Making a big move can be an exciting time. You get to move into a new home or apartment that is all your own, and perhaps start a new job and make some new friends, depending on how far you plan to move away. Figuring out how to pack up all of your belongings and getting them from one location to the next can take some time and good organizational skills. But if you need to move a piano, you will likely need to pay the professionals to step in and help. But how much do piano movers charge?
Piano Movers of Texas (pianomoversoftexas.com) tell us that on average, moving a piano will cost around $400 to move. Some companies will charge as low as $160 to move it for a short distance move (think across town), while those who have to look at a long-distance move will charge closer to $2000 or $3000 to get it done. The tools needed, the distance of the move, and how tricky it is to get the piano out of the building can all factor into the final price, too. It is also recommended to tip these professionals when they are done, typically between $20 to $40 a mover.
| Type of Move | Average Cost | Additional Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Local (under 50 miles) | $160-$400 | + $100 per flight of stairs |
| Long Distance | $2,000-$3,000 | + Insurance if value > $5,000 |
| Rush Service | Add 20-50% | Varies by company |
Moving a piano can be expensive, which is why a lot of people will choose to just leave the piano and not bring it with them. But if you are insistent on moving the piano and bringing it to the new location, being prepared with the overall costs can make a difference. Let’s take a closer look at the cost of doing this to see if it is a smart decision for you.
How Much Do I Pay Professional Piano Movers?
Moving a piano is going to take some specialized work to get it done. It is heavy and you have to be careful about moving it and not causing damage at the same time. Whether it is a simple piano that you got for the kids to learn how to play or a classic one that needs even more care and attention, having the professionals come in and do the move for you can make a big difference.
The average cost to get professionals over to move the piano will be $400. Of course, there are a lot of factors that will come into this. If piano movers only have to take the piano a few blocks in the same town, then you can often get it for a lot less money. But if it is necessary for them to move it across the state or further, then be prepared to pay a lot more to get the work done.
Piano moving costs vary significantly by region. Major metropolitan areas like New York City, San Francisco, and Chicago typically charge 20-30% more than the national average due to higher operating costs and challenging urban environments.
In addition to the moving fee that you pay to the company, you also have to take a look at paying a tip to the movers. This is a nice thing to do for all of the hard work they put in. It is recommended that you give each mover $20 to $40 for the work, but you can decide how much you would like to spend.
What are Some Additional Cost Factors for Moving a Piano?
There are also a few other cost factors that you should look into before it is time to move your piano. Some of these will include:
- Complex moves: If moving the piano is going to require some tricky maneuvers, like walking a steep staircase or going around some structural obstacles, then it is going to cost you more. The company will often look at this ahead of time and can charge you up to $100 extra per staircase that they need to take.
- Rush jobs: If you wait until the last minute to schedule the move, then you will have to pay some extra to get it done. You will want to plan out enough in advance to get the best deal possible ad to save money. But if something happens and you need to wait, then you need to expect to pay more for it instead.
- Moving insurance: Depending on the insurance that you choose with thee moving company, you may want to get your own to make sure that you are safe. Most moving companies have insurance up to $5000, so if your piano is higher than that in value, getting your own plan can help.
Different pianos require different resources to move:
- Upright Piano: $150-$350 local moves
- Baby Grand: $250-$600 local moves
- Grand Piano: $500-$1,000 local moves (may require disassembly)
- Digital Piano: $100-$200 local moves
Why Professional Piano Moving Matters
DIY piano moving risks include:
- Personal injury from improper lifting
- Costly damage to the piano’s internal mechanics
- Property damage to floors, walls, and doorways
- Voided manufacturer warranties
- Need for extensive repairs or retuning
Pre-Move Checklist
- ✓ Measure doorways, hallways, and stairs
- ✓ Check if piano needs tuning after move ($100-$200 additional)
- ✓ Verify mover’s insurance coverage
- ✓ Clear pathway from piano to moving truck
- ✓ Take photos of piano condition
- ✓ Get 3-4 quotes from different movers
Cost-Saving Tips
- Book during off-peak season (October-March)
- Schedule mid-month and mid-week
- Combine with other moving services
- Get multiple quotes
- Prepare the path thoroughly
- Book well in advance to avoid rush fees
Red Flags to Watch For
Avoid Moving Companies That:
- Won’t provide written estimates
- Have significantly lower prices than competitors
- Lack piano-specific moving experience
- Don’t carry adequate insurance
- Request large upfront deposits
Moving Your Piano with Ease
Moving a piano is going to cost some money, simply because it is a bulky item that can be damaged easily and it is not that easy to get out of a home or apartment. The further you need to move it, or some of the special tools required to get it done will all factor into this as well. Take the time to research different piano moving companies to see what they charge and make your decision from there.