Best Piano Movers

4 best companies for moving a piano

1. Best overall: International Van Lines
2. Best value: FlatRate Moving
3. Best customer service: Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
4. Best piano storage: Colonial Van Lines

Methodology

The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular moving companies on customer ratings and reviews, packing services, storage options, available discounts and other factors to select our top picks for this guide. Read our full methodology below for all the details on how we make moving company recommendations.

Compare top piano movers

Moving a piano: what you need to know

Weighing anywhere from 300 to 1,200 pounds, pianos are notoriously difficult to move. Their bulky shape makes them hard to maneuver through tight spaces like stairwells, doorways, hallways and elevators — not to mention the extremely fragile components inside.

Use this guide to learn about the types of piano moving services available, cost factors and more.

Should I hire a piano mover?

If you need to move a piano, it’s best to hire professionals. These heavy yet delicate instruments are difficult, and potentially dangerous, to move without the proper experience and tools.

Grand pianos can weigh up to 1,200 pounds.

“Hiring a professional piano moving company is the right call when you want to protect something meaningful,” said Rob Rimeris, owner of EverSafe Moving Co., based in Philadelphia.

“The shape, the weight distribution, the delicate mechanics inside — all of it requires the right tools, training, planning and a steady hand. One wrong move and you could scuff the finish, throw off the balance or crack the soundboard,” Rimeris added.

How much does it cost to move a piano?

Moving your piano can cost anywhere from $200 for a local, easy move to $2,000 for a long-distance move. According to Rimeris, moving an upright piano locally (20 miles or less) with one flight of stairs involved would cost around $600.

“The larger the piano, the more it costs to move. But that’s not all of the story,” Rimeris said. “What customers often don’t think about is where the piano is located on the property, how far it's being moved and where it's being placed at the new location. These three factors have a larger impact on the price than the size of the piano itself.”

Piano moving cost factors

Factors that affect the price of your piano-moving services include:

• Distance: Long-distance moves may cost between $1,000 and $2,000. If you’re shipping your piano somewhere far away, the price will increase significantly based on mileage. If you’re moving across state lines, make sure the company you choose is properly licensed. (We suggest using the FMCSA's mover search tool to verify this.)
• Tight spaces: The physical layout of your space affects the complexity of the move. Expect to pay more for moves that involve multiple flights of stairs, elevators or narrow hallways and doorways.
• Stairs: Piano moving companies may charge a “per step” fee of $5 to $10 per step, or a flat rate of up to $100 per flight of stairs. If the company needs to move the piano across gravel, grass or steep areas, it may charge an extra fee of $200 or more.
• Cranes or hoisting: If the doorways are not wide enough, you may have to use a crane or hoisting service to get your piano out through a window or balcony. This can complicate the process and may even require special permits for closing off a street or public area. Expect to pay $750 to $1,000 or more.
• Disassembly and reassembly: Larger pianos often require disassembly, such as removing the legs, pedals and lids, adding to the total moving cost. Expect to pay an extra $100 to $200 for partial disassembly.
• Insurance: Piano moving companies offer protection options ranging from basic liability to full-value moving insurance. Basic insurance may be included at no cost, typically providing up to $5,000 in coverage. For full-value coverage, expect to pay $10 or $15 per $1,000 of your piano’s value. This means a $15,000 piano may add $200 to the cost for full coverage.

Tips to get the best piano moving quotes

Getting a reliable piano-moving quote requires accurate information on your end.

• Take photos: Rimeris explained that the moving company often will request photos of your piano and the loading and unloading pathways. Reps may also ask for close-up shots of your piano to show its current condition and any existing scratches or dents.
• Plan ahead: You will likely pay more if you wait until the last minute to book services. Try to schedule your service 4 to 6 weeks in advance. Doing so can result in better rates and scheduling flexibility. Off-peak times, such as weekdays, may be cheaper.

Types of pianos and how they affect moving

Each piano type differs in design and construction, which can affect the cost and complexity of moving them.

Upright pianos

Disassembling an upright piano can be a tedious process that sometimes requires lowering its height to fit through narrow spaces, such as stairwells. Most of its weight is concentrated in a tall section at the back, making it prone to tipping (and, consequently, damage) if not handled properly.

Console and spinet pianos

Spinet and console pianos are shorter variations of upright pianos with a slightly different internal construction. Because they are smaller and lighter than upright and grand pianos, spinets and consoles are easier to maneuver and less likely to need disassembling. However, they are still fragile instruments that require careful handling and at least two people to move them.

Baby grand pianos

The average baby grand weighs between 500 and 700 pounds and measures 60 inches wide and 59 to 66 inches long. Baby grands can be tricky to move due to their bulky shape, heavy weight and need for disassembly. You may need to remove its detachable parts, including the legs, pedals and lid, which will likely increase overall service and labor costs.

Grand and concert grand pianos

Grand and concert grand pianos are the most expensive and complex pianos to move, due to their sheer weight, size and intricate mechanisms. They are massive instruments that require specialized equipment, such as heavy-duty dollies, skids, ramps and a crew of professionals.

Approximate piano weight by type

How to choose the best piano mover

To choose the right piano moving company, focus on the experience of the movers, the steps they will take to keep your instrument safe, transparent pricing and clear communication.

1. Verify the moving company’s experience with piano moves

Moving pianos safely requires specialized equipment and expertise. Pianos have thousands of tiny components that are susceptible to breaking, which can compromise the piano’s sound and overall value. Ensure the company you choose has professional movers with experience moving pianos.

2. Confirm the use of piano-specific equipment

Transporting such large yet delicate instruments requires piano-specific equipment, including blankets, padding, ramps, straps and heavy-duty dollies. It’s okay to ask the company what equipment and resources it has to ensure it can handle the job.

3. Check the insurance and coverage offered

It’s important to have full coverage for your piano during the moving process. The moving company may offer basic liability, but it is often not enough. Ask about full-value protection to cover the cost of repair or replacement if your piano is damaged.

If you have a unique or especially high-value piano, you may need a professional appraisal to determine the amount of coverage. Your contract should note details about valuation and insurance.

4. Review piano-specific customer feedback

Read the reviews left by other customers who used the company to move their piano, not just other furniture. If the moving company does not have reviews readily available, don’t hesitate to ask for references.

As Rimeris said, “It’s not really that different than choosing any service-based business. Check, check, check reviews. Look at different websites that review the company you’re considering (not just one review site), and then get several quotes. Last but not least, trust your gut.”

5. Look out for red flags

As with selecting any service provider, research thoroughly and look for potential red flags. These could look like:

• The company lacks experience or specialization in modern piano moving.
• It does not offer insurance coverage.
• It does not provide proof of licensure or proper credentials.
• It’s unable to give specifics about the moving process, including equipment and techniques.
• It does not ask about your piano type or physical space.
• The initial quote is unusually low, or it does not provide a pricing breakdown.
• Communication is unclear.
• It offers significantly lower prices than other competitors.

Bottom line

Regardless of the company you choose, remember to take photos of your piano in its current condition before the move. This may protect you if any issues arise or damage occurs during the moving process.

Methodology: How we found the best piano moving companies

We evaluated 15 popular moving companies to find the most reliable options for moving a piano. Our approach focused on what matters most: customer experience and transparent pricing.

Every company received a score based on verified customer reviews, service offerings and our hands-on quote experience. Here is what we measured.

1. Customer satisfaction

Our ratings are built on review data from Sept. 1, 2022, to Aug. 31, 2025. We focused on seven satisfaction factors that consistently predict a smooth move:

• The movers
• Customer service
• Punctuality
• Packing quality
• Price
• Quote accuracy
• Damage claims and outcomes

2. Services that matter for moving a piano

Not all movers offer the same services, so we also scored each company on:

• Storage options
• Packing services
• Discount availability
• Quotes
• Types of moves
• Website quality and how easy it is to find key information