Tipping is not an exact science, nor should it be. When dining, a 20% calculation is a good place to start when determining a tip, but not all waiters deserve 20%, some deserve more an some less. The same applies to movers.
The base rate to tip full service movers is 5%. But 5% of a $10,000 move is $500. That’s pretty big if you didn’t like your movers, if you didn’t feel that they proceeded with care or respect. And so don’t worry about tipping movers less. But also don’t feel restricted from tipping more.
Tipping is a feeling, an expression of gratitude and respect, not an exact amount to be imposed equally on all. If it was the latter, it would be called a fee. So, tip your movers what is right based on the circumstances. Start with the your base tip amount being 5%, then adjust it according to what you FEEL your movers deserve. Learn more about the do’s and don’t of moving etiquette at Movingguru.com.