How Much To Tip Movers? A Complete Guide
Take the guesswork out of tipping movers
Highlights
The standard amount to tip is between 10%–20% of the total cost of your move.
Tipping is not required, but encouraged if the movers did an excellent job.
Consider other factors like weather conditions and time spent on task when deciding how much to tip movers.
Professional movers can make moving much easier and less stressful. So, how much should you tip movers after they help you transport your belongings to your new home?
Although professional movers are paid hourly, rewarding them for their hard work is essential. If you need help determining how much to tip movers, this guide will help you calculate the amount based on your move and factors to consider when calculating the tip amount.
How Much Should You Tip Movers?
The amount to tip professional movers near you depends on many factors. However, the standard amount is between 10% to 20% of the total cost of the move. So, let's say your move costs the national average of $1,695. In that case, you should tip between $170 to $340 for the crew to split.
You can also tip based on the number of hours worked. A good rule of thumb is to tip movers $5 to $10 per hour per mover. So, if they work half of a day (four hours), you would tip between $20 to $40 and $40 to $80 for a full day.
Tip Amount Totals
Follow these guidelines when calculating moving tip totals.
| Number of Movers | Tip for 4 Hours | Tip for 8 Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 2-Person Crew | $40–$80 | $80–$160 |
| 3-Person Crew | $60–$120 | $120–$240 |
| 4-Person Crew | $80–$160 | $160–$320 |
| 5-Person Crew | $100–$200 | $200–$400 |
| 6-Person Crew | $120–$240 | $240–$480 |
Factors to Consider When Calculating Tip Amounts
If you aren't sure if you should tip on the lower or higher end, there are some factors you can consider to help you calculate how much to tip movers that is fair yet generous. Here are the most common factors that influence the tip amount:
Types of Items
Do you have large, heavy furniture items or heavy appliances for the movers to transport? Bulky and heavy items make the job much more complex and tiring than carrying boxes to the truck, so keep that in mind when adding up the tip amount. If you have an abundance of heavy items, then it would be courteous to tip on the high-end for the mover’s hard work.
Level of Difficulty
If you are moving to or from a multi-level home, or the location is difficult to maneuver through, then be sure to factor that into your tip. Carrying items up and down steep stairs and moving furniture or large items through narrow hallways can increase the difficulty of the move. You can show your appreciation by increasing the tip amount.
Total Distance and Time Spent on Task
You need to factor in the distance of the move when calculating the tip, too. Long- distance moves require more time and effort, which is why you should tip more than you would for a local move. If the distance isn't that far, but the tasks took more time than expected due to weather or lack of preparation, consider adding a bit more to the tip.
Weather Conditions
Nobody wants to move during inclement weather, but the move must go on. Rain, snow, wind, or extreme heat can make the job of transporting boxes and loading furniture into a moving truck much more difficult. So, it's nice to show some gratitude by bumping up the tip amount for dealing with unpleasant weather conditions.
Quality of Service
Similar to how you calculate a tip for the service you receive from wait staff at a restaurant, you can do the same when deciding how much to tip movers. If your movers gave outstanding service and everything went smoothly, then reflect that in your tip. After all, good help is hard to find, and it's better than attempting a DIY move.
Is Tipping Your Movers Required?
Tipping is not required, but movers definitely appreciate it. When someone provides a service, showing your appreciation with a tip is a great gesture. If your movers provided excellent service, you should reward them for it. However, if the movers did a subpar job, then you can tip less but try to remain open-minded about the situation.
When Should You Consider Tipping Less?
Speaking of tipping less, what situations would warrant lowering the tip or not tipping at all? Sometimes accidents happen, and sometimes moves don't go according to plan. However, in some instances, you may decide to tip less or withhold a tip, such as:
Your items were damaged or broken by the movers.
They had a disrespectful or aggressive attitude throughout the moving process.
The moving team did not show up on time and caused delays.
Remember that accidents happen, and if the movers show remorse for making a mistake or breaking an item, you should still tip them for their efforts.
When Is the Best Time to Tip Movers?
Now that you know how much to tip movers, you need to figure out the best time to hand out the cash. It depends on whether the move is local or long-distance because you may have a different crew loading your items and unloading them once they reach the new location.
If that's the case, you should tip the crew after the items are on the truck and then the other movers once the items are relocated safely inside your new residence. However, if it's a standard local move, you normally wait and tip after the move is complete. When booking your moving service, consult them about their preferred method and timing for tipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
As they say, cash is king when it comes to tipping. The movers can have their tip right away without waiting for distribution. However, most companies will allow you to add a tip to your bill using a credit card. Some companies may even charge gratuity, so check your bill beforehand.
Just like tipping isn't required, neither is food or drinks. However, offering your movers snacks and drinks is very considerate, especially if they are working in extreme heat or you have a complicated move. Think of how much you would appreciate it if you were a mover and the customer was nice enough to offer food or drinks.
Since the standard amount for tipping is between 10% to 20% of the cost of your move, anything above that range would be considered a generous tip. So, if your move went exceptionally well and you can afford to kick in more than the average rate, go for it. Movers will appreciate the generosity of the tip.