How Much Should You Tip Movers? Key Takeaways
- Tipping is a simple way to thank your movers for a job well done
- You can tip by percentage or add an amount on top of their hourly or flat rate
- The complexity of moving in NYC comes with higher tipping expectations: $6–$12 per hour per mover or 15%–25% of the total bill
- The tip can vary based on service quality, timeliness, weather, and your budget
- Tipping encourages better service, helps support low wage workers, and strengthens future relationships
With your boxes packed and the elevator reserved, one question starts to creep in: how much should you tip the movers?
This guide will break down:
- How much to tip movers
- What’s the usual tip for movers in NYC
- Why tipping is important
Not sure how to plan your move? Imperial Movers can help
How Much Do You Tip Movers?
Over 75% of people tip their movers. Tipping is a traditional way to express appreciation for a job well done and is often expected across various industries and roles. And movers are not an exception.
While there isn’t a set tip amount, you can decide on your tip using several formulas, based on feedback from moving companies’ pros:
- Percentage of the total bill, typically between 10% and 20%.
- Adding an amount to the hourly rate, usually $5 to $10 per mover per hour.
- Adding an amount to the flat rate for the day, typically between $40 to $80 per mover, depending on hours worked and move complexity.
Another key factor that can influence your tip is the type of move, whether local, long-distance, or specialty.
Local Moves
For local moves under 100 miles and completed within one day, for example, moving a one-bedroom apartment:
- $20–$40 per mover for a half-day move (4 hours)
- $40–$80 per mover for a full-day move (8+ hours)
Long-Distance Moves
Taking days and even weeks, long-distance moves typically include loading and unloading, which is done by two crews in the two locations.
- Standard tipping: 10–20% of the total bill
For example, if the total amount you must pay is $4,000, you can tip the crew by $400–$800.
Specialty Moves
Specialty moves include the transportation of fragile or delicate items such as pianos, art, antiques, aquariums, or lab equipment.
To ensure these are carefully handled and protected every step of the way, movers must have unique skills (acquired through specialized training) and tools.
In these situations, you can tip:
- $20–$100 per mover
- 10–20% of the total bill
How Much Should You Tip Movers in NYC?
Moving in New York City is more complicated compared to other states due to added physical and logistical challenges such as:
- Walk-up buildings with no elevator access
- Narrow staircases
- Strict building move-in/move-out windows
- Frequent traffic congestion and street closures
- Required permits for elevator use or freight access
- Limited access for large trucks on narrow streets
- Lack of nearby parking or loading zones
- Use of parking permits
All these factors encourage extra tipping, the most common being:
- $6-$12 per hour per mover
- 15%-25% of the total bill
Movers in NYC get higher tips due to the challenges accompanying relocations
Factors Influencing Tip Amount
Is there something else on top of distance and special items that can affect the tip amount? Take a look:
Quality of Service
Was your crew friendly, professional, and easy to work with? If they maintained a positive attitude through the moving process, adapted to last-minute changes, and managed to solve unexpected issues, their efforts deserve recognition.
Complexity of the Move
Did you have fragile and oversized items? Or did the move require lots of maneuvering? If that’s the case, you can consider a more generous tip.
Timeliness
Did the moving crew arrive on time and stick to the schedule? If you got timely and efficient service that made you feel less stressed, tip your crew.
Care About Your Items
Did every item arrive at your new address in good condition? If your movers packed and transported your belongings with care and took measures not to scuff your floor or chip your walls, they’ve earned extra credit.
Weather Conditions
Was it raining or probably scorching hot? The weather in New York can pose various challenges, complicating your move (find out what the best time to move to NYC and why).
Tipping a little extra during extreme weather shows you recognize the added effort your crew made.
Budget Considerations
Lastly, consider your financial status. Relocating comes with a whole ton of planned and unexpected expenses that can threaten your budget. Choose an amount you can afford and pair it with words of appreciation.
When deciding on the tip weigh in different factors related to your move
Why Tipping Movers Matters
Tipping moving crews is not mandatory, but if you’re happy with the job, why not show it in a tangible way? Tipping your movers:
- Recognizes the physical effort they have put into the move, from lifting heavy furniture to standing on their feet for hours.
- Supports workers earning lower wages by adding to their income.
- Motivates teams to go the extra mile, providing exceptional customer experiences.
- Creates good relationships that you can benefit from if you’re planning a future move.
Need Moving Services in New York? Call Imperial Movers
Imagine it’s early morning on your moving day, and you’re already stressed about what’s ahead.
Have you packed everything right, including your pictures and TV? Will your antique dresser make it to your new home without any damage?
When the team of Imperial Movers arrives, their professionalism quickly puts your worries to rest.
Our team:
- Packs and unpacks for you, using top-quality materials to protect your items.
- Disassembles and reassembles furniture, from beds to big tables.
- Uses special wrapping techniques for fragile items like mirrors and glassware.
- Labels boxes and tracks inventory so nothing is lost.
- Coordinates building requirements, including COIs and elevator schedules.
What can we say about tipping?
“We never expect a tip, but when a client shows appreciation for our hard work, especially after a tough move, it really means a lot. It reminds us why we go the extra mile every time,” says Matthew, Imperial Movers Crew Lead.
Handling both residential and commercial moves, Imperial Movers tailor every step to your needs and preferences the Imperial way.
Dreading the packing process? Imperial Movers can do it
How Much Should You Tip Movers? FAQs
Want to know more about tipping movers? Read on.
Should I tip movers in cash?
Cash is typically a preferred option. You can tip each mover or give the amount you’ve decided on to the crew leader or foreman so that they distribute it among the movers.
When should I give the tip?
Tip your crew at the end of your move when you have unloaded and inspected your items for damage. For moves that take more than a day, consider tipping at the end of each day, as people may change, and you would like to recognize their specific effort.
Should I tip if I had a bad moving experience?
Tipping is optional. If your things were damaged or the crew was not punctual and professional, you can withhold the tip.
Can I offer food or drinks instead of a tip?
While bottled water, snacks, or pizza show appreciation, they cannot replace a monetary tip.
Need to move delicate items like antiques, glassware, or tech? Call Imperial Movers
