When you hire movers, the price you pay usually covers labor, fuel, transportation and materials. Whether you’re using an expensive moving company or a budget-friendly one, it’s important to know how much to tip. This becomes even more crucial if your moving costs turn out to be more than expected.
One thing that’s usually not part of your moving estimate is a tip. If the bill doesn’t include gratuity, you might wonder whether you should tip or how much would be reasonable. Let me explain it simply for you.
Key Points
- A general guideline is to tip 10% to 20% of your total moving cost. Another option is to tip $20–$30 per mover for local moves or around $50 per mover for long-distance moves.
- On average, movers earn about $19 per hour.
- You might want to tip extra if the movers handle fragile or heavy items, help with assembling or disassembling furniture or complete the job quickly and efficiently.
How Much Should You Tip Movers?
The tip you give movers usually depends on how well they did their job and how much effort they put in. If they worked hard and provided great service, tipping is a nice way to say thank you.
Since every move is different, a common guideline is to tip 10% to 20% of the total cost. If you’d rather tip each mover individually, you can give $20–$30 per person for a local move or around $50 per person for a long-distance move.
Tipping Guide for Movers
|
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 table gives a simple overview of how much you should tip movers based on the hours they worked and the number of people in the crew. It helps you estimate an appropriate amount based on their effort and time.
Should You Tip Movers?
Movers often put in extra effort when your move takes longer or involves packing many boxes. Tipping is a thoughtful way to thank them for their hard work. While tipping isn’t required, it’s a kind gesture to show your appreciation. Remember, most movers are paid hourly so tipping doesn’t necessarily affect their pay but it’s a great way to acknowledge the effort they’ve put into helping you.
Things to Consider When Deciding How Much to Tip
Hiring movers makes your move easier and tipping is a thoughtful way to thank them for their work. Here are some things to think about when deciding how much to tip:
Complexity of the Move
If your move involves heavy or fragile items, stairs, elevators or other challenges, you might want to tip a bit extra. Even though moving companies may charge for these tasks, tipping is your personal way of appreciating the movers for handling everything with care and efficiency.
Quality of Service
Your tip should match how happy you are with their work. If the movers were fast, polite and made the move stress-free, consider tipping generously. On the other hand, if the service wasn’t up to your expectations, it’s okay to tip less or not tip at all.
Final Moving Cost
The total cost of your move can help you figure out how much to tip. A common guideline is to tip 10% to 20% of the total amount. Look at your receipt for the final cost and think about how much effort the movers put in. If someone went above and beyond, you can always give them a little extra.
Distance of the Move
The distance of your move is another thing to keep in mind. For long-distance moves, it’s a kind gesture to tip each mover a bit more to recognize the extra time and effort they spent.
Condition of Items after the Move
If your belongings arrive at your new home in perfect condition, it shows the movers took great care of them. This attention to detail can help you decide how much to tip as a way to thank them for their professionalism and care.
Are You Required to Tip Movers?
No, tipping movers is not mandatory. As the saying goes, “Tipping isn’t required, but it’s always appreciated.” While it’s not something you have to do, it’s a nice way to show your appreciation.
Movers usually earn around $19 per hour which may not seem like much considering how tough their job is. Their work involves physical strength, endurance and the skill to handle heavy lifting, fragile items and careful planning. Tipping is a kind gesture to acknowledge their hard work and effort.
When to Tip & When Not To
Tipping is not required, especially if the movers provide poor service or act unprofessionally. It’s meant to show gratitude for excellent work. Here’s when you might tip more or less:
When to Tip More
- They handle heavy or fragile items with care
- They are friendly and polite throughout the move
- They work quickly & efficiently without wasting time
- They go above & beyond like helping with furniture assembly or setup
When to Tip Less
- They arrive late or bring a truck that’s too small for the move
- They work slowly or seem unorganized
- You end up doing most of the work yourself
- They damage or mishandle your belongings
How to Tip Movers
If you choose to tip your movers, there are a couple of simple ways to do it. You can hand the tip directly to each mover or give it to the lead mover, who usually manages the team and communicates with you the most.
For multi-day moves, some people prefer tipping at the end of each day. This way, everyone who worked hard gets their share, even if they’re not on the crew for the final day.
No matter which method you choose, it’s a good idea to have cash ready for tips. If gratuity isn’t included in your bill, you might not be able to split tips using a credit card.
What If You Can’t Afford to Tip?
If you’re unable to tip due to budget constraints, there are still other ways to show your appreciation. You can offer your movers water, sports drinks or snacks like granola bars to help them stay refreshed and energized during the job.
Another thoughtful gesture is leaving a positive review online or recommending their services to friends and family. These small actions can go a long way in expressing your gratitude for their hard work.
Should You Provide Food to Movers?
Moving can be a long process and it’s thoughtful to consider your movers’ needs. While many movers bring their own food and drinks, offering them a meal is a kind gesture that can make the day more pleasant.
Movers often appreciate snacks or drinks from customers. Simple options like pizza or sandwiches are affordable & usually a hit. If you prefer, you can recommend nearby restaurants or give them some cash to grab their own meal. These small acts of kindness help keep the day running smoothly and create a friendly atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you tip piano movers?
Yes, it’s common to tip piano movers since they handle a heavy and fragile item. A reasonable tip is usually between $20 and $40 per person, depending on how challenging the move is.
Do you tip military movers?
Military movers hired through government contracts typically don’t expect tips. However, if they do an excellent job, you can thank them with snacks, drinks or a small tip as a gesture of appreciation.
Do you tip furniture movers?
Yes, tipping furniture movers is a nice way to show your appreciation for their hard work. For local moves, $20 to $30 per person is a good amount, and for long-distance moves, up to $50 per person is appropriate.
How Much Do You Tip Movers in NYC?
In NYC, where moving can be more demanding, it’s common to tip 15% to 20% of the total cost. Alternatively, you can tip $30 to $50 per mover, depending on how difficult the job is.
Do You Tip Commercial Movers?
Tipping commercial movers isn’t a standard practice, but it’s a nice way to show appreciation for exceptional service. A tip of $20 to $40 per mover is reasonable, depending on the size and complexity of the move.
Do You Tip Junk Movers?
Tipping junk movers isn’t necessary but is appreciated. If they handle the job quickly and efficiently, a tip of $10 to $20 per worker is a thoughtful way to thank them.
