A complete guide on how much to tip your movers
By Lauren Topor Reichert•Last updated Aug 15, 2022
Last updated Aug 15, 2022
Moving to a new home isn’t cheap. From buying packing supplies and hiring a moving company to shipping some items across the country and to placing other belongings in a storage facility, a simple move can easily cost thousands of dollars. But there’s one expense you may have overlooked: tips for the moving crew.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything that you need to know about tipping your moving crew. Whether you’re working with a local moving team or long-distance movers, this guide will help clear up any confusion you have when it comes to tipping movers.
Do you tip movers?
So, you’re wondering whether you need to tip your movers. You’re already paying for moving services, so are you expected to tip too? The short answer is yes — tipping is usually expected but not required.
Movers are part of the service industry, and their jobs are hard work. Moving is physically demanding and requires teamwork, organization, and exceptional customer service skills.
Consider this: Do you tip at a restaurant? Sure, you don’t have to, but for a job well done, it is widely considered the right thing to do. The same thinking applies to tipping your movers.
How much should you tip movers?
Let’s be honest, moving is hard work. That’s likely part of the reason you chose to hire professional movers in the first place.
Some people tip anywhere from 15% to 20% of the total moving bill. Others may prefer tipping $20-$50 per mover, per day. Some get even more specific and give an hourly tip — perhaps $5-$15 per hour, per mover.
Ultimately, the tip you leave for your moving crew is up to you. When calculating the final amount, keep several key factors in mind.
Factors that impact how much you tip movers.
Arriving on time, treating your items with care, working efficiently and safely, and acting professionally are all good reasons to tip your moving team. Other factors may also warrant tipping your movers a little extra on moving day. When it’s time to tip your moving crew, consider these variables.
- Did the move take place on or around a holiday? As a courtesy to your movers, tip extra if they’re working on a holiday or a day leading up to one, like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve.
- Were the weather conditions extreme, like excessive heat, rain, or snow? Moving boxes is part of a mover’s job, but battling the elements can be tough. If your movers are working during a summer heat wave or a winter snowstorm, tip them generously.
- Did the moving crew move a lot of heavy items and large furniture? Moving often requires some heavy lifting. But if your move includes a lot of big furniture or other hard-to-move items, consider tipping extra.
- Was there more than one stop during the move? If you’re asking your moving company to make multiple stops during your move — like to an offsite storage unit, for example — adding a little extra to your tip is appropriate.
- Were there multiple levels or stairs? Tip a little more if your move includes multiple levels or lots of stairs.
- Did the moving crew take extra care with fragile items? If you had items that required more attention and they were handled appropriately, consider adding to your tip.
- Were you satisfied with the job, or did the moving crew exceed your expectations? If you were impressed by the movers' professionalism, attention to detail, attitude, and work ethic, tipping generously can show your appreciation for a job well done.
How to tip movers.
Cash, credit cards, and checks are a few ways you can tip your movers on moving day:
- Tip in cash. A cash tip is a common way to tip a moving crew. But before handing over cash, talk with the crew leader to make sure this type of tip aligns with company protocols. Your moving company may have its own policy when it comes to tips.
- Use a credit card. Larger moving companies often offer a tip option as a line item on your total moving bill. However, mom-and-pop movers and smaller moving companies may not provide this option. To avoid confusion, plan ahead and ask whether this is something they offer. If the moving company says yes, tipping by credit card can save you a trip to the ATM and ensures the tip is documented as part of your total moving costs.
- Write a check. Like tipping with a credit card, writing a check ensures your tip is documented. Before you reach for a pen and your checkbook, ask your moving company whether checks are an approved form of tip payment. If you do write a check, it’s acceptable to write one and let the moving crew leader distribute the tip among the team, if you’re comfortable doing so.
More ways to show your appreciation.
In addition to (not instead of) providing a monetary tip, you can show your appreciation for your moving crew by leaving a positive review for the moving company online. When you write your review, mention the movers by name and include specific details about how the move went. For example, did the moving crew arrive early? Did the moving company go above and beyond when packing special items? If so, include those details and consider uploading photos to show the quality of service you received.
Taking the time to provide feedback not only benefits your movers, it helps other people who are moving find a top-rated professional moving company. Even better: refer your moving company to a friend, family member, or co-worker.
Should you provide food and drinks for movers?
Offering food and drinks to a moving crew is a nice thing to do, especially if it’s a full-day move. But a homemade sandwich or glass of cold lemonade is not a tip. So while providing lunch and snacks is a thoughtful gesture, you still need to factor a tip into your total move cost.
If you do choose to provide food or drinks during your move, ask your movers what they’d like before you decide for them. (Not everyone likes pineapple on pizza as much as you do.) Also check for allergies or dietary restrictions. When providing refreshments, consider the weather conditions and the type of beverages you offer, too.
Moving is a hard, physically demanding job, and having water available helps the crew stay hydrated throughout the day. As a courtesy, always have water on hand — especially when it’s hot outside. A water station with a jug of water and paper cups works just fine. Or you could set out a cooler stocked with chilled water bottles.
Finally, while you may think it’s a nice gesture, don’t offer alcoholic beverages to your moving crew. Doing so could put the movers in an uncomfortable position, and they’re most likely prohibited from drinking while on the job.
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FAQs
Is $100 a good tip for movers?
A $100 tip per mover is a very generous tip for full-day or large moves.
Is $20 per mover a good tip?
A $20 to $30 tip per mover is a good tip for local or small moves.
Is $50 per mover a good tip?
A $50 tip per mover is a good starting point for a large or full-day move.
Is it ok not to tip movers?
A tip is a courteous way to show appreciation for quality service and a job well done. If the movers damage your items, try to scam you, show up late, take much longer than expected, or are disrespectful, it is OK not to provide a tip.
Do you pay movers before or after?
In most moves, it’s usually easiest to pay and tip at the end of the moving day after all of your items have been unloaded.
However, larger moves, such as cross-country moves or long-distance moves, may require you to work with different moving teams. In this case, you can choose to tip each mover at the end of their shift or give the tip directly to the moving company with instructions on how you want it split up among the crew, if you feel comfortable doing so.
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