The standard recommendation for tipping movers in 2025 is to tip between 10% and 20% of the total moving bill , whether for local or long-distance moves
Common tipping guidelines:
- Percentage-based tip: 10% to 20% of the total cost of the move. For example, on a $1,000 move, a tip of $100 to $200 is typical; on a $3,000 move, $300 to $600 is common
- Per mover flat rate: $20 to $40 per mover for local moves; $40 to $60 or more per mover for long-distance or complex moves
- Per hour tip: Around $4 to $10 per mover per hour, depending on the move's difficulty and duration
Factors influencing tip amount:
- Quality of service: Punctuality, care with belongings, professionalism, and friendliness can justify tipping toward the higher end of the range
- Complexity of the move: Moves involving heavy furniture, multiple flights of stairs, fragile items, or difficult conditions (like bad weather) warrant higher tips
- Crew size: Tips should be divided fairly among movers, so the total tip amount may be adjusted based on the number of movers
- Special services: Extra care for specialty items (pianos, antiques) or additional services like packing can increase the tip
When and how to tip:
- Tip after the move is complete , once you can assess the overall service quality
- Cash is preferred and should be given directly to each mover if possible
- If cash is not feasible, confirm with the company that tips will be fairly distributed
In summary, budgeting a tip of 10% to 20% of your total moving cost or about $20-$60 per mover depending on the move complexity is appropriate. Adjust based on service quality and move difficulty to fairly reward the movers' effort
