How Much Do You Tip Movers?

Hiring professional movers for your next move saves you time and stress, and tipping your movers lets them know you appreciate their hard work. But how much should you tip movers? This guide will help you understand whether to tip, how much to tip, and other ways to show appreciation without tipping.

Do You Have to Tip Movers?

Tipping movers isn’t required, but it’s appreciated for a job well done. Local moving companies are responsible for safely transporting your belongings to your new home, so you don’t have to stress about how to move your antique armoire or hard-to-maneuver couch. Although movers don’t expect gratuities, they will appreciate a tip, especially for a long or difficult move.

For example, you might want to tip movers who:

• Are on time and stick to a predetermined schedule

• Are effective communicators and keep you updated along the way

• Are tasked with lifting heavy or awkward-shaped items

• Move your belongings from an inaccessible place, like an upper-floor apartment with tight staircases

• Handle your fragile items with utmost care

How Much Should You Tip Movers?

There’s no set amount when it comes to tipping your moving crew. However, a good rule of thumb is to tip 10% and 20% of the total moving cost. With the cost to hire movers ranging from $880 to $2,570, your total tip would be between $88 and $513.

You can also tip a set dollar amount, such as $4 to $5 per hour per mover. This results in the following tip amounts.

While this hourly rate is standard, you can tip more for an exceptional job.

Factors That Affect Tipping Cost

The amount you should tip movers depends on several factors.

• Quality of service: The quality of the service you receive will be the main driving factor in how much you tip movers. You’ll probably tip more for exceptional service than average service.

• Move distance and complexity: You’ll likely tip less for a shorter or more straightforward move than for a long-distance or extremely complicated move that includes navigating tight spaces.

• Handling fragile items: Consider giving your movers a larger tip if they handle fragile or sentimental items, like collectible glassware or heirloom furniture.

• Total cost: If you tip a percentage of the total moving cost, your tip will be higher for a more expensive move. 

• Weather conditions: Professional movers work in all weather conditions. If your moving day is rainy, snowy, or icy, consider increasing your tip to thank the workers for powering through.

• Additional services: A larger tip is warranted if the movers provide additional services, like adding extra padding to fragile items, packing last-minute items, or disassembling furniture.

Additional Tipping Etiquette

There are several things to consider when planning a tip for a professional moving service.

• Tip each crew member individually to ensure each one gets a fair share.

• Stick to cash for your tip and take out smaller bills to tip each mover individually.

• Wait until the end of the day to tip for a single-day move.

• Consider tipping at increments throughout the move for those that take longer than a day.

• If you can’t afford to tip your movers, find alternative ways to show gratitude for a well-done job.

Alternatives to Tipping

There’s a chance you might not be able to afford to tip your movers. Tipping is voluntary, and you won’t receive lesser service for not providing a tip. There are several other ways you can show your movers appreciation that don’t involve tipping.

• Leave a positive review for your movers on their website, Google Business Profile, or social media pages.

• Recommend the movers to friends and family members planning to move soon.

• Offer to be a reference that the moving company can share with prospective customers who want to speak to former customers.

• Provide refreshments for the movers throughout the day, including water, soda, and snacks.