How Much Should You Tip Movers in Los Angeles?: 2025 Guide
How Much Do You Tip Movers in Los Angeles?
You might be wondering: “How Much Should You Tip Movers in Los Angeles?” Moving is one of the most physically demanding services you can hire, and tipping is a customary way to show appreciation for a job well done.
In LA, tipping movers isn’t mandatory—but it’s definitely expected, especially for excellent service. On average, people tip $4 to $6 per mover per hour, or 10% to 20% of the total moving bill.
Let’s break down how much you should tip, when to tip more (or less), and how to factor it into your overall moving budget.
Average Tipping Rate for Movers in LA
Tipping rates can vary depending on your move’s size, complexity, and service level. Here’s a typical guide:
| Service Level | Tip per Mover (Hourly) | Tip Based on Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Move | $4 – $5 per hour | 10% – 15% |
| Great Service / Heavy Lift | $6 – $8 per hour | 15% – 20% |
| Exceptional Service | $10+ per hour | 20%+ |
For example, if you hired 2 movers for 5 hours and they did a solid job, you’d tip:
2 movers x 5 hours x $5 = $50 total
Or if your move cost $800, 15% would be $120 total in tips.
How to Tip: Cash or Card?
Cash tips are the most common and preferred by movers. It’s immediate and ensures each team member receives their share. Here’s how to do it right:
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Tip each mover individually, if possible, so everyone gets an equal share.
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If you tip via credit card, ask the company if the tip will be split among the crew—or if it goes directly to the driver.
Tipping in cash also helps when you’re dealing with day laborers or contracted teams who may not see tips given via company payments.
When to Tip More Than Average
You may want to tip on the higher end (or above it) if your movers:
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Had to carry items up or down stairs with no elevator.
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Managed tight hallways or tricky access points.
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Helped with last-minute packing or disassembly.
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Took extra care with fragile, expensive, or sentimental items.
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Worked during extreme weather (heat waves, rain, etc.).
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Were fast, polite, and communicative throughout the move.
In those cases, tipping closer to 20% (or $8–$10 per hour) shows your appreciation.
Need a quick reference for typical moving rates? Check this helpful guide:
👉 How Much Do Movers Cost for a 1 Bedroom Apartment in LA?
When Tipping May Not Be Required
While tipping is appreciated, it’s not required—especially if the service didn’t meet expectations. It’s okay to tip less or not at all if:
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Movers showed up late without communication.
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Items were lost or damaged through negligence.
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They were unprofessional or careless with your belongings.
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The service was incomplete (e.g., no reassembly or missing help).
Still, even in those situations, you might tip a small amount if the issue was with the company rather than the movers themselves.
How Many Movers Should You Tip?
It depends on the size of the job. Most residential moves in Los Angeles involve 2 to 4 movers. Here’s a quick guide:
| Movers | Hourly Tip @ $5 | Total Tip (5 hours) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $10/hour | $50 |
| 3 | $15/hour | $75 |
| 4 | $20/hour | $100 |
For larger jobs, such as moving a 3-bedroom home or long-distance relocation, you may have a crew of 5 or more—and you should plan your tip accordingly.
Should You Tip the Driver Separately?
If you hired a long-distance or interstate moving company, the driver may be responsible for supervising the entire move and driving hundreds or thousands of miles.
In those cases:
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Consider tipping the driver separately, especially if they handled coordination or stayed in touch with you throughout the process.
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A separate tip of $50–$100 is common for drivers on long-haul moves.
Other Ways to Show Appreciation
Tipping isn’t the only way to show gratitude. Movers often work long days and appreciate thoughtful gestures like:
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Cold drinks: Water, sports drinks, or sodas.
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Snacks or a meal: Especially for multi-hour jobs.
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A shaded break area: For hot summer moves in LA.
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Positive reviews: Leave a 5-star rating and mention their names if possible.
Good movers notice when customers go the extra mile too—and they remember it.
Need help with a move in or around LA? Consider reaching out to 👉 Chamomile Go — a trusted local moving company known for professionalism and transparent service.
How to Include Tipping in Your Moving Budget
Tipping should always be included in your overall moving budget. For example:
If your local move in LA costs $1,200, and you plan to tip 15%, that’s $180 in gratuity.
Here’s a sample budget for a 1-bedroom apartment move:
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Moving Company: $1,000
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Supplies: $150
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Tip: $150–$200
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Snacks/Drinks: $30
Total: ~$1,380
For a long-distance move that costs $4,000, plan to tip $400–$600, depending on how many crew members were involved and how many days the job took.
Final Thoughts
So—how much should you tip movers in Los Angeles? A safe range is $4–$6 per mover per hour or 10%–20% of the total bill, depending on the quality of service, complexity of the move, and your own budget.
Always tip in cash when possible, hand it directly to the movers, and adjust for exceptional (or disappointing) service. And don’t forget—cold drinks and kindness go a long way too.
Moving in LA doesn’t have to be stressful, especially when you work with experienced professionals like Chamomile Go, who understand the city and treat your items with care.
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