Hiring a professional moving team takes much of the stress out of moving and allows you to focus on the big picture of the move instead of lugging your heavy and awkward furniture and appliances out to the truck. While it's always courteous to thank each member of the moving team at the conclusion of the day -- as well as share some encouragement and appreciation throughout it -- the best way to convey your gratitude is by tipping once the work is done. Here's how much you should consider tipping each mover and how to decide where, within the suggested range, to tip.

Tipping Basics

If you're happy with the care, speed and attentiveness shown by the moving team on your big day, it's appropriate to give each crew member a tip at the conclusion of the job. Because tipping a crew of movers doesn't carry the same standards as tipping a waiter or taxi driver, the amount you give is largely dependent on your level of satisfaction. However, some standards do exist. According to the website Moving.com, a partner site of the American Moving and Storage Association, tipping between $10 and $20 per crew member, depending on the specifics of the move, is conventional.

Factors To Consider

If the general rule of tipping between $10 and $20 suits your budget, keep an eye on the movers throughout the day to help you decide where you should tip within this range. Tip closer to the $20 mark for a crew that not only works quickly, but displays professionalism by making sure to protect your goods and your home. A conscientious mover who doesn't damage anything can save you money and time patching walls or applying a new coat of paint, so up to $20 -- or even beyond it -- is often a small price to pay.

How To Tip

Don't try to add a tip to the invoice you pay at the end of the day. Instead, have some cash on hand on the day of your move and determine how much you plan to tip each crew member before the work is done. When the job is wrapping up, make a point of visiting each mover to verbally express your appreciation for his or her efforts and hand over the cash tip as you say thanks. You can also drive home your message of gratitude by making a specific mention of the person's effort. For example, "I saw you lugging that sectional couch up from the basement and it must've been tough. Thank you for your hard work."

Tipping your movers is a great way to keep a friendly, professional relationship with the company you choose.