Piano transportation & moving: safe, professional and stress-free

Piano Moving Services: Safe and Professional 🎹

Pianos and grand pianos aren’t just beautiful instruments — they’re delicate works of art that require special care, especially during a move. Their size and weight make piano moving a real challenge, particularly with grand pianos, which require extra space and extreme caution. The biggest risks are damage from shocks, bumps, or improper handling. Even minor accidents can cause significant harm to the instrument’s mechanics or finish. Dirt or liquids during the move can also permanently damage the piano.

Why Professional Help Matters

Moving a piano should always be left to trained professionals. Experienced moving companies have the expertise and equipment to safely transport your instrument. Whether navigating narrow staircases, reaching a third-floor apartment, or covering long distances — the pros know exactly what it takes.

What You’ll Find on This Page

In the sections below, you’ll learn:

• Typical costs for piano moving services
• How a piano or grand piano is safely transported
• Why hiring a specialized moving company is the best choice

How Much Does Piano Moving Cost?

Estimating the exact cost of piano moving isn’t easy. Just like with regular moving services, the price varies depending on several key factors:

• Size and weight of the piano: Smaller upright pianos are cheaper to move than large, heavy concert grands.
• Distance to the new location: Shorter distances are more affordable; longer moves cost more.
• Accessibility: Narrow doors, tight stairwells, or a lack of elevators increase the difficulty — and the price.
• Number of floors: Carrying a piano up or down multiple flights of stairs adds time, labor, and cost.
• Special equipment: If furniture lifts, cranes, or specialized harnesses are needed, expect additional fees.

The quickest way to find out what you’ll pay is to request quotes from multiple providers. The tables below offer a general overview of common price ranges.

Piano and Grand Piano Moving Price Comparison

The cost to move a piano or grand piano depends mainly on the instrument’s size and the distance traveled. A small upright piano is cheaper and easier to move than a full-size grand, which demands special equipment and extra care. Additionally, stairs and difficult building access can lead to extra charges. Use the table below to get a clearer idea of typical prices based on instrument size and average per-mile rates — a helpful guide for planning and comparing providers.

Instrument Size	Cost for Upright Piano Transport	Cost for Grand Piano Transport
Up to 43 in (e.g., small upright piano)	$80 + $1.10 per mile (+ surcharge per flight of stairs)	$125 + $1.40 per mile (+ surcharge per flight of stairs)
Up to 47 in (e.g., standard upright piano)	$95 + $1.15 per mile (+ surcharge per flight of stairs)	$135 + $1.50 per mile (+ surcharge per flight of stairs)
Up to 51 in (e.g., large upright piano)	$110 + $1.20 per mile (+ surcharge per flight of stairs)	$150 + $1.60 per mile (+ surcharge per flight of stairs)
Up to 55 in (e.g., studio grand or concert upright)	$130 + $1.30 per mile (+ surcharge per flight of stairs)	$175 + $1.75 per mile (+ surcharge per flight of stairs)
Over 55 in (e.g., full-size concert grand)	$155 + $1.45 per mile (+ surcharge per flight of stairs)	$200 + $2.00 per mile (+ surcharge per flight of stairs)

Piano Moving Costs by Distance

Distance is a major factor in piano moving costs. Short moves are more affordable, but instrument size and type also play a big role. A small upright piano is easier and cheaper to move than a large grand piano, which requires more expertise and equipment. Here’s a helpful overview of average costs based on distance — so you can better assess and compare quotes:

Distance	Small Piano (up to 43 in)	Standard Upright Piano (up to 47 in)	Large Upright Piano (over 51 in)	Small Grand Piano (up to 79 in)	Large Grand Piano (over 79 in)
Short (up to 6 miles)	$70 – $130	$90 – $170	$160 – $250	$210 – $320	$320 – $620
Standard (up to 12 miles)	$80 – $150	$110 – $200	$180 – $280	$230 – $350	$340 – $670
Medium (up to 18 miles)	$100 – $180	$130 – $230	$200 – $320	$270 – $400	$400 – $780
Long (up to 30 miles)	$120 – $200	$—	$—	$—	$—

Piano Moving Costs for Long-Distance Moves

For long-distance piano moves, costs rise due to travel time, labor, and logistics. Both the distance and the size of the instrument significantly affect pricing. While a small upright remains relatively affordable, moving a full-size grand piano will be much more expensive. Road conditions, loading challenges, and the need for special equipment can further impact the final price. The following table gives you average cost ranges for various distances and piano types — a useful planning tool for your move: [table “” not found /]

How Professional Piano Moving Works

Piano moving is a serious challenge. Pianos are not only fragile inside, with thousands of sensitive components, but also extremely heavy and awkward to handle. Safe transport requires careful planning, the right equipment, and skilled movers to avoid costly damage. Here’s how a professional piano move typically works — from preparation to final delivery.

Handling Pianos With Extra Care

A piano’s interior is full of delicate parts that are easily damaged. Even a minor bump can throw off the tuning or harm the mechanism. Meanwhile, the exterior — often finished with fine wood or lacquer — is prone to scratches and dents. That’s why extreme care is required throughout the move.

Step 1: Inspection and Planning

A professional piano move always begins with a detailed plan. Moving companies will usually inspect the piano and site in advance to assess the layout, obstacles, and requirements. Based on this, they create a customized action plan. To prepare for moving day, make sure pathways are clear — move any furniture or obstacles to give movers easy access.

Step 2: Preparing the Piano

On moving day, movers secure the piano by closing the lid and wrapping the instrument in protective blankets and straps to prevent scratches and shocks. These measures are critical for protecting your piano throughout the entire move.

Step 3: Lifting and Loading

Depending on the piano’s size and weight, movers use different techniques. Typically, lifting straps are used to place the piano onto a dolly for easier movement. Staircases often present major challenges — ramps or portable lifts may be used to move the piano safely. Once on the truck, the piano is secured with straps to prevent shifting during transport.

Step 4: Using a Lift or Crane

In tricky situations — like narrow staircases or upper floors — professional movers may use a manual piano lift or even a crane to move the instrument safely through a window or balcony opening.

Can You Move a Piano Yourself?

At first glance, moving a piano yourself might seem like a way to save money — but it comes with serious risks. Pianos are not only extremely heavy and awkward, but also highly sensitive. Even minor mistakes while lifting, loading, or transporting can lead to irreparable damage to the mechanism, exterior, or internal components.

The Challenges of Moving a Piano Yourself

Before deciding to DIY your piano move, consider the following:

• Weight: A standard upright piano weighs between 400–600 pounds. A grand piano can weigh 900–1,200 pounds.
• Awkward shape: Pianos are bulky and difficult to maneuver through doors, hallways, and staircases.
• Fragile mechanics: Internal parts can easily be damaged by shocks or mishandling.
• Physical strain: Without the right technique and equipment, serious injuries are possible.

What You’ll Need for a DIY Piano Move

If you still decide to move the piano yourself, you’ll need specialized equipment and helpers:

• Lifting straps: Help distribute the piano’s weight when lifting.
• Piano dolly: Essential for moving the instrument across flat surfaces.
• Protective blankets: To prevent surface damage.
• Ramps and lifting tools: Required for navigating stairs or steps.
• At least 4 strong helpers: Moving a piano safely demands serious manpower.

The Risks of Moving a Piano Yourself

Attempting a DIY piano move exposes you to several risks:

• Mechanical damage: Shocks can ruin the tuning or damage the strings and hammers.
• Surface damage: Scratches, dents, or chipped lacquer are common without proper handling.
• Accidents: An unsecured piano can tip over, injuring people or damaging property.
• Injury risk: Lifting such heavy loads without experience can cause serious injuries.

Why Hiring Professionals Is the Smarter Choice

Hiring a specialized piano moving company offers many advantages:

• Expertise: Movers know how to properly secure and transport pianos.
• Specialized equipment: Lifting straps, dollies, and piano lifts are standard tools.
• Insurance protection: Damage is usually covered under the mover’s insurance policy.
• Stress-free move: Professionals handle everything — from disassembly to safe delivery and setup.

Bottom Line: Is DIY Piano Moving Worth It?

While it’s technically possible to move a piano yourself, it requires major effort, experience, and specialized equipment. The risks — to the instrument, helpers, and your own safety — are high. Hiring a professional moving company is by far the safer and less stressful option.