Moving a piano is nothing like moving a couch. Even a small upright can weigh 400–500 pounds, and a full grand piano can exceed 1,200 pounds. In Pittsburgh, where narrow row houses, steep hills, and tight staircases are common, piano moving requires real planning.
How Much Do Piano Movers Cost in Pittsburgh?
Piano moving costs in Pittsburgh generally fall into these ranges:
- Upright piano, same floor, local move: $150–$300
- Upright piano with stairs: $200–$400
- Baby grand piano, local move: $300–$500
- Full grand piano, local move: $400–$700+
- Long distance (out of metro): $500–$1,500+
The biggest cost factors are the type of piano, whether stairs are involved, and how far it needs to travel. Pittsburgh homes with narrow doorways or steep basement stairs often add $50–$150 to the base price.
Should You Hire Piano Specialists or General Movers?
For an upright piano going across a single-level home or into a moving truck on flat ground, many general movers can handle it. But there are situations where piano specialists are worth the extra cost:
- Grand pianos or baby grands that need to be disassembled
- Moves involving multiple flights of stairs
- Valuable or antique pianos where damage would be costly
- Homes with very tight turns, narrow hallways, or steep exterior steps
Piano specialists carry board skids, piano shoes, custom padding, and strapping systems designed specifically for the job. They also carry insurance that covers the instrument's full value — something most general movers don't offer.
How to Prepare for Piano Moving Day
A little preparation goes a long way:
Clear the path. Measure doorways and hallways. Remove rugs, shoes, and anything that could trip the crew. If the piano needs to go through a tight space, take doors off the hinges in advance.
Lock the keyboard lid. If it doesn't have a lock, tape it securely so keys don't get damaged during the move.
Remove accessories. Take everything off the top — sheet music, photos, decorations. Remove the music stand if it detaches easily.
Tell the movers about stairs. Be specific: how many flights, how steep, any turns on the landing. This affects pricing and crew size.
Protect your floors. Movers usually bring their own floor protection, but if you have hardwood or tile you're especially concerned about, mention it when you book.
What Happens After the Move?
After a piano is moved, it will almost certainly need tuning. The vibration, temperature changes, and physical shifting during transport affect the strings and soundboard. Most piano technicians recommend waiting 2–4 weeks after a move before tuning, so the instrument can settle in its new environment.
Supplies That Help
If you're doing any part of the prep yourself, a few items make the process smoother:
- Piano caster cups protect floors from the weight of the legs
- Moving blankets provide padding during transport
- Furniture moving straps help with lifting and carrying on stairs
Getting a Quote
If you need to move a piano in the Pittsburgh area, you can request a free quote through PGHPros. We'll connect you with movers who handle piano jobs — whether it's a small upright going up to the second floor or a grand piano moving across town.