The typical recommendation for tipping movers ranges between 10% and 20% of the total moving cost for both local and long-distance moves. For example, if your move costs $2,500, a 20% tip would be $500 total, distributed among the movers

. Alternatively, tipping can be calculated on a per-mover or hourly basis:

• Around $4 to $5 per hour per mover for local moves

• Flat rates such as $20 to $40 per mover for a half-day move or $50 to $70 per mover for a full-day move are common

• For long-distance moves, tips can be higher, ranging from $50 to $100 per mover per day depending on the service and complexity

Factors influencing your tip amount include:

• Quality of service (punctuality, care with belongings, professionalism)

• Complexity of the move (stairs, heavy or delicate items, long distances)

• Your budget (tips are appreciated but not mandatory)

• Crew size and how the tip will be distributed

Cash is the preferred method to tip movers directly at the end of the move, ensuring each mover receives their share immediately

. In summary, a good guideline is to tip between 10-20% of your total moving cost or $4-$5 per hour per mover, adjusting for service quality and move difficulty. If your budget is limited, even a modest tip or other gestures like refreshments and thank-you notes are appreciated