Piano moving requires expertise – from dismantling delicate components to transporting the piano undamaged; the best option is to hire professional piano movers to take care of the move. Naturally, hiring a professional and reliable piano moving company will cost you. However, leaving it to the professionals can save you money in the long wrong as they will have the skills and equipment needed to move your prized piano undamaged.
According to Angi.com, the average cost of moving a piano is $406. They estimate that the price range is approximately $260 to $1,000. However, this number can increase or decrease depending on factors including relocation distance, the difficulty of the move, specialty services, and more.
Local Piano Moving – Cost Breakdown
Communicating the piano’s details – size, weight, make, and model – with your desired moving company to get the most accurate pricing is crucial. Your preferred moving date, the distance between your current and destination location, and a clear description of any difficulties the movers may face are also essential details to include when requesting an estimate.
Piano Size & Weight
Hourly Rates
Hourly rates for a local piano moving company average around $40-$80 an hour, depending on where you live. For example, piano movers in NYC will likely cost more than movers in rural Texas. Other factors include whether the moving company charges per individual mover or crew and whether the cost of the moving equipment is included. Moving equipment can include dollies, blankets, piano straps, piano boards, and more.
Piano moving companies that use the hourly fee structure will typically give you an estimate based on the amount of time and resources they expect to use for the move. However, unforeseen variables like difficult entry points and the need for specialty services like craning will increase the final estimate.
Flat-Rate
A flat-rate fee is commonly used when estimating the cost of a piano move. The flat rate can vary anywhere from $200 to $2,000 based on the size and weight of the piano. Other factors that contribute to this wide range include the style of the piano, the distance of the move, and the difficulty of the move.
The Distance of the Move
When calculating the estimate of your local piano move, companies will also include the drive time for each leg of the move:
– from the moving company to your original home,
– then to your destination, and
– back again to the moving company.
The Difficulty of the Move
Certain special circumstances may arise during your piano move, which will add to the cost of your bill. For example, depending on the distance from the moving truck to your home, you may incur a long carry fee.
Where movers are forced to go up and down flights of stairs and do not have access to an elevator, you should be prepared to pay extra. Depending on how difficult your place is to access, the moving company may add anywhere from $80-$200 to your bill.
While many moving companies will add this cost at the end of the move, Allston Piano’s move consultants assess situations like these at the beginning and ensure the costs are added to the initial estimate. This way, you won’t have any unwanted surprises at the end!
Extra for Specialty Piano Moving Services
Specialty services encompass things like craning and crating. In the event that a piano cannot be removed via a home’s entryway, a professional moving company will have the ability to crane the piano through an alternative like a window. It is estimated that the average cost of local movers for specialty services is between an additional $200 to $1,000 as it may require specific equipment or more movers.
Are you planning a local piano move? Speak with a reputable piano moving company like Allston Piano Moving today. Learn more about Allston Piano’s services and use our free estimate tool to determine the cost of your piano move.