A Piano Is Not a Regular Move
An upright piano weighs 300–500 pounds; a small spinet, 200; a grand, 500–1,200. The weight is concentrated, the legs are fragile, and the action (the inner mechanism) can shift and put the piano out of tune — or out of commission. A piano is the one item where DIY is a bad idea.
Why It's Different
- Weight in a small footprint: four people can't get a good grip; a piano board (a padded board the piano straps to) is required.
- Fragile legs and pedals: a leg snapped on a stairwell is a several-thousand-dollar repair.
- Internal action: jolts knock the hammers out of alignment; the piano needs re-tuning after every move, and a hard move can damage the soundboard.
When Not to Move It
- An upright up more than one flight of walk-up stairs — the risk-to-value ratio is often wrong.
- A piano you're not sure is worth keeping — many older uprights are worth less than the move costs.
- A spinet (smaller, older) — the action is fragile and parts are discontinued.
What a Piano Move Includes
A specialty piano mover pads the piano, straps it to a board, carries it with four people and a ramp, and transports it in a truck with a liftgate. Expect a separate, higher quote — a piano move isn't part of standard hourly labor.
Get It Re-Tuned
Every piano needs tuning 2–4 weeks after a move (let the strings settle). Budget for a tuning on top of the move.
Consider Donation
If the piano isn't worth the move, schools, churches, and community centers often accept donated pianos — and some will pick it up for free.
Ask us about piano moves in NYC — we'll tell you honestly if it's worth it.
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