Tipping movers? How much?

[minniebee]

When I've moved in the past, I've packed everything myself and just hired movers to load/unload for a local move. I tipped the movers a percentage of the cost of the move.

This time, H's employer is paying for a full pack and move for our relocation. Since I have no idea how much the move is going to cost because we aren't paying for it, I can't tip a percentage of the cost. How much is reasonable?

Also, one crew of people is packing everything, and a second crew is loading the truck, and a third crew will unload in our new state. I should tip all three crews, right? It's a big job for all, we are filling an entire semi truck with stuff!

[LoveTrains]

I have never tipped movers a percentage of the move. I always just tip each of the guys $20. In your case, I would probably tip $20 to each mover who loads the truck and $20 to each mover who unloads. maybe more if they are working 8 hours on each end.

I have no experience with the packers.

[KaraOrNot]

$20 each.

[jackie011]

We were in the same situation a few years ago. A crew of 3 guys came and packed up our entire apartment in 3 hours. I had donuts, ordered pizzas, had lots of water and soda bottles, and then tipped each guy $20 when they left (all suggestions from TN!).

The next day, 2 different guys and our driver loaded up the truck. I tipped each mover $20 and gave the driver a $20 at the time. No pizza/snacks as they weren't even there for an hour, and it would have been weird to order pizza at 10:00 am!

We arrived at our new destination and tipped each "unloader" $20 and gave the driver a $50. We moved in February and had a lot of snow along the route, but our things still arrived on time, though we did have some damage.

[thegooser]

$20 each. Tip at the beginning so they are more careful with your stuff.

My packers gave me TERRIBLE attitude but were sweet as pie after I tipped. Sigh.

[Deleted]

Typically you buy them lunch and tip $20/person. They always get bought pizza so if you did something like chinese take out, etc they would love you.

[Deleted]

I don't. Unless my employer encouraged it then I would give whatever they allow.

[y4m]

I'd tip everyone on both ends $20-40 (plus lunch if applicable), and the driver $50. The driver is the one who will be with your stuff, and he decides whether you get it delivered at the near end of the delivery quote or the far end. I swear when we moved to CA, that $50 got me out of an extra week of sleeping on an air mattress. So worth it.

[Pom]

Our stuff had been in storage and it was PACKED in there. Plus we had two trucks and two stops (our apartment and storage). It was also 95 degrees in August. Driver=$75, 2 additional guys $50 each. We also had plenty of waters and we bought lunch too.

[LoveTrains]

I should add that I also did bottled water for the guys, but definitely not a lunch. I was paying by the hour, so why should I provide them lunch and for the time that they were eating it? But my move was only five hours start to end.