The cost of moving a piano

Moving a piano can be overwhelming because of its size, and its valuable piece of equipment. Although it may seem cost – effective to relocate your piano without having a company, it’s worth the risk.

A piano is an expensive piece of equipment, prone to scratches and damages, if not handled properly. Therefore, the cost of piano moving is the best option, especially considering piano movers utilize skills and high-tech tools to reduce the risk of damage.  

What is the cost for piano moving?  

Piano moving costs can vary depending from one firm to another, but the average piano moving services are around $400. While this is the average piano moving cost, the lowest cost to move a pianp can start from $150 to $5000 depending on various aspects. Factors that include this are: location, obstacles, type of piano can impact the total piano moving cost. The cost can be considered high by some but movers protect pianos at all cost and you’ll be glad to make the great safe investment.

Different factors impacting the cost of moving a piano 

There are many factors that impact the cost of moving a piano. Reputable piano moving companies will usually consider these before providing you a quote and include the following: 

Travel distance 

The cost of moving your piano locally can range from $200 – $600, where some moving companies will have a charge between $1.2 – $1.5 per mile. Conversely the cross county move or long distance moves can cost between $450 – $2000 which translates to $2 to $10 per mile.

Meanwhile, international move might be a flat rate between $3000 – $5000, therefore in general long distance piano movers usually charge more. The piano shipping cost calculated is larger due to overseas considerations as the cost of using a moving truck or moving vehicle to transport for such long distances.

Size and Weight 

Size and type of piano can impact the cost of moving the piano. Therefore, it’s critical to communicate the details of your piano with the moving company. When giving the information make sure to include weight, width, height, model and type of the piano, as this will help most piano movers to an accurate estimate.

For example upright pianos or vertical pianos are less expensive to move, because they are easier to move and usually cost between $150 to $1000. While grand pianos are heavier and bigger, which require more material and equipment, and grand piano costs are between $200 to $1500 locally and longer distances around $2000 and at the most $5000 or more.  

Additional Piano Moving Costs

Complex Moves

Walking along staircases or navigating around structural obstacles such as narrow turns, narrow doorways, difficult angles, tight spaces, or in crane hoisting via upper story windows, a piano moving company could charge extra. In many cases, charge around 5$ to 10$ per step or per staircase $40 – $100. In addition piano tuning services might add a bit to the overall cost as well as specialized equipment for tight corners etc.

Urgency moves

Last minute moving will usually cost more, the ideal scenario would be to plan in advance to get a better deal, as well ensuring proper materials are available on the moving day. Some moving companies might even charge the double of the original price. 

Moving Insurance  

Due to potential damage a moving company’s insurance might lead to extra coverage, which should be considered. 

Hosting 

When the hallways, doors, staircases are narrow, hosting the optimal method. The piano moving company can use hosting equipment to lift your musical instrument via the balcony or window. Hosting service will cost between $700 to $1000 depending on the company. 

Storage  

If your piano is not moved directly to your intended location, you probably need storage facility. A climate-controlled facility can charge between $50 – $75 per month. 

How Piano Moving Cost is Calculated 

There are different factors to consider when consulting piano moving companies. It can be in the category of flat rate vs hourly rate

Flat rate 

For long distance movings there is usually a flat fee. There are various factors such as 

• Move distance 
• Piano type 
• Job complexity  

Hourly Rate 

An hourly rate is a practice of some piano moving companies, and the final prices that determine the total cost are the following: 

• Number of movers 
• Tools used in the process 
• Travel fee 
• Overall time taken to move the piano 

For the final cost of piano moving, it is best to have them arrive at the home or house to determine the other possible costs such as obstacles.  

Overall

Moving a piano by yourself can be risky for you and the piano. Professional piano movers who do this for a living and have been performing these tasks for many years are the safest choice. To ensure your piano arrives in safe hands, do your research to find a reasonably priced piano mover. 

If you’re interested in hearing more about our piano moving services, contact Prime Piano Moving who have transparent piano moving cost and transport pianos nationwide in the U.S.

FAQ

What is the cost of an upright piano?

The cost to move an upright piano is usaully $150 to $1000 which is the national average cost. A long distance move in this case will impact the overall price as well if it’s just local moves.

What is the cost of baby grands?

The price is the typical cost of $400 for a baby grand piano to be moved, although the piano size usually is a factor that is considered when figuring the total cost. This is what to expect in terms of what piano movers charge for moving instruments.