As in every service business, it’s customary to tip someone when they do a good job. Even though you’re not obligated to tip, many people feel that those who handle their personal belongings should receive something extra. Tipping a moving crew is justified given the physically demanding nature of their job and the significance of moving itself.

Depending on the type of move, a number of workers may be involved, including a driver/supervisor and separate crews for packing, loading, unloading and unpacking cargo. Tipping can’t get confusing when there are more workers and a variety of services involved in a move.

In most cases, the driver/supervisor is the go-to person for any problems or concerns that you may have. It’s a good idea to give this person a bigger tip than the others, because he or she will probably be involved in your move from the beginning to end and will be most responsible for the success of the move and your customer experience. If you tip the packing or loading crews at the origin address, inform the driver/supervisor that you will take care of him of her at the destination, or you may want to give a tip at both origin and destination. Either way is acceptable.

A personal decision

If you choose to tip the other crews, you can do so when they complete their services — for example, the packing crew when they finish before the cargo is loaded, the loading crew at origin and the unloading crew at destination. How much you tip is a personal decision. People generally give different amounts, depending on the size of the move, the weather the crews endure, and the quality of the service that you receive. One rule-of-thumb says that crew members should each receive about $20 and the driver/supervisor $50-$100. You may want to think about the tip as a percentage of your overall moving costs. If your tip is in the 5-10 percent range, the crew will be quite pleased. Again, there are no strict rules to tipping, which is a matter of choice.

There are other ways to show appreciation to your moving crews. Give them coffee or water or cold drinks. If the move is going to take several hours, buy everyone lunch. It’s not always easy for a crew to leave the job to get food, especially if they have to drive the truck. A lot of time may be wasted in breaking down the walk boards and equipment to move the truck, so it’s much more convenient for you to go and pick something up for them.

All movers like to know that their work is appreciated, and any type of kind gesture will go a long way. Along with tipping and cold drinks, remember to be warm and generous by praising their hard work and acknowledging the challenges of their job. Common courtesy and respect can mean far more than money in the end.