Moving a piano ranks among the most challenging tasks in any relocation. These instruments are heavy, delicate, and often carry significant sentimental or monetary value. A standard upright piano weighs 300 to 500 pounds. A grand piano can exceed 1,000 pounds. And inside that elegant exterior? More than 10,000 moving parts that can be damaged by improper handling.
Whether you're relocating across the Twin Cities or just moving your piano to another room, understanding what's involved helps you make the right decisions. This guide covers what piano moving costs in Minneapolis, how to prepare your instrument, and what to look for when choosing movers.
How Much Does Piano Moving Cost in Minneapolis?
Piano moving in the Minneapolis area typically ranges from $200 to $650, depending on the type of piano and complexity of the move. Here's what affects pricing:
Piano type matters most. Upright and spinet pianos generally cost $200 to $400 for a local move. Grand and baby grand pianos range from $350 to $650 or more because they require disassembly and specialized handling.
Stairs add to the cost. Each flight of stairs typically adds $50 to $75 to the total. Tight landings, narrow doorways, and difficult access points can increase this further.
Distance plays a role. A same-house move (relocating a piano to another room) costs less than moving across town. Long-distance piano moves have different pricing structures entirely.
Time of year can factor in. Winter moves in Minnesota may require additional floor protection and climate considerations, which can affect the overall cost.
When your piano is part of a full residential move, many moving companies bundle the piano into the overall cost rather than charging separately. This can be more economical than hiring a dedicated piano mover alongside your regular movers.
Types of Pianos and Their Moving Challenges
Not all pianos move the same way. Understanding your instrument helps you communicate with movers and set realistic expectations.
Upright pianos stand vertically and weigh between 300 and 500 pounds depending on size. They're easier to move than grands but still require two to three experienced movers and proper equipment. The weight is concentrated in a relatively small footprint, which makes balance critical.
Spinet pianos are the smallest upright variety, typically weighing 300 to 400 pounds. Their compact size makes them somewhat easier to maneuver through tight spaces.
Baby grand pianos weigh 500 to 600 pounds and require a different approach entirely. The legs must be removed before transport, and the piano is moved on its side using a specialized piano board.
Grand pianos are the most challenging. Weighing 700 to 1,200 pounds or more, they require complete disassembly of the legs, pedal lyre, and sometimes the lid. Moving a grand piano is a multi-person operation that demands experience and proper equipment.
Digital pianos are significantly lighter but still require careful handling to protect the electronics and finish.
What Professional Piano Movers Do Differently
You might wonder why you can't just grab a few friends and move your piano yourself. Here's what professionals bring to the job.
Specialized equipment. Professional movers use piano boards (also called skids) for grand pianos, four-wheel piano dollies for uprights, heavy-duty straps, thick moving blankets, and trucks with hydraulic lift gates. This equipment doesn't just make the job easier. It makes it possible to move the instrument without damage.
Proper technique. Experienced movers never roll a piano on its casters. Those small wheels aren't designed for transport and can damage both the piano and your floors. For grand pianos, professionals know exactly how to remove and reattach legs, wrap exposed surfaces, and secure the instrument for transport.
Floor protection. Pianos concentrate enormous weight on small contact points. Professional movers use rubber-backed floor runners and weight-distributing equipment to protect hardwood floors, tile, and carpet from damage.
Climate awareness. In Minnesota, this matters more than most places. Pianos are sensitive to temperature and humidity changes. Experienced movers minimize the time your instrument spends outdoors and never leave a piano in an unheated truck overnight during winter.
Insurance coverage. Professional moving companies carry liability insurance that covers high-value items. If something goes wrong, you're protected.
How to Prepare Your Piano for Moving Day
A little preparation goes a long way toward a smooth piano move. Here's your checklist:
Clear the path. Remove rugs, furniture, and any obstacles between the piano and the door. Movers need a straight, clear route.
Measure doorways. Check that your piano can fit through all doors, hallways, and turns. If you spot a tight squeeze, let your movers know in advance so they can plan accordingly.
Secure the keyboard lid. Close and lock the lid that covers the keys. If it doesn't lock, use painter's tape to keep it shut during transport.
Remove loose items. Take family photos, sheet music, metronomes, and decorative items off the top of the piano. These can fall and cause damage during the move.
Don't move it yourself first. Let the movers assess the piano in its current position. Moving it even a few feet beforehand can create unexpected problems.
Share details during the quote. Tell your moving company what type of piano you have, where it's located (ground floor, upstairs, basement), and any access challenges. This ensures the crew arrives with the right equipment and enough team members.
Clear parking. Make sure the moving truck can park as close as possible to your entry point. Every extra foot of distance adds time and complexity.
Winter tip: If you're moving during a Minnesota winter, ensure walkways are salted and cleared of snow and ice. The fewer obstacles between your piano and the truck, the safer the move.
Do You Need to Tune Your Piano After Moving?
Yes, almost always.
Even with perfect handling, your piano will likely need tuning after a move. The reason isn't damage. It's physics. Changes in temperature and humidity during transport affect the wooden soundboard and the tension of the strings. Moving from one environment to another, even across town, creates subtle changes that throw off the tuning.
Give your piano one to two weeks to acclimate to its new home before scheduling a tuning. This allows the wood and strings to adjust to the new environment's humidity level. Budget $100 to $200 for a post-move tuning.
If your piano sounds off after a move, don't panic. This is normal and expected, not a sign that something went wrong.
Should You Tip Piano Movers?
Tipping is appreciated but never required. If you're happy with the service and the crew handled your instrument with care, a tip is a nice way to show appreciation.
Industry average is $20 to $40 per mover for a standard piano move. For exceptionally difficult moves involving multiple flights of stairs, tight access, or grand pianos, some customers tip 10 to 15 percent of the total move cost.
If your piano is part of a larger household move, you can include the piano crew in your overall tip for the moving team.
Why Choose Minne Movers for Your Piano Move
Many piano owners assume they need to hire a dedicated piano-only moving company. That's certainly an option, but it creates logistical headaches when you're also moving the rest of your household. You end up coordinating two companies, two schedules, and two crews showing up at different times.
Minne Movers handles pianos as part of full residential moves. Our crews are trained in specialty moving techniques, including piano transport. We have the equipment, the experience, and the insurance coverage to move your piano alongside everything else in your home.
We also move other heavyweight items like gun safes and antiques. If your move includes multiple challenging pieces, having one company handle everything simplifies your day.
We serve Minneapolis, Burnsville, St. Paul, and communities throughout the Twin Cities. Whether you're moving across town or to a new neighborhood, we'll get your piano there safely.
Ready to Move Your Piano?
Piano moving requires the right equipment, proper technique, and experienced hands. Whether you're relocating your family heirloom upright or a concert grand, professional movers protect your investment and give you peace of mind.
Planning a move that includes a piano? Get a free quote from Minne Movers. We'll handle your piano alongside the rest of your belongings, so you don't have to coordinate multiple companies or worry about your instrument sitting in an empty house waiting for the piano crew to show up.
One move. One company. One less thing to stress about.
