Next Phase Moving
⭐ The Honest Answer From Actual Movers

How Much Should You Tip Movers?

The short answer: most customers tip 5–10% of the bill, split among the crew — and it's always 100% up to you.

Free guide · 2-minute read · From a 4.9-star local crew
★★★★★ 4.9 Google rating 🛡️ Licensed & insured · USDOT 4454165 🔒 Price-Lock Guarantee — the price we agree is the price you pay 👷 100% in-house crews — never day labor
The straight answer

How much to tip movers

The Short Answer
5% – 10% of your moving bill, split among the crew — always optional, always up to you

There's no rule — tipping is entirely your call. When customers do tip, 5–10% of the total bill is the norm, and for exceptional service some go beyond. And however you choose to give it — cash, card, or not at all — is completely up to you.

Your moveTypical bill5% tip10% tip
Studio / 1-bedroom · 2 movers$540–$820≈ $30–$40≈ $55–$80
2-bedroom · 2–3 movers$680–$1,100≈ $35–$55≈ $70–$110
3-bedroom · 3 movers$1,160–$1,760≈ $60–$90≈ $115–$175
Large home · 4 movers$1,720–$2,500≈ $85–$125≈ $170–$250
Tip totals are split among the crew. And to be clear: tipping is 100% optional — a good moving company pays its crew properly. It's entirely up to you, and only when the crew earned it.

💵 Cash or card?

Whichever you prefer — it's your call. Cash reaches each mover on the spot; if you'd rather tip by card, just ask how it gets to the crew.

⏰ Before or after?

After — when the last item is placed and you've walked the house. Cold drinks or lunch during the day are always appreciated, never expected.

🚫 When not to tip

Late crew, careless handling, bad attitude — no tip, no guilt. Tipping rewards good work; it isn't a fee.

⭐ Better than a tip

A Google review naming the crew members. Takes two minutes and helps the crew more than almost anything else.

Planning a move?

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Tap your home size — see your real budget range instantly. Then lock your exact price in 60 seconds.

$680 – $1,100
all-in for a typical local 2 bedroom move
👷 2–3 movers  ·  ⏱️ 4–6 hours  ·  🚚 truck, fuel & equipment included
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This is your typical range — your exact price gets locked before move day. 60 seconds, no phone call.
Real numbers, not "it depends"

Your all-in total, by home size

Every number below includes the crew, truck, fuel, blankets, shrink wrap, and equipment. Find your home size — that's your real budget range.

Home sizeCrewTypical timeTypical total
Studio2 movers3–4 hrs$540 – $680
1-Bedroom2 movers3–5 hrs$540 – $820
2-Bedroom2–3 movers4–6 hrs$680 – $1,100
3-Bedroom3 movers5–8 hrs$1,160 – $1,760
4-Bedroom+4 movers6–9 hrs$1,720 – $2,500
Truck & equipment fee: $120 (up to 2-bedroom) or $160 (3-bedroom+), one time · 3-hour minimum · $100 refundable deposit secures your date and is credited to your final bill.

Click any size for the full breakdown. Ranges assume a typical local move within the Seattle area with normal access.

Loaded Next Phase Moving truck with blanket-wrapped furniture ready for a move
Why the price you see is the price you pay

Movers without the surprise bill

  • Price-Lock Guarantee. We confirm your inventory and access up front, then lock your total. No move-day "adjustments."
  • Published rates. The rates on this page are the rates everyone pays. No teaser pricing, no bait-and-switch.
  • Everything included. Truck, fuel, blankets, wrap, dollies, and basic furniture disassembly — already in the number.
  • Local, in-house crews. The people who show up are our trained movers — never rented day labor.
What actually changes the number

What moves your price up or down

📦 Packing status

The #1 factor. Fully packed before the crew arrives can save 1–2 hours. We also offer full packing if you'd rather not.

🏢 Stairs, elevators & carries

Walk-ups, elevator waits, and long carries from door to truck add time. Tell us up front — we plan the crew for it.

🚚 Distance between homes

Drive time between your two addresses is on the clock, so closer moves cost less.

🛋️ Heavy & bulky items

Pianos, safes, gym equipment, oversized furniture — doable, but tell us ahead so we bring the right gear and crew.

1,000+ Puget Sound moves

What our customers say

★★★★★

"Professional, fast, and careful with all our belongings. Best moving experience we've ever had."

Jessica M. · Verified customer
★★★★★

"On time, efficient, and reasonably priced. They made our stressful move so much easier. Highly recommend!"

David K. · Verified customer
★★★★★

"Moved our entire 4-bedroom house without a single scratch. Worth every penny. Will use again!"

Mike T. · Verified customer
Local knowledge, built in

One price list for all of Puget Sound

Most movers hide their prices until you're on the phone. We publish ours — and the price we lock before move day is the price you pay. No fuel surcharges, no stair fees, no weekend markup.

We serve all of Puget Sound — Seattle, the Eastside, South King County, Tacoma, Olympia, Bellingham, and the islands.

Next Phase Moving truck on a Puget Sound street
Common questions

Your questions, answered

How much should you tip movers?
Tipping is never required — it's completely up to you. When customers do tip, 5–10% of the total bill is the norm, split among the crew. On a typical 2-bedroom move that's about $70–$110; on a large family home it can be $200 or more. For exceptional service some customers go beyond 10% — entirely your call.
Do you have to tip movers?
No — and a good company never makes you feel you must. Tip only if the crew earned it: on time, careful with your things, good attitude the whole day.
Can I tip with cash or card?
Whichever you prefer — the method is entirely up to you. Cash reaches each mover on the spot; if you'd rather add a tip by card, just ask how it gets distributed to the crew.
Should I tip before or after the move?
After — when the last item is placed and you've walked the house. Some customers buy the crew lunch or cold drinks during the day, which is always appreciated and never expected.
What's the best way to thank a great crew besides a tip?
Honestly: a Google review with the crew members' names. It takes two minutes, it helps the crew get recognized, and it helps a small local company more than almost anything else.

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