Table of contents
Piano types — and why they move differently
| Piano type | Typical weight | Local move | Long-distance move |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spinet / console upright | 300–400 lbs | $200 – $400 | $600 – $1,200 |
| Studio upright | 400–600 lbs | $300 – $500 | $800 – $1,600 |
| Professional upright | 600–800 lbs | $400 – $700 | $1,100 – $2,000 |
| Baby grand (5 ft) | 500–700 lbs | $500 – $900 | $1,400 – $2,400 |
| Grand (6 ft) | 600–900 lbs | $700 – $1,200 | $1,800 – $3,200 |
| Concert grand (9 ft) | 900–1,400 lbs | $1,200 – $2,400 | $2,800 – $5,500 |
Why a piano needs a specialist
- A piano board (skid board) + straps distributes load across muscles, not one crew member's lower back
- Grand pianos require leg and lyre removal in a specific order to avoid cracking the rim
- Interior parts — hammers, strings, tuning pins — can shift without proper padding and bracing
- Climate control during transit protects the soundboard from warping
- Specialty insurance (valuation) covers the replacement value, not $0.60 per pound
What a professional piano move looks like
- On-site survey measures the piano, doorways, hallways, stair widths, and turns
- Crew wraps the instrument in moving pads and shrink wrap
- For grands: legs and pedal lyre are removed; the piano is placed on its side on a skid board
- Piano is strapped to a heavy-duty dolly and moved as a single unit
- Loaded last, unloaded first, secured with strap rails in the truck
- Unwrap, reattach legs, and position in the new home (NOT against an exterior wall)
- Let it acclimate for 2–4 weeks before tuning
Climate and placement in the new home
Pianos are happiest at 65–72°F and 42% relative humidity. In a humid climate (Florida, Gulf Coast) or a dry one (Rockies, Southwest), consider a room humidifier or a piano-specific climate system like a Dampp-Chaser. Avoid placing a piano against an exterior wall, in direct sunlight, or over a floor vent — all three cause uneven drying and detuning.
Tuning after the move
Every move puts a piano out of tune — not because the tuning pins slip (modern pins rarely do) but because the humidity around the soundboard shifts as soon as you open the front door of a new home. The Piano Technicians Guild recommends tuning 2–4 weeks after delivery, then again 3–6 months later as the instrument settles into the new room. Find a certified technician through the PTG directory.
DIY piano moving — when it's actually OK
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to move a piano locally?
Upright pianos run $200–$700 for a local move in most U.S. metros. Grands run $500–$1,200. Stairs, narrow doorways, and specialty equipment (crane moves for a penthouse) add significantly.
Can a regular mover handle a piano?
Many full-service movers handle upright pianos as a bulky-item add-on. Grand pianos, concert grands, and antique instruments should go to a piano specialist with rim-wrap, skid boards, and climate-controlled transport.
How often should I tune my piano after a move?
Tune 2–4 weeks after arrival, then again 3–6 months later. Most pianos will drift 3–8 cents in pitch in the first month as the soundboard equilibrates to the new room.
Is my piano insured during a move?
Under Released Value Protection (free, federal default), you'd receive $0.60 per pound — for a 600-lb upright, that's $360. Full Value Protection or a specialty piano policy covers the actual replacement value. For instruments over $5,000 in value, always upgrade.
Can a piano be moved on its side or back?
Uprights stay upright. Grand pianos are moved on their side, supported by a skid board — never on their back. The weight of the plate and strings on the soundboard can crack it in hours.
How long can a piano sit in storage?
Climate-controlled storage (60–75°F, 40–50% humidity) is safe indefinitely. A non-climate-controlled unit is safe for 2–4 weeks in mild weather, but you risk warping in hot/cold extremes.
Sources & further reading
- Dampp-Chaser — piano climate control systems ↗
Dampp-Chaser Corp.
