Is tipping expected?
Tipping is a common way to thank a crew, but it's not part of your bill and shouldn't be a condition of the service. If anyone demands a tip, treat it as a warning sign and report it to the company.
Common amounts
People commonly tip one of these ways:
- A flat amount per mover, such as $20 to $40 per person for a half day, or $40 to $60 for a full day.
- A percentage of the labor portion, though on a long-distance move this is harder to work out, since much of the bill is for transport.
These are customs, not rules, and you can adjust them for your budget and how the job went.
When to tip more or less
More: multiple flights of stairs, heavy furniture, extreme weather, careful handling of fragile items or an extra hour's help.
Less, or none: rudeness, carelessness or damage. Talk to the company about real problems, and write down damage on your paperwork. A tip doesn't affect your right to file a claim.
Long-distance details
On a long move, you may have one crew at loading and another at delivery, so plan to tip each one you want to thank. Hand tips to each person directly, or to the crew lead with a clear instruction. Keep some cash handy, or ask whether another method works.
Beyond cash
Cold water, sports drinks and lunch on a long day are always appreciated. These matter especially in a Chicago summer or an Arizona delivery. If you were happy with the job, a detailed review helps too.