When it comes to tipping your movers, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. To keep things simple, it is recommended to tip 15% to 20% of the total bill for large moves (divided between the crew) and 5% to 10% for smaller moves. This is different from other service industries, such as restaurants, where the standard practice is to tip 15-20% of the final bill. However, if you tip your movers 20% of your final moving bill, you could be giving them a hefty sum depending on the size of your move. It is not recommended to use a standard percentage of the cost when tipping carriers, as the total cost of moving includes both those moving and the distance the van travels.
If tipping moving companies is going to break your bank, there are other ways to show your appreciation without splitting the money. If you have furniture in the house that you plan to donate, ask the movers if they want to take away. Tipping each moving company individually will ensure that your money reaches its intended recipient immediately after completing the job. Things have a fun way of balancing: moving professionals should automatically know how well they did their job, so they can often feel if a generous tip, standard tip, or no tip is coming even before you. Once the relocation is complete, place the cash tip for each move in a separate envelope and distribute it individually. Of course, if you're comfortable giving more tips and think your moving agents did an exceptional job, then you can definitely tip above the recommended amounts.
It's important to remember that there's usually a lot more at stake in moving than a waiter or barber's. If you want to tip your carriers based on a percentage of the total bill, the tip for a long-distance move can be ruined. A tip lets movers know that you recognize the hard work they have done for you and that you appreciate their work. However, if this makes you feel uncomfortable, follow the general rule that you should tip moving companies after they have completed the job. If movers are disrespectful, damage your stuff or try to scam you, it's fair not to leave a tip. I really appreciate your advice to provide food such as pizza or sandwiches to a moving crew if your move is probably going to take a while.
While it's common to tip a certain amount, if your moving agents aren't doing a proper job, you can choose to withhold a tip. One thing to keep in mind before not giving a tip is how movers react if any of the above incidents occur.
