Tips for Moving

You’ve wrapped the glassware and stacked the books. You’ve labeled your boxes and disassembled beds. You’ve lost sleep worrying about the logistics of moving one house into another, and the movers haven’t even showed up yet. But now that they’re loading the truck, you find yourself wondering… wait, do I tip them? And how much? 

The reality is that we live in a tipping economy. Wait staff, bartenders, tattoo artists, even hotel cleaning staff… Some either work almost entirely off of tips, count on tips as part of their income, or greatly appreciate the added bump. Movers are part of that group of people. 

How Much Is Enough?

In interviewing a moving expert, Realtor.com shared their findings. Digital marketing manager for OZ Moving & Storage, TJ Peterson, shares that a 15-20% tip is customary in large metropolitan areas while 10% is more in line with rural areas or smaller towns. 

Of course, at the end of the day, the amount is left up to your discretion. If you live in a small town and the movers took extra care wrapping your antique piano or heirloom china, then a tip north of ten percent would be appreciated. 

If you’re unsure just how much to tip- or if you’re even allowed to do so- it’s perfectly fine to reach out to the company and ask. Inquire about their tipping policy so that nothing is unclear and you’re prepped with cash in hand. Just FYI, providing drinks or lunch to your movers is greatly appreciated but doesn’t take the place of a tip!