What is a Normal Tip for Movers? (2024)

After choosing the right moving company, you must also figure out how much too actually tip the movers. Tipping movers can be a touchy subject and you may need guidance for this situation. You are trusting movers with your personal belongings, they are taking care of the heavy lifting and in some cases, they will also be packing and unpacking for you. They should be rewarded for their hard work, but how much is the right amount to tip your movers? While movers get paid to provide the service and haul your things from one place to another, a little extra recognition is always appreciated. If you're happy with your movers, please consider tipping them. While they may not stand in front of your home waiting for a tip, a little extra cash is the best way to show your true appreciation for this very personal service they have provided for you.

How Much to Tip Your Movers

The amount you tip your movers depends on the service they provide for you but is of course completely at your discretion. If you have large items, such as a piano or a heave billiards table, you may need to tip a little extra for the extra work.

It's best to tip your movers based on the time they spend on the move. A good rule of thumb is to tip between $15 and $25 per person for moves requiring up to 4 hours of time. If it takes longer to move than 4 hours, you should tip between $35 and $45 per person.

In addition, you should consider tipping extra if the movers have to deal with a heavy piano or another specialty item. Even if the item isn't heavy, if they have to handle something valuable or fragile, add on another $5 to $10 per person.

Other factors to consider when tipping movers include:

  • Weather conditions

  • Packing

  • Unpacking

  • Additional services provided

If your movers are packing, loading, moving, unloading, unpacking and assembling your things, a larger tip may be necessary. Remember, to tip a bit more if the movers are providing additional services outside of just loading and dropping off.

A Few Things You Shouldn't do When Tipping Movers

Whenever you hire a professional moving company to handle your things, make sure you avoid doing any of the following when tipping the moving crew:

Don't offer a beer or other alcoholic beverage at the end of the move. Most companies have policies against this.

If you prefer to buy them lunch, don't just order a pizza without asking what they would like. Remember, some may have diet restrictions or simply not care for specific types of food. However, buying your movers lunch is acceptable and much appreciated.

Don't tip them until the entire job is done. You can't take it back if you're unhappy with the move.

Follow these guidelines and use your best judgement when it comes to tipping your movers. Consider the type of move and how much time it takes them. You should also consider having some cold bottles of water, sports drinks and some healthy snacks available, if the move will take all day long.

While tipping movers may be a touchy subject, a cash tips is a great way to show appreciation. If you're not sure how much to tip, use the guidelines above and always plan to tip in cash, even if you're paying the actual moving company with a check or credit card.

What is a Normal Tip for Movers? (2024)

FAQs

What is a Normal Tip for Movers? ›

It is typically recommended that you tip movers between 20% of the total moving cost. If you'd like to tip per movers, consider $20 to $30 per person for a local move and $50 per person for long-distance moves.

Is $20 enough to tip movers? ›

It is typically recommended that you tip movers between 20% of the total moving cost. If you'd like to tip per movers, consider $20 to $30 per person for a local move and $50 per person for long-distance moves.

Is $100 a good tip for movers? ›

How much should I tip my movers? A good rule of thumb is to tip $5 to $10 per hour per mover. This can mean $50 to $100 per mover for a full-day move. However, if your move is particularly difficult, you might consider tipping 20% of the total cost.

Is $50 each a good tip for movers? ›

Standard Tipping Range: The common range for tipping movers is $20 to $40 per mover for a local move and $50 to $100 or more for a long-distance move. Percentage Approach: Some individuals opt for a tip equivalent to 5–10% of the total moving cost.

Is $200 a good tip for movers? ›

A tip of 5 to 10 percent is often recommended, and this amount should be given to the entire moving team via the foreman. For example, if you've paid $2000 for your moving services, consider tipping anywhere from $100 to $200.

Is it common courtesy to tip movers? ›

Although tipping movers is not technically required, it is customary, so we do recommend it. A good rule of thumb is to tip $5 to $10 per person per hour, paid individually rather than as a lump sum. Generally, you will tip the crew members at the end of the move after they have provided their final service.

Is $25 a good tip for movers? ›

A $25 tip per mover is another good option, particularly for moves that are relatively straightforward but still require a fair amount of effort from the moving team.

Should I tip movers with cash? ›

Everyone appreciates a cash tip, but you can also check with your moving company about adding a gratuity with your credit card or other payment form on your final bill.

Is $80 a good tip for movers? ›

Size of Move

Four-person moving crew tips for an eight-hour move can range from $80 to $450, while two-hour move tips can range from $20 to $160.

How much to tip removal for men? ›

If you do decide to tip, the amount you choose is entirely your choice. There isn't a set amount of money that's expected or that you should provide. On average, around 10% of the total removal cost is a reasonable amount to give. You can choose to provide more or less than this.

Is $40 a good tip for movers? ›

Based on your level of satisfaction and the difficulty of the move, customary tips range anywhere from 10% to 20%. You can also tip by a dollar amount, perhaps offering $20 to $40 per mover. Consider tipping more if your movers went above and beyond on your moving day.

Is 150 a good tip for movers? ›

A good rule of thumb is to tip movers 5-10% of the total cost of the move. So, if your move costs $3,000 in total, you would tip your movers $150-$300. Still, factors like the length of your move and quality of service play into how much you should tip movers.

How much should you leave for a tip? ›

For the wait staff at sit-down restaurants, the tip should be 15 percent to 20 percent of the pretax bill. Tips are not necessary at fast-food restaurants.

Do you tip movers before or after? ›

The best time to tip movers is at the end of your move.

When you do tip them, preferably with cash, hand each tip to each of your movers individually not just the crew leader. This is a more personable approach and ensures everyone receives the tip.

How much to tip movers for a local move? ›

Most local or intrastate moves are done by the hour, so a tip of 5% to 6% of the cost of the move, considering the number of hours worked, is appropriate, Ware says. For shorter-distance moves, Swann recommends tipping at least $10. For longer-distance moves, she recommends giving more.

What is the proper amount to tip? ›

The appropriate amount to tip servers depends on your service. 15% is appropriate for average service ; 20% if your server is above average. You should feel free to tip above 20% if you received excellent service. If you received poor service, it is better to talk to the manager than skip on the tip.

How much to tip removalists? ›

If you do decide to tip, the amount you choose is entirely your choice. There isn't a set amount of money that's expected or that you should provide. On average, around 10% of the total removal cost is a reasonable amount to give. You can choose to provide more or less than this.

Should you tip furniture delivery guys? ›

Furniture delivery tips aren't expected, but are highly appreciated by delivery workers since it's a physically demanding job. Tip $5 to $20 per worker depending on the difficulty of the delivery and the quality of service. Give at least $10 for hard deliveries or outstanding work.

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