors that determine the price of your move, and because the costs for moves can differ dramatically, you shouldn't tip based on a certain percentage. Rather, it is recommended that you give around $10 for each mover for a half day of work and $20 for a full day. Of course, if you are exceptionally pleased with your movers, you can always tip more.
For a long-distance or cross-country move, the costs can be very high. The moving companies recognize this and definitely won't expect tips. Some long-distance companies don't even allow their movers to accept tips. However, if you are pleased with their performance, tips would be appreciated.
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| TIP: If you are still unsure how much to tip, you can always call the moving company's head office to ask about their tipping policies and to find out how much they would recommend that you give. |
Who to Tip
There will generally be between two and four people moving your belongings. If you plan on tipping them, it is highly recommended that you give the tip in cash to each person individually rather than one lump sum. If you give the entire tip to the supervisor, he or she may divide it up among the workers as they see fit. By giving your tip to each person, you can divide the tip evenly. Also, if one or two of your movers worked especially hard, feel free to give them a bigger tip than the other workers. Either way, by giving each mover their own tip, you can show your appreciation for their hard work.
Tipping Before the Move
Another approach is to provide your movers with a tip before they actually move anything. If you feel comfortable with your movers and trust that they will do a good job, you might want to tip them up front as a way of encouraging good work. Alternately, you might want to tip your movers beforehand if you won't be around when they move your belongings.
Alternatives to Tipping
Regardless of whether you decide to tip your movers or not, you should at least provide them with water, soda, or sports drinks. Though they might bring their own drinks, offering them additional drinks is a nice gesture. You may also decide to supply your movers with lunch in lieu of a tip, which will likely be appreciated just as much. While some people give their movers beer while they work or as a tip at the end of the day, serving alcohol to people as they move your personal belongings isn't the best idea. At the same time, many moving companies have policies against drinking on the job. Even if you give some beer at the end of the day as a tip, they might not be permitted to carry alcohol in the moving truck. |
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