Tipping can be confusing—even more so during something as hectic as moving day. You’ve likely already shelled out hundreds, maybe even thousands, on moving services, truck rentals, boxes, and packing supplies. So when it’s all said and done, and the movers are standing there after a long shift, you might find yourself wondering: is $20 enough to tip movers?
The truth is, there’s no universal rulebook for tipping in the moving industry. But there are general expectations based on time, effort, and service quality. In this guide, we’ll explore what’s considered a fair tip and whether $20 gets the job done—or falls short.
How Much Should You Tip Movers?
The average tipping range for movers typically falls between $4 to $6 per hour, per mover. So, for a short move that takes around three hours, $20 might be just about right. But for longer or more complicated jobs, it might not be enough to reflect the effort involved.
Let’s say you hired a two-person team, and they worked for six hours straight. That’s 12 total labor hours. In this case, $20 each may come off a bit light, especially if they handled stairs, heavy furniture, or fragile items. A general rule of thumb is:
$10–$20 per mover for short, local jobs
$20–$50 per mover for a half or full-day move
More than $50 for full-service, long-distance, or multi-day moves
Is $20 Enough to Tip Movers?
Now let’s get straight to the point—is $20 enough to tip movers? The honest answer: it depends on the situation.
If your move was small, quick, and straightforward (think: a few pieces of furniture or a one-bedroom apartment), tipping $20 per mover can be entirely reasonable. It’s a courteous gesture that shows appreciation, even if it’s on the lower end.
But if the movers spent several hours moving heavy boxes up flights of stairs, navigating tight corners, or dealing with bad weather, $20 might feel a little low for the amount of work they put in.
When you’re hiring trusted local teams like Movers and Packers In Century City, it’s worth asking ahead of time if they have tipping guidelines. Many companies don’t require tips, but a bit of communication can help clear up confusion.
What Else Can You Offer Besides Cash?
If your budget is tight and $20 is all you can manage, don’t stress about it too much. A smaller tip is better than no tip at all—especially if it’s offered respectfully and sincerely. And there are other ways to show appreciation that don’t cost much:
Offer cold drinks: Water, Gatorade, or iced tea is always appreciated.
Provide snacks or a light lunch: Something easy like sandwiches or pizza works well.
Be respectful of their time: Have things ready, organized, and give clear directions.
These gestures may not be monetary, but they help make the movers’ day easier, and that counts for a lot.
If you’re working with companies that focus on reliable and professional service like Chamomile Go, the whole experience tends to go more smoothly from the start. Their crews are trained to work efficiently and carefully, which means less stress for you and less guesswork when it comes to tipping.
How to Handle Tipping the Right Way
If you’re unsure how to go about tipping, here are some basic do’s and don’ts:
✅ Do:
Tip each mover individually if possible. It’s more personal and ensures fairness.
Hand over the tip at the end once the job is complete.
Mention specific things you appreciated, like their speed or care.
❌ Don’t:
Assume the tip is included in your bill (it usually isn’t).
Feel pressured to over-tip if the service was poor or incomplete.
Offer alcohol or risky incentives—most companies prohibit it.
Is There a Minimum or Maximum Tip?
There’s no official minimum or maximum amount you must tip. That said, tipping below $10 per person might be viewed as token rather than genuine appreciation. On the other hand, tipping more than $100 per mover is rare unless it was an especially demanding move.
Again, if you’re tipping $20 each, and the crew did a great job on a basic move, you’re doing just fine. Just make sure your attitude matches your generosity—movers remember customers who are polite and communicative just as much as the big tippers.
Should You Tip in Cash or Electronically?
Cash is usually the best and simplest way to tip movers. It allows you to thank each person directly and avoids any delay or processing fees. However, if you’re not carrying cash, you can ask the movers if they accept payment apps like Venmo or Zelle.
A quick tip: Don’t assume they can take cards or digital payments through the moving company. Most moving crews are separate from billing and won’t have access to card readers.
Final Thoughts
So, is $20 enough to tip movers? It can be—depending on how long the move took, how hard the job was, and your overall experience. If it was a short, simple move and the movers were professional and courteous, $20 per person is a fair way to say thank you.
However, for full-day or more intense jobs, going beyond that amount will better reflect the effort involved. Don’t stress if you can’t tip big—as long as you’re respectful, organized, and grateful, a smaller tip still shows appreciation.
At the end of the day, tipping is about acknowledging hard work. Whether it’s $20, $50, or just a bottle of water and a sincere thanks, it matters.
