How much to tip movers in Philly in 2024

Written, Edited, and Fact Checked by Taras Kim

Updated: September 13, 2024

Philadelphia's tips culture is highly developed and the moving industry is no exception. In order to avoid uncomfortable situations after movers finish work, experts in moving from WellKnown Moving Philadelphia wrote a small guide about how much to tip movers in Philadelphia.

Tipping Guide

Of course, the most standard way of tipping is a percentage of the total amount of service provided - 10%, 15%, 20%, and so on. But many factors in the movers job can influence the amount of money. Below we have given a couple of tables with the way to calculate the fee and have outlined additional factors that can affect the final amount:

Tipping Based on Time (Estimated Hours)

Tipping Based on Moving Size

Additional Considerations

• 🚶‍♂️ Long carry distances or stairs: Think about raising the tip if your movers have to go up and down stairs, through elevators, or over an extended period of time to get from the truck to your house.
• 📦 Packing/unpacking services: If your movers provide packing or unpacking services, factor this additional work into the tip amount.
• 🌟 Exceptional service: If the movers go above and beyond to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience, a more generous tip is a great way to show your appreciation.
• 🌧️ Weather conditions: Extreme weather conditions, such as intense heat or heavy rain, can make the move more challenging. Consider recognizing the movers' extra effort with a larger tip.

Usually the general tip is around 20% of the total move cost and the minimum is considered around $20 per mover. More about cost of moving in Philadelphia.

Remember, these are just guidelines. Ultimately, the best tip is one that reflects the quality of service you received and your own financial situation.

Why Tip Movers?

The most obvious answer to this question, of course, is that moving is very hard work and, unfortunately, is a seasonal business. But do not forget that any tips are still optional and always be guided solely by your budget. Also remember that you should pay attention to how well the work was done and, on this basis, make a decision on how much to tip the movers. Good movers always try to do the job quickly and efficiently. knowing that by doing this they can save you money (since work is often always priced by the hour) and thus get more tips.

Other Ways to Show Appreciation

In addition to “cash” tips, there are other ways to show your appreciation for movers:

• 🥤 Provide drinks and snacks: should you offer food and drinks to movers? Yes, offering movers drinks or snacks during a move is a good way to help movers who are engaged in hard physical labor.
  • 🥤 Cold drinks: Bottled water, sports drinks like Gatorade, or lemonade are refreshing and hydrating, especially in warm weather.
  • 🍎 Snacks: Granola bars, protein bars, fresh fruit (like apples or bananas) or snack mix will help provide quick energy.
  • 🍕 Meals: If the move will take a few hours, offer something like pizza, sandwiches, or a simple take-out meal.
• ⭐ Leave a positive review: help the movers by leaving a good review about them online, many companies reward workers extra if they bring positive feedback to the company
• 🙏 Express your gratitude: don't forget, a simple kind word is also worth a lot!

Should You Offer Food and Drinks to Movers?

Offering food and drinks to your movers is a considerate gesture, especially during long or strenuous moves. Providing snacks, water, or even a meal shows appreciation and can keep the crew energized and motivated. While it’s not required, it’s a small way to make their job a bit easier.

Conclusion

In summary, tipping movers in Philadelphia is a thoughtful way to show appreciation for their hard work. While 20% of the total move cost is standard, consider the job's complexity and conditions. Beyond tipping, offering refreshments, leaving a positive review, and expressing gratitude can further show your appreciation.