How Do Professionals Move a Piano?

Moving a piano varies by the type of piano you have, in addition to the instrument’s size and weight. The goal is to ensure the piano is stabilized throughout the transportation process, starting from moving it from its room into the moving vehicle and then transporting it to its final destination. Depending on the size of the piano, movers may remove the legs of the instrument to optimize space and stability. This will require a specialist who has been trained to assemble and disassemble the parts of a piano. The piano and any disassembled parts will be wrapped in padded material to prevent any damage and then be secured onto a dolly. If floors feel unsteady, some movers will also lay down walk boards to keep the piano parts moving smoothly. Once the piano is loaded onto the moving vehicle, it will be secured inside so it doesn’t jostle around. Some piano moving companies have climate-controlled trucks, which are ideal since pianos should be stored at certain heat and humidity levels.

Can You Play a Piano Right After It’s Been Moved?

While you can technically play your piano after a move, it most likely will not sound the same. Shifting a piano from one spot to another may result in minimal sound changes, but transporting it from one home to another or from storage to a new location will most likely require proper tuning for the piano to sound and play correctly. If you’re moving especially far, particularly to a new climate, the shift in temperature and humidity levels will affect the instrument’s sound. While pianos are often securely strapped into a moving vehicle, they will inevitably be a little shaken through the transportation process. This may lead to strings and internal parts also being moved around a bit. Once your piano is in its new location, let it settle and adjust to the new climate before tuning it.

Is It OK to Move a Piano by Yourself?

Large pianos (grand pianos that can top over 1,000 pounds) will require the professional help of up to six people. Professionals are specially trained and possess the proper equipment to make a piano move easier. Smaller pianos, especially digital ones, may be a simpler move to take on. But take note that moving companies are insured and have coverage policies that would cover costs for any damage that may incur during their move, while self-moving will potentially risk out-of-pocket expenses for any damage.

Can a Piano Be Too Heavy for a House?

Assuming your home is built to code, it’s unlikely that even a particularly heavy piano, like a concert grand, will fall through the floor. What’s more likely is that the piano will be too big for some of the rooms in your house. Even if the piano can technically fit in a room, you’ll want to make sure it’s not placed too close to a window, where the temperature and humidity levels can fluctuate and potentially change the tune of the piano. If your instrument is made of wood, you’ll also want to keep it out of direct sunlight since the finish can fade.

7 Best Piano Movers of 2023

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Chances are, you’ve handled a few moves entirely on your own, even if it was just moving a microwave and dresser full of clothing into your dorm room or first apartment. And while there’s nothing wrong with calling up a few friends and asking them to help you load up a truck or a moving van, that job becomes a lot more difficult when one of the items you have to move is a piano.

Not only are pianos bulky and unwieldy, making them difficult to carry up or down a flight of stairs, but they can also be extremely heavy. Some of them can even clock in at more than 1,000 pounds. Then there’s the cost. While there is a wide range of prices, some pianos can cost upward of $10,000. And let’s face it, you don't want anyone dropping one of those.

That’s why, when it comes to moving pianos, the job is best left to the professionals. Not only do piano moving companies have plenty of experience transporting pianos across the country—with some focusing only on pianos—but they can also offer insurance (or, in moving-speak, valuation coverage) in case of a pricey accident. In order to find the best piano movers, we evaluated a variety of companies, taking into account their expertise in moving pianos, nationwide availability, number of years of experience, and more.

Best Piano Movers of 2023

Best Overall: Modern Piano Moving
Most Experienced: Wheaton World Wide Moving
Best for Long-Distance Moves: Atlas Van Lines
Best Customer Support: JK Moving Services
Best for Transparent Pricing: American Van Lines
Most Flexible: North American Van Lines
Best Specialized Piano Moving: Gentle Giant Moving Company

Best Overall: Modern Piano Moving

Modern Piano Moving

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 48 states
Moving Options: Local and long-distance
Initial Deposit Required: No

Pros & Cons

Pros

The company specializes solely in moving pianos
Pianos are transferred in climate-controlled trucks and with specialized equipment
Offers storage options

Cons

Cancellation charge of $100 for already scheduled moves

Why It Made the List

The best piano moving company will specialize in just moving pianos—because after all, nothing beats experience. And with 88 years in the business, Modern Piano Moving has plenty of that. The company has handled its fair share of tricky moves over the years, from lifting a grand piano out of a balcony with a forklift to moving a piano down an overly steep hill with a shuttle vehicle.

As the largest dedicated piano mover in the U.S., the company transports pianos in climate-controlled trucks (the heat and humidity levels are based on piano company Steinway’s recommendations) with customized features like cargo control and lift gates. The company also utilizes other specialized equipment, like ATVs, e-track piano moving boards, and custom dollies to move pianos. Modern Piano Moving also provides storage options, with monthly and quarterly rates based on the type and size of the instrument. The storage buildings are also climate controlled and under 24-hour video surveillance to ensure the utmost safety and protection for your piano.

To begin the piano moving process, you can go online for an instant quote; their prices are based on the distance, urgency, and difficulty of the move. The company is also fully insured; piano coverage is $10 per $1,000 of your piano’s value.

Most Experienced: Wheaton World Wide Moving

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 50 states
Moving Options: Local and long-distance
Initial Deposit Required: No

Pros & Cons

Pros

Experienced with heavy-duty items from small moves to corporate relocations
Uses air-ride trailers that come with various pads, straps, and materials for secure transportation
Free in-home estimates

Cons

No online tracking function

Why It Made the List

If you’re planning a full residential move, Wheaton World Wide Moving has nearly 80 years of experience in packing up both your household goods and piano(s) to streamline your moving experience. Wheaton’s moving experts know how to move everything from a console piano to full-size grand pianos.

As the piano moving process requires a bit more strategy and planning—given the delicate nature and size of pianos—Wheaton movers approach the task by first determining the best route of transport from where the piano is located in your house to getting it to the moving vehicle. If required, movers will disassemble the piano, but otherwise, everything is securely strapped to a dolly, which is further wrapped in padded material for extra protection. Walk boards are also laid out to ensure smooth cruising from room to room.

If you’re moving out of state, you can request a ballpark estimate on Wheaton’s website, but for a more accurate quote, one of the company’s agents will need to schedule an in-person or virtual walk-through of your home.

Best for Long-Distance Moves: Atlas Van Lines

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Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 50 states
Moving Options: Local, long-distance, and international
Initial Deposit Required: No

Pros & Cons

Pros

Some movers are specifically trained to move pianos
Multiple accreditations and certifications to ensure a quality move
Online portal allows for easy tracking

Cons

Uses third-party agents for some moving services

Why It Made the List

Not all specialty piano moving companies operate everywhere in the United States. Atlas Van Lines, however, can tackle moves in all 50 states (as well as Canada), which is why they earned our pick for the best long-distance piano moving company.

From cars to swing sets, there isn’t much that Atlas Van Lines doesn’t move. And with more than 70 years in the business, they’re also professionals at moving pianos. Atlas employs trained piano movers who can properly pack, secure, and transport the instrument to your new location. For concert grand pianos, an Atlas specialist will reassemble parts of the piano (legs, pedals, lid, and music rack) before and after the move. If you need to store your piano, Atlas also offers climate-controlled storage options.

You can request an approximate moving estimate online to help you budget your move; for a more accurate estimate, an Atlas mover can do a walk-through of your home. You can also sign up for the Atlas Customer Portal (available for desktop and mobile), where you can track your shipment, reference documents, and receive email and text notifications. Atlas Van Lines also offers protection options in case any items in the move are lost or damaged; a minimal protection plan at no additional cost or full value protection, which will cost extra.

Best Customer Support: JK Moving Services

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 48 states
Moving Options: Local, long-distance, and international
Initial Deposit Required: Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

Movers have experience moving pianos
Storage options available with 24/7 video surveillance
Affordable and flexible financing options

Cons

Doesn’t offer moving services to Alaska or Hawaii

Why It Made the List

Another full-service moving company, JK Moving Services has over 40 years of experience transporting pianos around the country. But the company tops competitors with the 24/7 live customer support and mobile app, which tracks your move and lists helpful information like your service coordinator, the declared value of your belongings and coverage, and more.

To begin the moving process, request a quote on the company’s website. During the actual move, expert movers will check the condition of the piano before anything is moved. This will ensure that the instrument arrives in the new location in the same condition that it was when first moved. Then, a crew of up to six movers will work together to remove the piano’s legs and pedal extensions and wrap them separately from the rest of the instrument.

We also like how JK Moving offers storage services—especially the option for climate-controlled storage, which is important for storing a piano—for as long as needed. Warehouses are secure and equipped with 24/7 video surveillance and motion sensors, as well as fire suppression systems. JK Moving also offers financing options through its Enhancify, with rates as low as 0 percent APR.

Best for Transparent Pricing: American Van Lines

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 48 states
Moving Options: Local, long-distance, and international
Initial Deposit Required: Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

All-inclusive fixed rates for the most transparent pricing
Movers individually have an average 10 years of experience
Free storage for the first month for all customers

Cons

Service can vary since movers are outsourced to local contractors

Why It Made the List

American Van Lines offers flexible moving services, including full-service and partial-service moves, but the company also offers specialty moving services, where movers only pack very valuable items like antiques, artwork, and pianos. Due to the varying factors involved in moving pianos—and moves in general—companies will often give you a price estimate that can potentially increase as other factors are considered during the move. American Van Lines, however, provides customers with fixed rates. Customers won’t have to worry about a suddenly added fee for heading up an elevator or an extra charge for disassembling and reassembling their piano parts. The all-inclusive pricing is especially beneficial for those working on strict budgets, as a move is always a costly endeavor.

With the customer in mind, American Van Lines also offers free storage to all its customers for one month. Plus, the storage vaults are equipped with 24/7 surveillance for security and protection.

Most Flexible: North American Van Lines

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 50 states
Moving Options: Local, long-distance, and international
Initial Deposit Required: No

Pros & Cons

Pros

Flexible services, including fragile-only moving
Three pricing options: bottom-line pricing, not-to-exceed pricing, and customized pricing
Provides free tracking 24/7, seven days a week

Cons

Outsources some moves to third-party agents for moves that are out of coverage area

Why It Made the List

Not all piano moving companies handle moves in every state, but North American Van Lines can get you to where you need to go. The company experts on hand are experienced in piano moving—a good thing since pianos can be particularly delicate and unwieldy.

Not interested in moving your entire home? North American Moving Services also offers fragile-only moving services, such as piano moving. You can also choose to handle as much or as little of the packing as you’d like, although the company does offer full-service moving. They also offer storage options if you can’t move your piano to your new location right away.

You can request an instant quote online through the company’s website, and a moving specialist will reach out to you for a more detailed account of your belongings. Afterward, you’ll be given a more accurate moving quote.

Best Specialized Piano Moving: Gentle Giant Moving Company

gentle giant moving company

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 48 states
Moving Options: Local and long-distance
Initial Deposit Required: Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

Movers are specifically trained to move pianos
Offers climate-controlled piano storage
Offers personal moving coordinators who are easily accessible

Cons

Limited moving locations

Why It Made the List

Gentle Giant Moving Company offers a full range of moving and packing services, including piano moving, with experienced movers. All crews are trained to move both grand and upright pianos and use equipment like craning and rigging for trickier relocations. For those based in the New England and New York state area, Gentle Giant owns Allston Piano Moving Company, which specializes entirely in piano moving. With experience in moving pianos at some of the most prestigious Boston-based institutions like Harvard University and the Boston Conservatory of Music, Allston is a fully reliable option for those in its service area. And if you need some extra time between moves, Gentle Giant also offers climate-controlled piano storage.

To make things easier for you, Gentle Giant offers each client a personal coordinator to handle the personal details of your move and is available via a direct phone number or email. Customers can also receive estimates online and can connect to a representative through the website’s live chat feature.

One drawback, though, is that the company doesn’t serve every area. Gentle Giant operates in 20 locations across the country, including the New England, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Charlotte, Fort Lauderdale, San Francisco, and Seattle areas. While the company can serve moves both in-state and out-of-state for those areas, it can’t serve moves that start outside of those areas.

Final Verdict

The best piano moving companies will have the experience, specialized training, and proper equipment to safely and securely move your piano from point A to point B. Companies like Modern Piano Moving and Gentle Giant Moving Company specialize specifically in piano moves, making it a great option for professional pianists who need to transport their instruments. For longer-distance moves, Atlas Van Lines and North American Van Lines are available throughout the country and also offer storage options for any last-minute moving schedule changes. JK Moving Services has a great app where customers can access all their documents and track the shipping process.

Compare the Best Piano Movers

Company	Nationwide Availability	Moving Options	Initial Deposit Required?	Weight Limit	Quote Type
Modern Piano Moving Best Overall	48 states	Local and long-distance	No	None	Non-binding
Wheaton World Wide Moving Most Experienced	50 states	Local and long-distance	No	None	Both binding and non-binding
Atlas Van Lines Best for Long-Distance Moves	50 states	Local, long-distance, and international	No	None	Both binding and non-binding
JK Moving Services Best Customer Support	48 states	Local, long-distance, and international	Yes	None	Both binding and non-binding
American Van Lines Best for Transparent Pricing	48 states	Local, long-distance, and international	Yes	None	Both binding and non-binding
North American Van Lines Most Flexible	50 states	Local, long-distance, and international	No	None	Both binding and non-binding
Gentle Giant Moving Company Best Specialized Piano Moving	48 states	Local and long-distance	Yes	None	Both binding and non-binding

Does It Cost Extra to Move a Piano as Part of a Full-Service Move?

A full-service move is largely calculated by the weight of items as well as the amount of space it takes within a moving vehicle. Unless a company provides a fixed moving rate, you can expect to potentially pay more for moving a piano due to its weight, atypical shape, and size, as well as additional labor to properly disassemble, move, and reassemble the item. For trickier movies, a piano may require additional, special moving equipment (like a forklift) to hoist it. If you don’t want to pay extra for piano moving, check with the moving company on whether or not it includes moving specialty items before signing a contract. That way, there won’t be any surprises come moving day.

Preparing to Move a Piano

If you’re hiring a professional moving company or a piano-specific moving company, you may not have to do much preparation at all. Larger pianos like baby grands or concert grands will require a piano moving specialist to disassemble any parts of the instrument like the legs and foot pedals, etc. That said, it never hurts to do a little work yourself if you can. Some possible things to do include:

Provide accurate measurements. Your moving coordinator may ask you for the measurements of your piano so that movers will know just how large and wide the instrument is. This gives an accurate understanding of whether or not movers will be able to fit the piano through a doorway or will need to find another way out of the house. (The door may need to be taken off the hinges.)
Clear a pathway. While your movers can likely do this for you, it never hurts to make sure the area is free of clutter. After all, the last thing anyone needs is to trip over a box while they’re hoisting a piano down the stairs.
Point out any potential hurdles ahead of time. Is there a particularly narrow doorway the movers should know about? Any staircases that pose a safety hazard? Let your moving coordinator know about any potentially problematic areas of your home—that way, the moving company can come up with a plan ahead of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do Professionals Move a Piano?

Moving a piano varies by the type of piano you have, in addition to the instrument’s size and weight. The goal is to ensure the piano is stabilized throughout the transportation process, starting from moving it from its room into the moving vehicle and then transporting it to its final destination.

Depending on the size of the piano, movers may remove the legs of the instrument to optimize space and stability. This will require a specialist who has been trained to assemble and disassemble the parts of a piano. The piano and any disassembled parts will be wrapped in padded material to prevent any damage and then be secured onto a dolly. If floors feel unsteady, some movers will also lay down walk boards to keep the piano parts moving smoothly. Once the piano is loaded onto the moving vehicle, it will be secured inside so it doesn’t jostle around. Some piano moving companies have climate-controlled trucks, which are ideal since pianos should be stored at certain heat and humidity levels.
Can You Play a Piano Right After It’s Been Moved?

While you can technically play your piano after a move, it most likely will not sound the same. Shifting a piano from one spot to another may result in minimal sound changes, but transporting it from one home to another or from storage to a new location will most likely require proper tuning for the piano to sound and play correctly. If you’re moving especially far, particularly to a new climate, the shift in temperature and humidity levels will affect the instrument’s sound.

While pianos are often securely strapped into a moving vehicle, they will inevitably be a little shaken through the transportation process. This may lead to strings and internal parts also being moved around a bit. Once your piano is in its new location, let it settle and adjust to the new climate before tuning it.
Is It OK to Move a Piano by Yourself?

Large pianos (grand pianos that can top over 1,000 pounds) will require the professional help of up to six people. Professionals are specially trained and possess the proper equipment to make a piano move easier. Smaller pianos, especially digital ones, may be a simpler move to take on. But take note that moving companies are insured and have coverage policies that would cover costs for any damage that may incur during their move, while self-moving will potentially risk out-of-pocket expenses for any damage.
Can a Piano Be Too Heavy for a House?

Assuming your home is built to code, it’s unlikely that even a particularly heavy piano, like a concert grand, will fall through the floor. What’s more likely is that the piano will be too big for some of the rooms in your house.

Even if the piano can technically fit in a room, you’ll want to make sure it’s not placed too close to a window, where the temperature and humidity levels can fluctuate and potentially change the tune of the piano. If your instrument is made of wood, you’ll also want to keep it out of direct sunlight since the finish can fade.

Methodology

In order to compile a list of the best piano movers, our research team made dozens of customer service calls and enlisted the help of data collectors to fill in the blanks for more than 30 criteria points. These included nationwide availability, valuation coverage offerings, and customer support channels.

Each criteria point was assigned a weight, then grouped into one of six categories:

Customer experience (23 percent)
Pricing/price transparency (20 percent)
Coverage and types of moves offered (20 percent)
Moving services (20 percent)
Insurance/protection (10 percent)
Reputation (7 percent)

Scores were calculated based on these weights, and companies were ultimately given a rating out of five stars. To ensure that the information presented is accurate, two or more data collectors verified the research. This page will be updated with any changes to the highlighted companies' offerings.

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Sources

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