In our experience, your movers would never expect more than 5–20% as a tip for a local residential move. For example, for three movers working on a $4,000 move, a $150–$200 tip split between the crew would be more than sufficient. They may not even expect anything at all. If your crew worked for a grueling 4 days packing, wrapping, hauling and loading for a move to Arizona, they would massively appreciate a tip. It is totally discretionary — moving needs to be done on a tight budget.
Do you need to tip?
If movers have shown up on time, in uniform and worked hard and fast, with a positive attitude, without incurring a speck of damage after hauling items up and down flights of stairs and across the city, tipping is a good way to show gratitude. Tips can go to the foreman to split evenly, or you can pass them out individually. Like any service occupation, movers are appreciative of a little extra for back-breaking work.
What if you feel like not tipping?
Horror stories where items disappeared or a painting got crushed would be clear no-tip situations. If movers turned up late, rude, and careless, it would be acceptable not to tip. Always vet a company on credibility and reviews. See Liffey reviews. Our movers work, on average, between 10 and 14-hour shifts. Anything is a bonus, be it a cash tip or buying lunch. Arrange your next move — local, long distance, or office — at (212) 410-3500.