How Much Does It Cost to Move a Piano?
Moving a piano costs $150–$500+ for a local move depending on the piano type. An upright costs $150–$300, a baby grand $250–$400, and a full grand piano $350–$500+. Stairs add $50–$100 per flight.
Updated 2026-05-06
Piano Moving Costs by Type
| Piano Type | Weight | Local Move | Long Distance | Stairs (per flight) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spinet / Console | 200–400 lbs | $150–$250 | $500–$1,000 | +$50 |
| Upright | 300–500 lbs | $150–$300 | $600–$1,200 | +$50–$75 |
| Baby Grand | 500–600 lbs | $250–$400 | $800–$1,500 | +$75–$100 |
| Grand Piano | 600–1,200 lbs | $350–$500+ | $1,000–$2,500+ | +$100+ |
Prices for DMV area. Long distance costs depend on weight and mileage. Bundling with a full household move often reduces the piano-specific charge.
What Affects Piano Moving Cost?
Piano type and weight
A 200 lb spinet is a 2-person job. A 1,000 lb concert grand requires 3–4 people with specialized equipment. Heavier pianos = more crew = higher cost.
Stairs and access
Each flight of stairs adds $50–$100. Tight hallways, narrow doorways, and sharp turns slow the process. Ground-floor moves with wide doorways are cheapest.
Distance
Local piano moves (under 50 miles) are a flat fee. Long distance is priced by weight and mileage, often with a separate piano surcharge for the specialized handling.
Standalone vs bundled
A piano-only move has a minimum charge ($150–$200). When bundled with a full household move, the piano is often included at a reduced rate or rolled into the total. Ask your mover about bundling.
How Pianos Are Moved
Upright pianos are wrapped in heavy moving blankets, strapped securely, and rolled on a piano dolly. The lid is locked and the keys are protected. A 2–3 person crew handles the move.
Grand and baby grand pianos are disassembled: legs and pedal assembly are removed, and the piano is lowered onto its side on a piano board (padded skid). The lid is secured, the entire instrument is wrapped, and it's rolled out on a dolly. A 3–4 person crew is typical.
After the move, wait 1–2 weeks before tuning. The piano needs to acclimate to the new environment's temperature and humidity for the tuning to hold.
FAQ
How much does it cost to move an upright piano?
$150–$300 for a local move. Add $50–$75 per flight of stairs. Bundling with a household move often reduces the cost.
How much to move a grand piano long distance?
$1,000–$2,500+ depending on weight, distance, and access conditions. Long distance is priced by weight and mileage with a piano surcharge for specialized handling.
Do regular movers move pianos?
Some do, some don't. Always confirm piano-moving capability before booking. Movers that specialize in pianos have the right equipment (piano boards, heavy-duty dollies, ramps) and trained crew. Ask about their piano-specific experience and insurance coverage.
Should I tune my piano after moving?
Yes, but wait 1–2 weeks. The strings and soundboard need time to adjust to the new environment before tuning will hold.