Moving these musical instruments is challenging whether you have a semi-concert grand piano or a traditional upright one. Since they’re very heavy and oddly shaped, this process should be handled by professionals most of the time.

If you have to move your piano from one place to another, you might be worried about the cost, especially if you want to save a few bucks.

How much does it cost to move a piano? Should you hire professional piano movers? How much should you pay for this service?

If you’re looking for the answers to those questions, you’ve come to the right place!

This comprehensive and up-to-date guide on the cost of moving a piano in San Antonio, Texas, will help you determine how much money you need for this purpose. Read on!

How Much Does It Cost to Move a Piano in the US?

Before going directly to Texas, let’s check the typical piano-moving cost in the US. According to the latest figures, it ranges between $250 and $600. However, the average cost to move a piano is around $400 in most states and cities.

Some companies may charge less, as low as $150 in some cases. However, most piano movers add higher fees for complex or long-distance moves, which can cost up to $2,000 or even $3,000.

On average, the lowest cost is $100, while the highest price to move a piano is $5,000.

How Much Does It Cost to Move a Piano in San Antonio, Texas?

In San Antonio, Texas, things aren’t so different. Base costs for moving upright pianos, which often include Baby Grands and Grands, start at $100 and $150, depending on the length.

However, different factors can impact these costs, including the piano type and size, the professional skills that piano movers need for this job, the locations, and the rates the chosen piano moving company sets.

Factors That Influence How Much Professional Piano Movers Charge

As mentioned, moving piano rates vary depending on the location, the piano size and length, how far professionals should move the piano if it’s an upright or spinet piano, and others.

In this regard, these are the most common factors influencing how much a piano moving company charges.

Piano Type

Overall, moving an upright piano costs less than other types because they’re less heavy and have a less cumbersome design. Therefore, piano movers require fewer resources to complete this task and will likely save time.

Upright Piano

Moving an upright piano can cost anywhere from $100 to $150, but this cost can rise to $1,000 depending on other factors, such as distance.

Grand Piano

In contrast, grand pianos are larger and heavier, requiring specialized equipment and many more materials. The piano mover will probably need more time to complete this job.

On average, moving a grand piano costs from $200 to $1,500, depending on whether you must move it to a local place. However, for long-distance services, costs can start at $2,000 and be as high as $5,000.

Distance

As explained above, the most important factors influencing the costs of moving a piano include location and distance.

Local Moves vs. Long-Distance Moves

Moving a piano locally is generally cheaper. However, these costs vary again based on multiple factors, including where the moving company is based and where the piano should be taken.

If you need piano moving services in a rural town, you’ll likely have to pay a higher rate. However, the costs to move a piano in a large city may be cheaper if you only require a local move.

Ideally, you should consider the origin and destination to calculate how much it’ll cost to move a piano from your current location to a new one.

Many compare companies’ rates at the beginning or end of the move and choose one offering cost-effective services.

Average Costs for Long-Distance Moves

Costs for long-distance moves vary based on the distance, so the most expensive ones usually require international or overseas services.

In these cases, people often have to pay a flat rate ranging from $3,000 to $5,000.

Rates

Besides considering different factors to determine costs, each company sets its rates for piano moving services.

Some piano moving companies set flat rates, allowing people to budget before using their services.

These movers also define costs based on different factors, such as piano type, the complexity of the moving if it requires special maneuvers or extra tools/materials, and distance.

Flat Rate

If you want to avoid guesswork and budgeting as soon as you choose a company, flat rates are for you because they’ll be consistent according to the pre-set moving costs.

In San Antonio, Texas, most piano movers charge a base rate of $100 or $150, depending on the piano’s characteristics and the move’s circumstances.

Hourly Rate

However, if you want the process to be simple and time-efficient, consider a piano moving company offering an hourly rate.

You might get a good deal and save if you choose a quick and effective one, for example.

Ideally, you should do your research, considering the average piano moving cost in your area and requesting information from different companies.

If you want to use the services of a company that sets hourly rates, you should ask for precise information about them since some movers set a minimum labor time, which is often three hours.

However, three hours is the average time it takes top piano movers to complete this job if it’s easy.

Other Factors That May Contribute to the Cost of Moving a Piano

Besides the factors mentioned above, the following things can affect the costs of moving a piano:

Rush Jobs

If you wait until the last minute to book a move, you’ll likely have to pay an extra fee. Rush jobs are often expensive!

How Much Do Piano-Moving Companies Usually Charge for Rush Jobs?

More often than not, piano moving companies charge double the original rate for moves scheduled at the last minute or if there’s an emergency.

How to Get the Best Possible Deal?

Do you want the best possible deal when using piano moving services? In that case, you should plan ahead.

You could save a few bucks if you have all the right materials on moving day.

Dismantling and Crating

Do you think movers should dismantle the piano before transporting it to a new location? In that case, the final price will likely include the costs for these services so that they would be higher.

How Much Can Companies Charge for Dismantling Services?

Although the cost for these services may vary from city to city, the average price is approximately $100.

How Much Can Companies Charge for Crating Services?

On average, crating services cost $800, but these projects’ fees can rise to $1,200 if the piano owner requests that the crate be heated.

Complex Moves

If moving your piano requires complicated maneuvers, such as going up or down stairs, these services will be more expensive.

The most complex scenario involves housing a crane through a window on an upper floor. In that case, the company will probably charge more.

How Much Will These Companies Charge for Complex Moves?

Overall, a typical piano-moving company will charge an additional $5 or $10 per step or anywhere from $40 to $100 per staircase if movers should carry the piano up multiple levels.

These companies usually base these costs on the maneuvers that movers must perform, which can affect the time needed for the job or require specific skills.

Rescheduling Fees

Many companies also charge rescheduling fees if the move is scheduled, but the client requests a new date.

How High Can Rescheduling Fees Be?

These costs depend on when the client requests the reschedule for the move. If movers haven’t arrived at the pickup location, the rescheduling fee may be $400 or more.

These fees can go up to $1,000 or more if professionals are already at the original when the service is rescheduled.

Storage

Do you need storage for your piano before moving it to a new location? This request can also impact the final price.

How Much Does Piano Storage Cost?

Storage fees for pianos typically range from $50 to $75 a month if the instrument must be in a climate-controlled space.

However, many piano movers include storage costs in their moving prices, especially if you buy a package. Therefore, you should request information about these services with your chosen company.

Piano Tuning

Pianos can be damaged due to changes in temperature or exposure to the elements. This makes moving these instruments difficult because certain parts can become loose and break during the process.

When this occurs, pianos can be tuned. However, this comes at a price. You can request piano tuning services at least two weeks after the instrument is moved to the new location.

How Much Will Piano Tuning Professionals Charge?

Each mover can set their rates for piano tuning, but most companies charge around $100 per hour.

On average, professionals need between 60 and 90 minutes to tune a piano, so that these services can range from $100 to $150.

Piano Insurance

Many reputable piano moving companies also insure the piano if it’s over $5,000. As a result, the final cost may be higher.

If you need additional coverage because your piano is expensive or sentimentally valuable, you can request it, but this will also increase the final price.

Can a General Moving Company Move Pianos?

Although you can ask your general movers to transport your piano, most companies won’t accept the liability because these instruments are expensive and difficult to move.

However, you should choose reputable piano moving companies with sufficient experience, materials, knowledge, and specialized equipment to move your piano to the new location safely.

Ask your trusted general movers if they offer these services and request information about them to ensure they’re well-prepared to handle these tasks.

Final Thoughts

While you can move your piano yourself, it’s risky and can cause accidents or physical injury.

That might work if you need to move your piano from one room to another. However, you should contact professionals if your instrument is too large and heavy or has a complex design.

Additionally, if you want to ensure that your piano arrives at its new location in excellent condition, you should do your research to find a reputable and experienced piano mover.

Frequently Asked Questions