A Simple, Honest Guide to Tipping Your Movers
Answering the most common questions about showing appreciation for a job well done, so you can feel confident on moving day.
Tipping Guide
A Simple and Honest Guide to Tipping Your Movers
Tipping is one of the most common—and sometimes awkward—questions we get. You want to show your appreciation for a job well done, but it’s not always clear what the standard practice is. This guide is here to answer all your questions transparently, so you can feel confident on moving day.
Our Philosophy on Tipping: At Impel Moving, we believe a tip is a “thank you” for excellent service. Our crews are well-compensated professionals who take pride in their work. While tips are always deeply appreciated, they are never required.
General Tipping Guidelines
While there’s no set rule, the industry standard is often based on the length and complexity of your move. Here are some common guidelines to help you decide:
For a Half-Day Move (approx. 4-5 hours)
Common for smaller apartments or local moves. A typical range is $20 – $30 per mover.
For a Full-Day Move (approx. 8-10 hours)
Standard for larger homes. A common range is $40 – $60 per mover.
For a Multi-Day or Long-Distance Move
For large, complex, or cross-country moves, tipping is often calculated as a percentage of the total bill. A standard range is 10% – 20% of the total move cost, which is then divided among the crew members.
Important Note: These are just guidelines. The final amount is always at your discretion and should reflect the quality of service you received.
The “How-To” of Tipping
When Should I Tip?
The best time to tip is at the very end of the move, after the last box has been placed and all services are complete.
Should I Tip Each Mover or the Foreman?
Both methods are perfectly acceptable. You can either hand a tip to each mover individually or give the total amount to the crew foreman and ask them to distribute it evenly among the team. Giving it to the foreman is often easier and ensures no one is missed.
More Ways to Show Appreciation
Cash tips are wonderful, but they aren’t the only way to say “thank you.” Our crews are always grateful for:
⭐ A Positive Online Review: Leaving a 5-star review on Google or Yelp is incredibly valuable to us and our team. Be sure to mention your movers by name!
🥤 Refreshments: Offering bottled water, coffee, or snacks during a long move is a thoughtful gesture that is always appreciated.
🤝 A Referral: Recommending our services to a friend, family member, or colleague is the highest compliment you can give.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tipping required or expected?
It is not required, but it is a customary way to show appreciation for hard, physical work done well. Our teams are grateful for any tips they receive.
Should I tip if I wasn’t completely satisfied with the service?
No. A tip is a reward for excellent service. If you have any concerns about your move, we strongly encourage you to contact our customer service team so we can address the issue directly.
Can I add a tip to my credit card payment?
Please check with your moving consultant when you book. While many companies offer this, cash is often the most direct and preferred method for the moving crew, as they can receive it immediately.
