Moving a piano is one of the riskiest parts of any move. The wrong movers can damage a $10,000 instrument in seconds. Here is exactly what piano moving costs, what real piano movers do differently, and how to find someone you can trust.
Piano moving costs depend on the type of piano, distance, and access conditions. Here is what you can realistically expect to pay.
| Piano Type | Weight | Low Estimate | High Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spinet / Console | 200–400 lbs | $150 | $300 | Most common upright |
| Studio / Upright | 400–600 lbs | $175 | $350 | Requires 2–3 movers |
| Baby Grand | 500–650 lbs | $200 | $600 | Must be disassembled |
| Medium Grand | 650–750 lbs | $300 | $700 | Requires specialist crew |
| Concert Grand | 900–1,200 lbs | $500 | $1,000+ | Special rigging required |
Add $50–$150 per flight of stairs. Long carries over 50 feet add $75–$200.
| Piano Type | 500 miles | 1,000 miles | 2,000+ miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upright | $450–$800 | $700–$1,200 | $1,000–$1,800 |
| Baby Grand | $700–$1,200 | $1,000–$2,000 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Grand / Concert | $1,000–$2,000 | $1,500–$3,500 | $2,500–$5,000+ |
| Factor | Local Move | Long Distance Move |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Flat rate per job | Weight + distance + access |
| Transit time | Same day | 3–14 days delivery window |
| Climate control | Usually not needed | Critical — extreme temps crack soundboards |
| Insurance | Basic coverage OK | Full value protection essential |
| Crating | Rarely needed | Recommended for grands and valuable uprights |
| Tuning after | Wait 2–4 weeks | Wait 4–8 weeks — larger temp changes |
| Question | What the Answer Tells You |
|---|---|
| Do you specialize in piano moving? | General movers often say yes. Ask how many pianos they move per month. |
| What equipment do you use? | Should mention piano boards, skid boards, and heavy-duty padding — not just blankets. |
| What insurance covers the piano itself? | Must be more than 60 cents per pound. Ask for the coverage amount specifically for instruments. |
| Will you disassemble a grand piano? | The answer must be yes. If they hesitate, they are not specialists. |
| Have you moved to or from this address before? | Familiarity with building access, parking, and elevator restrictions saves time and reduces risk. |
| Is the price a flat rate or hourly? | Flat rates protect you. Hourly rates can balloon with stairs, long carries, or reassembly. |
Get 3 free quotes from movers who specialize in piano moving. Takes 60 seconds — no spam, no obligation.
Select one to get started
Helps us match you with the right movers
Even a rough timeframe helps movers prepare a quote
Up to 3 quotes from vetted movers — no spam, ever.