Moving a grand piano long-distance costs $1,000 to $2,800 on average – more than double what an upright costs to relocate the same distance. The gap comes down to weight, shape, and the disassembly a grand needs before it can travel safely.
Key Takeaways
- Long-distance grand piano moves run $1,000-$2,800; baby grands trend toward the lower end, concert grands toward the higher.
- Local grand piano moves cost far less, typically $250-$650.
- Grands need the legs, pedals, and sometimes the lid removed before a long-distance move – labor an upright doesn’t require.
- DIY works fine for a small upright. For a grand, hire a specialist – more on why below.
What Does It Cost to Move a Grand Piano Long-Distance?
Size drives the price more than anything else once you’re past the upright/grand split. A baby grand typically runs $1,000-$2,000 for a cross-country move. A full concert grand – heavier, harder to maneuver, more likely to need custom crating – runs $1,500-$2,800 or more.
| Piano Type | Local Move | Long-Distance Move |
|---|---|---|
| Upright piano | $150-$500 | $500-$1,200 |
| Baby grand piano | $250-$600 | $1,000-$2,000 |
| Concert grand piano | $450-$650+ | $1,500-$2,800+ |
Why Do Grand Pianos Cost More to Move Than Uprights?
Weight is part of it – grands run 500 to 1,200 pounds versus 300 to 800 for an upright – but shape is the bigger factor. A grand’s horizontal body and exposed legs make it awkward to carry through doorways and load onto a truck standing up, which is the only safe way to move one. That usually means a bigger crew, partial disassembly, and sometimes a custom crate for protection over a multi-day haul.
How Do You Prepare a Grand Piano for a Long-Distance Move?
Preparation follows roughly the same sequence whether a professional crew does it or you do:
- Remove the legs, pedals (the lyre), and music desk, and wrap each piece separately.
- Lower and secure the lid, and protect the keyboard.
- Lift the piano onto a piano board (also called a skid board) – never lay a grand flat on its back.
- Wrap the body in moving blankets and secure them with straps or tape.
- Load the piano board onto a dolly and keep it upright the entire way, including into the truck.
- Crate the piano if the mover recommends it, to guard against vibration and humidity changes in transit.
Reassembly at the destination reverses the process. Most technicians recommend waiting four to six weeks before tuning, so the piano has time to adjust to its new environment.
Should You Move a Grand Piano Yourself?
For a local move of a small upright, DIY is realistic. For a grand piano, local or long-distance, it usually isn’t a good idea. The weight isn’t evenly distributed, the legs can snap under load if lifted wrong, and a piano that’s off-balance on a dolly can tip. Professional movers carry that risk with insurance and equipment built for exactly this job – a damaged grand piano, or a damaged staircase, doorway, or back, almost always costs more than a specialist would have. If the piano quote is stretching your budget, look elsewhere in the move first – our tips on lowering your moving costs cover where that room usually is.
Getting an Accurate Quote
Have the piano’s brand, model, and approximate weight ready when you call, along with the stair count at pickup and drop-off and whether it’s traveling alone or with other household items. “It’s a grand piano” isn’t enough for a mover to work from – grands vary a lot in size and weight even within the same “baby grand” label.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move a grand piano across the country?
Most cross-country grand piano moves fall between $1,000 and $2,800, depending on the piano’s size and whether it needs crating.
Can I move a grand piano myself?
Only attempt it for a short local move with enough help and the right equipment. The uneven weight and exposed legs make grands easy to damage, and long-distance moves should go to professionals.
Do you have to remove the legs to move a grand piano?
In almost every case, yes. They come off before the piano goes onto the board, both to protect them and to make the piano easier to carry and load.
How many people does it take to move a grand piano?
Three to four for a baby grand, and up to five for a full concert grand – the weight and the awkward shape both add up fast.
Is a grand piano more expensive to move than an upright?
Usually, two to three times more for the same distance. Extra weight, disassembly, and crew size all add cost that an upright doesn’t carry.
The exact number for your move depends more on your piano’s size and the pickup/delivery specifics than any other single factor. Get quotes from movers who specifically handle grand pianos rather than general household movers – see our guide on choosing a mover, since the equipment and experience aren’t the same across companies.
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