How Much Should You Tip Movers? Tipping Etiquette.

Movers using floor protection during a move. Be sure to ask your movers for this service.

What is the tipping etiquette for movers?

Movers are entrusted with your personal belongings and do a lot of heavy lifting. Many times they need to carefully and strategically maneuver furniture and boxes up and down stairs, through narrow corridors, and even out second story windows. For this reason, some people feel obligated to give these service-based workers extra recognition for their hard work. Movers don’t expect a tip, but surely welcome them.

Please tip your movers for a job well-done if you are happy with your move. If you decide to tip, divide the cash equally and hand each mover the same amount individually.

Of course, if the moving service was sub-par, you are not obligated to provide a tip.

“Tipping is not expected and is up to the customer,” said John Bisney, a spokesman for the American Moving and Storage Association.

If you think your movers deserve a tip, here are some ideas. There is no set rule.

“Opinions on [tipping] are varied,” Bisney said. “One mover said the industry standard was 5%, which is pretty reasonable—if a crew of two movers move you for $500-$750, you might tip a total of $25 to $40, or $10 to $20 for each mover depending on the quality of the move,” Bisney said.

The quality of the move should factor into your decision on how much to tip. Assess how carefully your items were moved and adjust your tip up or down depending on the level of service you received.

Overall, a good rule of thumb is to tip movers a minimum of 5% of the total cost of the move and up to 10% if you feel like they went above and beyond with their service. While this is the standard tip percentage, you can feel free to increase your tip.