Best piano movers for an interstate move
A piano combines significant weight, awkward shape, and genuine value into one item — moving it wrong risks both physical damage and injury. Here's what actually matters when choosing who moves it.
What to look for in a piano mover
- Confirm directly that they handle pianos as part of their service — don't assume a general full-service mover automatically does
- Ask about specific equipment: piano boards, dollies, ramps, and skid boards for stairs
- Ask how many pianos of your type (upright vs. grand) their crew has moved recently
- Check whether they subcontract piano moving to a specialist, and if so, who that is
Upright vs. grand pianos
Grand pianos typically require disassembly — removing the legs and lid — before they can be safely moved, adding both time and specialized handling to the job. Upright pianos are generally simpler to move but still require proper equipment given their weight, which commonly exceeds 300-500 pounds depending on size. See our full how to move a piano guide for more on the process itself.
What affects the price
- Piano type and size (upright, baby grand, full grand)
- Stairs, tight doorways, or other access challenges at either end
- Distance — an interstate move factors differently than a local one
- Whether disassembly/reassembly is required
After the move: tuning and acclimation
Have the piano tuned after it arrives and has acclimated to the new environment for a few weeks — temperature and humidity changes during a long-distance move commonly shift tuning even when the piano itself is handled perfectly during transport.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a specialized piano mover, or can a general moving company handle it?
Many full-service interstate movers can handle pianos, but not all — ask directly rather than assuming, since pianos require specific equipment (piano boards, ramps) and technique that not every crew is trained on.
Does piano type affect the moving approach?
Yes significantly — upright pianos and grand pianos require different handling and equipment, and a grand piano typically needs disassembly (removing the legs and lid) that an upright doesn't.
Should a piano be tuned after an interstate move?
Almost always yes — temperature and humidity changes during a long-distance move, plus the vibration of transport, commonly shift a piano's tuning even when handled correctly.
Is piano moving insurance separate from general moving valuation?
Sometimes — ask specifically whether your mover's standard valuation coverage adequately covers your piano's actual value, since standard per-pound coverage is often far below a quality piano's replacement cost.