Last Updated on February 25, 2024 by Ali Hamza
If you are moving your piano, the cost of piano movers dramatically varies depending on how far you are traveling. Piano movers can be hired for a flat rate or an hourly fee. They typically charge by the hour unless you agree to a flat rate which is often more expensive. You may also need to factor in moving supplies into your total costs. If you would like to move your piano yourself, it will require several pieces of equipment and some muscle power!
Piano movers
Most pianos are heavy and awkward, and moving your piano without the appropriate equipment or know-how can result in severe injuries or damage to your home or piano. Moving a piano can also pose unique challenges that not all moving companies can handle. However, moving companies may offer piano moving services at a reduced rate. These are generally around 30% to 50% cheaper than the services of professional piano movers.
The majority of professional piano movers have the experience and equipment necessary to handle pianos of all shapes and sizes carefully and adequately. Even if you need to move an expensive, rare, or otherwise valuable piano, the additional peace of mind may be worth it.
How much does it cost to move a piano?
Professional movers typically charge between $300 and $1,000, but the final cost of moving a piano can range anywhere between $150 and $5,000. Piano moving companies calculate their price based on these factors and charge flat rates or hourly rates.
Hourly
Moving companies can charge anywhere between $10 and $100 per hour, depending on where you live. For example, a piano will probably be cheaper to drive in rural Nebraska than in New York City. In addition, a mover must factor in whether they charge based on an individual worker or a team and whether the equipment is included in the price. These companies typically give you an estimate based on how much time and resources your move will take. Still, the final price can quickly surpass the first estimate due to unforeseen variables.
Flat-Rate
Piano moving companies most commonly charge a flat fee. Rather than just estimating the move’s cost (an educated guess – but still a guess), a flat-rate fee lets you know exactly how much it will cost.
Factors that affect piano moving costs
No matter whether you choose a flat-rate or hourly fee, your piano moving company will consider the following factors in its calculations:
Travel Distance
The cost of moving a piano locally typically ranges from $350 to $1,000, or between $1.50 and $2.50 per mile. The total cost of crossing the country ranges between $700 and $3,500, or $2.50 per mile to $10 per mile. Overseas and international moves can often be charged a flat $2,000-$5,000.
Size and type of piano
Your piano’s type will impact how it is moved and what equipment you need. As a general rule, larger and heavier pianos will require more equipment and labor. If you are moving a piano of a particular type, you will have to pay the following amounts:
Upright Piano
Upright pianos include spinets, consoles, studios, and standard uprights. A typical giraffe stands 3 to 5 feet tall, is 3 to 9 feet long, and weighs 300 to 600 pounds. Local moves for upright pianos cost between $150 to $350, but long-distance moves cost over $1,000.
Grand Piano
This includes petite, baby, parlor, semi-concert, ballroom, and concert grand pianos. Their height can range from 4.5 to 7.5 feet, their length from 5 to 10 feet, and their weight from 600 to 1,200 pounds. A grand piano can cost up to $1,500 to move locally, but long-distance moves will cost several thousand dollars.
Beware by moving companies
Beware that not all moving companies are insured when transporting pianos! Or, if they are insured, it may only cover damage from water since humidity is one of the most significant risks when dealing with a wooden instrument such as a piano. In this case, you should either have them take precautions during transit or purchase insurance yourself to avoid issues in case of an accident. If your instrument is being transported in a truck for over four hours, make sure to ask whether or not the vehicle has climate control. It is best if your piano can remain at a steady temperature and humidity level while a route; extreme heat and cold can damage wood and other materials.
Read More: What Are The Building Construction Types? A Detailed Guide
Moving a piano with two men
Moving a piano is best done with two men maneuvering it into place, one on each end. If there aren’t any other options, you’ll have to do your best and pull some muscles! Do not attempt to move a grand piano on your own if there’s even the slimmest chance that it could get damaged during transit. Be sure to hire professional movers who can handle these types of jobs so that nothing unfortunate happens when trying to transport your beloved instrument from Point A to Point B. Keep in mind that moving companies will send out different employees every time, so their price may vary depending on what kind of person they send your way. Although most reputable movers should be insured for transporting pianos, accidents happen, and you want to ensure that your instrument is well protected.
The lower strings tend to have the most tension, so, if possible, try laying them down on their side rather than hauling them upright during the move. If you are transporting a grand piano, it may be easiest to lay it flat or put brackets on each end; this way, height doesn’t matter, and you’re not trying to lug around something super heavy by yourself! Always ask what kind of precautions movers will take with your specific type of piano before signing any contracts and agreeing to the cost of services rendered. Some pianos feature removable legs that can quickly be taken off for more straightforward transport in certain situations; if nothing else, leaving these attached is always an option when moving long distances.
Apart from this if you’re interested to know about How to Find the Best Courier Service for Truck Loads in Your City then please visit our Transportation category.
Conclusion
In local moves, pianos typically cost between $350 and $1,000, or about $1.50 per mile. There is usually a cost per mile of $2.50 to $10, or between $700 and $3,500 for a cross-country move. Moving internationally and overseas is often between $2,000 and $5,000.
