How Much Does It Cost to Move A Piano, Residential Or Commercial?
All pianos, from Baby Grands to small ones, can be difficult to move. How much does it cost for a piano to be moved? The average cost is $295, but can go up to $1000.
By Garret Reuter | Updated Oct 09, 2023 7:54 PM
Highlights
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Moving a piano can cost anywhere from $295 up to $1000, with an average national cost of $406.
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The cost of moving pianos is largely determined by the type and size of the piano. Other factors include its accessibility, distance, and labor costs.
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If you are moving to a different home, relocating the piano to a different room, selling or buying a piano or just getting rid of it, then you may have to move your piano.
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It's possible that some piano owners can move their instruments themselves. However, it is generally recommended to hire professional piano moving companies to move the piano to avoid any potential injury to yourself or damage to your instrument.
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Pianos of all sizes are not usually transported by regular furniture movers, so customers will need to
hire piano moving company when it comes time to move. Professional piano movers are able to provide
all the necessary moving blankets and padding as well as team members and equipment for moving the
piano correctly and efficiently. The cost of moving a piano is usually added to the price tag for hiring
regular movers. What is the cost of moving a piano? According to Angi the average cost of moving a
piano is between $258 and $573. Most piano owners spend about $406 on this task with a piano
moving company. According to HomeAdvisor a short local move can cost as low as $150. Long distance
piano movers charge between $2.50 - $10 per mile.
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Gas prices in your area can affect piano transport costs, as well as the number of stairs the piano
movers will need to climb to get the instrument to the new location. Some piano moving companies
charge a flat fee to move a keyboard, while others charge per hour. Customers should double-check the
piano moving service's pricing. This guide will explore the factors that affect piano moving costs. It will
also examine additional costs that could change the price of moving from the national average.
Factors to consider when calculating the cost of moving a piano
There are hidden costs which can increase the cost of moving. Piano owners can spend anywhere between $258 to $573 on moving a piano. However, the final amount may differ from the national average, which is $406, due to a number of factors. These include the piano's size, weight, type, accessibility, distance to be moved, and labor costs in the local area of a piano moving company.
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Piano Weight and Size
Local piano movers charge anywhere between $8 and $15.00 per hour, per person. Or a flat rate of $100-$2000. The price range depends on the weight and size of the piano. The more people required to move a heavier and larger piano, the higher the cost of moving it. The larger and heavier pianos require more space and fuel in the moving truck. The average cost to move a large piano is listed below.
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Piano Size Average Local Piano Moving Prices
Piano Type
Piano movers with experience will be able to provide a moving quote that is based on what type of piano you have. They can calculate accurately the number and weight of moving blankets and padding needed for the piano to be safely transported to its new location when they know the type, brand, size and location of the piano. There are five common types of pianos: spinet, upright and studio. Below, we discuss each of these piano types.
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Moving distance
The total cost will increase the longer the piano has to be transported. Local piano movers often charge an hourly fee with a minimum amount of time. This time includes the time required to prepare the piano and move it into the truck. Local piano movers will charge you between $1.50 and £2.50 per mile. Long-distance piano movers may charge up to $2.50 or $10 per mile. Some moving companies charge a flat rate for long-distance transport, which can be more cost-effective to the piano owner. The final price depends on both the type of piano and the distance traveled.
Accessibility
The price may increase if the piano is located in an area of the home that is difficult to reach or requires the instrument to be moved up and down stairs, or around corners. The cost of stairs ranges between $5 and $100 per staircase. The cost of moving a piano from a large apartment without a freight lift can be hundreds of dollars.
Work
The cost of labor, as well as the equipment used by professional piano movers that charge per hour, is usually included in the total moving price. It's best to confirm with the piano moving service to avoid surprises. The cost of labor in urban areas with high costs of living tends to be higher.
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Additional costs and considerations
Many piano owners find that when budgeting the moving cost, there are other factors that affect the total. This can include additional charges for dismantling the piano and crating it, rushing the delivery or rescheduling it, moving extra items, adding insurance and storing it at the new house.
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Crate and Dismantle
Before moving a grand piano, it must be dismantled. The piano moving cost of dismantling the piano is approximately $100 and the cost of crating it is $800. The piano owner may pay up to $1,200 for the service of heating the crate. Moving upright pianos is less expensive because they don't need to be dismantled and crated. The upright piano is wrapped tightly and moved using a dolly or skid board.
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Rescheduling and Rush Fees
A rush fee will be added to the cost of moving if a piano owner wants to move their instrument as soon as possible. Rush fees can range from $300 to $700, depending on the distance of the move. These extra charges are a reflection of the additional effort required to accommodate the piano into the moving company’s schedule. The movers will charge $400 for rescheduling if no one is present at the location of pickup when they arrive.
How to move a piano
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Storage piano
Many people know the top self-storage units around them and are vaguely familiar with prices for storage units. However, storing pianos has its own considerations. The cost of climate-controlled piano storage ranges from $50 to $75,000 per year. The temperature in these storage spaces is usually between 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit, and the humidity between 38-52%. It's important to check with the moving company to confirm pricing. Some piano movers include a certain amount of storage time in their moving prices. Still suggested to us a professional piano mover, whenever a piano is involved.
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Piano Tuning
Baby Grands, vertical pianos must be tuned after a move. This is because changes in humidity and temperature can cause the soundboard to expand or contract. Physically moving the piano type may also loosen some parts. It's best to wait two weeks after a piano has been moved into its new location to allow the instrument to adjust to the new humidity and temperature levels. Professional piano tuners charge around $100 per hour. Many pianos take 60 to 90 minutes for tuning. National average cost of a piano tuning is between $100 and $150 on typical.
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Moving costs by type of piano
The price to move pianos can vary depending on the type of piano and the proper equipment required. The more expensive the instrument is, the larger and heavier it is. Moving costs will vary depending on whether it is a local or long distance move. Here is a piano-moving cost calculator that can be used for both local and long distance moves.
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Types of Piano Average cost for a local move Average cost for a long-distance move
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Spinet
The spinet piano is the smallest upright piano, weighing usually between 300-400 pounds. The spinet piano has keys that are shorter than those of other pianos and is between 36 and 40 inches high. Spinets were popular in the 1930s for their affordable price. However, they eventually went out of style and production ceased because the sound quality was not ideal. Spinets can cost between $100 and $300 to move locally, or between $500 to $800 to move long distance.
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Upright
The upright piano's strings are strung in a vertical direction, which allows it to take up less space on the floor than a grand. Grand piano strings are strung in a horizontal direction. The upright piano is the tallest vertical piano, measuring more than 47 inches high and weighing between 400 and 1000 pounds. Professional piano movers are able to move pianos safely and securely, even though they're smaller and lighter. Local moves for upright pianos can cost between $100 and $295. Long-distance transport can be anywhere from $500 to $8,000.
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Studio
In schools, studios and classrooms, you'll often find studio pianos. Studio pianos are usually 44 to 47 inches high and feature a larger soundboard compared to spinet or console pianos. The larger soundboard produces a richer sound and is preferred to the smaller soundboard. Local moves for studio pianos range from $100 to 250, while long-distance moves can cost up to $800.
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Baby Grand
Grand pianos come in three different sizes: Baby grand, Grand, and Concert grand. Baby grand pianos are smaller than 6 feet and can weigh up to 650 pounds. It is a grand piano with its strings strung vertically. This version takes up more space than the upright. The cost of moving a baby grand piano is between $250 and $350 locally and between $1,000 to $2,000 long distance.
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Grand
The length of a grand piano can range from 4 feet, 5 inches to 6 feet, 1 inch. All types of grand pianos must be disassembled and crated for safe transportation. The pianos can weigh anywhere between 600 pounds and 1,200 pounds. Local moves cost $350 to $400, while long distance moves cost $1,000 to $2,000.
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Concert Grand
Concert grand pianos can be anywhere from 6 feet to 9 feet in length and weigh between 900 and 1,200 pounds. The cast-iron framework that supports the inner workings and wooden construction of the piano is the reason why they are so heavy. A concert grand piano can be moved a short distance for $450 or more, while long-distance transportation costs up to $2,000.
Is it necessary to move a piano?
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Hiring professional movers to help you move your piano locally is a wise decision. Here are some of the reasons a piano might need to be relocated.
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Moving into a new home
It is not easy to move a piano. To ensure that the piano arrives at its new home without being damaged, larger grand pianos must be dismantled and wrapped in a crate. Piano owners should be aware that most household movers are not trained to safely move pianos. Always keep in mind of the piano moving cost when relocating. Tight spaces, tight corners, concert grands & all types of a piano our delicate instruments.
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Moving the piano is hard work
Keep your piano intact and hire a piano mover pro. Piano moving services in your area can provide you with free estimates that are not binding. A modern piano moving company costs involved pure hard work included in typical cost. Most piano movers are paid a hourly rate to become one of the professional piano movers.
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Moving between Rooms
Moving a piano from one room to another is also possible when rearranging furniture in a house. Customers will hire piano movers to ensure the safety of their instrument. They have the expertise to move the piano safely to another room. A grand piano must be dismantled, and then placed on its back to fit through narrow doors. Upright pianos cost to move similar as a grand without a piano board. Up will require one if going up a stair case. A moving vehicle isn't needed moving between rooms piano moves.
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Buying and Selling
Online listings of free pianos are common. The only cost is the moving and tuning. People often sell pianos because they are no longer using them and it takes up valuable home space. Professionals are required to move a piano from its previous location into its new one when buying or selling it. As with any purchase cost to move with piano moving services will be additional.
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Remove an Old Piano
Some people want to remove a piano that is damaged or old and cannot be repaired. Others may find methods to reuse the instrument. Piano removal costs range from $250-$450 for spinets and uprights, to $325-600 for grand and baby grand pianos.
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The pros and cons of moving a piano yourself Hiring a Professional
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A homeowner or tenant may be able move an upright piano on their own if it is on wheels and can be wheeled easily into another room, without obstacles or having to navigate stairs. There are steps that you can take to safely move a Piano if hiring professional movers will not be an option. It may seem tempting to ask a group to move a piano. However, this could lead to disaster. The piano could be damaged beyond repair if you move it without the right tools and equipment. You also risk injuring yourself. Pianos are fragile instruments and require special equipment and expertise to move them properly. Before tackling the project themselves, piano owners should consider the weight and value of the instrument. The following are the average prices of the equipment and tools needed to move a grand piano. Piano shipping cost calculated below.
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Moving blankets and pads cost between $30 and $35 per item, while rolls of packing tape cost around $3. Even if a homeowner, renter or other person can successfully move a piano, they will still need to transport the instrument from one place to another. Renting a truck that is large enough to accommodate the piano, and strong enough to handle the weight of the instrument. Rentals of local moving trucks can be as low as 20 dollars per day, plus $1.10 for each mile. Average piano moving cost movers protect pianos also a piano valued.
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Piano pianos flat rate or hourly rate, tips
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All need climate controlled trucks, long distance move may require at least two weeks.
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A good company track piano moving boards
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Music rack on smaller pianos, thoses moving pianos and most piano movers should be careful with them.
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A piano mover should allways use a piano dolly with a piano move.
Save money on moving a piano
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Many piano owners want to save money when it comes time to move their piano. Here are some tips to help you reduce moving costs.
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Get at least three quotes from piano moving companies that are reputable in your area.​
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You can do some of the work yourself. You can save money by moving an upright piano closer to the door without needing to climb stairs.
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Hire professionals. Although it might be tempting to try to move the piano yourself, you risk damaging the instrument and your home as well as causing personal injury. Hiring professionals will ensure that the piano is safely moved and no one gets injured. A piano requires a moving vehicle usually big enough for pianos weigh and prized piano.
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Tell the moving company about any obstacles that the movers might encounter. By communicating with them, you will avoid being charged for unexpected charges due to stairs, narrow doors, or other problems.
Questions To Ask About Moving A Piano
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Asking the right questions to a piano moving professional can prevent miscommunications and help homeowners and tenants save money on moving costs. Here are some questions you should ask about moving your piano and the process of moving.
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How long has the piano moving business been in existence?
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What kind of experience have you had moving a piano similar to mine?
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Do you have any references?
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What is your moving rate?
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Are you licensed?
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Are you insured for commercial automobile, cartage and workers' compensation?
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What kind of training does your staff receive?
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Do you have a piano dolly?
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Who will move my piano?
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Please provide me with the contact details of the movers, so that we can keep in touch during the moving process.
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How will the piano move?
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Is your vehicle equipped with a climate control system?
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Are there any additional charges for storage?
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What happens if your piano gets damaged in transit?
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What can I do to prepare my piano for moving?
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After the move, do you offer tuning services?
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What is your payment schedule?
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How can I review your service?
FAQs
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It's essential that piano owners understand the logistics of moving their instrument before they hire a piano moving company. These frequently asked questions can be helpful when searching for piano movers, whether the move is to another side of the country or across town.
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Q. Are pianos expensive to move?
The average cost of moving a piano is $406. The cost of a long distance move can be higher, ranging from $2.50 up to $10 per mile. The cost of moving depends on the weight and size of the instrument as well as the distance. Piano moving cost can also be impacted on the number of turns on a stairwell.
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Q. Do I need a piano mover to move my piano to a different room?
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Professional movers may not be needed if the piano can be easily moved into another room. Professional movers should be hired if the piano is difficult to move because of stairs, narrow doors, or other obstacles. Although upright pianos can be moved easily, grand pianos must be dismantled. Professional movers are equipped with the tools, knowledge and experience to safely do this.
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Moving a piano even a short distance may cause it to be out of tune. The jostling caused by moving a piano can cause its inner workings to shift. Changes in temperature and humidity may also be responsible for it going out of tune. Let the piano sit for two weeks in its new location to allow it to adjust to the new environment before calling a professional piano tuner. The piano will likely go out of tune if it is tuned right away after moving into its new home.
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Piano Moving Company Why?
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Other types of pianos should be handled by a team of professional movers. A professional moving company is recommended to move pianos safely, as they are heavy and their weight is not evenly distributed.
Q. Q. How do piano movers protect them from damage?
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Professional piano movers will take several steps to protect your instrument. The piano is wrapped in moving wrap, which protects the finish. It is then wrapped tightly with padded moving blankets. They will strap it onto a moving cart and then transport it to the truck. The movers will make sure that the piano rests level on the moving truck and secure it with straps so it does not move during transport.
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Q. Can regular movers move a piano?
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The best moving companies won't move a piano because it takes specialized training and specialized equipment to do this safely. Asking a moving firm if they have experienced piano movers that can move a piano safely is never a bad idea, but it's always best to hire a professional moving company.
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Find local professionals for any home project
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Piano moving companies
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All pianos, from a Baby Grand to small ones, can be difficult to move. How much does it cost for a piano to be moved? The average cost is $295, but can go up to $1000.
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Moving a piano is a challenge, whether it's an upright or a baby grand. What is the cost to move of moving a piano? The average cost is $406.
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Piano moving costs for grand pianos or any piano mover.
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Average piano moving cost ,piano pianos moving piano moving all need specialized equipment
CONTACT
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Email: Pianomovingworld@gmail.com
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