Moving a Piano in the UK: Cost, Risks and Who to Hire
What is involved in moving an upright or grand piano in the UK, typical costs, access checks, tuning afterwards and why you should not DIY.
A piano is among the heaviest and most awkward things people try to move. An upright often weighs well over 200 kg, and a grand can be far more. They are also delicate: the casework is veneered, the action is fragile and the strings are under enormous tension. This is one of the few moves where specialist help is nearly always the right call.
Why it is not a DIY job
Beyond the weight, there are practical hazards:
- A piano can tip, slide or roll on stairs and cause serious injury.
- Casters and legs are not designed to take impact loads.
- Doorways, corners and steps can trap or damage the instrument.
- Damage can be expensive, and you may not be covered if you moved it yourself. Check your policy, see do you need insurance for a house move.
Who to hire
Specialist piano movers
These are teams with experience, trolleys, straps, ramps and the right numbers of people. They typically offer the most careful handling, particularly for grand pianos, which are usually tilted onto a board and have their legs and pedals removed.
General removal companies
Some firms are experienced with uprights and can handle them as part of a house move. Ask directly whether they have moved pianos like yours, how many people will attend and what equipment they have. See questions to ask a removal company.
Typical cost
Prices depend on the type of piano, the distance, the number of stairs and the access. As a broad indication only, a local upright move might be around £100 to £300, and a grand piano often several hundred pounds or more, with higher rates in London and the South East. Stairs, tight access and long distances raise the price. Ask for a written quote that names the instrument and any stair charges.
What the mover will want to know
- Type and size: upright, baby grand, grand, digital or electric.
- Weight or make and model, if known.
- Where it is now: floor, steps, door widths and turns.
- Where it is going: same details.
- Parking: distance from the door to the vehicle.
- Photos of the piano and the route.
Preparing for the move
- Clear the route. Remove rugs, shoes, small furniture and obstacles.
- Measure doors, stairs and hallways at both ends.
- Remove items from the top and secure the lid.
- Tell the team about weak floors or steps and any extra hazards.
- Check lift weight limits if in a block. See moving with stairs or a lift.
After the move
Pianos are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. Leave it to settle for a few weeks before tuning, and then book a tuner. Position it away from radiators, direct sunlight and damp walls. Check the floor can bear the weight, especially for grand pianos.
Digital pianos and keyboards
Digital pianos are lighter, but heavy enough to need two people and careful wrapping. Pack the stand and pedals separately, and carry the unit in its original box if you still have it.
Alternatives
If the piano is not worth keeping, consider selling or donating it. Some charities and schools will collect, and some dealers offer a removal service as part of a sale. See clearing and disposing of unwanted furniture.
A worked example: upright piano, first floor flat
An upright piano needs to go down a flight of 14 steps with a turn at the bottom. A specialist team arrives with four people, straps and a piano board. They measure the turn, protect the case and move it on a trolley down the stairs. The job is done in under an hour. A DIY attempt with two friends could damage the stairs, the instrument and their backs.
Piano types and typical handling
| Type | Typical handling |
|---|---|
| Upright | Trolley and straps, several people |
| Baby grand | Legs and pedals removed, board and cover |
| Grand | Specialist team, often a lorry |
| Digital | Two people, original case if possible |
Edge cases
- Upper floors without lifts: may need specialist equipment, which requires planning.
- Tight turns and narrow stairs: a survey is worthwhile.
- Soft floors and old floorboards: protect and check load limits.
- Cold and damp storage: avoid storing a piano in an unheated space.
Common mistakes
- Relying on casters to roll it long distances.
- Moving it without covering the keyboard and lid.
- Forgetting to measure the final room before moving.
- Placing it against an outside wall or radiator.
- Hiring a general mover without checking their experience.
When to call a professional
Almost always. A survey or photos help a specialist plan, and they can advise on access, cover and aftercare, such as when to tune.
Frequently asked questions
How many people are needed to move an upright piano?
Typically at least two experienced people, and more for stairs or long carries. Do not attempt it without proper equipment.
Do I need to retune after moving?
Usually, after it has settled in the new environment. Give it a few weeks, then ask a tuner.
Can I move a piano in a man and van?
Sometimes, if the provider has experience and the right equipment. Ask directly, and confirm cover.
How much does it cost to tune a piano after a move?
It varies by area and the condition of the instrument. Ask a tuner for a quote, and mention that the piano has been moved recently.