Despite its size and weight, moving a piano properly is a delicate procedure. It demands specialized skills, proper equipment, and careful planning. Moving a piano in NYC requires professional movers with specialized equipment, insurance, and experience to prevent damage.
What Type of Piano Do You Have?
There are, in fact, 17 different types of pianos, but most people are probably familiar with the two categories: upright and grand. According to Yamaha, the upright piano strings are strung vertically to make it more compact. This allows the piano to be played in a limited space, but it limits overall sound quality and playability. On the other hand, the grand piano has the strings strung horizontally, leading to better overall quality, but it is also larger and heavier. There are also digital pianos nowadays, which are significantly lighter and smaller in size, but still require care to move so as not to damage the various components.
As you might suspect, moving upright pianos tends to be easier because they are lighter and take up less space, which makes it easier to maneuver around tight corners and narrow hallways and doors. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t move grand pianos. It just requires more preparation, skill, and tools. Regardless of what kind of piano you have, it’s important to have the exact dimensions and weight so the moving company can plan the right equipment and team size.
Do the NYC Movers Have Experience With Pianos?
Not all moving companies know their way around any kind of piano. Many of the smaller companies might not even have trucks large enough to fit one. Before you hire anyone, make sure to look at their website to see if they even offer piano moving services. Even if they do list it, you should make a phone call and ask how much experience they have, and then verify it by requesting references. On top of that, make sure to go to Google and Yelp and search for customer reviews on their piano moving experience.
Naturally, the longer the moving company has handled piano moves, the more likely they are to know the best techniques for stairs, hallways, and doorways. And, of course, they’ll have all the necessary supplies to keep your piano safe. Home Depot lists the following necessary supplies:
- Moving blankets
- Dolly and/or hand trucks
- Lifting straps
- Straps
- Packing tape
- Gloves
Do the Movers Have the Appropriate License and Insurance?
Regardless of whether you’re moving a piano or not, it’s always important to make sure you hire movers who are licensed and insured. In order to make interstate moves, moving companies need to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and show proof of the following insurance:
- Auto to pay for property damage and medical bills in an accident involving a moving truck
- General liability to cover third-party risks
- Workers’ Compensation for employees in case they get injured on the job
- Umbrella that provides liability coverage that supplements the limits of general, auto, and workers’ compensation
When it comes to licenses, all moving companies are required to get a Department of Transportation (DOT) number from the FMCSA site, as well as any state-specific licenses or permits for an intrastate move.
Required Moving Licenses and Insurance Coverage
| Requirement | Description | Applicable Area |
|---|---|---|
| DOT Number | Federal license from FMCSA | Interstate moves |
| State License / Permit | Required by individual states | Intrastate moves |
| Auto Insurance | Covers property damage & medical bills in truck accidents | All moves |
| General Liability | Covers third-party risks | All moves |
| Workers’ Compensation | Covers employee injuries on the job | All moves |
| Umbrella Insurance | Supplements the limits of other policies | All moves |
Also, the FMCSA requires all moving companies must have two types of valuation that they offer for customer protection:
- Full value protection – the mover is responsible for the replacement value of lost or damaged goods in your shipment. This will cost you money based on the total value of all your belongings. You won’t automatically receive a monetary value, as the movers can offer to:
- Repair the item
- Replace it with a similar item
- Make a cash settlement for the cost of repair or the current market replacement value
- Released value protection – moving companies must offer this for free to all customers, but you get limited protection. If you opt for this, the mover is only responsible for 60 cents per pound per damaged item.
For something like a piano, you’ll want to opt for the full value protection and make sure that you list this in the inventory as an item of extraordinary value, as the piano is likely valued at over $100 per pound. If you don’t list it, the movers are not liable for any damages.
How Do You Prepare a Piano For an NYC Move?
While the NYC movers will handle the heavy lifting, there are still some steps you can take beforehand to make it easier for everyone.
- Measure your doors, stairs, and elevator (if applicable) in your new and old home to make sure the piano will fit
- Clear the path from the piano to the exit to avoid potential accidents or issues
- Close the lids over the keys and get rid of any loose objects
- Let the movers know if they need to remove any parts, such as the legs, etc.
Piano Moving Preparation Checklist for NYC Residents
| Task | Details | NYC-Specific Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Measure Spaces | Check doors, stairways, and elevators | NYC apartments often have narrow staircases; measure carefully |
| Clear Path | Remove obstacles from the piano to exit | Consider hallway width in older NYC buildings |
| Secure Keys | Close the keyboard lid and remove loose objects | Protect keys from accidental knocks in high-traffic NYC apartments |
| Disassemble Parts | Remove legs or pedals if needed | Inform movers if the building requires special equipment (e.g., freight elevators) |
| Inform Movers | Provide details on any disassembly | NYC movers may require advance notice for bulky items in high-rise buildings |
The movers should handle the rest of the preparation. In general, preparing an upright piano and a grand piano are similar; however, there are a few differences. Home Depot breaks it down as such:
Upright
- Wrap the lid over the keyboard and secure it with packing tape
- Wrap the pedals with plastic wrap and secure with tape
- Use moving blankets to cover the entire piano
Grand Piano
- Secure the top lid with plastic wrap
- Disassemble the piano legs and pedals, and wrap each separately
- Wrap the keyboard lid and all sides of the piano with moving blankets
The movers should have dollies and/or handcarts as well as lifting straps, especially for grand pianos, to carefully move the instrument onto the dolly and into the moving truck. They will then secure your piano with additional straps inside the truck to avoid any unnecessary movement.
How Much Does It Cost to Move a Piano in NYC?
Costs vary, but you can use the breakdown below for an idea of expected costs based on estimates from Angi:
| Moving Distance for Grand Piano | Cost |
|---|---|
| Short distance: 0–50 miles | $150–$300+ |
| Long distance: 50–150 miles | $500–$800+ |
The cost is based on the size, type, and weight, as well as the distance it must travel. A lightweight upright piano will cost significantly less than a grand piano, for example, even if they travel the same distance.
Will Movers Tune My Piano Once It’s In My Home?
No, the movers are not equipped to tune your piano, which is why you will need to hire a professional to come by and do that for you. If you don’t have a company you already use for tuning, you can always ask the NYC moving company if they have any referrals. Most will be happy to point you in the right direction! When it comes to the cost of tuning your piano, HomeGuide notes that you should expect to pay between $100 – $200, depending on the piano’s age and condition of the piano. It generally takes between an hour or two for tuning, but it may take longer depending on the length of the move and the humidity.
Either way, once your piano is settled in your new home, Piano Gallery suggests getting your piano tuned at least once a year to avoid issues. You might end up getting your piano tuned more often depending on the environment, usage, and piano age.
Hire Trusted NYC Movers to Relocate Your Piano
Moving a piano takes a lot of knowledge and skills in order to make sure neither your home nor the piano get damaged. While you can move it yourself, it’s best to hire professionals who know what they’re doing, have the right supplies, and the proper licenses and insurance to keep your piano protected. Contact NYC Great Movers today for a free quote and ensure your piano arrives safely.
FAQ
How much does it cost to move a piano?
Below is a cost breakdown for piano moving in NYC
Do movers provide piano storage in NYC?
You will have to ask the moving company as not all will have the required space or appropriate environment to store pianos. You should only store pianos in climate-controlled environments such as the ones offered by NYC Great Movers.
Can I move a piano by myself?
While it is possible to move it by yourself, you should hire professionals as pianos are weighty and bulky. This could lead to injuring yourself and/or damaging the piano.
Can a piano be laid on its back during a move?
Upright pianos should never be laid on their back as it can destroy the strings. Grand pianos should be placed on their side.
How long does it take a piano to settle after a move?
It can take 2-3 weeks, depending on the humidity and temperature. Tuning should be scheduled after this period.
Will movers disassemble and reassemble my piano?
Professional piano movers will remove legs, pedals, and lids and reassemble after delivery. However, you should always call to confirm this service beforehand.
Can moving a piano damage it permanently?
Yes, if not handled properly, the piano could be damaged. Damage can include broken legs, internal issues with strings and the soundboard, and more. Hiring experienced movers reduce these risks.
