Moving guide
How much to tip long distance movers
A good rule: $4 to $8 per mover for every hour they work, or $40 to $80 per mover for a full day. Tip the loading crew and the delivery crew separately. Use the calculator below for your move.
Tip calculator
Tip each mover about $36, or $108 for the whole crew.
Based on $6 per mover per hour. Tip the delivery crew separately on unloading day.
Quick guidelines
- Half day (up to 4 hours): $20 to $40 per mover.
- Full day (8 hours): $40 to $80 per mover.
- Percent of the move: 5 to 10 percent of the total, split across the crew.
- Driver: if the driver also loads and unloads, tip them like the rest of the crew on each day.
When to tip more
- Lots of stairs, a long walk to the truck or bad weather.
- Heavy or fragile items such as a piano, safe or antiques.
- The crew took extra care, finished early or fixed a problem for you.
Budget for it up front
Tips are not part of your moving price, so set the cash aside before move day. On a two day long distance move with a crew of three on each end, $250 to $500 in total is common.
Get your exact price
List your stuff and get one binding price in minutes. Nothing is charged when you book. A deposit is charged only after a carrier accepts your move.
Common questions
- How much should I tip long distance movers?
- A common guideline is $20 to $40 per mover for a half day and $40 to $80 per mover for a full day. Some people tip 5 to 10 percent of the moving cost, split across the crew, instead.
- Do I tip both the loading crew and the delivery crew?
- Yes. On long distance moves the crew that loads your truck is often not the crew that unloads it, so tip each crew on the day they work.
- Do you have to tip long distance movers?
- No, tipping is optional. It is a thank you for careful, on-time work. If the crew was careless or rude, you do not need to tip.
- Should I tip in cash?
- Cash handed to each mover is best, so everyone gets their share. Cold drinks and a meal on a long day are appreciated too.