Moving a piano across town is not as simple as putting it in a truck. The piano’s weight, size and fragility mean you need equipment and training. In Charlotte it usually costs between $200 and $600 to move a piano, depending on the type of piano, how easy it is to get to, and how far you are moving it in the city.
This guide will tell you what affects the price, how movers figure out the cost and what to expect when you hire professionals in Charlotte.
What Determines the Cost of Moving a Piano in Charlotte
Piano moving companies charge based on several things. The type of piano is one of the most important factors.
Upright pianos weigh between 300 and 800 pounds. Grand pianos can weigh more than 1,200 pounds. The bigger and heavier the piano, the more work and equipment it takes to move.
How easy it is to get to the piano at both locations also affects the price. If you live in a ground-floor apartment with a doorway it costs less to move the piano. If you live in a third-floor walkup with narrow hallways, it costs more. Movers charge extra for stairs turns and long walks from the truck to the door. Charlotte has a lot of two-story homes and some neighborhoods like Dilworth and Myers Park have homes with steeper stairs and smaller spaces.
How far you are moving the piano in Charlotte matters, but it is not as important as the type of piano and how easy it is to get to. Most companies consider moves within a 30-mile radius to be local.
A Plus Moving services will help you make your move smooth. Our team will take care of moving your belongings and free your mind for more important details of the move. Call us today at (800) 919-6332!
Upright vs Grand Pianos
Upright pianos are easier to move. They can fit through doorways when you put them on a dolly. Most local moves of pianos in Charlotte cost between $200 and $350 dollars for easy access.
Grand pianos need to be taken. Movers remove the legs, pedal lyre and sometimes the music desk before moving the body. This takes time and skill. This usually costs between $300 and $600 or more, depending on the size. Baby grands, which are under six feet are easier to move than concert grand pianos.
Measurement Checklist for Homeowners
Before you ask for quotes, measure some things at both your old and new locations.
Doorways and openings:
- Main entry door width and height
- Interior doorway widths along the path
- Height clearance in doorways
Stairways:
- Width of stairwell from wall to wall
- Ceiling height at the top and bottom of stairs
- Width and radius of any landings or turns
Building access:
- Distance from parking area to entrance
- Elevator dimensions if applicable
Write down these measurements and have them ready when you contact moving companies.
Typical Price Ranges for Charlotte Piano Moves
These figures assume ground-level access or a single flight of stairs.
Extra Fees You May Encounter
Stairs add to the base price. Most Charlotte movers charge $50 to $100 per flight for upright pianos and $75 to $150 per flight for grands. Split-level homes, which are common throughout the Charlotte metro area, often involve half-flights that may be charged as full flights depending on the company’s policy.
Long carries also trigger additional fees. If the crew needs to walk more than 50 feet from the truck to the entrance, expect a charge of $75 to $150.
WARNING:
Tight doorways and narrow hallways can make it hard to move things. You might need to take the door off or make changes. If movers have to take a door off its hinges or make a tight turn, they might charge extra. This can cost between $50 and $100.
Moving a piano can be extra tricky. If it won’t fit through doors or hallways, movers might need to lift it through a window or from a balcony. This is called rigging. In Charlotte rigging can start at $300. For hard jobs it can cost over $1,000.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
To get a quote that’s right, you need to give the moving company all the details, when you ask for an estimate. If you tell them everything at the start, you will not have to worry about costs on the day you move.
Information to provide:
- What kind of piano you have, how big it is
- How many stairs are at your place and your new place
- Where they can park their truck at both places
- If there are any doors or hallways that’re too small
- If there is an elevator and if there are any rules, about using it
It is an idea to take pictures of your piano and both places, if the company says it is okay to do the estimate from a distance. You should also ask if the quote includes insurance to protect your piano. Good piano movers have insurance. It is not always the same amount.
What Can Go Wrong
Even with professional movers, piano moves sometimes hit unexpected obstacles.
The piano doesn’t fit
Movers arrive and discover that the instrument won’t make the turn at the bottom of the stairs, or the doorway is two inches too narrow. When access is impossible through normal routes, movers may suggest rigging through a window or balcony, which adds $300 to $1,000 or more to the cost. Ask during the estimate what happens if access proves impossible on moving day.
Damage occurs during the move
You should make sure the people moving your stuff have insurance in case something breaks. Usually this insurance does not cover very much. For example, the normal amount of money they give you is $0,60 for every pound of stuff that gets broken. So, if you have a piano that weighs 500 pounds, they will only give you $300 if it gets broken. This is not money to buy a new one.
Insurance gaps and disputes
The insurance you have on your house usually does not cover your stuff when you are moving it. The moving company is supposed to have insurance that covers this time. Sometimes movers and clients do not agree about whether something got broken during the move or if it was already broken. You should take pictures of your piano before you move it. Take pictures from lots of angles. If you see that your piano is broken when it gets to your house you should tell the moving company right away.
Steps to Prepare Your Home for Piano Moving Day
Step 1: Clear the path completely. Take all furniture, rugs, plants and decorations out of the way between the piano and the exit.
Step 2: Secure the piano lid. Get rid of loose items. Lock the piano lid if it has a lock. If not, tape it closed with painter’s tape. Remove all sheet music and anything sitting on top of the piano.
Step 3: Arrange parking and building access. If needed, book a time for the elevator. Get any parking permits required for the moving truck.
Step 4: Have payment and paperwork ready. Know how you will pay beforehand. Keep your written estimate and insurance proof handy.
Step 5: Plan for pets and children. Keep pets in a room during the move, so they do not get in the way or run out through open doors. Make sure kids are also looked after.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
Not all moving companies handle pianos. Ask these questions before booking:
- Do you specialize in piano moving, or is it one of many services you offer?
- Has your crew moved this specific type of piano before?
- What insurance coverage is included, and what are my options for additional protection?
- Can you provide proof of liability insurance and your North Carolina moving license?
- What’s included in the quoted price, and what could trigger additional charges?
Request references from recent piano moves, particularly for jobs similar to yours in complexity.
After the Move
You should check the piano away after it is delivered. Look for any scratches, dents or damage to the structure. Let the piano get used to its surroundings before you tune it. Changes in temperature and humidity can affect how stable the tuning is. It is best to wait at least two weeks after the move before you schedule someone to tune the piano.
Moving a piano locally in Charlotte takes some planning and professional help. The cost to move it can vary depending on the type of piano, how easy it is to access and how far it is being moved. Most local moves cost between $200 and $600. Getting movers helps protect your piano and reduces the risk of you getting hurt or the piano getting damaged. Piano moves require planning.
