Piano removals: how to move a piano safely and what it costs

Updated October 2026 · 2 min read · Written by the CompareMover editorial team

A piano is both very heavy and very easy to damage. Upright pianos are heavy enough to injure people and damage floors, and grands often need to be taken apart. Treat it as a specialist job.

What affects the price

• Upright or grand, and the weight.
• Stairs, turns and narrow doorways.
• Distance and parking.
• Whether a crane or extra crew is needed.

Questions to ask

1. Have you moved this type of piano before?
2. Is it covered by your insurance, and for how much?
3. Will you protect floors and doors?
4. Do you recommend a tuner after the move?

After the move

Pianos often need tuning a few weeks after moving as they settle. Keep it away from radiators and damp. More on moving heavy items.

Say you have a piano when you request quotes, so companies can price it properly.

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

• Moving pianos, safes and heavy items: cost and rules
• What removal companies wont move
• Removals insurance explained

Questions to ask a piano mover

1. How many pianos like mine have you moved, and are the movers employees or subcontractors?
2. Do you have goods in transit insurance that covers pianos, and what is the limit?
3. How many people will come, and what equipment will you use?
4. Can you see the route first, or from photos, including stairs and doorways?
5. Is the price fixed, and what could change it?
6. What happens if the piano will not fit, or the route is blocked on the day?
7. Will you protect my floors and walls?

Plan the route

The move is won or lost before the day. Measure the piano (width, depth and height) and the route: doors, hallways, turns, stairs and the width of the lift. A piano needs space to turn at corners, and some stairs have landings that are too small. On the day, clear the path, move furniture and rugs, and make sure the vehicle can park close to the door. If the stairs are tight, a crew may need to use a hoist or a crane, which should be arranged and priced in advance.

Preparing the piano

• Close and lock the lid, and remove loose items, music and ornaments.
• Do not try to move it yourself, as the weight is a serious injury risk.
• Take photos of the piano before the move.
• Tell the crew about any existing damage or any fragile parts, such as brass candle holders on an old upright.

Grand pianos

A grand piano is taken apart for the move: the lid, the pedals and the legs are removed, and the body is tilted onto its side on a padded board. This needs a trained crew of three or more. It is rebuilt at the new home, and the piano usually needs tuning a few weeks later. Do not hire a general van service for a grand unless it has experience, because a mistake can damage the instrument or the home.

Storing a piano

Pianos suffer from damp and temperature changes. If you need storage, choose a clean, dry, climate-controlled unit, keep the piano away from outside walls, cover it with a breathable cloth and check the insurance. See removals and storage.

Compare piano movers

Compare quotes from specialist companies for your type of piano, and check insurance and experience, not just the price. See our piano removals page, moving heavy items and goods in transit insurance.

Common questions