Moving can be a very stressful time for anyone involved. From the packing to the unpacking, it can feel like your life is a jumbled mess. For the first-time mover, however, the knots in the stomach can be even worse. Questions will, no doubt, arise about how to handle a move, whether to tip movers, when to shut off the water, etc. In the case of the dealing with professional movers, there are some basic rules of the road to follow.

The first thing to keep in mind when it comes to handling the movers themselves is that tipping is optional in this industry. That means the movers in question do not rely on tips to get by. This, of course, isn`t to say they don`t appreciate them when they get them. However, a tip at the end of the job is not expected.

That said, there might be times when tipping movers is in order. If you feel the job has been done exceptionally well, it`s perfectly acceptable to give your thanks in the form of a cash bonus. Before you jump in and expect to pay a ton in tips over and above the moving fees, however, ask yourself a few questions. Remember, tips in this industry are optional, so service should be spectacular to warrant them.

Before tipping consider these things:

*Did the movers you hired work in a timely fashion? Did they arrive on time and deliver your belongings within the stated window?

*Did the movers on the job treat your belongings like they were their own or did they act as if it was just another job on just another day?

*Were the movers polite, courteous and willing to work with you?

*Did the movers go above and beyond to get the job done well?

If you answered yes to these questions, a tip for the moving crew is probably in order. There are two basic forms of tips that are standard in this industry. Either is more than appropriate in the case of a job well done. They are money, refreshments or both!

If you decide to tip your movers by offering them lunch on you, this is a more than acceptable way to show your appreciation. Go the extra mile though and find out what they`d like to eat and drink. While moving means pizza and beer day for you, it`s likely pizza day comes a whole lot for your movers. With this in mind, it`s a very nice gesture to let them pick the place or style of food.

Tipping in cash is also more than acceptable when a job`s been performed to the highest standards. Don`t worry about trying to figure out percentages to pay each mover based on the job, however. A flat tip is more than fine. On average, most movers will get a $20 tip for a full day`s work and $10 for a half day. You can, of course, go over or under this amount.

Moving can be a real nightmare. From figuring out a timetable for getting everything done to deciding whether to tip the movers, the process can seem like an endless stream of questions. When it comes to paying the movers a little extra for their troubles, remember this is an expense you don`t have to incur, but it will be appreciated.