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Highlights
- The national average cost to remove a piano from a home is $504, with a typical cost range of $258 to $570.
- The factors that have the most influence on piano removal cost include the size, weight, and type of piano; the moving distance; the accessibility of the piano; and the labor cost to move it.
- It may be necessary to remove a piano from a home if it has irreparable damage, is of low quality, or is unable to be tuned. Piano movers may also be necessary when it comes time to move the instrument to a new home.
- Moving a piano is a very delicate and difficult job, even for pianos at the end of their life, so it’s recommended that a homeowner or renter hire a professional to remove a piano from their home.
If a piano is severely damaged or hasn’t been played in years, it may be time to remove it from the home. According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, piano removal costs range from $258 to $570, with the national average at $406. Since regular furniture movers will not remove or transport a piano, customers will need to hire professional piano movers to get it out of the house. The cost to move a piano depends on the type of piano, the size, weight, moving distance, accessibility of the instrument, and local labor pricing. Moving a piano can be a delicate process that hinges on the condition of the instrument, size, and weight. An upright piano can be removed from a house without dismantling it, but baby grand and grand pianos require disassembly. Professional piano movers have the knowledge and experience to remove and transport a piano safely. Alternatively, if a piano is in poor condition and can no longer be played, there are many inventive ways to repurpose a piano and still keep it around the house.
When the time comes to move into a new home, some piano owners will choose not to bring the piano with them. Many piano owners will pay for the transportation of the instrument to a new owner, but in other cases, the new owner will need to pay for the piano moving cost. Moving a piano up and down stairs or around many corners will increase the removal price, as will moving the instrument long distances. Whether a customer wants to hire one of the best long-distance moving companies or one of the best junk removal services, this guide will cover the important factors that influence piano removal cost, additional costs and considerations that can change the final price to move a piano, and some important questions to ask about piano removal.
Factors in Calculating Piano Removal Cost
While many customers spend between $258 and $570 to remove a piano, the overall cost can vary from the national average of $406 due to a few important factors. These can include the piano size and weight, piano type, moving distance, accessibility of the instrument, and local labor prices.
Piano Size and Weight
There is no simple formula to calculate piano removal cost. The most important factors that influence moving costs are the piano size and weight. Typically, the bigger the piano, the more expensive it is to move. Upright piano movers may charge $150 to move the piano locally, while transporting a grand piano long distances can cost up to $2,000. Piano removal and delivery costs are commonly between $8 and $15 per hour per person, or they can be charged as a flat rate with a range of $100 to $2,000 based on the weight and size of the piano.
Piano Type
There are several types of pianos, and each one has its own specifications when it comes to removing it from a home. The dimensions of each piano can help owners calculate the moving costs. Professional piano movers can accurately estimate the equipment that will be needed to move the instrument based on the piano type. The most common types of pianos are spinet, upright, studio, baby grand, grand, and concert grand. Each type of piano is discussed in a section below.
Moving Distance
The distance that the professional movers will need to transport the piano also impacts the overall price. Many piano movers charge an hourly rate, and it’s common for them to have a 3-hour minimum, which is the average amount of time to prepare the piano for transport. Moving a piano locally can cost between $1.50 and $2.50 per mile, while a long-distance move can cost from $2.50 to $10 per mile. Some piano moving companies will charge a flat rate to transport a piano over long distances, which is usually more beneficial to the customer. Gas prices and local labor fees can also influence these charges.
Accessibility
If stairs are involved in removing the piano from the home, the price will increase. Going up or down stairs can cost between $5 and $10 per step, or from $40 to $100 per staircase. Moving the piano around many corners, down narrow hallways, or through other tight spaces will increase the overall cost.
Labor
Piano moving companies can charge by the hour or with a flat rate. Those that charge by the hour usually include the cost of equipment and labor in their pricing. Some may charge for labor with a separate fee, so it’s important for a customer to double-check with the company to avoid any unexpected expenses. For a local move, it’s common to be charged by the hour, while it’s more beneficial for the customer to be charged a flat rate for long-distance moves. Flat rates are usually based on instrument weight, size, and type; projected difficulty of the job; and transportation distance. Customers will want to keep in mind that labor rates are typically more expensive in densely populated urban areas with a higher cost of living than in more rural areas.
Additional Costs and Considerations
When budgeting for piano removal cost, customers will often find that there are additional price factors and considerations that can change the total price of the removal. These can include the dismantling and crating of the piano, rush and rescheduling fees, and storage payments.
Dismantling and Crating
Some pianos require dismantling and crating in order to be moved properly. An upright piano moving company typically will not need to dismantle these vertical instruments, which can save on removal costs. Dismantling is required for large instruments, such as baby grand and concert grand pianos. Since even the best interstate moving companies do not know how to dismantle a piano, professional grand piano movers will need to be hired to move the piano safely. The cost to dismantle and crate a piano ranges from $100 to $800, and the price can increase to $1,200 if the crate is heated.
Rush and Rescheduling Fees
The cost for an extra-speedy move is typically about $300 for a local move and between $400 and $700 for a long-distance move. The extra money accounts for the increased effort to move the piano with an expedited schedule. Rescheduling a piano move can cost as much as $400.
Storage
Storing a piano is not the same as storing regular furniture. The considerations involved with piano storage can include climate-controlled and temperature-controlled facilities. A climate-controlled space can cost from $50 to $75 per month. Some piano moving companies may include storage fees for a limited time, so piano owners are advised to double-check with the moving company about pricing before paying extra for storage.
Piano Removal Cost by Type of Piano
Moving prices can vary when it comes to transporting different types of pianos. The heavier and larger the instrument, the more expensive it will be to remove. Since each type of piano requires differing handling and transportation equipment, the cost to move individual types of pianos can fluctuate from the national average. Removal costs run from $200 to $300 for upright and spinet pianos and from $325 to $600 for grand pianos. Below are the different price ranges based on the type of piano.
| Type of Piano | Average Price Range for a Local Move | Average Price Range for a Long-Distance Move |
| Spinet | $150 to $300 | $500 to $800 |
| Upright | $150 to $300 | $500 to $800 |
| Studio | $100 to $350 | $500 to $800 |
| Baby grand | $250 to $650 | $1,000 to $2,000 |
| Grand | $250 to $650 | $1,000 to $2,000 |
| Concert grand | $450 and up | $1,000 to $2,000 and up |
Spinet
As the smallest of the upright pianos, a spinet weighs between 300 and 400 pounds. It has shorter keys than other pianos and stands between 36 and 40 inches tall. A local move costs from $150 to $300, while a long-distance move runs between $500 and $800.
Upright
An upright piano measures more than 47 inches high and weighs between 400 and 1,000 pounds. Upright pianos are also called vertical pianos, since their strings are strung vertically instead of horizontally, as with a grand piano. This type of piano takes up less space than a grand piano and costs between $150 and $300 for a local move and between $500 and $800 for a longer transport.
Studio
Studio pianos typically measure between 44 and 47 inches tall and are often found in classrooms, churches, schools, and studios. They can cost from $100 to $350 for a local move and from $500 to $800 for a longer one.
Baby Grand
A baby grand piano measures between 4 feet 11 inches and 5 feet 6 inches and weighs upwards of 650 pounds. The horizontally strung strings means that the instrument will take up considerably more space than an upright piano. The cost for a local move is between $250 and $650 and between $1,000 and $2,000 for a long-distance move.
Grand
All types of grand pianos need to be dismantled and crated for safe transport. A grand piano is between 4 feet 5 inches and 6 feet 1 inch long, and they weigh between 600 and 1,200 pounds. A grand piano mover may charge from $250 to $650 for a local move and from $1,000 to $2,000 for a long-distance move.
Concert Grand
As the largest grand piano, a concert grand piano can measure between 7 and 9 feet long and can weigh between 900 and 1,200 pounds or more. A local move for a piano this large can cost $450 and up and from $1,000 to $2,000 or more for piano moving cross-country.
Do I Need Piano Removal?
If there is a piano in the house, chances are it will need to be removed at some point. When a homeowner relocates, there are many hidden costs, with piano removal and storage as a few examples. If the piano is damaged, low quality, or unable to be tuned, it’s also time to remove the piano from the home.
Move to a New Home
The cost of moving to a new home typically does not include piano removal, since regular movers do not have the training, skills, or equipment to move a piano safely. Removing an upright piano is a simpler task than moving a grand piano, which requires dismantling, wrapping, and crating for safe transport. Removing a piano from one home and moving it into another without damage is the job for specialized piano movers.
Irreparable Damage
The cost of junk removal can include piano removal if there is no concern about moving the instrument with care. Flooding, a house fire, or powerful storms can damage a piano beyond repair and require that the instrument be removed from the house.
Low Quality Instrument
A low-quality piano may work just fine when someone is just starting out with the instrument, but as their proficiency increases, the need for a higher-quality instrument may grow. When the time comes to upgrade to a better piano, the old one will need to be removed.
Tuning Problems
If a piano is damaged and warped, it may not stay in tune for very long. Paying for frequent tunings just to have the instrument go quickly out of tune again is not cost-effective. Removing a piano that is unable to stay tuned and upgrading to a new model may be in order.
Piano Removal: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
If a piano needs to be removed from a home safely, the piano owner moving it on their own is not the best option. Professional piano movers have the knowledge, experience, tools, and equipment to remove and properly transport the instrument to a new location. If the piano needs to be removed because it is damaged beyond repair, a piano owner may be able to move it if they have the proper equipment to manage the weight and size of the instrument. An upright piano that is on casters can be moved out of a home if the front entrance is level with the sidewalk and there are no stairs. Below are the tools and equipment that are needed to move upright pianos and their average cost.
- Dolly: $125 to $200
- Hump strap: $25
- Locking belt: $25
Below are the tools and equipment that are needed to move grand pianos and their average cost.
- Dolly: $125 to $200
- Hump strap: $25
- Locking belt: $25
- Hoist and crane: $750 to $2,000
- Skid board: $125
Packing supplies for a safe move include moving blankets and protective pads, which can cost from $30 to $35 per item, and packing tape at $3 per roll. Transporting the instrument in a rental truck large enough to handle the weight and size of the piano can start at $20 per day plus $1.10 per mile.
How to Save Money on Piano Removal Cost
There are many reasons to remove a piano from its home: The owners are moving to a new location, the instrument is damaged beyond repair, or the piano owner has upgraded to a better-quality instrument. Whatever the reason for removal, the costs can quickly add up. Below are some money-saving tips when it comes time to remove a piano.
- Hire professionals. If the piano needs to be removed safely without damaging the instrument, professional piano movers can transport it efficiently and carefully. Moving a piano as a DIY project may result in personal injury and damage to the delicate instrument—and the associated costs for repair.
- Get multiple estimates. Get at least three price quotes from respectable piano moving companies in your area to find a rate that works with your budget.
- Provide the movers with detailed information. When a piano moving company knows all the information about the piano brand, type, size, and weight, they can successfully and accurately estimate the moving cost to avoid unexpected charges.
- Do some online research. If the instrument is beyond repair and you just want it out of the house, do some online research to see if there are junk removal companies that will get rid of the piano free of charge or for a reduced price. Churches, recreation and community centers, and residential adult living centers also accept piano donations for free or for a slight charge.
- Move the piano to the front door on your own. An upright piano on casters should be able to be moved closer to the front door if there are no stairs to navigate. Moving the instrument safely from one room to another can cut down on moving costs.
Questions to Ask About Piano Removal
Asking a professional the right questions can help customers learn important information and avoid miscommunication. Below are some questions for customers to ask a professional piano mover about removing a piano and the related costs.
- Do you provide free estimates?
- How long have you been removing pianos?
- How long has your company been in business?
- Do you have worker’s compensation insurance?
- What type of training does your team have?
- Who will remove my piano?
- Will you provide references?
- Are you licensed?
- Will you provide a bill of lading?
- How will the piano be removed?
- Do you offer storage options? If so, what are the additional charges?
- Do you have a climate-controlled moving truck, and do you provide climate-controlled storage if I need it?
- What happens if the piano is damaged during the removal process?
- What can I do to prepare the piano for removal?
- What is your payment plan?
- How can I leave a review of your services?
FAQs
When owners are deciding on piano removal, it’s helpful for them to have all the information that’s available to help with the decision-making process. Below are some frequently asked questions about piano removal and the associated costs.
Q. How do I transport a piano?
Transporting a piano involves some important steps. Since pianos are heavy and awkward to move, taking the proper precautions to avoid personal injury or damage to the instrument is very important. Knowing the precise measurements of the piano, doorways, staircases, and hallways is essential to moving a piano. Having the proper equipment, such as moving blankets, padding, tape, a dolly, straps, and skid board can ensure safe transportation. The safest way to move a piano is to hire professional piano movers.
Q. What is the average cost of moving a piano 10 miles?
The average rate to move a piano is $1.50 to $2.50 per mile for a local move, or a flat rate of $100 to $2,000, depending on the size and weight of the instrument.
Q. How long does it take to remove a piano from my house?
It typically takes 3 hours to prepare a piano for transport, but the total amount of time to remove a piano from a house depends on the piano type, size, and weight and accessibility of the instrument.
Q. Is it OK to move the piano by myself?
Moving a piano on your own is a dangerous task that can damage the instrument and cause personal injury. It’s recommended that piano owners hire professional piano movers, since they have the experience, knowledge, tools, and equipment to move the instrument safely.
Q. Can I insure my piano before moving?
If a piano is valued at $5,000 or less, insurance is usually free. For pianos that are worth more than $5,000, it’s common for a piano moving company to charge between $10 and $15 per every additional $1,000 in value. Additionally, a homeowner can inquire about piano coverage with their homeowners insurance company.
Q. What are some key factors that influence the cost of piano moving?
The cost of moving a piano is influenced by the piano type, size, weight, and accessibility. The distance of the move also affects the overall cost to move the instrument.
Sources: Angi, HomeAdvisor, HomeGuide
