As it is, moving house is a stressful affair. But moving a large piece of delicate and valuable equipment such as a piano adds another layer of worry. There are several expensive and large items, from furniture to appliances, which I can move. However, moving a piano requires special equipment and skills to avoid injury to the movers and damage to the item.
Thus, I want to know the factors affecting the cost of moving this musical instrument.
Do I need a professional piano mover?
I understand that I need a personal piano mover because the instrument is sensitive and heavy. A general moving company does not have the proper equipment and training to handle the challenges of piano moving. While they may offer piano moving services at lower rates, I cannot be sure they can do the job safely and efficiently. I would not want to entrust my valuable piano to a mover not qualified to do the job. I would rather have peace of mind that my piano will leave my house and reach its destination without harm rather than save a few dollars. The savings I get might not be enough to cover the repair cost of my piano.
The cost of moving a piano by a professional piano moving company
The cost of hiring a professional piano moving company varies. The final rate depends on various factors. The piano moving service provider considers all the factors to calculate the final fee. They may charge a flat or fixed rate, including all factors in the computation. Some may charge by the hour, adding the cost of variables to the final fee – the number of movers, their hourly rates, and the cost of equipment before they come up with the final charge.
Factors affecting piano moving costs
Calculating the fee to move a piano takes into account these factors:
- Size and type of piano. The equipment and moving method differ according to the type and size of the piano. An upright piano is between three to five feet high and three to nine feet long and weighs around 300 to 600 pounds. For local travel, the rate could be less than $500, but a long-distance move could cost more than $1,000. A grand piano is taller and heavier, so the rate is much higher.
- Distance. The company typically considers the distance if I am moving within the same state. Moving locally is cheaper than moving cross-country. The rates are much higher for an overseas and international move.
- Steps and stairs. Stairs are challenging. Therefore, most companies charge between $5 to $100 for each flight of stairs.
- Obstacles in the home. The moving company adds a huge extra charge if they deal with doorways, narrow hallways, and sharp turns. Likewise, they consider walking on brick or grass.
- Hoisting. If the piano needs to move to or from the upper floor of my home and cannot be transported down manually, the company needs to use a crane service to hoist the piano out or into the building.
- Rush jobs. I understand that I must pay more or twice the usual rate if I schedule a last-minute move.
- Insurance. Most piano moving companies provide free insurance coverage against damage up to $5,000, but if the piano costs more than the insurance amount, it is better if I get additional coverage.
- Storage. I must pay a monthly fee to store my piano in a climate-controlled facility if I cannot move it directly into my new residence.
Learning the factors affecting the cost of piano moving makes sense because it helps me better prepare and budget the move.