{"id":23986,"date":"2026-10-30T05:57:49","date_gmt":"2026-10-30T12:57:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/blog\/?p=23986"},"modified":"2026-10-30T06:04:09","modified_gmt":"2026-10-30T13:04:09","slug":"how-to-move-a-piano","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/blog\/how-to-move-a-piano\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Move a Piano: Moving, Insurance & Storage Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the matter, let\u2019s agree on the simple fact that, unlike other types of relocation conundrums, moving a piano is just a very cool thing to see, let alone accomplish. The labor that makes piano concerts possible and keeps legendary instruments alive, a piano relocation takes meticulous planning, special equipment and a crew that really knows their stuff. That is, unless you\u2019re set on recreating the piano crash of a classic Looney Toons gag.<\/p>\n

If you want to know why a grand piano is so tricky to move and even store, it\u2019s worth checking under the hood. Your average baby grand weighs around 550 pounds, a six-foot grand about 700 pounds and a concert grand up to a whopping 1,200 pounds. Most of that weight comes from the cast-iron plate that holds the strings under tension and gives notes that powerful resonance. Add in that weight\u2019s uneven distribution and you\u2019re in for a tricky job. Meanwhile, on the outside, those lacquered finishes make for easy scratching, while the legs and casters that support the piano are just not built for moving it.<\/p>\n

This guide covers whether your piano is worth moving, how to prepare and transport it, how it\u2019s protected if something goes wrong and how to store it safely.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Is your piano worth the moving cost?<\/span><\/h2>\n

A piano relocation is costly, so let\u2019s not call the movers right away. First, figure out how much the piano would sell for, then compare that to the cost of movers. Unfortunately, many older grand pianos, especially models that were mass-produced in the mid-20th century, are worth less than what you\u2019d pay for moving, storing and servicing them. As for damaged pianos, the cost of restoring it may not be worth it either.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Find out how old your piano is<\/span><\/h3>\n

Lift the lid near the tuning pins, then check the cast-iron plate for the serial number. Most pianos have their number stamped on that plate and if it\u2019s not there, it\u2019s probably somewhere else. Once you have the number, check out reference guides such as the Pierce Piano Atlas, which list serial numbers by manufacturer and year, or give it to a piano technician so they can figure out the dating for you.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Get a professional opinion on your piano\u2019s value and condition<\/span><\/h3>\n

Age is not enough when you want to figure out your piano\u2019s market worth (feelings aside). Since they have the proper equipment, get a piano inspector to look at:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • The soundboard:<\/strong> Check for cracks or loss of shape in the wood.<\/li>\n
  • The pinblock:<\/strong> Check whether the tuning pins still hold tension by testing the torque with a piano hammer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    \"Pinblock<\/p>\n

      \n
    • The action and hammers:<\/strong> Check wear and whether regulation is needed.<\/li>\n
    • The case and legs:<\/strong> Look for loose joints or damaged leg plates.<\/li>\n
    • Market value:<\/strong> Get an estimate based on make, model, age and condition.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      When you get your piano inspected before the move, you\u2019ll also get a written record of the piano\u2019s condition, which is a godsend if you need to make a damage claim later.<\/p>\n

      <\/span>Add up the full cost<\/span><\/h3>\n

      Include every expense, besides the moving quote:<\/p>\n

        \n
      • Moving fees, including stairs, disassembly and any crane work.<\/li>\n
      • Storage, if you can\u2019t move the piano directly into its new place.<\/li>\n
      • Tuning after delivery and possibly further regulation or repairs.<\/li>\n
      • Extra mover coverage or separate insurance (if you don\u2019t have it yet).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        If you find that total is close to or higher than the piano\u2019s value, it\u2019s financially smarter to think of alternatives. You could either sell it locally, which may take a while, or just donate it to a school, church or community organization. You can also check if there are any piano rehoming services nearby, so you can send it to a new homeowner and avoid the bummer of having it end up in a landfill. If not, ask a technician or local piano dealer if they know options in your area.<\/p>\n

        <\/span>What you need before moving a grand piano<\/span><\/h2>\n

        Professional piano movers should bring the equipment needed for your instrument and route. You should see the crew (usually three or four people) come with:<\/p>\n

          \n
        • A piano skid<\/strong> (piano board), basically a padded board that supports the piano on its side.<\/li>\n
        • A heavy-duty four-wheel dolly<\/strong>, made from rubber wheels and a load rating suitable for the piano.<\/li>\n
        • Thick moving blankets<\/strong>, which protect the finish and detached parts.<\/li>\n
        • Moving straps<\/strong>, which keep the piano safe up to the skid and inside the truck.<\/li>\n
        • Ramps or skid plates<\/strong> for thresholds, steps and loading it into the truck.<\/li>\n
        • Screwdrivers and wrenches<\/strong> to remove the piano\u2019s legs and pedal assembly.<\/li>\n
        • Labeled hardware bags<\/strong> to keep screws, hinge pins and small parts organized.<\/li>\n
        • Caster cups<\/strong>, which go under the wheels once the piano is in its final position.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          If you\u2019re thinking of doing this without a professional crew: please don\u2019t.<\/strong> Plan to hire a professional crew. Even for a short move, use a piano skid or a properly rated dolly, never household equipment. If you can\u2019t get the right equipment, hire a specialist who has it.<\/p>\n

          <\/span>How to prepare a piano for moving<\/span><\/h2>\n

          Here\u2019s what to do ahead of the big day, so you can save time.<\/p>\n

          <\/span>Step 1: Measure the piano on its side, then measure the route<\/span><\/h3>\n

          A grand piano\u2019s dimensions change once it\u2019s on it\u2019s on the skid and on its side. Some basic geometry is involved:<\/p>\n

            \n
          • Its width becomes its height.<\/strong> Most grand pianos are around five feet wide, so they stand about that tall on the skid, plus the skid itself and the dolly.<\/li>\n
          • Its length stays its length.<\/strong> When you plan for corners and stair turns, use this measurement.<\/li>\n
          • The depth of the case becomes its thickness.<\/strong> You\u2019ll have to fit the piano through doorways, so use this dimension for that.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Measure your own piano with as much precision as you can, then add a healthy margin for blankets and straps.<\/p>\n

            Then compare those numbers with the route, as in the table below.<\/p>\n