We've moved hundreds of pianos across the Triangle and beyond over 49 years. Grand pianos down spiral staircases. Uprights out of third-floor walkups. A concert Steinway from a Duke recital hall. Every one of them arrived safe because our career crews know exactly what they're doing. Here's what you need to know if you've got a piano move coming up.
Types of Pianos and Their Weight Ranges
| Piano Type | Weight Range | Dimensions (Approx.) | Moving Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spinet/Console | 300 to 500 lbs | 36 to 44 inches tall | Moderate |
| Upright/Studio | 500 to 800 lbs | 45 to 52 inches tall | Challenging |
| Baby Grand | 500 to 650 lbs | 5 to 5.5 ft long | Challenging |
| Grand | 700 to 900 lbs | 5.5 to 7 ft long | Very Challenging |
| Concert Grand | 900 to 1,200 lbs | 7 to 9+ ft long | Extremely Challenging |
Even the smallest upright outweighs most household appliances. The weight distribution is uneven, the center of gravity is high (especially in uprights), and the instrument's value, both financial and sentimental, makes any mistake costly.
Why Professional Movers Are Essential
Injury Prevention
Back injuries, crushed fingers, and strained muscles are common when untrained people try to move a piano. The weight combined with awkward dimensions and the need to navigate stairs, doorways, and tight corners creates a dangerous situation. Our crews train specifically for this. They know proper lifting mechanics and how to coordinate as a team on tight turns.
Instrument Protection
Pianos aren't just heavy. They're precision instruments. The soundboard, strings, hammers, and action mechanism can all be damaged by vibration, impact, or sudden shifts. Internal components can move out of alignment, affecting tone and playability. Our movers have been handling these instruments for years. The average tenure on our crew is over a decade, and that experience shows in the details.
Property Protection
A 700-pound grand piano rolling off a dolly will destroy hardwood floors, punch through walls, and demolish door frames. Our specialty moving team uses floor runners, door protectors, and ramps to protect both the piano and your home.
Equipment Needed for Piano Moving
This goes well beyond a furniture dolly from the hardware store:
- Piano board (skid board). A padded, flat board with straps that secures the piano for transport. We use these for both uprights and grands.
- Piano dolly. A heavy-duty, four-wheel dolly built for piano weight and dimensions. Standard furniture dollies aren't rated for this and aren't safe.
- Ratchet straps and moving blankets. Multiple layers of padding protect the finish. Industrial-grade straps keep everything locked to the board and dolly.
- Ramps. For navigating steps and loading into the truck. They have to be rated for the piano's weight.
- Locking casters or caster cups. These keep the piano from rolling during transit.
- Leg removal tools. Grand piano legs come off before transport. This takes specific knowledge of the bolt system to avoid splitting the wood.
The Piano Moving Process: Step by Step
Assessment and Planning
Before moving day, we assess the piano type, the route from its current spot to the truck, and every obstacle: stairs, narrow hallways, tight corners, elevation changes, outdoor terrain. This determines crew size, equipment, and the specific technique we'll use.
Preparation
The piano lid gets closed and locked or taped shut. The keyboard lid (fallboard) is secured. For grands, we remove the lid, music desk, and pedal lyre, wrap them separately, then detach the legs and carefully lower the body onto a piano board. The whole unit gets wrapped in thick moving blankets and strapped down tight.
Transport
Uprights are tilted back onto the piano dolly and rolled to the truck by a team of two to four movers, depending on weight and route. Grands, once on the piano board, ride a dolly to the truck and get loaded using a ramp or lift gate. Inside the truck, the piano goes against the wall, secured with straps and surrounded by padding so nothing shifts. That's one touch handling in action. Your piano loads once and unloads once.
Delivery and Setup
At the destination, the process reverses. Grand piano legs go back on, and the instrument is positioned where you want it. We'll talk through placement with you, considering acoustics, sunlight exposure (direct sun damages finishes and throws off tuning), and distance from exterior walls and heating vents.
Piano Moving Costs
Costs depend on the piano type, distance, and how complex the route is:
| Service | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Local upright piano move | $200 to $500 |
| Local grand piano move | $350 to $800 |
| Staircase surcharge (per flight) | $50 to $150 |
| Long-distance piano move (100+ miles) | $700 to $2,500 |
| Post-move tuning | $100 to $200 |
Those costs are a fraction of what a repair or replacement would run. A quality upright goes for $3,000 to $10,000, and grand pianos regularly exceed $20,000 to $100,000 or more. Hiring pros who've done this thousands of times is the smart investment.
After the Move: Tuning and Acclimatization
Every piano needs tuning after a move, but not right away. Let the instrument acclimatize to its new environment for two to four weeks before calling a tuner. Temperature and humidity changes affect the soundboard and strings, and the piano needs time to settle. Keep it away from direct sunlight, heating vents, and exterior walls where temperature swings are the worst.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move a piano in a pickup truck?
Technically possible for a small upright, but we don't recommend it. Pickup beds lack secure tie-down points rated for piano weight, the open bed exposes the instrument to weather and road debris, and loading without a ramp or lift gate is dangerous. One pothole can shift an unsecured piano with ugly results. Call us instead. We do this every week.
Do I need to disassemble an upright piano to move it?
No. Uprights move as one unit. The pedals and legs are part of the cabinet structure and shouldn't be removed. Grand pianos are different. The legs come off, and the body goes onto a piano board for safe transport.
How many people does it take to move a piano?
Two experienced movers minimum for a small upright, three to four for a large upright or baby grand, and four or more for a full grand or concert grand. These numbers assume trained professionals with proper equipment. Untrained volunteers aren't a substitute no matter how many you round up.
Will my homeowner's insurance cover piano damage during a move?
Most homeowner's policies cover belongings during a move, but limits and deductibles vary. We carry cargo insurance as well. Check with both your insurer and us before the move, especially for high-value instruments. We can walk you through your coverage options.
How far in advance should I book a piano move?
Two to three weeks for local moves, four to six weeks for long-distance. During peak season (May through September), add another two weeks. Our piano crews are specialized teams with limited slots, so earlier is better.