Will any moving company move a piano?

Pianos are heavy, fragile, and high-value items that require proper staff, equipment, and expertise to move without damaging the instrument or injuring the movers. Not all general movers have the right tools or personnel for handling pianos, so it’s important to contact companies directly to ensure it offers piano moving services and has qualified personnel and the proper equipment to disassemble, pack, move, and reassemble your specific piano. In addition, it’s important that the piano moving specialist you select can provide secure, climate-appropriate storage if needed and protection in case the instrument is damaged, lost, or stolen.

Can you move a piano yourself?

While not advisable due to the risk of injury, it is possible to move a piano yourself, with proper planning, equipment, and personnel. Measure the piano to make sure it fits through any door frames or stairwells, then clear the moving path of any obstructions. After removing any decorations and disassembling parts like music stands and tops, carefully wrap the lid and cover the rest of the instrument in padding and/or cloth, and secure it with tape. Put on work gloves and enlist the help of at least two other strong, healthy people for a standard upright—five for a grand or concert grand—and carefully lift the piano onto a dolly, securing it. Use a ramp to move the piano from doorways into the moving vehicle or van, and secure it with furniture and blankets to prevent movement or damage in transit. Repeat these steps to load the piano into your new space.

Can you play a piano right after moving it?

Whether an upright or grand, pianos have very sensitive strings that need tuning twice a year, regardless of a move. While you can play a piano directly after moving to a new location, it will be out of tune and not sound its best. Most piano moving specialists do not include tuning in their moving services, so it’s best to contact a professional tuner to return your piano to pitch-perfect condition post-move.

Does your piano need to be tuned after moving?

Yes, movement and fluctuations in temperature during a move will cause the piano’s strings to go out of tune. After the piano is moved and reassembled at its new destination, it will need professional tuning for optimal sound. To allow the strings to settle and adjust to the new environment and climate, wait a few weeks following your move before scheduling a tuning appointment.

Best Piano Movers of 2023

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When moving, all of your belongings deserve special care and attention, particularly high-value items like pianos. Pianos are extremely heavy, fragile instruments, weighing in at 500 pounds for a standard upright to over 1,000 pounds for a grand or concert grand. Moving one without proper expertise, equipment, and technique could injure a person or damage your home or the piano—not a cheap item to replace or repair. Enter our guide to the country’s best piano movers.

Whether moving down the street or overseas, moving a piano is generally offered as an add-on service by qualified movers. Expect to pay $150 to $300 to move an upright piano locally and over $1,000 to move one long distance. Heftier grand pianos cost between $200 or $1,000 to move locally and $2,000 or more to move long distances.

Our team of data collectors has done the hard work for you, spending over two months reviewing nearly 20 piano moving specialists and evaluating them for key criteria such as services provided, customer support, experience, and storage options. Seven companies rose to the top, and this detailed guide will help you find the right company for the job. Once you’ve reviewed this list and compared the options, we recommend getting a quote and talking directly to the company before scheduling your move—after all, a piano is a precious cargo.

Best Piano Movers of 2023

Best Overall: American Van Lines
Best Full-Service Mover: United Van Lines
Best Custom Mover: JK Moving Services
Best International Mover: Mayflower
Best for Storage: Wheaton World Wide Moving
Best Tracking System: Atlas Van Lines
Best for Long-Distance Moves: North American Van Lines

Best Overall: American Van Lines

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 48 states
Moving Options: Local, long distance, and international
Type of Quote: Binding

Pros & Cons

Pros

Full-service options include piano disassembly and assembly
Moving service area extends to Canada and nearly 200 countries
Experienced and specially trained movers

Cons

Large deposit required to book
Customer service is not available on the weekend

Why It Made the List

American Van Lines (AVL) has been in the moving business for more than 50 years. Some of the country’s best art museums and antique stores turn to AVL to pack, crate, and cart their high-value items, and this expertise makes it one of the country’s all-around best piano movers. The company also has fully vetted personnel who receive specialized training for moving all types of pianos, adding to why it is at the top of our list. The company offers flat-rate pricing, so the cost of moving the piano will be included in your quote, and it specializes in long-distance, international, and military moves.

In terms of the move itself, after carefully dismantling, wrapping, and packing your piano, movers will transport it to your new home. While specializing in cross-country piano moves, services are available in all U.S. states except Alaska and Hawaii as well as nearly 200 countries, with deliveries available seven days a week. Need to store the piano before you move into your new home? AVL offers secure, climate-controlled storage for an additional fee.

Best Full-Service Mover: United Van Lines

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 46 states
Moving Options: Local, long distance, and international
Type of Quote: Binding

Pros & Cons

Pros

Hundreds of locations across the country
Excellent GPS-enabled tracking system
Comprehensive insurance package

Cons

More expensive than its competitors
No 24/7 customer service

Why It Made the List

One of the country’s oldest national moving companies, United is both a mover and a broker, meaning it can either move you or connect you to a qualified mover in your location. Its full-service moving packages are available to customers in all states except Hawaii, Rhode Island, Vermont, and West Virginia, and the company also provides international moving services to more than 180 countries.

With qualified and friendly drivers, United excels at custom-crating and moving specialty and fragile objects, making it one of the best piano movers. With the full-service moving package, qualified personnel will arrive with the right tools to safely disassemble, wrap, and move your piano, and even clean up any mess left behind. If needed, your instrument will be stored in a secure, climate-controlled storage facility before being reassembled and installed in your new home.

All customers will receive a dedicated personal move coordinator and be protected under United’s comprehensive insurance plan, which covers the full value of your items at $6 per pound. You’ll also have the option for additional protection for high-value items like your piano. Quotes can be obtained online or via phone, but be aware there is no around-the-clock customer care should an issue arise off-hours.

Best Custom Mover: JK Moving Services

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 50 states
Moving Options: Local, long distance, and international
Type of Quote: Non-binding

Pros & Cons

Pros

Flexible, customizable moving plans
24/7 customer support
Financing available for moves
GPS tracking for items

Cons

Doesn’t provide online quotes
Local moves are only available in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

Why It Made the List

Available in all 50 states as well as more than 170 countries, JK Moving Services stands out for its flexible moving plans and high level of customer service. Moving services range from DIY packages to comprehensive, full-service packing—movers and packers will wrap, pack, and tag all items—and customers can opt to hire a moving coordinator to assist them on-site. The company is experienced with moving fragile and bulky items, making it a great option for moving pianos.

Prior to the move, the crew will evaluate and record your piano’s condition, either remotely or in person. On moving day, a team of four to six experienced and friendly movers will carefully remove items like legs and pedals before wrapping and securing the piano and placing it on a van. Taking a while to reach your final destination? JK provides short- or long-term storage, both of which are climate-controlled and secure.

Once you reach your final destination, the team will unwrap and assemble the piano. All clients will be connected to a virtual moving coordinator and have access to a 24/7 customer support center, plus an online checklist and detailed GPS tracking of items. Financing is available for qualified customers. Unfortunately, JK only provides estimates over the phone, which could be problematic if you’re in a time crunch or looking to compare quotes from several piano moving specialists before selecting your provider.

Best International Mover: Mayflower

Mayflower

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 47 states
Moving Options: Local, long distance, and international
Type of Quote: Binding

Pros & Cons

Pros

Customizable moving packages
Excellent tracking services
Full-value protection for personal items
Climate-controlled storage

Cons

Inconvenient quote process
No 24/7 customer support
Pricier than competitors

Why It Made the List

One of the longest-operating professional moving companies in the country, Mayflower is an expert at customizable short- and long-distance moves as well as international moves. Services are available in 47 states as well as 150 countries, and the company is also a General Service Administration-approved military mover. Mayflower’s international services include the cost of packing, making it pricier than its competitors, but that also frees up your capacity to focus on other details of your move.

Choose from partial or full-service options, the latter of which includes access to a personal move coordinator, packing and unpacking services, trash and debris removal, and furniture assembly and placement. The company also has fully trained and vetted movers who will work with you in advance to determine your piano’s size and location, and then use the proper equipment to safely disassemble, wrap, and pack the instrument on moving day. If needed, customers can add on short or long-term, climate-controlled storage to secure the piano prior to their move-in date, when movers will deliver, unpack, and assemble it.

JK offers tracking services, plus a comprehensive insurance protection plan that covers high-value specialty items like fine artwork and pianos in the case of shipping delays, identity theft, or damage. Keep in mind obtaining a quote from the company requires a phone call, so it may not be the best option if you are looking to quickly vet and price piano moving companies. However, employees do offer video chats to discuss quotes, and the customer service is excellent.

Best for Storage: Wheaton World Wide Moving

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 50 states
Moving Options: Local, long distance, and international
Type of Quote: Non-binding

Pros & Cons

Pros

Flexible, short- and long-term storage options
Optional supplemental coverage for high-value items like pianos
Services in all 50 states
Shipping within 24 hours of request

Cons

No 24/7 or web chat customer support
No shipment tracking

Why It Made the List

Wheaton World Wide Moving has been providing full-service local, interstate, and international moving services since 1945 and is an expert at shipping specialized items like pianos. What sets the company apart is its extensive network of storage facilities; storage is available across the United States, as well as in over 50 countries worldwide—a game-changer for those who are renovating a home or living in temporary housing before or after a move. Clients can leave pianos and other high-value objects as well as household belongings in one of these short- or long-term, climate-controlled facilities for up to 180 days. And when you’ve settled into your new home, Wheaton will deliver them to you within 24 hours of receiving the request.

Prior to moving a piano, the experienced team will evaluate the type of piano and its location to determine the best route for moving it, then disassemble and secure it with padded tarps, straps, and other protective material. They’ll also protect the floors and walls with padding and walk boards to avoid damage while moving the piano, which will be secured and insulated during transport. They’ll repeat the process to place and assemble the piano in your new home.

Wheaten provides instant ballpark moving estimates online, as well as an optional coverage policy for valuable items, making it easy to budget for your move and giving you peace of mind that your piano will be protected in case of theft or damage.

Best Tracking System: Atlas Van Lines

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 50 states
Moving Options: Local, long distance, and international
Type of Quote: Non-binding and binding

Pros & Cons

Pros

Available in all 50 states and 17 different countries
Real-time online tracking system and mobile app
Easy to file claims for damage, loss, or delays
Long- and short-term storage options

Cons

Difficult quote process
No instant online estimates

Why It Made the List

Whether moving your piano in town, interstate, or internationally, Atlas Van Lines allows you to track your shipment online or via a mobile app every step of the journey. Services are available in all 50 states as well as Canada, in addition to over a dozen countries. The company is also a preferred choice for government and military moves.

Atlas stands out for its use of technology. Get online estimates via video chat, file claims, make payments, and meet your moving crew via the user-friendly customer portal. You can also get real-time tracking of your items online or through the electronic inventory app. However, unlike other piano moving specialists, you can’t get an immediate online estimate, and digital estimates can vary from final estimates—something to keep in mind while budgeting and planning for moving your piano.

The packing services are customizable, so Atlas movers can pack none, some, or all of your belongings; including specialty items like boats, cars, and pianos. After protecting the floors and walls, Atlas’ trained grand piano movers will remove and reassemble the music rack, lid, pedals, and legs before and after transport. Both grand pianos and uprights will be wrapped for protection before being placed on a dolly and secured inside a moving truck. Atlas has secure, climate-controlled warehouses to store the piano while you move or set up your new home. Its comprehensive protection plan also gives you nine months to file claims in case of damage, theft, or loss.

Best for Long-Distance Moves: North American Van Lines

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 50 states
Moving Options: Local, long distance, and international
Type of Quote: Binding and non-binding

Pros & Cons

Pros

Service available in all 50 states, Canada, and more than 130 countries
Online, GPS-enabled tracking for domestic and international shipments
24/7 customer service
Interstate moves completed in two to five days

Cons

Compressed time line for processing claims
Limited storage options

Why It Made the List

When it comes to the best cross-country piano movers, it doesn’t get any faster or more reliable than North American Van Lines. With service in all 50 states, the company can complete interstate moves in as little as two days—meaning you and your belongings can get settled into your new home quickly. North American is also experienced in local and international moves.

Whether you’re moving just up the road or across the ocean, North American offers everything from DIY to comprehensive packing and moving services, with the option to add on piano moving. The latter includes the use of pads and carpet covers to protect floors and walls, measures to prevent any damage to the piano while dismantling and unloading it from your home, securing it in transit, and installing it in your new home.

Throughout the process, you can contact customer service 24/7 and track your cargo online until it reaches its final destination. While North American offers protection plans, customers only have 30 days to file a claim for items damaged or lost in transit, so make sure to make a detailed inventory of your property and reach out immediately if something goes awry.

Final Verdict

American Van Lines came out on top for its specially trained personnel and expertise with pianos and antiques, plus flat-rate pricing and availability in 48 states and nearly 200 countries. For full-service local, international, and cross-country piano moves, American Van Lines stands out for its full-service packages and experience, while JK Moving Services is the best option for flexible, customized packages combined with 24/7 customer support. Mayflower’s customizable plans and full-value protection plan make it a great option for international moves, and Wheaton World Wide Moving stands out for its secure, climate-controlled short- and long-term storage facilities. Want peace of mind while your piano is in transit? Atlas Van Lines offers real-time tracking online and via its mobile app. And for long-distance piano movers, it doesn’t get better than North American Van Lines, which has GPS-enabled tracking and can complete your interstate move in as little as two days.

Compare the Best Piano Movers

Company	Nationwide Availability	Moving Options	Initial Deposit Required?	Type of Quote
American Van Lines Best Overall	48 states	Local, long distance, and international	Yes	Binding
United Van Lines Best Full-Service Mover	46 states	Local, long distance, and international	No	Binding
JK Moving Services Best Custom Mover	50 states	Local, long distance, and international	Yes	Non-binding
Mayflower Best International Mover	47 states	Local, long distance, and international	No	Binding
Wheaton World Wide Moving Best for Storage	50 states	Local, long distance, and international	No	Non-binding
Atlas Van Lines Best Tracking System	50 states	Local, long distance, and international	No	Binding and non-binding
North American Van Lines Best for Long-Distance Moves	50 states	Local, long distance, and international	No	Binding and non-binding

How to Choose a Piano Mover

While you may be capable of moving other large and expensive items yourself, moving a piano requires special skills and equipment to ensure the piano and your home are protected from damage. Plus, you don’t want to injure yourself while moving it. When choosing one of these best piano movers, it’s important to consider the following criteria:

Expertise

While most moving companies can handle moving standard items like furniture and household goods, you want to find out how many years of experience the company has with general moves and what specific methods it uses to move pianos. What training do the movers receive, and what specific equipment will they use to ensure the instrument is moved safely while protecting floors, walls, and other furniture? When receiving quotes, it’s also important to ask how the piano will be secured during transit, what type of storage is available, and whether or not the movers know how to properly dismantle and assemble the piano.

Storage

If you are not immediately moving from one residence to the next, your piano will need to be stored in a secure location. Make sure moving companies offer climate-controlled warehouses in your area or at your destination that can accommodate a piano of your size and model. Also consider the availability and cost of short- and long-term storage options in case you need to live in temporary housing or are delayed reaching your final destination.

Insurance

While it would be unfortunate if a piano were damaged, lost, or stolen during a move, it’s important to plan and be protected in a worst-case scenario. Because they are high-value items, most pianos require a separate, add-on insurance policy either through the moving company itself or a third-party private provider. Be sure to take pictures of the piano prior to the move and get an accurate estimation of its value in case you need to provide proof of its condition when filing a claim.

Customer Service and Tracking

When evaluating the best long-distance piano movers, it’s important to consider the quality of customer care. Many of these companies have 24/7 support services, online portals, and live chats to answer questions around the clock, but others have more limited hours. In addition, if moving a piano cross country or internationally, you might want to go with a mover that has an app or other tool for tracking items in real-time to give you peace of mind that they’ll reach their destination safely in a timely manner.

How to Prepare Your Piano for a Move

With a fragile and expensive item like a piano, it’s important to prepare properly for a move. Make sure you and the movers discuss the piano’s size, model, age, and location, noting any fragile features or obstacles such as stairs or narrow hallways they may encounter. Before the movers arrive, it’s important to do the following:

Clean the instrument with a soft rag and water to remove dust and debris.
Remove any personal items or decorations from on top of the piano or inside the bench.
Check for any dents or dings and take photos in case you need documentation for future insurance claims.
Clear a path for the crew by moving any furniture, plants, rugs, or large objects that could be blocking their path.
Secure a parking space outside your residence for the moving team.
Ensure your piano’s new destination has adequate space for the piano by measuring ahead of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will any moving company move a piano?

Pianos are heavy, fragile, and high-value items that require proper staff, equipment, and expertise to move without damaging the instrument or injuring the movers. Not all general movers have the right tools or personnel for handling pianos, so it’s important to contact companies directly to ensure it offers piano moving services and has qualified personnel and the proper equipment to disassemble, pack, move, and reassemble your specific piano. In addition, it’s important that the piano moving specialist you select can provide secure, climate-appropriate storage if needed and protection in case the instrument is damaged, lost, or stolen.
Can you move a piano yourself?

While not advisable due to the risk of injury, it is possible to move a piano yourself, with proper planning, equipment, and personnel. Measure the piano to make sure it fits through any door frames or stairwells, then clear the moving path of any obstructions. After removing any decorations and disassembling parts like music stands and tops, carefully wrap the lid and cover the rest of the instrument in padding and/or cloth, and secure it with tape. Put on work gloves and enlist the help of at least two other strong, healthy people for a standard upright—five for a grand or concert grand—and carefully lift the piano onto a dolly, securing it. Use a ramp to move the piano from doorways into the moving vehicle or van, and secure it with furniture and blankets to prevent movement or damage in transit. Repeat these steps to load the piano into your new space.
Can you play a piano right after moving it?

Whether an upright or grand, pianos have very sensitive strings that need tuning twice a year, regardless of a move. While you can play a piano directly after moving to a new location, it will be out of tune and not sound its best. Most piano moving specialists do not include tuning in their moving services, so it’s best to contact a professional tuner to return your piano to pitch-perfect condition post-move.
Does your piano need to be tuned after moving?

Yes, movement and fluctuations in temperature during a move will cause the piano’s strings to go out of tune. After the piano is moved and reassembled at its new destination, it will need professional tuning for optimal sound. To allow the strings to settle and adjust to the new environment and climate, wait a few weeks following your move before scheduling a tuning appointment.

Methodology

This list of the best piano movers was compiled using more than 500 data points collected over a two-month span. Our research team reviewed more than 20 companies, looking at services provided, customer support channels, quote processes, online tools, and more.

Weights were assigned to each piece of criteria evaluated, then used to calculate an overall score. In order to receive a high rating, companies had to perform well in a handful of categories, including but not limited to:

Types of services offered, including specialty services for fragile items (10%)
Nationwide availability (10%)
Company reputation (6%)
Online quote system (5%)
Additional costs and fees (5%)

The information presented here was accurate at the time of publication and confirmed by at least two data collectors. Verification was completed through customer service calls and live chat or email exchanges.

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Sources

Better Homes & Gardens is committed to using high-quality, reputable sources—including peer-reviewed studies—to support the facts in our articles. Read about our editorial policies and standards to learn more about how we fact check our content for accuracy.