How much does it cost to move a piano?
How much does it cost to move a piano?
$150 – $550 cost to move a piano locally
$450 – $2,300 long distance / interstate piano moving cost
$750 – $5,000 cost to ship a piano internationally / overseas
Piano moving cost
Piano moving costs $150 to $550 locally or $450 to $2,300 for interstate shipping, depending on the piano size and type. The cost to move an upright piano is $100 to $350 and moving a grand piano costs $250 to $650. Piano removal costs $50 to $350.
| Type | Average total cost |
|---|---|
| Move a piano room-to-room | $150 – $350 |
| Move a piano locally | $150 – $550 |
| Move a piano long distance, across country, or interstate | $450 – $2,300 |
| Ship a piano internationally (North or South America) | $750 – $3,500 |
| Ship a piano overseas | $2,000 – $5,000 |
Cost to move a piano locally by type & size
Moving a piano locally costs $100 to $650 total or $1.50 to $3.00 per mile plus a $50 base rate. Moving a grand piano costs the most as it requires more people and specialized equipment.
| Type | Average moving cost |
|---|---|
| Spinet, console, studio, or upright piano | $100 – $350 |
| Grand or baby grand piano | $250 – $650 |
Grand and baby grand piano moving cost
The average cost to move a grand or baby grand piano locally is $250 to $650, depending on the size. The larger the piano, the harder and more costly it is to disassemble and transport it.
| Size | Average moving cost |
|---|---|
| 5' | $200 – $450 |
| 6' | $200 – $650 |
| 7' | $250 – $750 |
| 8' | $350 – $850 |
| 9' | $400 – $1,000 |
| Square | $250 – $500 |
| Pedestal | $250 – $450 |
Cost to move an upright or spinet piano
Moving an upright or spinet piano locally costs $100 to $350, depending on the size. Small spinet pianos fit through doorways more easily and require less manpower to lift than larger pianos.
| Piano height | Average moving cost |
|---|---|
| Up to 47" | $100 – $300 |
| 48"+ | $150 – $350 |
Cost of moving an organ
Moving an organ costs $150 to $350, depending on the type. Spinet organs have one row of keys, while console organs are bigger and have multiple rows of keys.
| Type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Spinet | $150 – $300 |
| Console | $200 – $350 |
Room-to-room piano moving prices
Room-to-room piano moving costs $100 to $350, depending on the piano size and type. This option is most common when renovating or redecorating a room.
| Piano type | Room-to-room moving cost |
|---|---|
| Upright / Vertical Piano | $100 – $250 |
| Grand / Baby Grand | $200 – $350 |
Moving a piano room-to-room costs almost as much as a local move because it requires the same effort to secure or disassemble and reassemble it.
Cost to ship a piano long distance & interstate
The average cost to ship a piano long distance, interstate, or across the country is $450 to $2,300 total or $2 to $10 per mile plus a $50 base rate. Crating and breakdown fees for large pianos increase the final cost.
| Piano type | Long-distance moving cost |
|---|---|
| Spinet, console, studio, or upright piano | $400 – $1,200 |
| Grand or baby grand piano | $650 – $2,200 |
Cost to ship a piano overseas or international
International or overseas piano shipping costs $750 to $3,500 for North or South America and $2,000 to $5,000 when shipping overseas.
Documentation may be required for international shipping, especially in countries where buying and selling ivory is strictly regulated.
Cost factors of moving a piano
| Item | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Piano breakdown and setup | $80 – $100 |
| Piano crating fee | $700 – $1,200 |
| Cost per flight of stairs | $40 – $100 |
| Cost per stairway turn | $25 – $80 |
| Difficult terrain | $40 – $240 |
| Insurance | Free up to $5,000 $15 per $1,000 of additional coverage |
| Piano storage | $50 – $80 |
| Rush fee | $300 – $700 |
| Reschedule or cancellation fee | $100 – $400 |
| Fuel surcharge (long distance) | $40 – $200 |
| Piano removal & disposal | $50 – $350 |
| Piano tuning after moving | $100 – $200 |
The following factors affect the cost:
Flat rate, hourly, or per mile – Most piano moving specialists charge a flat total rate. General moving companies commonly use a flat hourly rate or charge per hour, per person. Per-mile rates include a base rate of $50 plus the cost per mile.
Size & weight – Vertical pianos are easier to move than grand pianos, which often require special equipment and more manpower.
Move distance – Longer distance moves cost more, especially if the piano movers charge per mile.
Complexity
Transporting a piano down stairs costs $5 to $10 per step or $40 to $100 per staircase.
Difficult terrain costs $40 to $240 because carrying a piano on a steep driveway, gravel, or grass is more dangerous than flat sidewalk.
Insurance – Most piano movers provide free insurance coverage up to $5,000. Additional coverage costs $15 per $1,000 of coverage.
Packing & delivery – A large piano costs $80 to $100 to disassemble and $700 to $1,200 to pack into a special crate for transportation.
Additional items – Piano movers charge a flat fee or $1 per pound to transport piano benches and other accessories.
Timeframe – Rush jobs cost $300 to $700 extra.
No-show or cancellation – Movers charge $100 to $400 to reschedule or cancel at the last minute.
Tell movers the piano’s exact make and model to get an accurate estimate and avoid surprise fees.
Piano packing and delivery costs
Piano packing and delivery costs may be higher for grand pianos and long-distance moves:
Grand piano breakdown & setup fee – Partial disassembly costs $80 to $100 and is necessary in order to fit large pianos through doorways.
Grand piano crating fee – Crating costs $700 to $1,200 and keeps the piano parts secured and safe from damage during transportation. Heated crating is more expensive than non-heated.
Hoisting – Using a pully or crane costs $500 to $1,700 when a piano is too large or heavy to carry down stairs or through narrow openings.
Humidity / climate control shipping – Reputable piano moving companies provide humidity control because excess humidity can damage soundboards and affect tuning.
Fuel surcharge – Out-of-town moves cost $40 to $200 extra in fuel fees.
Piano storage cost
Piano storage costs $50 to $80 per month, depending on local rates. Storing a piano in a climate-controlled facility may be necessary while renovating a home or moving.
Complex piano moving equipment costs
Complex piano moving equipment costs $25 to $200 per item, depending on the items needed. Moving equipment keeps both the piano and the movers safe while transporting.
| Equipment | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Hump strap | $25 – $35 |
| Locking piano belt | $25 – $35 |
| Padding | $30 – $70 |
| Skid board | $125 – $160 |
| Piano dolly | $100 – $200 |
Piano removal cost
Piano removal costs $50 to $350 depending on the piano's size and job complexity. Removing and disposing of a piano may be the best option when it is severely damaged or cannot be used, sold, or donated.
Piano tuning after moving
Piano tuning costs $100 to $200 and is necessary after moving because of changes in temperature and humidity. Tuning typically takes 60 to 90 minutes.
Piano moving FAQs
How do movers protect pianos from damage?
Movers protect pianos from damage by padding, packing, and transporting them carefully. Most pianos don’t fit through doorways and must be partially dismantled before moving.
How much do I tip piano movers?
Tip piano movers 10% to 25% of the final moving price or $20 to $40 per person if the job is done well. Tips are optional and a sign of gratitude.
How much does an upright or grand piano weigh?
An upright piano weighs 300 to 900 pounds, depending on type and size. A grand piano weighs 500 to 1,300 pounds.
How do I know what type of piano I need moved?
To know what type of piano you need moved, determine whether it is vertical or horizontal. Measure vertical pianos from floor to lid and grand pianos from keys to back end.
Upright pianos are vertical and come in several types:
Spinet: under 40”
Console: 40” to 44”
Studio: 45” to 49”
Upright: over 49”
Grand pianos are horizontal and larger than upright pianos:
Petite: 4' 5" to 4' 10"
Baby: 4'11" to 5' 6"
Medium: 5' 7" to 5’8”
Parlor: 5' 9" to 6' 1"
Semi-concert / Ballroom: 6'2" to 7’
Concert: over 7’
Getting estimates and quotes from piano movers
Before hiring a piano mover near you, be sure to:
Get at least three estimates from licensed moving companies to compare.
Look for a Certified Piano Mover (CPM) from the Piano Technician Academy.
Read reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Choose insured, bonded companies with more than five years of experience.
Discuss the location, piano size, stairs, and door sizes before the job begins.
Get a detailed estimate and contract in writing before any work begins.
Avoid companies with the lowest quotes as quality may suffer.
Don’t pay in full up front. Follow a payment plan instead and request receipts for each payment.
Questions to ask
How long have you been in business?
Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
How many pianos have you moved in the past year?
Can you provide references with contact information?
Are you a member of the Piano Technician Academy?
Will you provide a free estimate?
How long will the move take?
Does my piano need to be disassembled before moving?
How will you protect my piano from damage?