Moving costs can range from $400 to $3,000, depending on the piano type, location, and other factors. Given their weight and delicacy, mishandling can lead to costly repairs: $500 to $1,000 for a broken leg or cracked casing and $1,000 to $2,000 for internal issues like strings or hammers.
Therefore, replacing a damaged piano could cost $3,000 to over $10,000. Investing in professional movers and preparing your piano properly is essential to avoid these expenses. Here’s everything you need to know!
How Much Does Moving the Piano Cost?
Moving a piano costs about $400 on average. However, costs vary depending on several factors, such as cost per mile (the starting price is about $50), the type of piano (a grand piano is typically high-priced), height and weight, ease of access, and the need for disassembly and reassembly.
So, let’s break it down into details and explain the factors that affect these costs.
Grand Piano Cost
The larger and heavier the items to be moved, the more challenging it is for movers, hence the higher prices. Grand pianos, weighing 500 to 1,200 pounds, are commonly found in concert halls and large homes.
Services such as dismantling and crating a grand piano can increase the cost. Dismantling might cost around $100, while crating can cost upwards of $800.
Upright pianos Cost
Moving an upright piano typically ranges from $150 to $1,500 while long-distance moves can cost anywhere from $400 to $800. Upright pianos are generally easier and less expensive to move compared to grand pianos.
Digital pianos
The average cost for local moves of digital piano is $100 to $300; long-distance moves range from $300 to $500. Digital pianos are known for their portability. Most models weigh between 50 and 300 pounds, significantly lighter than acoustic pianos.
Additional Charges
To create a clear budget plan, it’s important to consider additional factors that can affect the price. These factors include:
- Stairs and elevator: Companies may charge $5 to $10 per step, or $40 to $100 per staircase
- Disassembly and reassembly: This may add $100 to $200 to the overall cost.
- Insurance: The cost varies based on the piano’s value and the move’s distance but can be up to $5,000.
What factors influence the cost of moving a piano?
The main factors that affect the cost of moving a piano include the type, size, and weight, the distance to be moved, costs for assembly or disassembly, and any rush or expedited service fees.
Distance of the Move
The distance and location mainly determine piano moving cost. For example, living in a rural area, you can expect lower moving piano fees than in a large city.
Contrarily, international or overseas moves generally come with a flat rate ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 or even higher. So, when planning for long-distance moves, compare rates from multiple companies. On average, the cost of local and long-distance moves is as follows
- Local moves: between $100 and $650
- Long – distance moves: between $1,000 and $2,000
Accessibility
The home’s layout also affects the piano moving estimate. Therefore, the more stairs or narrow hallways, the higher the costs. Expect additional charges of $50 to $200 because the mover may need extra time and equipment to navigate these obstacles. Also, there is a risk for damage or injury.
Consider the type of area when planning a move! Moving in urban areas can be more expensive due to parking restrictions, limited access, and high demand for moving services. To save money, plan for parking and access ahead of time.
On the other hand, moving to rural areas may have lower initial costs but could result in higher charges for longer moves or due to limited availability of moving services.
Insurance and Storage
Since a piano is delicate and prone to damage, it should be protected against potential damage or loss during the move. Therefore, it’s important to safeguard them during the move. How much to move a piano?
Additional insurance is recommended for pianos valued at over $5,000 to cover any potential accidents or issues. If you need to store your piano temporarily in a climate-controlled facility to protect it from environmental factors, you should budget between $50 and $75 per month.
Timing
Moving companies often raise fees during peak seasons, which typically include the summer months (May through September) and the end of the month. Furthermore, rates are usually higher on weekends, the most popular days for moving.
How do I choose the right moving company for my piano?
To ensure the safe and successful moving of your piano, it’s essential to research and choose professional piano movers with a proven track record of moving pianos. Be sure to verify that they meet all the requirements.
- Check credentials and consider experience, reputation, and customer reviews.
- Verify that the company has specialized equipment and trained staff for piano moving
- Get multiple quotes to compare services and prices.
- Ensure the company provides adequate insurance coverage for potential damages.
How to Prepare Your Piano for the Move?
Consider seeking professional help to avoid costly mistakes. However, you can still do things to speed up the piano moving process and prevent accidents. Follow these steps:
Check the condition of the piano
Look for any signs of wear and tear or structural issues and take detailed photos or notes. This can be very useful for insurance and to ensure you can spot any new damage after the move.
Scheduling a Final Tuning
Pianos often go out of tune during a move. Arrange for a final tuning before or after the move, and expect to pay $100 to $300.
Clean your piano
Use a soft, dry cloth for the exterior and avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the finish. For the interior, it’s best to have a professional clean it if necessary.
Packing and Protection
Here are the materials you’ll need and some tips for both DIY packing:
- Moving blankets or pads to wrap the piano.
- Heavy-duty moving straps to prevent it from shifting during the move.
- Packing tape to secure the blankets and wrap tightly.
- Bubble wrap for smaller parts and delicate areas.
- Towels or baby-proof bumpers for sharp edges and corners.
Moving Day Tips
Whether relocating a small upright or a grand piano, you must ensure its safety and prevent damage. Therefore, it’s essential to have the right strategies and tools.
Wrap the Piano for Protection
Protect the piano’s body by wrapping it with soft materials like blankets and padding. Make sure to cover the entire piano and secure the blankets with tape to prevent movement during transport.
Secure the Piano Lid
If your piano has no locking lid, secure it with tape and ensure it’s firmly closed to prevent the lid from opening during the move.
Handle Detachable Parts
If your piano has detachable parts like music stands, pedals, or legs, carefully remove and wrap them individually to prevent damage.
Protect Your Floors and Furniture
Protect your floors by using floor coverings from the house’s entrance through the path the piano will take. Move and reassemble any furniture that’s in the way for easier movement.
Measure Passageways
Measure your doorways and hallways to ensure the piano can fit through all passageways, preventing damage and avoiding unexpected obstacles for you and your movers.
Communication with Movers
- Remember to communicate openly and clearly with your movers to ensure a successful move. It’s important to express any concerns you have and stress the significance and delicacy of the piano so that it receives the extra care it needs.
- Don’t hesitate to communicate all your expectations and worries, and give the movers clear instructions to prevent misunderstandings and ensure a smooth moving process.
- While preparing the piano and your home, don’t forget to confirm the delivery address and time with the movers.
- It’s a good idea to walk through the house with the movers, show them the layout, and point out any specific requirements.
- Lastly, remember to tip appropriately if you’re satisfied with their service.
So, When Are You Moving Your Piano?
Whether you’re moving a grand, upright, or digital piano, it’s important to consider the factors influencing the cost and take steps to protect your instrument.
Once you have all the necessary information, start by scheduling the moving company as the most important task. To ensure a smooth piano moving process without surprises, get your free quote today!