Updated: April 21, 2025
Should you tip movers in Raleigh? Yes — while it's not required, tipping is common and shows appreciation for hard work and good service.
Moving is one of the most physically demanding services you can hire. Professional movers lift and carry heavy items, pack them, navigate narrow staircases and steep driveways — often in hot or unpredictable Raleigh weather. A good moving crew saves you time and stress, handling your belongings with care and working quickly. Tips are a way to say thank you for their effort.
In Raleigh, where living costs keep going up and the need for solid moving services is especially high during peak seasons, tipping matters. Local crews often count on tips as part of their pay, especially for long or tough moves. While the general guideline across the U.S. suggests 10–20%, many Raleigh residents also consider the workers’ effort, attitude, and how the day went overall.
If the movers showed up on time, handled your things carefully, and made the move easier for you — tipping isn’t just polite, it’s expected.
How much to tip movers in Raleigh?
If you're planning to move, it's important to understand in advance how much you typically tip. This will help you calculate the costs correctly. Whether you're moving from an apartment in downtown Raleigh or a large house in Cary, the amount of tip depends on the amount of work, the distance, and the overall level of the load.
| Move Type | Tip Per Mover (Flat) | Tip % of Bill |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom local move | $10–$20 | 5–10% |
| 3-bedroom full-day move | $30–$60 | 10–15% |
| Long-distance move | $200–$500 (per crew) | 15–20% |
The average cost of moving to Raleigh in 2025
Based on recent data from moveBuddha, the average cost of hiring movers in Raleigh is approximately $93 per hour. For local moves, total expenses typically range from $356 to $3,066, depending on factors such as the size of the residence and the number of movers required.
Longer distance moves (such as from Raleigh to Charlotte or Atlanta) cost $2,500 to $5,000 or more.
Example: if your move costs $1,200, a 10% tip would be $120 - usually this amount is split among all team members.
Fixed tip or percentage of cost: how to choose?
- A flat tip (e.g., $20 per person) is appropriate for short and uncomplicated moves.
- Percentages are better for full turnkey moves or more expensive orders.
- For longer distance moves, it's more common to give a total amount to the entire team, especially if different people are unloading and loading.
Helpful Tip for Raleigh: Because of the increased number of residents, the heat in the summer, and high demand during the season (May through August), moving services in Raleigh are especially in demand. If your crew worked carefully and took their time, especially on a hot day or weekend, it's wise to tip closer to the upper limit.
Fixed or percentage tips: which to choose
Both options - a fixed amount or a percentage of the total cost - are appropriate. The decision depends on the scope of work, budget and number of movers.
A fixed tip is a specific amount per mover. For example, it could be $20, $40, or $60, depending on how much people did. This method is convenient for short moves, such as when you need to move things from a small apartment or room in a few hours. It helps you understand in advance how much you need to budget. This amount is easy to divide among everyone, especially if there are only two or three people working. For example, if three movers helped you move from a studio in downtown Raleigh in 2.5 hours, $20 each is a good and understandable choice.
Percentage tips are more commonly used for more complicated and longer moves. It's usually 10-20% of the total amount. This method takes into account how long the move lasted, how heavy it was, and how much it cost. It is convenient if there were many people working or if the order was large. For example, on a $2,800 move from Raleigh to Asheville, a 15% tip would be $420 - this amount can be divided equally among everyone involved.
There's no one-size-fits-all approach for moving in Raleigh, but here's a little tip. If you're moving out of an apartment and there are one or two people working, an apartment amount per person is fine. If the move takes half a day or a full day and three or four people are involved, you can choose any method. For long-distance moves where several teams are involved, it is more convenient to divide the percentage. If the move included packing services, furniture assembly, and other additional tasks, the percentage option will be more appropriate.
Factors that affect the tip amount (Raleigh-specific)
Every move is different, and the amount of the tip can vary. While it's common to tip 10-20%, there are details to consider. Here are the main things to consider when calculating a tip in Raleigh.
The amount of work and the nature of the move
Moving from a small apartment and moving from a large house are two different tasks. If you have to move a lot of furniture, especially heavy or non-standard furniture like sofas, pianos, exercise equipment, it takes more time and effort. Moves that last all day often require a larger team and good organization. Neighborhoods like North Hills or Wakefield have homes with stairs, garages and long walkways to the entrance, making the process more complicated.
Summer weather conditions in Raleigh
Raleigh’s moving peak season (May–August) also happens to be the hottest. When movers spend 6+ hours lifting and hauling in 90°F heat with 70% humidity, it’s not just hard work — it’s physically grueling.
💡 A tip on the higher end is a kind way to acknowledge those extra conditions
Time spent on the move
If the process took longer than expected and yet the team continued to work clearly and calmly - it's worth considering. There are times when movers are disassembling furniture, looking for a way to get things out through narrow hallways, or helping with packing on site. But if the delays are caused by confusion in their work, it is not necessary to increase the tip.
Additional services
Some teams handle packing, disassembling furniture, or transporting valuable or fragile items. If employees not just loaded and unloaded things, and, for example, carefully packed paintings or disassembled furniture - it is reasonable to increase the amount of tips.
How many people worked
If the team was small, it is convenient to tip each person separately. If the move took place with the participation of several groups (some loaded, others unloaded), it is more convenient to calculate a percentage of the amount and give it to the senior in the team. This way it will be easier to distribute the money and take into account everyone's contribution.
Behavior and attitude
If the movers were polite, arrived on time, explained everything, tried not to scratch the walls and walked carefully around the house - this approach deserves gratitude. And if someone helped beyond the tasks - for example, offered to assemble the bed - a good tip will be appropriate.
When and how to tip: cash, card or app
The amount of the tip is important, but equally important is when and how you tip. A little preparation will help make it convenient and understandable.
WHEN it's best to tip
If it's a local move within one day, tips are most often given after all the work is completed - when things are delivered, unpacked and put in place. This allows you to assess the result, make sure nothing is damaged and thank the team. Sometimes clients give a small amount at the beginning, like $10 per person, as a sign of respect and support. But the bulk is usually handed over at the end.
For long distance moves, especially if different teams are involved - one is responsible for packing, one for transportation, one for unloading - it is better to split the tips. Each team should be thanked separately, immediately after the completion of their part of the work. This way, everyone involved will get their share.
WHAT is the best way to tip
Cash remains the most convenient and understandable option. Most employees prefer this method. Money can be given to everyone personally or give the total amount to the foreman, so that he himself divided everything. It is desirable to prepare small bills in advance - it will save time.
If it is more convenient to pay by card, it is worth clarifying in advance with the company whether it is possible to include tips in the bill. Some services offer this option. This is convenient, especially if you use a corporate card or make reports.
Mobile applications like Venmo or Cash App are becoming increasingly popular, especially among young employees and private performers. But not everyone uses them, so it's best to ask about it beforehand. If possible, it is advisable to send money to each participant directly.
Some companies collect all tips and then divide them between employees. If you want your gratitude to reach a specific person, it is better to give money personally and in cash.
What to consider in Raleigh
While the basic principles of tipping are the same everywhere, Raleigh has its own peculiarities that can affect the way you approach it.
The demand for moving here is high. The city is actively growing, especially in the spring and summer when the most moves take place. This is due to the start of school years, IT workers moving, and families relocating. Teams' schedules are often tight. If you're slotted in on a busy weekend or during the peak season, a tip closer to the top end will be appropriate.
The neighborhoods of the city create different working conditions. Parking is difficult in downtown and the Glenwood South neighborhood, and stairs and narrow hallways require more effort. The North Hills and Brier Creek neighborhoods often have multi-level homes where loading goes through the garage. In Cary and Apex, homes are large, with long driveways and distribution of boxes into zones. All of this requires extra physical activity and time, which is worth considering when calculating tips.
Summer in Raleigh is a real challenge. High temperatures and humidity make even simple jobs more difficult. If the crew worked in 85°F or higher, showed up on time and handled your belongings carefully, a generous tip is fair.
For now, moving prices in Raleigh aren't as high as some other U.S. cities. But they are rising, and so is the workload. Many movers count on tips as an important part of their income - especially for weekend work or full-day shifts.
Locals tend to be generous. According to customer reviews and online discussions, people in Raleigh often leave above-average tips, especially if the move went smoothly and without problems. This may be due to a general attitude of good service.
What should you do if the movers are late or damage your belongings? Is it worth leaving a tip in such a situation
Sometimes a move doesn't go according to plan. Someone may be late, something may be broken. In such cases, it's important to understand the right thing to do with a tip.
The short answer is that if the work was done poorly, you don't have to tip. But it's important to understand the situation carefully.
If the movers are late?
Sometimes delays are unavoidable, especially on weekends or when there's traffic on the highway. But there's a difference between a valid excuse and being completely uncooperative.
Consider whether the company gave you advance notice. Did the movers show diligence upon arrival. Whether the move was completed in a reasonable amount of time. If the answers are positive, you can still leave a full or partial tip. If not, it's wise to reduce the amount or not pay at all, especially if the tardiness caused inconvenience.
If something was damaged?
Things can get damaged during a move, especially if they are heavy or fragile. The key here is to understand if this was the fault of the team. Did the movers admit their mistake. Whether they offered a solution - took out insurance, notified the office, warned you. Was there a response from the company. If you were treated with respect and tried to correct the situation, you can still leave a tip, albeit in a smaller amount. If you got a rude or indifferent crew, a tip is not necessary.
If you did most of the work yourself?
If you moved boxes, disassembled furniture, and actually supervised everything yourself, that's a reason to reconsider the tip. In this situation, you can reduce the amount or not tip at all. If one of the workers still showed effort, you can thank him separately. This will help to distinguish those who worked well from those who did not.
Tipping is a thank you, not an obligation. If the quality of service was poor, you have the right to refuse to pay extra. But if the reason is logistics or organization on the part of the office, and the employees themselves tried hard, you can thank at least part of the team.
How do you show appreciation without money?
Tipping is important, but there are other ways to show that you appreciate the work. Even if you've already left a tip or can't do so, there are simple actions that will cheer up the team.
Offer cold water or a light snack
Working in the heat is always tough. A simple bottle of water, a drink, or a small snack like fruit, granola, or nuts will help keep the energy up and show that you care.
Buy lunch
If work lasts all day and is outside of your normal hours, you can offer to order takeout. Pizza, sandwiches, or something from a local cafe like Oakwood Pizza Box or Sosta Cafe is a good option. Better yet, simply ask if they would like a snack.
Create comfortable facilities
You can specify which restroom can be used. Put up a fan or allow them to rest in the shade. Be there to answer questions. All of these things make the workday a little easier.
Offer furniture that you're not taking with you
If you're getting rid of old furniture, you can ask if anyone on the team needs it. This can be helpful to them and to someone they know.
Say thank you
Sometimes simple words are as valuable as money. Shake hands, praise a particular person, say a few words at the end. It creates a good impression and lifts your spirits.
Leave a testimonial
Movers often work on recommendations. A review on a website, Google or Yelp, a call to the office with praise - all of these things help the team get new orders and bonuses. If you mention the names of the workers, it will be especially helpful.
Even if there was no tip, such actions will show that you appreciated the labor.
FAQ. Answers to common questions about tipping movers
If you don't fully understand how and when to tip movers in Raleigh, you're not alone. Below, we've compiled simple and accurate answers to the most popular questions.
One last reminder - give as much as you think is right, and don't forget to say thank you
Tipping is a way of saying thank you. If the moving crew arrived on time, handled things carefully, and helped you move without too much stress, especially in the heat or to a house without an elevator - a tip is appropriate.
It could be some cash, a lunch or just kind words. The key is to show that you appreciate the work.
There is no exact figure, but the right approach is there: thank those who helped and rely on your sense of fairness.