Few things in life humble you faster than trying to move a piano on your own. I learned that when I tried to help a friend relocate an upright piano from his third-floor walk-up in Brooklyn. Two herniated egos and one dinged wall later, we admitted defeat and did what we should’ve done in the first place: called the professionals.
Whether you’re dealing with a vintage baby grand or an upright that’s been in the family for generations, moving a piano is a uniquely complex task. It can be expensive, but it’s also one of those services where you really do get what you pay for.
So, what actually goes into the cost of moving a piano? Why do the quotes range so much, and how can you tell if you’re being overcharged?
Why Is Moving a Piano So Expensive?
There’s a reason most professional movers treat piano transport as a separate service altogether. Here’s what’s involved:
- Weight and bulk: Pianos are awkwardly heavy. Even a small spinet weighs in at around 300 lbs, while baby grands can top 600 lbs easily.
- Delicacy: Despite their bulk, pianos are delicate creatures. One wrong bump and the inner components can shift, strings can loosen, and soundboards can crack.
- Stairs and tight spaces: Navigating stairs or narrow hallways with a 500-pound object requires serious technique and, ideally, piano-specific equipment.
And that’s before we get into tuning needs, disassembly, or specialty crating.
The Big Variables That Affect Piano Moving Costs
No two piano moves are the same, but most quotes are influenced by the same handful of factors:
1. Type and Size of the Piano
This is the first question you’ll get asked: Is it an upright or a grand? A digital keyboard you can toss in the backseat doesn’t count. But if we’re talking about:
- Spinet or console: These are the smaller uprights, usually 300–400 lbs. Still heavy, but manageable.
- Studio or upright: More bulk and weight, somewhere between 400 and 600 lbs.
- Baby grand or grand: These can weigh anywhere from 500 to over 1,200 lbs, depending on the model and materials.
More size means more people, more gear, more time, and a bigger bill.
2. Distance of the Move
Local moves (under 50 miles) are generally priced differently from long-distance ones. For local jobs, you might be looking at a flat rate, whereas long-distance piano moves often add mileage and even overnight storage if needed.
If you’re moving across the country, your piano may need to be transported in a climate-controlled vehicle. That adds cost, but it’s worth it if you don’t want a warped or damaged instrument on arrival.
3. Accessibility Challenges
This is the one nobody wants to think about until it’s too late. How easy is it to actually get to your piano?
Some things that can jack up your quote:
- Stairs (especially spiral or steep ones)
- Narrow hallways and doorways
- Elevators (or lack thereof)
- Uneven terrain or long carrying distances to the truck
- No nearby parking
Some companies charge per stair or step, especially if they need to bring in extra hands.
4. Disassembly and Reassembly
Grand pianos almost always require partial disassembly. Legs, pedals, and lyres have to come off to fit through doors or hallways. That means the movers need both the tools and the skill to take it apart and put it back together without damaging anything.
Even uprights might require light disassembly in tricky spaces.
5. Insurance and Experience Level
Not all movers are insured for piano transport, and even if they are, not all insurance covers replacement value. If a $20,000 Steinway gets dropped, an apology and free tuning won’t cut it.
The more experienced (and insured) a piano mover is, the more they tend to charge. But it’s almost always worth it.
Finding the Right Help
So, how do you actually find someone you can trust with your beloved instrument?
When I moved last year, I Googled “piano moving company near me,” and after a few phone calls, I landed on a crew that was professional, insured, and calm under pressure. That last one matters a lot when your 700-lb upright is stuck in a stairwell and you’re two floors up with no elevator in sight.
I know the temptation. You’ve got strong friends, a dolly, maybe a pickup truck. But unless your piano is both cheap and replaceable, don’t risk it. One slip can ruin the soundboard, warp the keys, or turn your sentimental heirloom into a tragic Craigslist post.
Even if nothing breaks, incorrect moving can knock the piano out of alignment, which means shelling out for a technician later anyway.
Sometimes, you can bundle your piano with a full move if the moving company also specializes in piano relocation. But don’t assume. Ask directly, and make sure they’re bringing piano-specific equipment and enough hands on deck.
Some movers will subcontract the piano portion to a specialist, which can work fine, as long as you know about it in advance.
Pay for Peace of Mind
These instruments often carry decades of history, family memories, or just the quiet satisfaction of a well-loved hobby. They’re almost living things and family members in a weirdly poetic way.
So yes, piano moving costs more than you think. But when you weigh that against the cost of damage, stress, and regret, hiring a pro becomes a pretty easy call. Let your back rest easy; you’ve earned it.