How Much Does Piano Cost
Moving things and other items from one location to another is a daunting task. What more if you need to relocate your grand piano to a new house. If you are moving in to a new property, you should make sure that all of your personal belongings and other items are transferred safely to your new home. Since this musical instrument is quite big and fragile, you cannot just have it transferred via the usual moving service. You really need an expert specializing in piano moving services, so you can be guaranteed that your musical instrument is handled the right way. In availing this service, how much does it cost to move a piano? The cost of moving a piano varies depending on the company, location and other factors.
“Music should strike fire from the heart of man, and bring tears from the eyes of woman,” as said by the popular pianist, Ludwig Van Beethoven.
We are an artist in our very own ways. Some show their inner artistic side with enormous instruments. While others chose instruments with strings resonating wonderful shades of tones in every strum, others have chosen to use piano where their heart and fingers synchronize the magnificent rhythm.
If you’d like to be one of the Beethoven-wannabes, you too might have wondered how much does a piano cost.
How Much Does It Cost to Move a Piano?
The average cost of moving a piano is different based on various factors. Piano relocation specialists would bill their customers either by the hour or by setting a rate that is based on factors like for instance the type of piano, waiting time, distance, no. of employees and the difficulty.
The piano movers cost average from $120 to $600. This rate applies for local moves. In moving pianos, it requires about 2 or more movers. This will still depend on the weight and size of the piano. If you happen to have a grand piano that is really big, it would take more people to move it. The reason why many prefer to shoulder the cost of moving piano is that professional relocation service providers have their equipment and tools like cinder blocks, moving straps, dolly, skid boards, etc. The instrument is completely strapped down to make sure that it is safe and have it delivered to the new destination.
For long distances, the piano movers cost is about $700. But this could go as high as $2000 especially if the location is too far and it would be difficult for the movers. There are companies that offer overseas piano moving services. In availing one, you can expect a pricey rate of about $3500 or even more.
Is there any other way to reduce cost? The good news is there is a way for you to save some money. For instance, you can choose to hire a mover who can help you with the packing, unloading and the loading of the piano. But here is the catch, since they are not professional piano movers, you will have to take responsibility in moving the piano to the new location. On the other hand, you can definitely reduce cost. You can reduce it by about $200 to $400. For some, this is already a good alternative.
How about other additional costs? Prior to finally getting a company to do the task, you need to ask for a complete price quotations so you would not be shocked if there are additional charges. There are companies that charge additional cost for difficult moves. How much does it cost to move a piano under difficult circumstances? For example, the company may charge about $2 to $10 for every step in carrying the instrument up and down the stairs. For storing your instrument in a facility, the monthly cost is $50 to $60. If there is a need to use a crane, you may have to shoulder an additional cost of about $700. In some cases especially when it is really big and bulky, you the cost can go as high as $2000.
Breakdown Cost by Type of Piano
The cost of moving a piano would depend on the size and type of piano. Here is a breakdown list of the cost depending on the type of piano:
Standard Upright Piano: This type of piano has an average height of 4ft tall weighing about 600 to 800 pounds. For bigger models, it would take more people. The moving cost may range from $190 to $350.
Studio Upright Piano: This is a full size piano, but the smallest in size. It weighs only 300 to 400 pounds. The cost ranges from $190 to $300.
Player Upright Piano: This type of piano features an antique design. With its size, it is difficult to move. The cost ranges from $190 to $300.
Studio Grand Piano: Since they are quite challenging to move, you can expect a much higher cost of about $250 to $450.
Parlor Grand Piano: With its big weight that can measure up to 900 lbs, it is costly to move this type of piano. The cost can go as high as $650 or even more.
Finding a Specialty Mover
Aside from considering the cost of moving a piano, you should also make sure that you find a relocation specialist that is reliable and efficient. There are different piano movers to choose from, but they vary in prices, expertise and experience. And since you will be spending for the piano movers cost, you need to find the right mover to get quality services at an affordable price.
So, where do you find piano movers? You can actually contact piano teachers, technicians and piano shops, they can refer you to a piano relocation specialist since they are the ones who are more likely to often avail such service. If you are living in the city, you will not have a hard time as there are many piano movers offering such service. But if you are living in a rural town, it could be much more difficult.
To reduce costs, it helps that you get as many estimates from different companies. In that way, it makes it easier for you to compare your choices and at least have an idea as to how much it really cost. When searching for a mover, find a company that has already established its reputation in providing quality and reliable services. Even though the cost might be slightly higher, at least you can be guaranteed of the service they can deliver.
