Updated: March 09, 2025
Moving is always a hassle: you need to pack, organize transportation and supervise the process. The movers make this task much easier, but after the work, the question arises: should you tip them and how much? There is no single rule here. Someone advises to leave 5-10% of the cost of the move, others recommend a fixed amount to each movers. Things to consider in Houston include the heat, large homes, and long commutes - all of which can affect the tip amount.
In this guide, we'll break down how much is typically left for movers, when tipping is mandatory, and when you can get by without it. Whether you're moving within the city limits or across Texas, you'll find helpful tips here!
Do You Need To Tip movers?
Tipping movers is not mandatory, but it is often left in Houston and throughout the United States. If the movers did a great job, handled your belongings with care, and worked quickly and professionally even under difficult conditions, a tip is a good way to say thank you. Some moving companies already include tips in the cost of moving, so it is better to find out about it from the movers in advance. When deciding whether to tip or not, think about how the job went, how difficult the move was, and what the weather conditions were on the day of the move. Even if tipping isn't necessary, a small bonus can nicely support those who worked hard.
If you hire movers in Houston, tipping is a good way to thank them for their hard work. While they are not required, there are two basic options: a fixed amount for each worker or a percentage of the total cost of the move.
When moving across town, it's more common to use a fixed amount. For example, if the movers worked 3-5 hours, they usually give about $4-5 dollars per hour each. If the move is short, less than 3 hours, you can leave about 20 dollars per person. And for a particularly difficult job, when the move takes all day and involves lifting heavy things, you can give about $100 to each movers.
When the move is expensive or complicated, sometimes tips are calculated as 5-10% of the total amount. For example, if the move costs $2,000, you might give $100-$200 and divide it among the movers.
Quick-Reference Tipping Table
According to internal data from Wellknown Moving Company.
| Move Type | Flat Rate (Per Mover) | Percentage-Based Tipping |
|---|---|---|
| Small local move (2-3 hours) | $20 per mover | Not typically used |
| Standard local move (4-5 hours) | $4–$5 per hour per mover | 5-10% of total move cost |
| Large, full-day move (8+ hours) | $100 per mover | 5-10% of total move cost |
| Long-distance move (each team) | $50–$100 per mover | Rarely used for long-distance moves |
Houston Data
When calculating tips for movers in Houston, it's worth considering both general standards across the country and local habits.
The average tip for movers in the US is 15-20% of the cost of the move. In Houston, they usually stick to the same figures, but there is a more convenient option - to calculate the amount based on the hours of work. For example, for a standard move, they often give about $4-5 dollars per hour to each mover. Local movers also give their own recommendations. For example, for a five-hour move it is customary to leave about 20 dollars per person, and if the work lasted 12 hours - about 100 dollars.
In general, tips in Houston are similar to the national norms, but the exact amount depends on the complexity and duration of the move.
If you want to know more about the cost of movers in Houston, then explore our article.
Customer Experience in Houston
In Houston, people tip movers in different ways. Some stick to the standard 15-20% of the cost of the move, while others focus on the quality of the work and the difficulty the movers encountered. It's important to keep tips in mind, but pay attention to the details of your move specifically to determine a fair tip amount.
The weather in Houston also plays a role. In the summer, the heat can reach 90-100°F , making the job especially challenging. When it rains, movers take extra precautions, and on rare cold days, they may encounter icy roads. In these cases, if workers can handle the harsh conditions, many customers add another $10 to $20 per person to the tip.
The complexity of the move matters, too. If the movers have to lift furniture up stairs, carry heavy things like pianos or large safes, and maneuver through narrow hallways, it's wise to give them a little more. For example, if they're hauling a washing machine and a couch to the top floor, an extra $10-$20 each would be a nice gesture.
If the movers are careful with your belongings, help to pack and disassemble furniture, try not to damage the walls and floor, this is also a reason to leave more tips. Especially if they carefully transport fragile items such as glass tables or antiques.
Well, and, of course, the very approach to work is important. Politeness, punctuality, readiness to solve unexpected problems - all this makes the move more comfortable. Many customers in Houston leave extra tips if the movers were friendly and professional. If the job lasted all day and the team did a great job, the tip can be 10-15% of the moving cost or about $50 each.
When & How to Tip Your Movers
Tipping movers is a good way to thank them for their hard work, but it's not always clear when and how best to give them. Here are some simple guidelines.
Usually movers prefer to receive tips in cash - it is the most convenient option for both you and them. But if you do not have cash, you can check with the company, whether you can leave tips with a card. However, not all companies allow this, and sometimes non-cash payment is subject to a fee. Another option is to send money through Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle if the movers accept digital payments. In Houston, some companies don't support card payments for tips, so it's best to clarify this point in advance.
As for timing, you can tip either at the beginning of the job or at the end. Some customers give a little in advance to further motivate the movers, especially if there is a complicated move. But most often, the tip is given after the job is completed, to first assess the quality of service. If there are several crews involved in your move (for example, one crew does the packing, another does the unloading), it is better to tip each crew separately, rather than wait until the end of the move
Tipping can be done in many different ways. You can personally hand the money to each loader - that way you will be sure that everyone has received their share. Another option is to give the entire amount to the crew chief, and he will divide it among the workers himself. In some cases, one of the movers may work harder than the others, and if you notice this, you can give him a little more. In Houston, tips are most often divided equally, but you can always recognize a particularly diligent worker.
Alternative Ways to Show Appreciation
Tipping is not the only way to show your gratitude to movers. If you want to do something nice for them, you can choose one of the other ways.
For example, you can offer them cool drinks or light snacks. The job of movers is very tiring, especially in the heat, so a bottle of cold water or a sports drink like Gatorade will be a real lifesaver for them. You can also offer fruit or granola bars, but it's best to avoid greasy or sticky foods.
If the move lasts all day, you can order lunch for the team. Pizza like Frank’s Pizza or Piola, sandwiches, or tacos (Tacos Doña Lena or Tacos Tierra Caliente) are good options, but it's best to ask the movers before ordering if they want to eat or if they'd prefer to just take a short break. In Houston, many people love Tex-Mex and BBQ, but again, it's best to check their preferences. If in doubt, you can just treat them to an iced coffee or energy drink.
Another way to say “thank you” is to leave a positive review online. This will help the movers get more orders in the future, and the company will notice their efforts. If you leave a review, it is better to include the names of the workers and describe what exactly you liked about their work: for example, neatness, speed or attentiveness to your belongings. You can post such a review on Google, Yelp, or on the company's website
Small tokens of attention, like drinks, food, or a review, can be just as valuable as money, and movers will definitely appreciate your concern.
Common Tipping Mistakes to Avoid
When tipping movers, it's important to avoid a few common mistakes so that unpleasant situations don't arise.
The first mistake is not checking to see if the tip is included in the bottom line. Sometimes moving companies add a service charge (usually 10-15%) to the bill, and then an extra tip is not necessary. To avoid confusion, check with the company ahead of time to see if this is included. If it is, you can give a small tip if you want to thank them for their excellent service, but you don't have to pay twice.
Another mistake is forgetting to schedule money for tips. Often people don't factor in this expense item and look for money at the last minute. To avoid this, set aside the right amount in advance and carry petty cash for convenience. Also, if you prefer digital payment methods, check with the movers to see if they accept such payments, such as through Venmo or PayPal.
One final mistake is thinking that tipping can only be done in cash. In fact, many movers now accept digital payments if you don't have cash. Before moving, check with the company to see what tip payment methods they support.