When planning a move, your to-do list is considerable. Not only are you planning to finish your packing in time for the truck's arrival, you also need to plan travel, budgeting, and the movement of special items. Most people can aptly follow the necessary steps to complete their move, but one question that often haunts those moving or recently moved is this: Should you tip the movers? And if so, how much?

The most important answer we can give is that no one is obligated or required to give their movers a tip. If you are moving on a shoestring budget, a heartfelt thanks is enough. Movers are paid a fair wage, so you don't need to feel bad if tipping movers isn't in the cards for you this move.

However, if you want to be a gracious host or if your movers go above and beyond for you, a tip is a very nice gesture and is not unusual in the industry.

When Is It Customary to Tip Movers?

When should you tip your movers? While it's not required, there are a circumstances when tipping your movers makes good sense.

When You Feel It

If you feel compelled to tip your movers, there's no need to stop yourself. Tipping movers is very normal, and a lot of people with the budget to spare choose to tip each set of movers as they help you load up and unload. 

When the Job was Especially Difficult or Long

The best time to tip is when your movers have done something difficult on your behalf. Handling tall stairs, narrow hallways, or bad weather are all good reasons for a small to moderate tip.

When Your Movers Went Above and Beyond

If one or more of your movers really put in the extra effort, a tip is a great way to say "thank you." If your movers helped to keep pets from escaping, gracefully repacked a collapsed box, or helped you call a tow when your personal vehicle had a last-minute flat, a tip is a really nice gesture to show you appreciate their hard work.

How Much Should You Tip Movers?

A good starting place for tipping your movers is $10 per person. Longer hours, all-day moves, or high cost-of-living regions may suggest up to $20 per person. You can judge by a percentage of the total move cost or by the hours a mover works for you. But in general, an even denomination in cash is the best way.

The other important factor is how much you can afford to spend. Make sure you will be OK and have money for the road trip, then decide whether you can pull a stack of small bills for your movers.

How to Give Movers a Tip

The best way to tip movers is to envelope each tip individually for the crew. That's one envelope and tip per person. This ensures that your tip gets directly to the movers without delay. Don't give your total tip to the foreman or lead mover, just in case there is a tedious internal process when this happens. Instead, place cash in hands and give the team your gratitude.

Can I Tip My Movers Without Cash?

A monetary tip isn't the only way to tip your movers. A cooler of soda, a pitcher of lemonade, or just a case of water chilling in the fridge are also very appreciated ways to say thank you. Movers understand that this is a different kind of tip, and one that makes the moving process more pleasant for everyone.

Planning Your Next Move

If you have an upcoming move on your calendar, contact us today. The NL Wilson Moving & Storage team would be proud to provide the complete moving services you need to ensure you make it safely from one house to the next.