(short-distance move within the same city)
(overseas shipping)
Cost to move a piano varies greatly by region (and even by zip code).
Get free estimates from piano movers in your city.
The cost of moving a piano is $600-$2,000.
Moving a piano is not like moving a piece of furniture. Most often than not, pianos are treasured family heirlooms that have been passed down from generation to generation. Depending on the make, size and age, it can cost anywhere between $3,000 to $100,000. Moreover, pianos are very heavy (close to 1,500 lbs) and require special boards and dollies to transport them safely. A professional piano mover who can transport your valuable possession with the care it deserves is the right choice for this job.
For moving a studio upright piano within the same city with one flight of stairs at the origin, you can expect to pay around $600-$2,000.
While it can be tempting to go the DIY route and save money, you may end up losing more money if you move it the wrong way and end up injuring yourself or causing damage to the instrument. Despite their bulky appearance and heavy weight, pianos are delicate instruments with more than 1000 small parts. Even regular movers may not be experienced enough in this area. This is why the best way to move a piano is hiring a professional piano mover who understands the instrument and has the experience and tools to take it apart and reassemble it if necessary.
Typically, your piano mover will ask for the following information to come up with a quote.
Depending on the type of piano and difficulty level of transporting the instrument to and from the truck, you can expect the move to cost as given below.
Distance | Cost |
---|---|
Local moves within the same city | $150-$800 |
Long distance moves within the country | $600-$2,000 |
Overseas shipping | Around $3,500, excluding moving costs at destination |
Your moving company will ask for the type, size, make and model of the piano to calculate the costs, determine the value, and estimate labor and tools required for the job. Make sure to specify the piano correctly as upright or grand. While measuring the size of an upright piano, measure from the floor to the lid. If you have a grand piano, you should measure from one end of the keyboard to the bow.
Obstacles that add to the difficulty of moving the piano in and out of a house can greatly increase the total costs. For example, if your piano is located on the second floor of your house, be prepared to pay an additional $2-$10 per step or $40-$100 for every flight of stairs. Every stairway turn can set you back by another $75. Other obstacles like difficult terrain (dirt, gravel or trees in the moving path) and narrow spaces can also increase piano moving costs by as much as $200.
If you live in a small town or area, chances are that there are not too many professional piano moving companies in your area. Plan your move in advance to get your choice of piano mover and a reasonable price. Rush jobs can increase your final costs by as much as $300.
However, avoid placing a time limit on the move as it can increase the cost. The more flexible you are, the more money you will save. Be prepared to be available all day on the day of the move. Piano movers usually arrange their schedules in a way as to make the most efficient use of time and fuel.
Some movers may be able to give you a quote just by the type of piano. Typically, their rates would be as follows for a short-distance move.
Piano type | Moving considerations | Moving cost |
---|---|---|
Studio upright piano | Smallest full-size piano | $150-$315 |
Standard upright piano | Weighs between 600 and 800 lbs | $195-$320 |
Players upright piano | Weighs between 600 and 900 lbs | $195-$315 |
Baby grand piano | Doors/walls may have to be removed to move piano safely | $250-$400 |
Studio grand piano | Heavier and bigger than baby grand pianos | $255-$415 |
Parlor grand piano | Length between 5.5 and 7 feet | $415-$650 |
While piano moving may seem like a simple task to the uninitiated, it is a complicated process and requires proper training. You can expect professional piano movers to turn up on the moving day with a specially-equipped truck, ramp, moving dolly, skid board, locking belts, moving pads and blankets. They will also have the necessary tools to dismantle the piano for transport if needed.
Smaller pianos are usually moved in one piece. If you have an upright piano, your mover may start by placing a blanket on on side of the piano. Then the movers will lift the other side and position the dolly right in the center below the pedals. While moving a grand piano, the movers may choose to remove the three legs, the pedal box, and the music rack and then tilt the pian on the long end onto a skid board.
Always make sure the piano’s lid is closed and locked to prevent any damage to the keys during transport. The body should also be covered with moving pads and secured with tape to prevent scratches.
Piano moving requires special boards and dollies that are used to transport heavy items without causing damage and may not be ordinarily available around the house. Professional piano movers may also have specially-equipped trucks with ramps, hydraulic lifts, and several rings and clips to secure the piano properly during transport.
Type | Features | Cost |
---|---|---|
Piano skid board | Solid hardwood board for securing the flat side of the piano | $125 |
Piano moving strap | To fasten the piano to the skid board | $14 per piece |
Piano moving dolly | For moving pianos | $200-$2,300 |
Piano moving covers/pads | For protecting the piano from damage while moving | $30-$35 per piece |
Hump strap | To pull and lift piano | $25 |
Packing tape | Good quality, for securing the moving pads | $3 per roll |
Your piano mover may either charge you by the hour (with a three-hour minimum in most cases) or give you a fixed rate. Depending on the instrument’s weight and size, the mover may employ 2-5 employees for the job. The hourly rate ($8-$15 per person) will generally include cost of labor and equipment used. Fixed rates are generally in the range of $150-$400 for a short distance move.
Depending on the size, make and model, pianos can cost anywhere between $3,000 and $100,000.
It is advisable to hire a professional piano mover who can move it the right way without causing damage to the instrument or property. If you have to move your piano yourself, make sure you have proper piano moving equipment such as a 4-wheel dolly and moving ramp for moving the piano, moving pads/blankets to protect it, packing tape etc. You will also have to enlist the help of at least 3-6 strong and healthy people who can lift the piano.
On an average, piano tuning costs about $150-$300.
International shipping costs for a piano can go up to $3,500, excluding transportation and unpacking costs at the destination.
Inter-city piano moves can range from $150 to $800, depending on the size and type of piano, timing, obstacles in moving path etc. Long-distance moving costs within the country range from $600 to $2,000.
Small upright pianos weight about 400 lbs. Bigger upright pianos can be as heavy as 900 lbs.
Moving a piano on its back can cause a lot of damage to the instrument. It is not meant for this purpose.
Cost to move a piano varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.