How much does it cost to move a piano?

How much does it cost to move a piano?

The cost of piano moving in the United States varies, with prices typically starting around $150 and going up to $700 or more. Factors such as the type of piano, distance, accessibility, and additional services required can influence the final price. Professional piano movers ensure safe and efficient transportation, expert handling, and insurance coverage.

Average cost to move a piano 

According to the type of piano:

According to distance:

Distance	Cost of moving (locally)	Cost of moving (long-distance)
Per mile	$1.50 to $2.50	$2.50 to $10

What factors affect the cost of moving a piano?

Check out the following factors to get a rough estimation of how much to move a piano: 

Piano type, weight, and size

Piano moving cost estimates are largely influenced by the types and sizes of pianos. The piano’s make and model can tell if it needs dismantling. Grand pianos and baby pianos weigh between 600lbs to 1,200lbs and need dismantling. Upright pianos and spinet pianos do not need dismantling and weigh between 300lbs to 800lbs.

Moving distance

The farther the transport, the higher the cost due to duration of work and fuel costs. It costs around $1.50 to $2.50 per mile to move a piano locally. If you’re moving your piano across the country, you will need $2.50 to $10 per mile. 

Additionally, the cost to move a grand piano or baby piano is between $250 to $650 locally and $1000 to $2000 for long distances. Meanwhile, the average cost to move an upright piano or spinet piano costs $150 to $300 to move locally, and $500 to $800 for a long-distance move.

Steps and obstructions

Do you want your piano moved to the second floor of your home? You will need to pay an additional $40 to $100 per staircase. This extra fee pays for the team of specialists and their equipment to transport a heavy instrument up and down the stairs and other obstructions to prevent damage.

Moving equipment

The make and model of the piano will determine the necessary moving equipment, which may include a dolly, hump strap, locking belt, skid board, protective pads and blankets, hoist and crane, and packing tape. Here’s a look at the variety of moving equipment used to transport pianos to give you a concrete idea of how much it is to move a piano: 

Special packing

Does your piano require dismantling, crating, wrapping, and moving on a dolly or a skid board? These come as added fees. The cost of special packing ranges between $100 to $1,200. 

Grand pianos require dismantling or crating, then reassembling at the new location. Reassembling may not be included in the initial cost estimate, so you’ll have to consider that when determining how much it costs to move a grand piano. Extra costs also apply for additional furniture moving services such as the piano bench and other items you may need. 

Rush and scheduling fees

Rush moving jobs require an additional cost ranging from $300 to $700. There is also a fee to reschedule the move should you have a sudden schedule conflict, so be sure you’re at the pickup or delivery location when the movers arrive.

Piano tuning costs

During moving, the piano’s delicate parts will be disturbed by the shaking and changes in humidity. Once in its new location, it may need retuning. The cost of tuning it is between $100 to $150. 

Humidity control

A professional piano moving company will provide a climate-controlled truck to protect the piano from humidity shock. Climate-controlled transportation preserves the integrity of your piano. If there are fluctuations, the soundboards could swell or shrink. It will also cause tuning issues or wood cracking. 

Why should you hire a piano mover?

Hire a professional piano mover to ensure the following advantages: 

• Weight. The piano’s size and weight alone make it a stressful and difficult task and will require specialized equipment. Professional piano movers can provide the tools and materials needed to move your piano safely. 

• Safety. Keep your piano safe in the hands of those who know best how to handle it. It will also keep you safe, as moving the piano yourself can lead to accidents or injury.

• Dismantling. This is required to move large instruments out of the house and into a new one. Piano parts are delicate, and regular household movers aren’t trained for piano moving.

• Protection. The right equipment and truck will help protect your piano from climate disturbances.

Post a task for piano moving

Ready to hire a professional piano mover to transport your piano? You can create a task to find an experienced removalist and determine how much it costs to move a piano locally or between states. With a Tasker, you can save time and ensure that your piano moving task is done safely and professionally. 

When creating a task, don’t forget to provide the details of your piano, its destination, and any additional requests. You can also send them a photo for a more accurate piano movers cost estimate. 

Explore your Tasker options and read more about how it works to connect with a reliable Tasker in minutes. You can get your piano out of the house or to another floor with Airtasker.