Piano Moving: How to Do It, What It Costs

Moving a piano is hard work that can damage the instrument or underlying flooring if not done properly. This job is best done by professional full-service or dedicated piano movers, but with proper tools, physical strength and skills, it can be a job for very experienced DIYers.

How much does it cost to move a piano?

Moving a piano professionally typically costs between $250 and $600. It can be significantly more for long-distance moves, particularly for certain models, such as grand pianos. A number of factors affect what your actual price will be.

• 
  Type of piano.
  
  Grand pianos take up more space and require more preparation and labor to move than upright models.

• 
  Size and weight.
  
  Generally, the larger and heavier the piano, the higher the cost to move it.

• 
  Distance.
  
  The farther you have to move your piano, the more you’ll probably pay to have it moved.

• 
  National versus international moving.
  
  Moving a piano out of the continental United States generally costs more.

• 
  Stairs and other obstacles.
  
  If your movers have to carry your piano up or down stairs or navigate narrow passageways/obstacles, moving charges will likely increase.

• 
  Required tools and materials.
  
  The more tools and equipment required for your piano move, the higher your costs.

• 
  Location.
  
  Area gas prices and navigability of streets affect your costs.

• 
  Dismantling and crating requirements.
  
  Grand pianos need to be partially dismantled to move, which adds to labor costs. If your piano needs to be wrapped and crated for the move, this can also increase your expense.

• 
  Related items.
  
  Additional items that have to be moved with the piano (such as benches) may add to costs.

• 
  Storage.
  
  If you need to have your piano stored in a climate-controlled space during your move, your total cost will be higher than a straight move from point A to point B.

• 
  Flooring.
  
  If your piano has to be moved over easily damaged flooring such as hardwood, stone, ceramic or vinyl, the movers will have to put down pads and runners, and they may even need protective booties. This extra labor can increase your bill.

• 
  Emergency moves.
  
  Expedited shipping charges may significantly raise your moving costs.

Transporting a piano generally involves 12 basic steps.

1. 
   Gather the necessary tools and supplies:
   

   • Disassembly tools, including screwdrivers and wrenches.

   • Moving blankets, stretch wrap and pads.

   • Protective floor coverings.

   • Ratchet straps for securing piano to the van.

   • Ramp for loading and unloading.

2. 
   Take measurements.
   
   Measure the piano and all doorways, stairways, hallways and narrow spaces involved.

3. 
   Protect flooring.
   
   Lay down protective cardboard or material and tape it down to prevent damage.

4. 
   Perform any necessary disassembly.
   
   Remove legs and any other removable piano parts including the lid prop, piano lid and music rack.

5. 
   Wrap/pad the piano.
   
   Wrap the piano and all components in moving blankets and stretch wrap, and securely pack screws for transport.

6. 
   Transfer piano onto a dolly.
   
   Using lifting straps, and working with at least one other person, lift the piano and carefully place it on the dolly.

7. 
   Load piano onto the transport vehicle.
   
   With a ramp in place, wheel the piano into the transport vehicle and secure it with ratchet straps so it won’t shift or slip during the trip.

8. 
   Transport the piano.
   
   Drive the piano to its destination, preferably in a climate-controlled vehicle.

9. 
   Costs moving Piano