Piano moving is a specialty within moving. Pianos are heavy (uprights often weigh several hundred pounds and grands far more), awkward, valuable and easy to damage, so many general movers refuse them or subcontract them. That makes room for a business that does nothing but move pianos, organs and other heavy, delicate items well.
According to Angi, moving an upright piano typically costs $300 to $600, a baby grand $400 to $800 and a grand $500 to $1,200, with a national average around $425 for local moves. Long-distance moves, stairs and storage cost more. This guide covers equipment, technique, pricing, insurance, partners and a worked example.
A piano moving business at a glance
Table of Contents
| Topic | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Startup cost | Moderate: piano boards (skids), dollies, straps, padding, ramps, a box truck or trailer with liftgate, insurance |
| Licenses | Business license; mover licensing in some states; USDOT and FMCSA authority for interstate moves |
| What customers pay | About $300 to $600 for an upright and $500 to $1,200 for a grand (Angi) |
| Key partners | Piano tuners, technicians, dealers, schools, churches and concert venues |
| Best for | Careful, strong crews who value technique and want a specialty with less competition |
Who piano moving suits
It suits careful, physically capable people who take pride in technique, and who would rather do one difficult job well than many easy ones quickly. Many piano movers come from general moving, music retail or piano technician work.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics groups movers with hand laborers and material movers, with a median pay of $37,680 in May 2024. Specialty piano work usually commands higher prices per job than general moving because of the skill, equipment and risk involved.
Equipment you need
- Piano board (skid): a padded board for moving grand pianos on their side once legs and lyre are removed.
- Dollies: heavy-duty piano dollies with non-marking wheels.
- Straps and belts: for securing the piano to the board and for lifting.
- Padding and covers: quilted piano covers and blankets.
- Ramps and stair equipment: portable ramps, and stair-climbing equipment or techniques for steps.
- Truck or trailer with liftgate: with tie-down points to secure pianos upright or on their boards.
- Tools: for removing legs, pedals and lyres safely and storing hardware.
Technique: uprights vs grands
Upright pianos are moved upright on a dolly, carefully balanced, with the crew controlling them through doors and on ramps. Grand pianos are usually turned on their straight side onto a padded piano board after the legs, pedal lyre and sometimes the lid are removed, then wheeled on a dolly.
Stairs are where most accidents happen. Plan each move in advance: measure doorways, turns and stairways, count steps, check flooring and decide how many movers you need. Learn from an experienced piano mover before taking jobs on your own, because mistakes can injure people and destroy instruments worth thousands of dollars.
A typical upright move, step by step
- Before the day: get photos of the piano and route, measure doorways and stairs and confirm parking.
- Protect the building: lay floor runners and pad door frames and railings.
- Prepare the piano: close and lock the lid if possible, wrap the piano fully in quilted covers and strap the wrap in place.
- Move it: tilt the piano onto the dolly with movers at each end, keeping it balanced and moving slowly, especially on ramps and thresholds.
- Stairs: use the plan agreed in advance, with enough movers and the right equipment. Never rush.
- Load and secure: use the liftgate, stand the piano against the truck wall and strap it to tie-down points.
- Deliver and place: unwrap in the room, position it away from heaters and direct sunlight and recommend a tuning in a few weeks.
Storing pianos
Some customers need short-term storage between homes or during renovations. Pianos should be kept in a climate-controlled space with stable temperature and humidity, upright pianos standing and grands on their boards or legs, covered and away from walls that get cold. Offering safe storage can add steady revenue, but only offer it if your space truly protects instruments.
Licensing and insurance
Local piano moves usually need a business license, and some states license movers of household goods, which can include pianos. Interstate moves for customers require a USDOT number and FMCSA household goods authority, so many local piano movers partner with a licensed long-distance carrier instead.
Insurance matters more than usual. Carry general liability, commercial auto, cargo coverage with limits that fit valuable instruments, and workers’ compensation for your crew. Document each piano’s condition with photos before moving it.
Startup costs to plan for
| Item | What to budget for |
|---|---|
| Piano equipment | Boards, dollies, straps, covers, ramps, tools |
| Truck or trailer | With liftgate and tie-downs; used is fine if sound |
| Insurance | Liability, auto, cargo and workers’ compensation |
| Storage (optional) | Climate-controlled space for short-term piano storage |
| Marketing | Website, Google Business Profile, materials for referral partners |
Use our startup cost calculator for your total.
What customers pay
| Piano | Typical local move (Angi) |
|---|---|
| Upright | $300 to $600 |
| Baby grand | $400 to $800 |
| Grand | $500 to $1,200 |
| National average, local moves | About $425 |
Price by piano type, distance and difficulty: stairs, tight turns, long carries and elevators. Many movers charge per flight of stairs. Quote after asking for photos of the route, and put the price and any extra charges in writing.
A worked example: one truck, owner plus two movers
These are illustrative assumptions, not predictions.
| Assumption | Monthly | |
|---|---|---|
| Local upright moves | 28 moves at $420 average | $11,760 |
| Grand and baby grand moves | 10 moves at $750 average | $7,500 |
| Storage and long-distance coordination | Climate-controlled storage and occasional long moves | $1,500 |
| Revenue | $20,760 | |
| Crew wages and payroll costs | Two to three movers per job | $(7,600) |
| Truck payment, fuel and maintenance | Box truck with liftgate | $(2,100) |
| Insurance | Liability, cargo and workers’ compensation | $(1,500) |
| Storage space | Climate-controlled rented space | $(900) |
| Marketing and referral thank-yous | $(700) | |
| Equipment, phone and software | $(400) | |
| Profit before owner pay and taxes | $7,560 |
That leaves about $7,560 a month before the owner’s pay and taxes, on about $20,760 of revenue. Referral partners drive the volume here; without them, the same truck and crew would sit idle many days.
Finding customers through partners
Most piano moves come from people who deal with pianos every day:
- Piano tuners and technicians, who are often asked to recommend movers and tune pianos after a move.
- Piano dealers, for deliveries and trade-ins.
- Schools, colleges and churches, which move instruments between rooms and buildings.
- Concert venues and event companies, for rental pianos.
- General movers who would rather subcontract pianos than risk them.
Make partners look good: arrive on time, protect the instrument and the building, and send a thank-you after each referral. Add your business to the Advanton business directory and keep your Google Business Profile current.
Expanding beyond pianos
The same skills and equipment fit other heavy, valuable items: church and theater organs, harpsichords, gun safes, pool tables, large antiques and art pieces. Adding these services fills quiet days and makes you the call for any move that general movers refuse. Price them as specialty work, and only take items you have the equipment and training to move safely.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Taking grand piano jobs before mastering the technique.
- Quoting without seeing the route, then discovering stairs on moving day.
- Underinsuring valuable instruments.
- Sending too few movers to save on wages.
- Not documenting the piano’s condition before the move.
Your first 90 days
- Days 1-30: learn from an experienced piano mover, register your business and buy insurance.
- Days 31-60: buy equipment and a suitable truck or trailer, set your price list and photograph-based quoting process.
- Days 61-90: visit every piano tuner, dealer, school music department and church in your area, and complete your first moves.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to move a piano?
Angi reports about $300 to $600 for an upright, $400 to $800 for a baby grand and $500 to $1,200 for a grand, with a national average around $425 for local moves.
Do I need special equipment to move pianos?
Yes. Piano boards, heavy-duty dollies, straps, padding, ramps and a truck with a liftgate are standard.
How many people does it take to move a piano?
Two or three for most uprights and three or four for many grands, depending on the instrument and access.
Should pianos be tuned after a move?
Usually yes. Movement and changes in temperature and humidity affect tuning, so many owners schedule a tuning a few weeks after the move, which is a natural referral partnership with tuners.
Can I move pianos long-distance?
Interstate moves require a USDOT number and FMCSA household goods authority. Many local piano movers partner with licensed long-distance carriers.
Can a piano be stored in a regular storage unit?
It is risky. Swings in temperature and humidity can damage wood, strings and finishes, so climate-controlled storage is strongly recommended.
Keep learning
- Moving and storage industry data
- How to start a moving company
- Add your business to the directory
- Startup cost calculator
Sources
- Angi, How much does piano moving cost?
- Angi, Cost to move a piano (national average)
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Hand laborers and material movers
- FMCSA, Protect your move (household goods)
Last reviewed November 2, 2026. Startup costs are estimates; check local prices, licensing and tax rules before you commit money.
