Moving a piano is a big job, a complicated one. As a piano owner you want to make sure your beloved instrument gets to its new home safely and securely.
That’s where a moving company comes in. But before you hire a moving company to move your piano, you need to know the cost.
In this article we’ll break down all the piano moving costs you need to know to make an informed decision and move your instrument easy.
How Much Does It Cost to Move a Piano?
Piano music is one of the most beautiful sounds on earth. It’s gentle and powerful, joyful and solemn. It’s soothing and moving. The instrument that creates such beautiful, exquisite and powerful music should be just as grand and beautiful.
A piano is a grand and beautiful object. A piano is a beautiful piece but also a big instrument. Moving a piano from one place to another requires much care and effort. They are big and heavy but also delicate and sensitive, so they can be damaged. They are also very valuable and expensive.
Don’t move a piano yourself. Leave it to the professionals, experienced piano movers with the right equipment and expertise to move your beautiful instrument. But how much do piano movers cost? Can you afford it?
Find out how much it costs to move a piano on average and what affects the price for each move.
Piano Moving Costs
The cost of moving a piano is based on the type of instrument being moved, the type of move and the circumstances of the move.
Size and Type of Piano
Pianos come in different sizes, weights, shapes and other characteristics. They also require different handling equipment and techniques. The type of instrument you have will affect the cost.
Moving heavier pianos cost more because they require more people and specialized equipment.
Partial disassembly or crating requires more cost for larger pianos.
Grand pianos are hard to carry and move so the cost is higher than upright pianos.
Piano movers will need to know the size, type and make of the instrument to calculate the cost and how many people and equipment they will need.
When you’re looking for piano movers and asking for a quote, make sure to:
1. Specify the type of piano you have.
Spinet Pianos are under 40 inches and weigh between 300-400 lbs. ;
Compact upright pianos weigh between 500-800 lbs. ;
Grand pianos are shaped, with lovely curves. They can be taller or longer than they are wide and weigh between 600-1200 lbs.
2. The piano must be measured accurately.
Measure the height of your upright piano from the floor to the lid.
Measure the length of your grand piano from the end of the keyboard up to the bow. Baby grand pianos can be as short as 6 feet, concert models can be 7 feet.
3. The movers will need to know the exact weight and shape of the instrument.
Move Away
The second most important factor in determining the cost of moving a piano is the distance of the move. The farther the distance is, the more expensive the move.
Moving a piano long distance is more expensive than moving it locally because the moving company has to factor in the extra time and fuel for the long distance move. Professional piano movers calculate the cost by calculating the distance and mileage. They charge between $1.50 and $2.50 per mile if local and $2.50 to $10 per mile if long distance.
Pick-up and Delivery Locations are Special
The final cost of moving a piano is also affected by any obstacles that will make it difficult to move in or out of the home.
The biggest obstacle in moving a piano is the stairs. It’s very risky, difficult and expensive. You need at least 2 strong people with specialized equipment. Moving companies charge extra for moving pianos up or down stairs. The fee is usually $5 to $10 per step which is $40 to $100 per staircase.
When discussing the cost and conditions of your piano move, inform them in advance about any stairs that may exist at the location (not just inside the building but also outside the entrances). The movers can then give you a more accurate quote and know what equipment to bring to transport your piano up and back down the stairs safely.
The cost will be lower if there is an elevator at either location where the piano can be placed. (Especially if you’re moving from or into an apartment on the upper floors).
The following can also add to the cost of moving a piano:
Spiral staircases;
Many tight spaces and sharp corners.
Narrow doorways
A gravel, brick or grass path between your house and the moving truck.
Hilly terrain.
These can make it harder to move a piano safely and cost more.
Inform your piano movers about any obstacles or challenges you may have at your old and new home. This will allow them to assess the risk and send the right equipment and workers who are qualified and experienced to make the move smooth and safe.
How Much to Move a Keyboard
How much will it cost you to move a piano? The average cost to move a piano is $200 to $400 for local and $1,000 to $2,000 for long distance.
1. The cost to move a piano varies by type. Upright can cost between $150 to $500, baby-grand $250 to $2,000.
2. Local piano moving costs range from $150 to $850. Shipping a grand piano across the country from $500 to $2,000
3. Moving a standard upright within the city will cost more than $100. But moving a grand piano long distance is less than $2,000.
How is the Piano Moving Cost Calculated?
You can calculate the cost to move a piano in two ways:
Hourly rate: Most local movers will charge you by the hour with a 3-hour minimum (which is the time it takes to move a piano safely from one house to a moving truck and then drive it to the destination within the city, unload it and bring it into the new home).
Flat rate: Cross Country piano movers will quote you a flat fee based on the type of piano to be moved, distance and difficulty.
A professional piano mover’s base rate is $50. To calculate the cost, they will add the mileage rate at $1.50 for local, $3 for long distance and any additional charges for stairs, steps or other obstacles.
They will then consider how many workers, what equipment and where the piano is in the house to pack, lift, carry and transport safely.
It’s good to know
1. Piano moving requires special equipment beyond the moving truck with ramps. This is to keep the piano safe.
Piano moving dolly – $200
Hump belt – $25
Piano skid board – $125;
Locking piano belt – $25 etc.
2. Depending on the weight and size of the instrument, it may take 3 to 5 movers to do the job safely.
In the quote you will find out how much it costs.
If you do the math, it’s $150 to move an upright and $1,050 to move a large piano across the country. The prices go up $40-$100 per flight of stairs and $40-$240 per obstacle. So the average cost to move a piano is $200 (for small pianos) and $2,000 (for grand pianos).
Additional Costs
Now you know how piano shipping costs are calculated. But as always, there are other factors that affect the final cost.
Special packing requirements: If your piano is large, sensitive or valuable it may need to be created or disassembled for shipping. This will add to the cost.
Movers usually charge around $100 to disassemble the piano, including the pedal box and music rack.
Grand piano crating starts at $800 and goes up to $1200 for heat-treated crating.
Hoisting service: If the piano is too big to fit through the door or stairs, a crane will be needed to lift it up or down through a window. This service is $750-$1,000.
Additional items: If you want to move any additional items with your piano such as a bench or piano, the cost is $1 per pound. Minimum of 20 dollars per item.
Rush jobs: Last minute piano moves can cost twice as much as the standard price. Rush fees can be up to $300 if local and $400-$700 if long distance.
Insurance: Professional piano movers provide free insurance up to $5,000. Additional insurance is $10 to $15 per $1,000.
Rescheduling: You will be charged up to $400 for rescheduling or canceling a move.
Storage: You will need to pay between $50 and $75 per month to store your piano in a climate-controlled unit if you need to store it for some time during your move.
Returning: is recommended after moving your piano. Even with the best care of your piano movers, the internal parts may have been shaken loose or shifted during transportation. Returning your piano to consider the climate and humidity may also be necessary. After moving, wait a few weeks for the piano to adjust to the humidity in the new location before having it professionally tuned. The service is $100 to $150.
The total cost of moving a piano is:
Base rate ($50) + Cost per mile ($1.5/$3.00) + Cost per stair ($5.00) + Cost per hardship ($40-$240) + Extra charges (special services, insurance, storage, etc.)
How to Find Good Piano Movers at Affordable Prices
You can see that moving a piano requires skill and money. Hiring the best piano moving service like Abreu Movers Westchester at the lowest possible cost is key to keeping your instrument safe and not breaking the bank.
You can find piano movers at a reasonable price who are also good and reliable. All you need to do is know where to look.
Fill out the moving quote form to contact reputable piano movers near you.
Check out the moving company’s website to get more info. You can see what services they offer, their rates, how long they’ve been in business, their credentials and USDOT number;
Read moving reviews from people who recently moved with the piano moving company you are interested in. See if they were happy with the service.
Get on-site quotes from piano moving companies that fit your needs, budget and requirements.
Tell the movers about any challenges you may have in your new or old home (stair, tight spaces, gravel paths, restricted access, etc.). Mention any special handling needs, extra services you need (or want), preferred pickup and delivery dates and other details. Also ask about insurance options.
Compare and choose the piano moving company that fits your needs. Check the license, experience and reputation of your chosen piano moving company.
Once you’ve chosen, book the service.
FAQs
What should I do when my piano has to be moved up or down?
The size and weight of a piano make it difficult to move up or down stairs. To ensure the safety of the piano and movers, hiring experienced professionals in moving up and down stairs is important. If stairs are in the move, you should inform the piano moving company well in advance. This may result in an extra fee. The piano movers arrive with all the equipment and personnel necessary to transport the piano safely up the stairs.
Does my piano move come with insurance?
Most professional piano movers have insurance to cover your piano. It is best to check with the moving company and confirm the insurance coverage before the move. Consider additional insurance for pianos that are valuable or antique.
When should I tune my piano?
After moving your piano, it is best to have it tuned. The vibrations and movements during the move can cause the instrument’s tuning to be out of tune. To ensure your piano sounds great in its new home, consult a professional to arrange a tuning session.
Why should you hire professionals to move your piano?
The task of moving a piano requires special skills and equipment. Moving pianos without the help of professionals can cause damage and injury. Piano movers are professionals who have the knowledge and expertise to relocate pianos safely and protect them throughout the move.
What is the cost of moving a piano?
The price of transporting a piano is influenced by several variables, such as the piano’s size and kind, the distance that has to be traveled, and any obstructions at the pick-up and delivery locations. Moving heavier or larger pianos is usually more expensive. Distance will also influence the cost. Long-distance moves are usually more expensive. Stairs, narrow spaces, and other obstacles can also increase moving costs.
Eric Chandler is a versatile entrepreneur with expertise in both writing and the moving industry. With years of experience as a writer, he has a talent for crafting engaging content on various subjects for major publications and online platforms. Eric also owns a successful moving company that provides reliable and efficient services to clients across the country. His extensive knowledge of the moving process, from packing to delivery, has earned him a reputation as a trustworthy moving expert.
