When you hire movers, the estimate you get usually includes costs like labor, fuel, transportation and materials. Whether you’re hiring one of the top-rated moving companies or opting for a more affordable service, it’s good to know how much to tip your movers. This can be especially helpful if your move ends up being more costly than you originally thought.
One thing that likely won’t be included in your moving estimate is a tip. If the moving company hasn’t added a gratuity to the bill, you might wonder how much to tip the movers and if tipping is even necessary. We’re here to make that clear for you.
Key Points
- A good rule of thumb is to tip around 10% to 20% of the total moving cost. Alternatively, you can tip $20 to $30 per mover for local moves and $50 per mover for long-distance moves.
- On average, movers make about $19 per hour.
- Consider tipping more if the movers handle fragile or heavy items help with assembling or disassembling furniture or work quickly and efficiently.
How Much Should You Tip Movers?
The amount you tip movers can vary depending on your specific situation. How much you tip should reflect the quality of service they provided and how long they worked. If they did an excellent job, they deserve a tip.
Since every move is different, it’s generally suggested to tip between 10% and 20% of the total moving cost. If you prefer to tip each mover individually, you can give $20 to $30 per person for a local move and $50 per person for long-distance moves.
| Hours Worked | 2-Person Crew | 3-Person Crew | 4-Person Crew | 5-Person Crew |
| 2 Hours | $16 – $40 | $24 – $72 | $32 – $80 | $40 – $120 |
| 4 Hours | $32 – $96 | $48 – $144 | $64 – $192 | $80 – $240 |
| 8 Hours | $64 – $192 | $96 – $288 | $128 – $384 | $160 – $480 |
| 12 Hours | $96 – $194 | $141 – $432 | $188 – $576 | $240 – $720 |
This gives a clear idea of tipping ranges based on crew size and hours worked.
Should You Tip Movers?
The more time your move takes and the more boxes that need packing the harder the movers work. Tipping is a nice way to show appreciation for their effort. While tipping isn’t required, it’s a thoughtful gesture that can show your gratitude for their hard work. However, since most movers are paid by the hour rather than by the job, tipping may not necessarily improve the service but it’s still a way to recognize their effort.
Things to Consider When Deciding How Much to Tip
Hiring movers makes the moving process easier. After the job is done you might want to tip them as a way to show your appreciation. However, a few factors can help you decide how much to tip, such as:
Complexity of the Move
If your move includes heavy or delicate items, stairs, elevators or other challenges, you may want to tip more. While moving companies often charge extra for these difficulties tipping your movers can show that you appreciate their hard work and effort in handling these tasks efficiently.
Quality of Service
Your tip should reflect how satisfied you are with the service. If the movers were efficient, polite and went out of their way to make the move smooth, you might consider tipping more. However, if the service was below your expectations, you can tip less or choose not to tip at all.
Final Moving Cost
The total cost of your move can help you decide how much to tip your movers. A common guideline is to tip 10% to 20% of the total moving cost. Before tipping, it’s a good idea to check your receipt to see exactly how much the move cost and how much work each person did. If a mover went above and beyond you can always tip more.
Distance of the Move
Whether you’re moving nearby or across the country, the distance can affect how much you tip. For longer moves, you might want to tip a bit more per mover to recognize the extra time and effort they put in.
Condition of Items After the Move
If your belongings arrive at your new home in good condition it’s a sign that the movers took care during the process. This level of care can influence how much you tip them.
Are You Required to Tip Movers?
Simply put, no, tipping movers isn’t mandatory. “Tipping is not required but it’s always appreciated,” says Sid from Sid Web Solutions. While you don’t have to tip, it’s still something to consider.
Movers earn about $19 per hour on average which isn’t much for the hard work they do. As Thomas Trainor, founder of Relocation Concierge, points out, movers need strength, endurance and skills to handle the challenging tasks and careful planning involved in moving.
When to Tip & When Not To
You don’t have to spend a lot on tips especially if the movers didn’t do a great job or weren’t very friendly. Tipping is meant to show appreciation for good work. Here are some situations where you might want to tip more or times when you might consider tipping less:
When to Tip More:
- If the movers handle large or fragile items with care.
- If they are friendly and polite.
- If they work efficiently and quickly.
- If they go the extra mile, like helping set up or assemble furniture.
When to Tip Less:
- If the movers arrive late or bring a truck that’s too small.
- If they seem to work slowly on purpose or are inefficient.
- If you end up doing most of the work yourself.
- If they damage or mishandle your belongings.
How to Tip Movers
If you’ve decided to tip your moving crew, there are a few ways to do it. You can either give a tip to each mover individually or hand it to the lead mover (usually the one you’ve communicated with the most).
Thomas Trainor suggests tipping each mover directly at the end of each day to ensure fairness. This way, you avoid the risk of a dishonest lead mover. For moves that take several days tipping only at the end can be tricky because you might have different crew members each day and someone who worked hard earlier might miss out if they aren’t there on the final day.
Whichever method you choose, it’s important to have cash ready for tipping. If gratuity isn’t already included in your bill, you won’t be able to divide tips using a credit card.
What If You Can’t Afford to Tip?
If your moving budget is tight and you can’t afford to tip, there are other ways to show appreciation for your movers’ hard work. You can offer them water, sports drinks or snacks like granola bars. Another way to express gratitude is by leaving a positive review online or recommending their services to friends and family.
Should You Provide Food to Movers?
Moves can take several hours and you’ll likely need to eat at some point. It’s a good idea to think about your movers too. While many movers bring their own food and water, offering them a meal can make the process smoother.
As Hilary Reynolds notes, movers appreciate when customers offer refreshments or snacks. Easy options like pizza or subs work well since they’re affordable and liked by most people. You can also suggest a few local restaurants or give a small amount of cash so they can buy their own food.
FAQs
Do you tip piano movers?
Yes, it’s common to tip piano movers, especially since they handle a delicate and heavy item. A tip of around $20 to $40 per person is a good guideline depending on the complexity of the move.
Do you tip military movers?
Military movers, who are usually hired through government contracts do not require tipping. However, if you feel they’ve provided excellent service, you can offer snacks, drinks or a small tip as a gesture of appreciation.
Do you tip the furniture movers?
Yes, tipping furniture movers is a way to show appreciation for their work. A typical tip is $20 to $30 per person for local moves and up to $50 per person for long-distance moves.
How much do you tip movers in NYC?
In NYC, where moving can be more challenging, tipping between 15% to 20% of the total moving cost is common. You can also tip $30 to $50 per mover depending on the difficulty of the move.
Do you tip commercial movers?
Tipping commercial movers is not as common but it can be appreciated if they provide excellent service. A tip of $20 to $40 per mover can be appropriate depending on the size and complexity of the job.
Do you tip junk movers?
Tipping junk movers is not required but appreciated. If they go above and beyond in removing your junk quickly and efficiently, consider tipping $10 to $20 per worker.
