Piano removals: compare specialist piano movers
A piano is heavy, delicate and valuable. Use a crew with the right skills, equipment and insurance.
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Why pianos need specialist movers
An upright piano can weigh 200 to 300 kg, and a grand piano can be considerably more. The weight is concentrated, the frame and soundboard are delicate and the legs and castors are weak points. A poor lift can injure the crew, damage the floor and ruin the instrument. Specialist piano movers use straps, piano boards, skids and ramps, and they know how to plan the route, protect the piano and rebuild a grand. Most general removal crews can move an upright if they have the right equipment and experience, but a grand piano is a job for a specialist.
Types of piano and how they are moved
- Upright piano. Moved on its back castors or on a piano trolley, secured with straps and covered in blankets. Two to four people, depending on the route.
- Digital piano. Much lighter, but still bulky. Often moved by a normal crew.
- Baby grand and grand piano. The legs and the pedal lyre are removed, the body is tilted onto a padded board and secured, and the piano is rebuilt on arrival. Three or more people.
- Antique or high-value pianos. May need custom crating, a survey and a specialist tuner.
Piano removal costs
Prices depend on the type and the weight of the piano, the distance, the number of stairs and the access. A local upright move is usually cheaper than a grand, and a move that involves several flights of stairs, a crane or a hoist costs more. Long distance and international moves are priced by the job. Ask for a written, fixed quote after you describe the piano, the stairs, the doorways and the parking at both ends. Photos help. See our removal costs guide and the full piano removals guide.
What to tell the company
- The type, make and size of the piano, and whether it is an upright, baby grand or grand.
- The floor and the number of stairs at both ends, and whether there is a lift.
- The width of the hallways and doorways, and any tight turns.
- Where the vehicle can park and how far the carry is.
- Any other items you want moved at the same time.
Looking after the piano after the move
A piano reacts to changes in temperature and humidity. After a move, let it settle for a few weeks and then have it tuned by a piano tuner. Place it away from radiators, direct sunlight, damp walls and draughts. If it is going into storage, ask for a climate-controlled unit. See moving heavy items.
Insurance
Check that the company has goods in transit insurance that covers pianos, and ask for the limit. Some policies exclude or limit pianos. For a valuable instrument, ask about specific cover and check your own home insurance. See goods in transit insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Can a normal removal company move a piano?
Many can move an upright with the right equipment and experience. A grand or an antique piano is a job for a specialist. Ask the company about its experience.
How much does it cost to move a piano?
It depends on the type, the weight, the stairs, the distance and the access. Ask for a written quote after describing the piano and the route.
Do I need to tune the piano after a move?
Usually yes, after a few weeks, because the move and the change of environment can affect the tuning.
Can a piano go up stairs?
Often, with the right crew and equipment, but it depends on the stairs, the turns and the weight. A survey or photos help the company to plan. Sometimes a crane or a hoist is needed.
