What makes the process of moving the piano hard is that it is not only heavy, but also has many parts and a weird shape. Because of this, it is easy to break it. Therefore, the price for moving it can be quite high. In this guide, we’ll break down the price range for you and explain why the price goes up and how to lower it.
What You Can Expect to Pay
Local piano moves usually cost between $200 and $400. Long-distance moves cost from $1,000 to $2,000.
What Drives the Price Up
A price factor number one is the type (size) of the piano. The heavier the piano, the higher the price will be.
- Upright pianos weigh between 300 and 800 pounds.
- Grand pianos can weigh up to 1,200 pounds.
Building Access
- Stairs add $5 to $10 per step.
- A full staircase flight can add $40 to $100.
Urban apartments without elevators or old homes with landings can make costs go up.
WARNING:
If the piano does not fit in your doorway or a stairwell, the piano movers will need to use a crane or a pulley to move the piano. This will make the price of moving the piano $750 to $1,000 more.
Other common add-ons:
- Taking the piano apart, like the legs and pedals of the piano will cost $80 to $100.
- You will need boxes to transport the piano over a long distance and these boxes will cost $700 to $1,200.
- If you need to move the piano on notice, it will cost $300 to $700 extra.
- The piano will probably need to be tuned after the piano is moved. This will cost $100 to $200.
How Movers Price the Job
The piano movers usually start with a price of around $50. Then, they add the cost of the miles they have to drive to move the piano. This is usually $1.50 for each mile for local moves and $3 for each mile for long-distance moves.
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Peak Seasons and Location
Moving the piano between May and September and on weekends can cost 10% to 15% more, than moving the piano on weekdays during other times of the year.
The location of the piano move is also important. If you are moving the piano in a city, it can cost 20% to 30% more than if you were moving the piano in a rural area.
What’s Usually Included
Most professional piano movers include basic insurance coverage up to $5,000. Extra coverage costs $10–$15 per $1,000 of declared value. Always ask what the coverage actually pays out.
Steps to take before booking:
- Measure all doorways and hallways on both ends of the move
- Note stairs. Any tight turns
- Confirm the pianos make, model and weight
- Get least three written quotes
- Ask specifically about insurance terms. What triggers a surcharge
A Note on Timing and Planning
Booking early, choosing a weekday in fall or winter and making access clear at both locations are the best ways to keep costs reasonable. Last-minute bookings can nearly double the rate in some markets. Post-move tuning is a cost that most people overlook but it is almost always necessary, after any relocation.
