Tipping Guide for Moving Companies

There are no hard-and-fast rules for tipping moving companies. Gratuities are not expected by people who work for large moving companies, but employees of smaller companies may be paid less and rely on tips. You should always show your appreciation for good service--if not with tips, then by making beverages and snacks available for the moving crew.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Tipping Guide for Moving Companies

1. Tip one or two movers between $20 and $30 each if you have a short move with a small moving crew. Tip a bit more if the move was difficult. It's OK to tip one person more if he's done a particularly good job.

2. Tip $20 each for larger moving crews. Either tip each mover individually, or give the entire amount to the crew leader to divide up. Remember that the crew leader may have higher wages than the movers, so make sure she understands that the tip is for the crew.

3. Tip the crew leader $50 for a job well done.

4. Call the headquarters of the moving company if you're arranging for a cross-country move that will last several days. Tipping policies vary. If tipping is allowed, plan to pay about $50 per mover--depending on the quality of the service--at the end of the move. The crew that loads your truck may be different from the crew that delivers it, so tip them accordingly.

5. Tip between 5 and 15 percent of the total bill if you're more comfortable calculating the amount this way.

6. Tip piano movers $20 each. They should place the piano exactly where you want it and take away any packing materials.

Resources

• Comprehensive Guide to Tipping