A Practical Guide to Tipping Moving Crews Based on Move Type, Effort, and Industry Standards
Tipping movers isn’t mandatory—but it’s a common and appreciated way to thank them for a physically demanding job well done. If you’re unsure about how much to tip movers or whether you should tip at all, you’re not alone. This guide will walk you through the factors to consider, what’s customary, and when to go above (or below) the average.
Do You Have to Tip Movers?
No, tipping is not required—but it’s industry standard for good service. Just like tipping your barber, delivery driver, or restaurant server, it’s a way to show appreciation for hard work, professionalism, and care with your belongings.
Most moving crews don’t expect tips, but they definitely notice and appreciate them—especially on long or particularly challenging jobs.
How Much Do You Tip Movers?
There are two common tipping approaches:
- Flat rate per mover (most common and preferred by crews)
- Percentage of total move cost (typically 5–10%)
For simplicity and fairness, we recommend flat-rate tipping per crew member, adjusted for move size, duration, difficulty, and service quality.
General Tipping Guidelines by Move Type
| Move Type | Suggested Tip Per Mover |
|---|---|
| Small local move (2–4 hrs) | $20–$40 |
| Medium local move (4–6 hrs) | $40–$60 |
| Large local move (6–10 hrs) | $60–$80 |
| Full-day long-distance load/unload (8–12 hrs) | $80–$100+ |
| Multi-day long-distance move | $100–$200 total per mover, divided over days |
| Luxury or specialty moves (antiques, pianos, etc.) | $100+ per mover |
Factors That May Affect How Much to Tip Movers
1. Size of the Move
- Small Apartment/Studio: Lower end of the range is fine.
- 4+ Bedroom Home: More physical effort = higher tip.
2. Move Duration
- A short 3-hour job is a different beast than a 12-hour day. Adjust accordingly.
3. Stairs, Elevators, or Long Walks
- Difficult access, narrow hallways, or multiple flights of stairs? That earns bonus points (and maybe a few extra bucks).
4. Packing/Unpacking Services
- If your movers also packed or unpacked your items, that’s a more labor-intensive day deserving a higher tip.
5. Attitude & Care
- Did the movers go the extra mile? Were they professional, friendly, and respectful of your items and space?
Example Tipping Scenarios
- 2-bedroom condo, local move, 2 movers, 5-hour job:
✅ Tip $40–$60 per mover = $80–$120 total - 4-bedroom home, long-distance move with packing:
✅ Tip $100+ per mover = $300–$400 total over multi-day job - Studio apartment, short move, 2 hours:
✅ Tip $20 per mover = $40 total
How to Tip Movers the Right Way
- Cash is King: Most movers prefer cash. Hand it directly to each crew member to ensure fair distribution.
- End of the Day: Tip after the job is complete—once you’ve had time to assess the work.
- Group Envelope Option: If you’re unsure who did what, you can tip the crew leader and ask them to divide evenly.
💡 Pro Tip: Want to go above and beyond? Cold drinks, snacks, or even pizza can make a long day feel a little shorter for the crew.
When (and When Not) to Tip
✅ Tip More When:
- The crew handled fragile or sentimental items with great care.
- They worked efficiently and finished ahead of schedule.
- The weather was extreme (hot, rainy, etc.).
- They solved unexpected problems (tight corners, last-minute changes).
❌ Consider Withholding or Reducing Tip If:
- Items were damaged due to negligence.
- The crew was late without explanation or unprofessional.
- There was evidence of laziness or rudeness.
Final Thoughts
Tipping movers is a personal decision, but it’s also a sign of gratitude for a job that’s both physically demanding and high-pressure. By using the chart and guidelines above, you can confidently tip based on the service you receive and the type of move you’re undertaking.
Downloadable Tip Chart for Quick Reference
| Type of Move | Duration | Suggested Tip per Mover | Total (for 2 movers) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartment | 2–3 hours | $20–$30 | $40–$60 |
| 1–2 Bedroom Apartment | 4–5 hours | $30–$50 | $60–$100 |
| 3–4 Bedroom Home | 6–9 hours | $50–$80 | $100–$160 |
| Large Home or Long-Distance | 10+ hours or multi-day | $100–$200 | $200–$400+ |
| Specialty Items / Luxury | Varies | $100+ | Varies |
Need help with a move? Whether you’re relocating locally or across the country, On Time Moving offers white-glove service with no surprises. Let us help you move—and make sure our crew earns that well-deserved tip! Find long distance movers near me.