How Much To Tip Movers, According to Etiquette Experts
Two movers carrying boxes out of a moving truck
If you're relocating, movers can come in clutch. A moving team literally does the heavy lifting so you don't have to, helping you get from Point A to your next home sweet home.
Even without movers, moves can be costly and stressful, especially if you have a pricier mortgage or rent at your next pad. Still, you'll want to save room in your budget for movers (and their tip) if you're using them. But how much to tip movers?—that's the question on many of our minds.
"Moving is a physically demanding job," says Jules Hirst, a certified etiquette, lifestyle and manners coach. "The tip acknowledges the hard work, dedication and care that the movers exhibit while handling your precious belongings."
OK, but again, moving can get pricy. How much should you budget for tipping movers? What if something breaks? It's a subject you'll want to handle with care. Etiquette experts made sense of the dollars and cents you should set aside.
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Is It Customary to Tip Movers?
Yes. Hirst and two other etiquette experts agree that it's standard to tip movers in the U.S.
"Moving is a significant logistical event in anyone’s life, says Jennifer Porter, a Seattle-based etiquette expert. "One of the reasons we hire movers is to offset the work and often burdensome planning of a move. With that, showing respect and appreciation to the people who help you make a life change easier is important. Tipping is an accepted and appreciated way to show gratitude."
Karen Thomas, an etiquette educator, echoes similar sentiments.
"Movers are performing a precise service which includes heavy lifting and care of one’s personal belongings," Thomas says. "Tipping is given for their hard work and the service performed."
How Much Money Should You Tip Movers?
Thomas says people can tip movers in one of two ways: Either 10 to 20% of the total bill or $5 to $10 per hour. "It's your choice," Thomas says. "I prefer to tip each individual mover personally so each person receives the gratuity. This avoids a lead mover giving less to the crew and ensures a fair divide."
Hirst prefers the per-mover route too, and suggests around $5 per hour per mover.
"This amount recognizes the strenuous nature of the job while also being reasonable and customary for service work," Hirst says. "Therefore, it shows appreciation without going overboard."
You also may not have a choice about how much to tip a mover.
"Some moving companies include the gratuity within their fee, while others include a service fee that may or may not include the gratuity. If you are not sure, ask ahead of time."
When you do have a choice and are budgeting for a move, you may not be precisely aware of how many movers will show up on the big day. Experts share tips for getting around that roadblock.
"If you're unaware of the number of movers assisting you, it's wise to budget for four movers, which is a common crew size," Hirst says. "However, if you want an exact figure, you can call the moving company and ask them."
Related: 7 TikTok-Backed Moving Tips To Make Packing and Changing Locations a Breeze
When to Tip Movers Above the Customary Amount
Porter recommends following the golden rule: "As with anything, it’s helpful to envision yourself in a contracted service provider’s shoes."
Porter says that one reason to tip more includes extreme weather—like a downpour, snow or heat. Having movers perform a job on a holiday is another reason to boost the tip, as the work takes them from friends and family.
Hirst and Thomas agree that moves that require lifting tons of heavy, fragile boxes or furniture are also reasons to tip extra (or at least on the high end of normal).
One thing not to worry too much about is home conditions.
"The moving company will have included elements such as stairwells and terrain in their bid but will not be in control of the weather," Porter explains.
Should You Ever Tip Nothing?
No. "[You should] not tip zero in any case," Thomas says.
However, experts say there are situations where a person might tip less than normal.
"You would usually reduce the tip due to carelessness or late arrivals," Hirst says. "Be sure to review your contract ahead of time."
Still, Porter again suggests remembering the golden rule.
"You should also consider that accidents happen," Porter says. "There should be a clause in your moving contract that accounts for breakages, and you should plan to place a claim with the company as opposed to taking it out on the laborers who actually performed the move."
What's the Best Way to Tip?
Ask the moving company.
"Always check with the moving company’s policy on payment prior to contracting with them for service," Thomas says. "Once this is established, ask what the preferred method of gratuity is and follow that lead."
Spoiler alert: The moving company will probably tell you that cash is preferred, all three experts agree.
"As with most tips, cash is king," Hirst says. "With movers, it is better to tip each mover individually as opposed to a lump sum given to the head mover. If you do not have cash, you can try asking them if they prefer Venmo or Zelle, but it is easier to plan ahead and have cash."
Porter says it's not just how much you tip, but how you hand over the money.
"Present your cash tip with a word of thanks and a handshake to all movers at the end of the move," Porter says.
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Other Ways To Be Kind to Movers
Ask yourself what you'd like if you were hauling all your stuff.
"Plan to treat your moving team with cold or hot beverages and light snacks, if appropriate, on your move day," Porter says. "If your movers inspired you with their effort, spread the word and be a helpful word-of-mouth referral for the small business that makes up the majority of our country’s economy."
Next: How Much to Tip Hairdressers, According to Hairstylists Themselves
