Piano Moving Costs

Piano moving is a specialty moving service provided by a number of professional movers and labor companies. These instruments are so delicate and heavy that they require special transportation to relocate, whether you’re moving down the street or across the country. There are a number of factors that can affect what you pay for piano moving.

The type and size of the piano are the first (and most obvious) factors to consider. Each piano has its own weight and handling techniques to consider. The company that you choose and what equipment they have will also affect what you pay. In the case of a specialty item like this, a stair fee will almost always be charged if an elevator is not available in the building and it is more than two stories.

Piano moving: short-distance move, by type.

Other considerations and costs

• Spiral staircases, sharp turns or narrow pathways, non-paved walkways, and uneven ground are all considerations in moving a piano. These are all situations where a company may charge a premium fee for labor due to the difficult navigation.
• Some movers charge hourly rates with a minimum three-hour charge. Others may charge a flat rate for piano moving, based on its type and the details of the move. Professionals generally have a base rate and add mileage to the cost, as well.
• Some pianos will require partial or full disassembly for moving. This will be considered a special circumstance and will increase the cost of moving your piano.
• If you’re calling for piano movers at the last minute, you’re going to pay a higher labor rate that includes a rush fee. As soon as you know that you need to move a piano, you need to start exploring your options to get the best pricing.
• Your piano moving estimate should include: a base rate, cost per mile, cost per stair (if required), cost per hardship (for obstacles and difficulties), and any extra charges, such as insurance or storage costs.

DIY considerations

• Moving a piano is a very delicate job and should not be done by anyone who is not experienced. You may be able to handle some of the disassembly if you are decently handy. For the most part, though, this is not a DIY job.

References

• Craftsman Estimator Costbook, complete series year 2019.
• Latest prices found on Home Depot and other vendor Web sites.
• Literature review of DIY Web sites.