How Much to Tip Movers

Movers are essential when relocating to a new area. Find out exactly how much - and when - to tip your movers.

Moving is such a hassle. You could spend months searching for your perfect place only to fill out countless forms and applications. Not to mention packing up your life into a million boxes.

Movers can make your life a heck of a lot easier.

They do all the heavy lifting, and some companies may even handle the packing. Lots of places will also get rid of clunky and heavy junk that you no longer want.

So, how much should you tip for this vital and convenient service? Find out below.

Use this guide to show a little extra appreciation to the movers (ahem, angels) who help you.

What is the standard for tipping movers?

Unlike other service industries, you're not expected to tip 15-20% of your bill. For movers, if everything is packed and ready to go, you pay:

• $5 per hour or $20 for a 4-hour day
  
• $5 per hour or $40 for an 8-hour day

However, if the packers need to box up most of your items and it's not a straightforward move, then you should allocate 10 - 20% of your total invoice for the tip.

Of course, tipping is totally optional. But if the movers have provided excellent service, then it's a good idea to reward them monetarily for their hard work.

Do you tip movers when they load or unload?

Don't worry about tipping movers when they load or unload. You should generally tip at the end of the move so you can assess the level of service they've provided.

Were they on time? How careful were they with your belongings?

You can also tip in cash or give the tip to the job boss, who will distribute the amount evenly.

How much do you tip a mover for 8 hours?

If your stuff is all boxed and ready to be loaded, then you can tip $5 per hour or $40 for an 8-hour day. If the movers need to pack most of your belongings, then it's recommended to tip 10-20% of your total invoice.

How much do you tip a mover for 5 hours?

If it's just loading boxes, then you can tip $5 per hour or $25 for a 5-hour day. If the movers need to do a lot of work boxing up your stuff, then you should leave 10-20% of the total invoice.

Moving tip amounts by location

Some areas are pricier than others. Here's the going rate for tipping in the following locales:

• California - $5 per hour (10-20% of the bill if they had to do extensive packing)
  
• San Francisco - 15-20% of the total moving cost
  
• Los Angeles - $50 for less complex moves and $75 - $100 for bigger jobs
  
• New York City - 15-20% of the total moving cost
  
• Boston - $20 - $50 per day
  
• Canada - 10-20% of the total moving cost

Do you tip packers and movers separately?

You can tip the foreman who oversees the moving job. They will distribute the tip evenly. Oftentimes, the movers will also do the packing, so if you'd like, you can tip the staff individually at the end of the day.

How much do you tip for long distance moving?

You should tip 15-20% of the total move invoice for long-distance jobs. Anything over 100 miles is a long-distance move. Under 100 miles is a local move.

How much do you tip for a one-bedroom apartment?

You can tip $5 per hour of work for an easy move or 15% of the total moving invoice if you're moving into a one-bedroom apartment.

What does Reddit say?

Redditors recommend tipping $75 per person for a substantial move if you can afford it. A substantial move might involve packing and moving, or if you just have a ton of stuff.

Maybe you own a small business and they're moving inventory for you, or you own a lot of heavy furniture. Maybe you're moving with your family and there's just a lot to transport.

Loading and unloading heavy belongings is strenuous back-breaking labor. Movers are completing an important service.

It's important to compensate them for their time and hard work.

Bottom line

Generally, movers are not compensated nearly enough for the demands of their job. They rely on customer tips for their cost of living.

In addition, being a mover is extremely dangerous. They're straining their bodies to help individuals move into a new place or dream home.

Movers are especially susceptible to falls, lacerations, and motor accidents.

Try to go beyond the standard tipping rate and tip 20% or $75 per person if you can.