A piano can be difficult to move since it needs to be carefully planned and carried out to guarantee that it gets to its new location securely and undamaged. Hiring a reputable moving company specializing in piano moving services is important. However, one question often arises: how much does it cost to move a piano? This is where our ultimate guide comes in.
This article will offer pricing information on piano moving services and financial planning advice for a smooth transition. Whether you are planning to move your piano across town or the country, this guide covers you.
What Is the Cost of Moving a Piano?
Piano music is beautiful and magical, both gentle and powerful, soothing and moving. A piano is a delicate and awe-inspiring object of grandeur and beauty. Moving a piano takes much care and effort due to its large size, weight, and sensitivity. It is best to leave the job to professional piano movers who have the necessary equipment and expertise. Discover the average cost of moving a piano and the factors that determine the price.
Piano Moving Cost Factors
The cost of moving a piano is determined by the type of musical instrument being moved, the nature of the move, and the circumstances of each move.
Type and Size of the Piano
Different pianos are different in size, weight, shape, and other characteristics. They also require different handling equipment and techniques. The type of musical instrument you have will determine the cost of moving it.
- Moving heavier pianos costs more because they require more personnel and specialized equipment.
- The need for partial disassembly or crating increases the cost of moving larger pianos.
- The shape of grand pianos makes it difficult to carry and move them, making the cost higher than that of upright pianos.
Piano movers will need your musical instrument's size, type, make, and model to calculate moving costs and determine how many people and equipment they'll need.
When you are looking for piano movers, and asking for a cost estimate, be sure to:
- Please specify the type of piano you have.
- Spinet Pianos are smaller than 40 inches and weigh between 300-400 pounds. ;
- Compact upright pianos weigh between 500 to 800 lbs. ;
- The shape of a grand piano is distinctive, with lovely curves. They can be as tall or longer than they are long and weigh between 600 and 1200 pounds.
- The piano should be measured precisely.
- Measure the height of your upright piano from the floor to the lid.
- Measure the length of your grand piano from the end of the keyboard up to the bow. Baby grand pianos can be as short as six feet, while concert models can reach seven feet.
- The movers will need to know your piano's exact weight and shape.
Move Away
The second most important factor in determining the cost of moving a piano is the distance the instrument travels. The longer the distance is, the more expensive the move.
The cost of moving a long piano distance is higher than moving it locally because the moving company has to factor in the additional time and fuel needed. Professional piano movers calculate the cost of moving by calculating the distance and mileage. They charge between $1.50 and $2.50 per mile if the move is local and from $2.50 to $10 per mile if it's long-distance.
The Pickup and Deliver Locations are Unique
Moving a piano's final cost is impacted by obstacles that hinder its movement in or out of the home. Stairs are the biggest challenge requiring at least two strong people and specialized equipment, which moving companies charge extra for. Inform your movers about any stairs beforehand to receive a more accurate cost estimate and ensure safe transport. The cost can be lower if there is an elevator in either location that fits the piano.
The following obstacles can also increase the cost of moving a piano:
- Spiral staircases;
- You will find that there are many tight spaces and sharp corners.
- Narrow doorways
- A gravel, brick, or grass path should be between your house and the moving truck.
- The terrain is hilly.
These factors can make it more difficult to move a piano safely and increase the cost.
Tell your piano movers about any obstacles or difficulties you may encounter at your old and new home. This will allow them to assess the risks and send the right equipment and workers who are qualified and experienced to ensure a smooth and safe relocation.
The Average Cost of Moving a Piano
How much does it cost you to move a keyboard? The average cost of moving a piano is between $200 and $400 for local moves and between $1,000 to $2,000 for long-distance moves.
- The average cost of moving a piano varies depending on the type. Moving an upright can cost between $150 and $500, while a baby-grand piano costs $250 to $2,000.
- The average piano moving cost is $150-$800 for local moves. Costs to ship a grand piano across the country range from $500 to $2,000
Moving a standard upright within the city will cost you more than 100 dollars. But moving a grand piano long distance is only a tad under two thousand.
How Is the Piano Moving Cost Calculated?
You can calculate the cost of moving a piano in two ways:
- Hourly rate: Most local movers will charge you an hourly fee with a minimum 3-hour period (the time it takes to move a piano safely from the home to a moving van, drive it to the destination in the same city, then unload it and bring it into its new home).
- Flat rate: Cross Country piano movers will usually quote you a flat fee based on factors such as the type of piano to be relocated, distance, and difficulty.
A professional piano mover's base rate is usually $50. To estimate moving costs, they will add the mileage rate at about $1.50 for local moves, $3 for long-distance moves, and any additional charges for stairs, steps, or other obstacles.
They then consider how many workers, what equipment, and where the piano is in the house to pack, lift, carry, and transport safely.
It's good to know
- Piano moving requires special equipment in addition to moving trucks equipped with ramps. This is to ensure that the piano remains safe.
- A piano-moving dolly is $200.
- A hump belt – $25
- a piano skid board – $125;
- A locking piano belt – $25, etc.
- Depending upon the weight and size of the instrument, it may take 3 to 5 movers to complete the task safely.
In the quote, you will find the cost of equipment and labor.
If you do the maths, it costs about $150 to move an upright and about $1,050 to move a large piano across the country. The prices increase by $40-$100 for each flight of stairs and $40-$240 for every obstacle. This results in an average piano moving cost of $200 (for small pianos) and $2,000 (for grand pianos) for long-distance relocations.
Additional Costs
You now have a better understanding of how piano shipping prices are calculated. However, as usual, other factors affect the final cost.
- Special packing requirements. If your piano is large, sensitive, or valuable, it may need to be created or disassembled for shipping. This will increase the cost of moving.
- The movers usually charge around $100 to dismantle the piano's legs, pedal box, and music rack.
- A grand piano crating costs $800 and can go up to $1200 if heat-treated.
- Hoisting service: If the piano is too large to fit through the door or stairs, it can be lifted into or out of a property using a crane. This service is usually between $750-$1,000.
- Additional items: If you wish to move any additional items with your piano, such as a bench or piano, the cost will be $1 per pound. This is a minimum of 20 dollars for each item.
- Rush jobs: Last-minute piano relocations can cost twice as much as the standard price. Rush fees can be up to $300 for local moves and $400-$700 if you move long distances.
- Insurance: Professional piano movers provide free insurance for up to $5,000. Additional insurance costs $10 to $15 per $1,000.
- Rescheduling: You may be charged up to $400 for rescheduling or canceling a move.
- Storage: You'll need to pay between $50 and $75 per month to store your piano in a climate-controlled unit if you have to store it for some time during your move. (See also How to select a storage unit);
- Returning: is recommended after moving your piano. Despite the best efforts of your piano movers, the delicate internal parts may have been shaken loose or shifted during transportation. Returning your piano to consider the climate and humidity may also be necessary. After moving, wait a few weeks for the piano to adjust to humidity levels in the new location before professionally tuning it. The service costs between $100 and $150.
The final cost of moving a piano is calculated as follows:
Base rate ($50) + Cost per mile ($1.5/$3.00) + Cost per stair ($5.00) + Cost per hardship ($40-$240) + Extra charges (special services, insurance, storage, etc.)
In summary:
| Upright Piano | Grand Piano | |
| Local move | $150-$300 (average cost of $200) | $250-$650 (average cost of $400) |
| Long distance move | $500-$800 (average cost of $600) | $1000-$2000 (average cost of $2000) |
Finding Good Piano Movers at Affordable Prices
You can see that moving a piano requires both skill and money. Hiring the best piano movers at the lowest possible cost is important to ensure the musical instrument's safety and avoid going bankrupt during relocation.
You can find piano movers at a reasonable price who are also very competent and reliable. All you need to do is know where to look.
To contact reputable piano movers near you, complete the moving quote form.
- For additional information, see the websites of the moving firms. You can find out what services they offer, their tariffs, how long they have been in business, their credentials, and their USDOT number. ;
- You can read moving reviews from people who recently moved with the piano moving company you are interested in. See if they were satisfied with the services they received.
- You can request on-site quotes from piano moving companies that best fit your requirements, budget, and needs.
- Inform the movers about any difficulties you may encounter in your old and new home (stairs or tight spaces, gravel pathways, restricted access, etc.). Talk about any special handling needs, extra services you need (or want), preferred dates for pickup and delivery, and other details. Also, ask about insurance options.
- Compare offers and select the piano moving company that best suits your needs. Check your chosen piano moving company's license, experience, and trustworthiness.
- Once you have made your decision, book the services of the company that you want to use.
Conclusion
Moving can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, but with Buy The Hour Movers, you can eliminate the hassle and make your move a smooth and enjoyable one. Our team of professional and reliable movers will take care of everything from moving and packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking your belongings, ensuring that we arrive at your new destination safely and on time.
If you are planning to move soon, we strongly recommend using Buy The Hour Movers to handle all your moving needs. With their excellent customer service, affordable rates, and years of experience, you can trust that they will provide you with a stress-free and seamless moving experience.
FAQs
Why is it so expensive to move a piano?
Moving a piano is more complex than moving any other item. It requires special equipment and skills to avoid damaging the piano and causing injury.
Is it OK to move the piano by yourself?
Consider calling for assistance before moving a piano. Hiring a professional is best if you need help moving the piano.
Is it easy to move a piano?
It is challenging to move a piano. Consider hiring movers before you attempt to move the piano yourself. It is especially important if the piano needs to be moved down a flight of stairs, into a lift, or through confined spaces.
Does moving the piano damage it?
The sound of a piano is not affected by moving it a short distance. Pushing a piano around a room is fine. The piano only has to be tuned if its new location is significantly different in temperature or humidity.
Can you move a keyboard without using movers?
Moving a piano can be dangerous if you don't do it correctly. Pianos can be difficult to move and are very heavy. One wrong move could cause you to hurt yourself or the piano. You can move the piano yourself if you have experience moving heavy objects.
