How Much Does It Cost To Move A Piano
Moving a piano is not as easy as you think it is. It requires special knowledge and skills to ensure that the move will be safe and successful. Most of the time, moving a piano involves a good sum of money especially when you hire a professional piano mover. This article will cover the typical cost of moving a piano as well as a lot of other details not only on the cost but also when planning a move.
Typical Cost Of Moving A Piano
The cost of moving a piano locally is $100 to $600. A long distance move, on the other hand, can range from $700 to $2,000.
This price includes a professional service from a piano moving company including wrapping the piano, taking it out of the location, loading it to a moving van or truck, and unloading and setting it up in the new location.
Factors That Affect The Price Of Moving A Piano
Type and size of piano. Do you have an upright piano or a grand one? The cost of moving your piano will largely depend on its type and size. A large upright piano will definitely cost more to move than a small grand piano. This is true because the weight and size of the piano will determine the number of people needed to do the move. Moreover, the bigger the piano is, it becomes more difficult to handle.
Distance. Local and long distance moves are definitely priced differently. A small upright piano can be moved within the town or city for around $100 while the minimum for an across the country move can be $700. The farther the distance is, the higher the cost usually becomes.
Difficulty level. The professional piano movers can charge you higher if the piano is difficult to be moved. Stairs, tight turns, and grass pulls are only a few things that can increase the difficulty level of moving a piano. The more hurdles are on the way, the higher the overall cost can become.
Time restraints. If there is a requested time restraint for moving a piano, the cost can go higher. Usually, you can expect to pay double when time restraints are requested.
Mover. Professional piano movers charge the service differently based on their expertise and their geographical location. The skills of their people, their insurance offers, and the equipment they use for the move can also bring a huge impact to the cost of piano moving.
DIY moves. Some people choose to move their pianos themselves instead of hiring a professional piano mover to make the cost cheaper. However, though cheap, this requires a lot of care and work in the part of the owner because moving a piano is really a difficult job. You need to make sure that the piano is wrapped properly for moving, hire a truck, drive it to the new location, and unload it. Plus, you need the help of three or more people to help you carry the piano.
Additional Costs
If there are stairs in the house, you can expect the piano mover to charge you $2 to $10 extra per step. A stairway turn can also be charged differently. This is true because stairs and turns make the move of the piano more difficult.
Climate-controlled storage spaces can cost $15 a week.
If moving your piano requires a special crane or light, this can cost an extra $500 to $2,000.
Professional moving companies separately charge insurance. The cost of insurance coverage is usually one percent of the piano's value. For instance, if you have a $5,000 piano, insurance will cost you $50.
Tips Before You Move A Piano
Choose a professional piano mover to do the job for you than a regular household mover or doing it yourself. Though more expensive, professional movers know their way on moving pianos to ensure it will be handled correctly and safely to your new location. If you are planning to do the move yourself, at least know every detail that the move entails. LearnToMove.com offers a helpful guide in teaching you how to properly move a piano.
When choosing a piano mover, consider several factors such as the credibility and expertise of the company and its staff. Make sure that they offer good insurance coverage on your piano and property as well as safety insurance for all their workmen. You can check this list of questions to ask a piano mover when hiring one.
When looking for a piano mover, know every detail of the move including the type and size of the piano, the distance of the old and new locations, and the like. Take note that knowing all the details can help you get a more accurate quote from the piano mover. This will help you plan your expenses better. PianoMovers.org will help you get a free piano moving quote depending on the information you provide them.
Ask local piano dealers for recommendations for a professional piano mover near you. You can also use Piano World's listing of piano movers to find a mover depending on the state where you live.