Is the tip included in the moving price?
No. Tips are not in our rate and are never required. If you choose to tip, 10-20% of the total is customary, and it goes straight to the movers.
By Spartan Moving Systems · Updated October 2026 · Cal-T #0190543Not included, and up to you
Your quote and final bill do not include a tip. Tipping is not mandatory. It is customary and appreciated, and most customers who tip choose somewhere between 10% and 20% of the total, depending on how complex the job was and how happy they are with the work.
When to tip
The natural moment is at the very end, after the crew has finished and you have done the final walkthrough together. By then you have seen the whole job: how carefully the furniture was handled, how the beds were put back together, and whether everything landed in the right room. Some people also hand out cold drinks or lunch partway through, which crews appreciate, but it is never expected.
How a tip reaches the movers
| Method | How it works |
|---|---|
| Cash | Hand it to each mover, or to the foreman to share |
| Venmo | Send it to the mover directly |
| On your card | Ask the foreman to add it when they run your payment |
However you give it, the tip goes to the crew who did the work.
Things people weigh when deciding
- Stairs, long carries or a tight building that made the day harder.
- Heat, rain or a very long day.
- Care with fragile, heavy or sentimental items.
- Whether the crew stayed organized and kept you informed.
If you are budgeting ahead, our moving cost guide helps you estimate the bill so you can decide on a tip separately, and the moving checklist reminds you to have cash on hand if that is your choice.
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Questions and answers
- Do I tip the foreman more than the other movers?
That is entirely your call. Many people give one amount to the foreman to split evenly, which keeps it simple.
- Is it rude not to tip movers?
No. A tip is optional and never affects your bill or service. It is simply a way to say thanks for good work.
- Should I tip on a short three-hour move?
If you want to, a percentage of the total is an easy guide, so a smaller job naturally means a smaller tip.