Piano moving!

The cost of moving your piano will depend on many things such as current location, and distance of the move. Moving a small upright piano across town could cost you as little as $100 but if it involves stairs, it could cost around $250. A valuable concert grand piano to be moved long distance could cost around$1,000.

Moving equipment

Professional piano movers need the appropriate tools to disassemble, package and safely move instruments within a house or across town or over state lines in a truck. Part of the cost to the customer reflects the capital costs to the company of owning and maintaining the right equipment. Tools might include the following, among other items:

• Moving truck

• Four-wheel dolly

• Pads and blankets

• Locking piano belt

• Skidboards

Stairs

Stairs mean more work and higher risk for piano movers when it comes to safely transporting pianos. Companies often charge by the individual stair as opposed to charging for complete flights of stairs because flights have a varying number of stairs and some can have as many as 20 steps or more. charges $7 per step or stair. Additional fees are also applied for sharp turns; narrow doorways; moving a piano over grass, flagstone or brick walks; as well as for long distance moving. All of these factors represent additional challenges to safely moving a piano.

How to Hire Reliable Piano Movers

• Make sure to hire the right movers. Make sure the moving company is experienced enough with your type of piano, especially if you moving a grand piano
• Assure they have the proper insurance. There are three types of insurance to look for in a professional moving company. These include, commercial automotive insurance if they are transporting your piano for you, cartage insurance–which covers damage that may occur to your piano while in transit, and workers compensation insurance to protect you financially in case someone is injured moving pianos. For more tips on smart hiring, read our safety tips.
• Know your piano movers. Before moving day comes, get phone numbers so you can field calls about parking and logistics.
• Communicate clearly about stairs, narrow halls, narrow doorways and other obstacles
• Be prepared. Clear all passageways of furniture and clutter to make piano transport as seamless as possible in both the current piano location and your new home
• Get clear on cost. Based on your area and any additional fees that will impact your total cost, determine reasonable prices for your hiring professional help.
• Ask for a Bill of Lading. This is an official receipt which outlines the details of your piano moving services

How Much Does Tuning a Piano Cost?

The national average cost to tune a piano is $110. Most professionals recommend having a piano tuned after it has been moved. No matter how careful a moving company is, the instrument will sound best once it has been professionally re-tuned. Wait several weeks after the move so the piano has time to acclimate and settle in its new environment. Some piano moving companies offer piano tuning in addition to moving services, which would affect the total cost of services.

Should I tip my Piano Movers?

You should tip your piano movers for a job well done, as gratuities are always welcome in the moving industry. If your piano movers treated your baby grand with exquisite care and were careful to prevent dings and dents on walls and floors, a flat amount per mover is a kind gesture. Depending if this was a long distance move or a short distance move across town can vary your price. Another factor in tip is the effort required to move the piano. An upright piano is often wrapped and put on a skid board or a dolly, while a grand must be disassembled and laid on its side. The lower end might be 10-15 percent of the total cost split between movers while the higher end might be 20-25 percent of the total cost split between mover.