Yes, You Should Tip Movers—Here's How Much

There are plenty of hidden costs to beware of when it comes to moving and home buying. If you plan to hire professionals for an upcoming move, you've likely priced out the cost of the moving company—but have you budgeted for tips?

These days, it seems the purchase of every service and product gives you the opportunity to tip. And while you might be used to tipping your server or your Uber driver, you could be wondering whether you need to—or how much—you should tip professional movers.

“Tip culture can vary by industry. While it is never required, typically, any time you receive a non-essential service like a haircut or food delivery, this is a good way to show appreciation or commend a job well done,” says Mary Beth Johnson, vice president of business development for Atlas Van Lines.

Here's everything you need to know about tipping movers, including how much is customary.

Should You Tip Professional Movers?

Bottom line, Johnson says tipping your mover is both commonplace and appreciated, but never required. “Ultimately, the answer is that it is up to you, but it is generally appreciated,” she says. 

If you’re trying to decide, there are a few ways to consider the question. Johnson says you should consider your level of service, the type of move and the services your movers provided. 

“Exceptional service when a tip may be a way to acknowledge movers’ efforts can be defined as going above and beyond to streamline your moving process,” Johnson says. That might mean carefully packing fragile items, working quickly, having a professional and friendly attitude, or facing unexpected challenges during the move including everything from inclement weather or traffic delays to moving in a building without an elevator.

Calculating a Tip for Your Professional Movers

To calculate a tip, start with the total cost of the move. But keep in mind, that guidelines range and there is no industry standard. “My husband owned a moving company for 37 years. You tip the same as waiters in restaurants—15 or 20% of the total bill,” says Janis Mitchell, a real estate agent with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Coccia Realty. 

Much like tipping at a restaurant, you can look at the total cost of your move with taxes and add a percentage on top of that overall fee. “Tipping your movers is a personal decision based on your level of satisfaction with their work,” Johnson says. “While there is no hard and fast rule, a general guideline is to tip around 5-10% of the total cost of your move.”

Agent Andrea Wernick of Coldwell Banker Warburg has another take. “Some people prefer a flat amount of $20 to $50 per mover,” she says. “It's important to consider the quality of service and the difficulty of the move when deciding on the tip.” 

Either way, first, consider the level of service you received.

“If your movers provide exceptional service, it is appropriate to tip closer to 10% of the total cost of your move,” Johnson says. “If your movers meet your expectations, but you have an easy or standard move, it can be appropriate to tip closer to 5% of the total cost of your move. Additionally, if you are on a budget but want to show your appreciation monetarily, any amount you are able to provide is appreciated.” 

From there, you might also want to consider whether your move was local or long distance. “When deciding on the tip amount, long-distance compared to local moves fall under the quality of service and the specific circumstances of the move,” Johnson says. “Therefore, it is recommended to factor in the unique aspects of the move, such as the distance, when determining an appropriate tip for the movers.” 

Take a look at the crew that helped you in your move. If there were several people unloading or loading the vans, take that into consideration, too. Finally, be sure to check whether gratuity was already factored into your total cost. While rare, some companies might include fees meant to compensate individual crew members. 

You might also be paying additionally for help in packing your items or assembling furniture at your destination. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t feel pressured to tip just because it’s customary. 

“If you had a less-than-positive experience, communicating your concerns with the moving company is always a good idea,” Johnson says. “After discussing with the moving company, the consumer can decide if a tip is appropriate.”

Tipping with Cash vs. Credit

The final factor you’ll want to consider when tipping is how to give the money. Some invoices will include a line item that allows you to add a tip to your final bill, usually paid with a credit or debit card. In some cases, though, you might decide you to want to pay each crew member cash to ensure they each get their fair share and can take the money home that day. 

“We recommend paying your tips directly to the moving team to ensure that your gratitude reaches the right hands,” Johnson says. “If you decide to tip your movers on moving day, have cash or a check ready and hand it directly to the movers. Doing so ensures clarity and communication about the distribution of tips within the moving company.” 

Much like a restaurant setting, many workers appreciate cash rather a tip that is paid through the company and might not reach their pockets for days or weeks. “Generally, it is advised to provide tips in cash and to each mover individually to ensure your appreciation is divided fairly and in the way you intend,” Johnson adds.

What If You Can't Afford to Tip?

Don’t feel guilty about not being able to tip, especially if you’re on a tight budget. “Tipping guidelines for movers have evolved over time as a reflection of changing economic conditions and cultural norms,” says agent Rashi Malhotra of Coldwell Banker Warburg. “Factors such as the cost of living, inflation, and the overall appreciation for service workers can influence tipping practices. There isn't a strict industry standard.” 

If you want to show your appreciation in a non-monetary way, consider paying for food or services on the day of the move. “In the past, I've made arrangements for pizzas to be delivered to my movers after the work is done,” Malhotra says. “Providing a delicious bite after a hard day's work brings joy to their faces.” 

If you don’t have cash to spare, there are still ways to show your appreciation. “Aside from giving money, you can show appreciation for exceptional moving service by offering refreshments, writing a positive review, expressing gratitude verbally, or providing a recommendation letter or positive feedback on social media,” Wernick says.