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Piano Moving Cost in NYC: Complete Guide

Moving a piano requires professional movers that know exactly what goes into the job. Learn the costs of piano moving and what associated fees to expect with our guide.
How Much Does it Cost to Move Pianos in NYC?

In this article

The national average when looking at costs to move pianos is about $400. The general range you’ll find is between $250 and $575. On the low end, you could pay as little as $150. On the high end, though, prices can go up to $2,000.

Pianos are delicate instruments that are very heavy, requiring the expertise of professional moving companies in NYC if you want to relocate them safely. Typically, you’ll need NYC movers that specialize in moving items like pianos if you want to avoid damaging the instrument.

Because a piano does not have its weight distributed evenly, movers must work as a team to maneuver it. Upright pianos, for example, are heavier on the top but have fragile feet. Grand pianos may also be prone to damage, especially as there are lightweight components that could break easily if care is not taken during transit.

1. Costs of Piano Removal & Delivery in NYC

Movers may either charge per hour or offer a flat rate, depending on the circumstances. Average hourly rates generally go from $8 to $15 per mover while flat rates run anywhere from $100 to $2,000. Costs are generated based on the weight and size of the piano; as these increase, as does the price.

Oftentimes when professional movers are charging an hourly rate, there will be a minimum amount of hours charged. If things take longer due to unforeseen delays, hourly rates can get expensive.

Most of the time, however, piano moving companies charge a flat rate for pianos that are determined by:

  • Instrument type
  • Length & width of the instrument
  • Distance to transport the instrument
  • Job difficulty

The benefit of a flat rate include ease and accuracy of your estimate, so you can play in advance – before you even plan to begin packing! You’ll need to know the size, model, type, and make of your piano when getting an estimate, so keep this information handy.

Keep in mind that piano moving services are separate from other overall moving costs you will incur, so plan your moving budget accordingly.

2. Costs of Moving a Grand Piano

Grand pianos cost anywhere from $250 to $650 to move locally while long-distance costs can go from $1,000 to $2000.

These pianos can weigh 600 to 1,200 pounds, making them a tough job for movers. In order to be transported properly, NYC movers will need to dismantle them.

Common types of grand pianos, approximate sizes, and their weights include:

  • Petite: 4’ 5” – 4’10” (400 to 500 pounds)
  • Baby: 4’11” – 5’6” (500 to 600 pounds)
  • Medium: 5’7” (600 pounds)
  • Parlor: 5’9” – 6’1” (750 pounds)
  • Ballroom: 6’2” – 7’ (900 pounds)
  • Concert: Over 7’ (900 to 1,200 pounds)

3. Costs of Moving an Upright Piano

Upright pianos cost between $150 to $300 to be moved locally and come in somewhere between $500 to $800 to move long distances.

Upright pianos can weigh from 300 to 800 pounds, but the good news is that they don’t need to be dismantled to be transported. The four types of upright pianos, their lengths, and weights are outlined below.

  • Spinet: < 40 inches (200 to 400 pounds)
  • Console: 40 ≤ 44 inches (350 to 450 pounds)
  • Studio: 44 ≤ 47 inches (400 to 500 pounds)
  • Upright: > 47 inches (500 to 1,000 pounds)

4. Moving a Piano Locally vs. Long Distance

When moving a piano long distance, you’ll be paying according to the distance on top of other fees.

Typically, moving locally comes in at about $1.50 to $2.50 per mile while the long-distance cost to move out of NYC with a piano goes from $2.50 to $10 for each mile traveled.

The longer the distance, the more you will incur in delivery fees.

Several factors will go into calculating the cost of shipping for your piano, including:

1. Steps:

Local and interstate moving companies in NYC may either charge per step or per staircase, based on your home’s design. Specially trained local and long-distance movers can get the instrument downstairs with no issues, but these more complex conditions do come with an additional fee.

2. Equipment:

Moving equipment can vary in cost because it depends on the equipment needed and what type of piano is being moved. Professionals may use things like a skid board or hoist and crane to prevent damage to your instrument while it is being moved.

3. Packing:

Packing fees can go from $100 to $1,200 based on your piano’s needs. Grand pianos need to be dismantled or put in a crate to be moved safely. Disassembly and reassembly come with a fee, typically on the low end, as does a crate for your instrument, typically on the high end.

4. Insurance:

Insurance of often free if the instrument is valued under $5,000. However, pianos over $5,000 will be privy to a fee that is based on the value of the instrument over $5,000.

5. Rescheduling/Rush Fees:

If you need to reschedule, or are not available on the day movers arrive, costs can be up to $400. If you’re in a rush, expect to pay an average of $300 for a local move and up to $700 for a long-distance move.

6. Tuning:

Pianos will inevitably be affected when they are transported, so a tune-up will be necessary after the move. Professional returning costs from $100 to $150, to restore the sound of your instrument.

7. Temperature Control:

To reduce the stress on your piano during a move, a climate-controlled truck is recommended. Humidity control reduces issues that cause pianos to go out of tune, preserving the value and integrity of the instrument.

8. Other Items:

If you have additional items that need to be moved, you will either be charged a flat rate per item or you will have to pay per pound. For example, the piano bench may be an additional item to add to your move so that all parts of your instrument stay together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need special movers for my piano?

Pianos aren’t like typical pieces of furniture – they’re delicate and can be easily damaged if they’re not moved by professionals with the right experience, training, and equipment. Using piano overs assures you that it will be handled properly so that none if its distinct sound is ruined and no permanent damage comes to the instrument.

How will moving affect the tuning of the piano?

Moving a piano will affect its tuning in several ways. When humidity levels fluctuate in transit, the wooden components, such as the soundboard, may expand and some of the internal parts of the piano may become loose. Climate control is important in minimizing these issues, so speak with movers about controlling humidity while transporting the piano.

How do I know what kind of piano to tell movers?

Pianos are fairly easy to tell apart based on their dimensions and height. Two common pianos are grand pianos and vertical pianos. Measuring the horizontal length tells what grand piano you have while the height lets you know upright piano type. Measure upright pianos from the floor to the piano lid. Measure grand pianos from the back end’s largest point to the end of the piano keys.

Sound Transported Beautifully

Don’t let moving your piano destroy it – get professional movers that are experienced in moving pianos of all kinds. The best way to save your piano and prevent damage is to make sure it is protected from the beginning to end of your move, so get help from the best for transporting your instrument, and its sound, beautifully.

Dani James

Dani James

Dani James is a copywriter and blogger with more than eight years of experience writing for movers, real estate, and anything to do with getting from point A to point B. When he’s not finding new ways to save on moving costs, he can be found at home with his cat, binge-watching Marvel movies, and looking for new apartments he can’t afford.
Green Group

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