We are SQ Moving Company, and we are offering professional moving services in Los Angeles. We get asked all the time: “How do you even move a piano?” or “Is it really that hard to move a grand piano?” The truth is — moving a piano is no small job. These beautiful instruments are heavy, delicate, and tricky to maneuver, which is why so many people call us for help.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to move a piano step by step, what kind of tools and equipment you’ll need, and what to think about before you decide to do it yourself. We’ll also share some pros and cons of DIY versus hiring a professional team like ours. Whether it’s an upright or a grand, we’ll help you understand what it really takes to move a piano safely without damaging it — or your back!
Know Your Piano and Your Space Before Moving
Before we even get to the actual moving part, it’s important to figure out what kind of piano you’re dealing with — an upright piano or a grand piano. Each type has its own challenges and requires a slightly different approach, which is why understanding how to move a piano the right way starts with identifying what you’re moving. We’ll also need all the details about your move, like the pickup and drop-off addresses, whether there are any steps or stairs, and if there are narrow hallways or tight corners to navigate. All of this helps us determine what kind of equipment and tools we’ll need, and how many movers are required to get the job done safely and efficiently.
How to Move a Piano: From the Easiest to the Hardest Situations
Not every piano move is created equal. Depending on your space and layout, moving a piano can range from a straightforward roll across flat ground to a complex lift up a staircase. Here’s a breakdown of how to move a piano in different scenarios — starting with the easiest and ending with the most challenging.
The Easiest: Flat Surface, No Steps or Stairs
The simplest way to move a regular upright piano from one location to another is when there are no steps or stairs involved. In this situation, two professional movers are usually enough to move a piano safely.
All you need is a four-wheeler dolly to place the piano on and roll it — especially if it’s being moved within the same complex. A good dolly with rubber wheels is essential to avoid scratching the floors.
If you’re moving the piano to a different property, it’s crucial to pack it properly using moving pads, cardboard, and plastic wrap to prevent scratches or dents during transport. Having a moving truck with a liftgate is highly recommended, as it allows the piano to be loaded without much physical strain.
Moderate Difficulty: A Few Steps
If your move involves a few steps, the job becomes a bit more complicated and may require two or three professional movers.
You’ll need a small ramp to cover the steps, one or two four-wheelers, packing materials, and straps to secure the piano to the dolly or a piano board. A piano board — a sturdy wooden platform with handles — is optional but can make the job easier and safer.
The main challenge here is carefully lifting or tilting the piano to navigate the steps while keeping it stable and avoiding unnecessary injuries. Aside from that, the process is quite similar to moving on a flat surface.
Harder: Moving Down a Staircase
When you need to move a piano down a full staircase, things get much more difficult. This job typically requires three or four strong, experienced movers.
Essential tools include a four-wheeler, plenty of packing materials, a piano board, moving straps, and a floor slider. If you have an outdoor staircase with concrete steps, the job can be slightly easier, but it’s still risky.
First, the piano needs to be thoroughly packed and protected — covering all sides to prevent damage if it bumps into walls or railings. Then, it’s secured to the piano board using straps. Since the board has handles on all sides, it makes it easier for movers to grip and control the piano.
To protect both the piano and the stairs, moving pads can be placed down the middle of the staircase. The movers carefully lift and gently slide the piano, keeping most of its weight off the stairs to avoid damage. This level of move should always be done by skilled professionals.
The Hardest: Moving Up a Staircase
The most challenging scenario is moving a piano up a staircase. This type of move requires at least four strong, professional movers due to the sheer physical effort involved.
Along with a piano board, moving straps, packing materials, and four-wheelers for flat surfaces, you’ll also need to protect the staircase with a heavy-duty floor runner. This prevents scratches and damage if the piano has to rest on the steps momentarily.
In most cases, the safest way is to carry the piano directly to the top without stopping — keeping it slightly off the steps to avoid contact. This is an extremely demanding task that requires perfect coordination and should never be attempted without experienced movers.
How to Move a Grand Piano
Moving a grand piano is one of the most challenging tasks in the moving world — and it’s not just because of the disassembly and reassembly involved. A grand piano move requires at least four strong, skilled movers, first and foremost because of the sheer physical effort needed to tilt, lift, and control the instrument safely.
The process starts with removing the top cover, then carefully packing the piano body to protect it. Next, one of the legs is removed so the piano can be gently tilted onto its side and placed on a piano board. While on its side, the movers remove the remaining legs and pedals and strap the body securely to the board.
During this stage, it’s crucial to protect the floors with blankets to prevent any scratches or damage as the piano is moved and reassembled.
Reassembly takes just as much care — and teamwork. With the piano still on its side, two movers install two of the legs. Then the team lifts and balances the piano upright on those two legs while another mover quickly installs the third leg, followed by the pedals and the top cover.
This is not a job that should ever be attempted alone. The size, weight, and delicacy of a grand piano demand the experience, strength, and coordination of professional movers who know exactly how to handle it safely from start to finish.
How Much Does It Cost to Move a Piano or a Grand Piano?
One of the most common questions we hear — right after how to move a piano — is: how much does it cost to move a piano? The truth is, the price always depends on your specific situation. Factors like whether you’re moving just the piano by itself or moving your whole house along with the piano, and how much physical effort is involved, all play a big role in the final cost.
In Los Angeles, most moving companies have a 3-hour minimum charge, even if the move takes less time. If the move requires a lot of heavy lifting, tilting, or maneuvering up and down stairs, an additional fee may also apply.
Here are some typical price ranges you can expect when hiring professionals who know how to move a piano safely:
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2 movers, no steps or just a few steps (local move): $330–$500
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3–4 movers, moving downstairs only: $600–$800
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4 movers, moving downstairs and upstairs: $800–$1,000
Some moving companies might also offer a flat-rate price if you can provide a detailed description of your situation ahead of time — including the type of piano, the number of stairs, and any tight spaces to navigate.
When you’re deciding how to move a piano, keep in mind that hiring experienced movers is worth the investment to protect both your piano and your home.
When Should You Hire Professional Movers and When Can You Move a Piano Yourself?
One of the biggest decisions people face when figuring out how to move a piano is whether they can do it themselves or if they really need professional movers. The answer depends entirely on the type of piano you have, the layout of your space, and the tools and help you have available.
If you have an upright piano and there are no steps or stairs involved, it is possible to move it yourself — as long as you have the proper tools, equipment, and packing materials. At minimum, you’ll need:
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A sturdy four-wheeler dolly with rubber wheels
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Moving pads, cardboard, and plastic wrap to protect the piano
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Straps to keep it secure on the dolly
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A truck with a liftgate if you’re moving to another location
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At least one or two strong helpers to assist you
Even in this “easiest” scenario, it’s important to work carefully to avoid injuries or damage. Take your time, protect the floors, and keep the piano stable at all times.
However, if you’re moving a grand piano, or if there are any steps, stairs, narrow hallways, or tight corners, you should absolutely hire professional movers. Moving a grand piano requires disassembly, tilting, and precise reassembly, and moving up or down stairs involves physical effort and coordination that only experienced movers can handle safely.
In short: if your move is flat and simple, and you have the right gear and help, you can probably move an upright piano yourself. But if your situation involves more challenges — or if you’re moving a grand piano — it’s best and safest to call in the pros.
Why Trust SQ Moving Company With Your Piano Move in Los Angeles?
If you’re trying to figure out how to move a piano or wondering what it might cost to move one in Los Angeles, the best choice is to let the professionals handle it. At SQ Moving Company, we’ve helped countless customers move both upright and grand pianos safely, efficiently, and without stress. Whether your move is simple — with no stairs and easy access — or more challenging, with staircases, tight corners, and disassembly required, our experienced team has the skill and the right equipment to get it done right.
We know how much your piano means to you, and we take care of every detail — from protecting the floors and walls to packing, strapping, and reassembling the instrument at your new place. Every move we handle is done with the care and professionalism your piano deserves.
If you’re looking for trusted, experienced movers to help with your piano or grand piano, SQ Moving Company is here to help anywhere in Los Angeles. Contact us today for a free quote, and let our team take the hard work — and worry — off your hands.
