I’m hiring movers for a short local move—just a few hours—but I’ve never done this before. I’m wondering if tipping is expected or just a nice bonus. What’s the usual practice, and is there a general rule based on how long or how hard the move is?
top of page
bottom of page
Thanks for the info! I was wondering if tipping was just a nice bonus or something they actually expect, and it sounds like there’s a good balance. That article sounds super useful — I’ve been looking for something just like that. Definitely going to read through it before moving day.
When I asked myself that exact question last move, I wasn’t sure if tipping was expected or optional. The guide on how much to tip movers made it clear: tips aren’t mandatory, but they’re absolutely customary—especially for teams that go the extra mile. The article lays out scenarios like long staircases, delicate items, and extended time, and shows how to adjust your tip accordingly. For short moves, even if it’s just a few hours, a flat $20–$30 per mover is pretty standard. Don’t feel weird doing less if it’s a super quick move, or more if they handled heavy items or were very professional. It gave me a great blueprint to avoid any awkwardness or guessing. I tipped fairly, they were happy, and I left feeling like I’d shown proper gratitude. Definitely check it out so you're prepared!