Your Guide to Mover Etiquette: How Much to Tip Movers?

Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing or simply moving house, bringing in movers is a sure fire way to make life easier as you transition into your new home. Whether you’ve hired movers before or this is your first time going about the process, it can still be difficult to know exactly what the right protocol is for mover etiquette. If you’re wondering what to do in your mover situation, there are a few pieces of information you may want to keep in mind.

From keeping out of the way to how much to tip, there are plenty of questions that might be running through your head. No matter what you need moved or where you’re going, the rules of mover etiquette are actually quite simple. All you need to do is be welcoming and kind. Here’s how you can follow the best mover etiquette for your moving process.

Finish Packing Before They Arrive

One of the best things you can do to help out movers and give them an easier time is packing everything up before they arrive. While movers are there to help you get everything you need to your destination, they aren’t there to pack your things for you. Unless stated otherwise, everything you need moved should be packed and boxed before your movers get to your house. That way, they can easily and neatly access anything they need and do their jobs much more efficiently.

Clean and Tidy

While cleaning isn’t necessarily required, it is a nice thing to do, and it can make the movers’ lives much easier. While you should do a full deep clean before you move out anyway, doing it before the movers show up can hit two birds with one stone. Your movers shouldn’t have to deal with dirt, dust and grime while they’re moving your things, and you can ensure that they don’t encounter any of that.

How Much to Tip Movers

Movers work in the service industry, but they also are tasked with the added responsibility of handling your things and being in your space, as well as performing manual labor. They also might be working long hours, depending on the job and the circumstances. With these factors in mind, it can be a bit of a mystery how much you should tip movers. One good rule of thumb is to tip anywhere between $4 and $8 per mover, per hour — depending on how good of a job they did. If you’re thinking about longer distance moves or moves that aren’t hourly, you can start going by percentages then. If they did a satisfactory job, tipping a moderate amount is perfectly fine, but if they go above and beyond, tipping on the higher end is probably your best bet.

Offer Refreshments

This one can even come across as a bit of a stereotype, it can do more than you realize. Movers work hard and do a lot of manual labor, and having a bit of an extra boost during their job can not only be a pleasant surprise, but help them along in their work. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate, but offering your movers some drinks or snacks throughout their day can be great. You can even go with the seasons by offering hot drinks like coffee or tea in the winter and cold drinks in the summer.

Keep Pets and Kids Occupied

One of the best things you can do to make your movers’ jobs easier is to clear their path and make the process smoother. And one of the primary ways you can do this is by keeping pets and kids occupied and out of the way. Kids and pets don’t always have the wherewithal to stay out of the way of movers consistently, who often move heavy or delicate items. Instead, keeping kids and pets busy with outdoor time or even a bit of screen time if need be is probably the best option.

Stay Out of the Way

But you’re an adult, so you can help out, right? Well, not quite. Movers have a precise system in place for how they like to do things. They have protocol they’re used to following, and they probably don’t need help unless they specifically ask for something. While you shouldn’t disappear, staying out of the way can make life easier for everyone.

Mover Etiquette 101

Having movers help you out when you’re transitioning from one place to another can be a life saver. At the end of the day, they’re professionals who deserve respect and kindness. From how much to tip your movers to the ways you can make their jobs easier, following these tips can help you have the best mover etiquette possible.