One of the most common questions people have on moving day is: "Am I supposed to tip the movers?" The short answer is yes. While tipping is never mandatory, moving is a grueling, physically demanding service industry job, and tipping for good service is standard practice.
How Much Should You Tip?
Unlike restaurants where you tip a percentage of the total bill, movers are typically tipped a flat rate per person, per day. Tipping a percentage of a $10,000 cross-country move would be astronomical.
The industry standard is $20 to $40 per mover, per half-day (4 hours), or $40 to $80 per mover for a full day (8 hours).
You should lean toward the higher end of that scale if:
- Your move involved multiple flights of stairs or an elevator without a loading dock.
- You had extremely heavy or awkward items (pianos, gun safes, solid oak armoires).
- The weather was exceptionally terrible (extreme heat, pouring rain, or snow).
- The crew went above and beyond, working efficiently and treating your belongings with exceptional care.
When and How to Tip
Always tip each mover individually rather than giving a lump sum to the foreman. This ensures everyone gets their fair share and gives you a chance to thank each person for their hard work. Hand out the cash at the very end of the day, once all the furniture is placed and the truck is empty.
Beyond the Tip: Feeding the Crew
Providing cold bottled water or sports drinks throughout the day is practically a requirement, especially in the summer. If the move spans the entire day, ordering a few pizzas or sandwiches for the crew's lunch break is an incredibly appreciated gesture that will keep morale (and energy levels) high.