How Much to Tip Long Distance Movers
It’s no secret that movers work hard! Moving is a labor intensive job that requires movers to work year round. Throughout heat waves, snowstorms, showers and storms, movers are lifting, packing and trudging along to help you get moved into your new home in a timely manner. Movers work tirelessly to keep your belongings safe and secure, despite all sorts of weather and unpleasant circumstances.
Moving is a service industry job. And, just like other service industry jobs, employees rely on tips to supplement their income. Whereas in restaurants, bars and taxi drivers, tips are an assumed part of the job, some may not know that tipping also applies to those in the professional moving industry. Tipping is one of the best ways to say thank you after a move.
So if you are wondering: “How Much to Tip Long Distance Movers?” You’re in luck! Here’s our comprehensive guide to tipping movers for a long distance move:
How Much to Tip Long Distance Movers
CASH TIPS ARE BEST
Generally, movers accept their tips in cash. If you do not have cash on hand, you can contact the moving company and see if you can tip them with your debit or credit card.
However, we recommend taking out cash before the move to be prepared. Take out up to 20% of the total move cost and deduct accordingly if you believe that the movers did not earn a full 20% tip.
HOW MUCH TO TIP YOUR MOVERS?
Every moving company has different suggestions about the best way to tip your movers. We’ve compiled a few of the most common tipping guidelines available online.
15-20% is a standard range for tipping when it comes to the service industry. Obviously, if you are very impressed by the quality and service of your movers you can choose to leave more. In the same vein, if you are disappointed by the efforts of your movers you can choose to leave less.
For a local move, another way to calculate a gratuity for your movers is to tip $5 per hour per movers.
For a long distance move, a customary tip is around $40-100 per mover, depending on how long and strenuous the moving days are.
HOW MUCH TO TIP LONG DISTANCE MOVERS?
The amount of the tip largely depends on the cost of the move. Moves are calculated differently depending on the moving company. Typically long distance moving companies factor in the following: volume (how much stuff needs to get moved), manpower, and hours (how long does the move take).
Long distance moving is an expensive service that can cost anywhere from $1500-$7500, depending on the fundamental components about the move. Sometimes, long distance moving can cost even more if you require additional services like packing and unpacking.
CONTACT YOUR MOVING COMPANY IF YOU ARE NOT SATISFIED
Tips are an excellent way to show your gratitude and satisfaction for a given service. If you feel that the movers did not do a satisfactory job be sure to call the company and tell them about your experience. Moving companies strive to ensure customer satisfaction, so don’t hesitate to contact them.
WHY SHOULD YOU TIP YOUR LONG DISTANCE MOVERS:
If your movers were pleasant to work with and displayed professionalism when handling your items, it is customary to reward them with a tip.
Here are some things to look for when deciding how much to tip your movers:
-Friendly and can-do attitude
-On-time arrival (obviously delays that are out of our control do happen, but timeliness is important! If movers are delayed, they should notify you of their new arrival time.
-Excellent communication and pleasant demeanor
-Adhere to safety practices. Do your movers adhere to the principles of safe lifting?
-Are your movers using equipment correctly? (Do they using dollies, blankets, furniture pads, ramps when necessary)
-Are movers doing their best to prevent damage and take gentle care of your belongings?
-Do you live in a walk-up building? Is it snowing outside? Is it insanely hot outside? The conditions present throughout your move should impact how much you tip them.
-Have you paid for any additional services like packing, or unpacking? Are they doing a good job?
Tipping is an excellent way to express your gratitude to your movers after a long day of hard work.
HOW TO TIP YOUR MOVERS
You should tip your movers once they have completed moving all of your belongings and are ready to leave your house. Typically you will tip the foreman. The foreman is the team lead who supervises the movers and acts as a friendly face to offer you important information and help you navigate the moving day.
If you want to motivate your movers to do a good job, you can tell them at the start of the moving day that you plan to leave a tip. This can help encourage your movers to do the best possible job and handle your belongings with the utmost care. Obviously you shouldn’t taunt your movers with a tip, but a bit of extra motivation can certainly help!
CAN I GIVE GIFTS INSTEAD OF A TIP?
While movers are grateful when customers offer food, beverages and gifts tipping is a separate matter of practice. Moving is an exhausting job and movers are grateful to receive any kind of token of gratitude.
Though monetary tips are always preferable, if for whatever reason you cannot leave a tip, movers will be happy to accept a warm meal as their tip. However, maybe don’t give your movers beer or alcoholic drinks if they have a long day of work ahead!
READY FOR YOUR LONG DISTANCE MOVE?
USA Preferred Movers is a professional local and long distance moving company with decades of experience in the moving industry. If you are planning a long distance move, or a cross country move, be sure to request a free quote.