Piano & Specialty Item Moving in the DMV

What a piano move costs

You get a flat quote before we book, with no reweighing afterward.

• Uprights, spinets, and consoles: typically $385 to $605
• Baby grands: typically $660 to $1,320, including taking the piano apart for transport
• Stairs, tight turns, and the distance from the truck set where you fall in the range.
• Digital pianos and heavy keyboards are quoted like furniture.

What to send for a quote

The route matters as much as the piano.

• The type of piano, and the brand if you know it
• A photo of the piano where it stands now
• Photos of the route out, including each door, hallway, and staircase
• The number of steps at each address, inside and outside
• The width of the narrowest doorway
• Where the truck can park at both ends

How the move is done

The steps are the same for every piano, and they are slow on purpose.

• The lid and keyboard cover are secured, and the piano is wrapped in pads to protect the finish.
• Floors and doorways on the route are protected at both homes.
• An upright is moved on a piano dolly and strapped. On stairs it is carried, with the crew sized for the weight.
• A baby grand has its legs and pedals removed, travels on its side on a padded skid board, and is put back together at the new place.
• In the truck the piano is strapped against the wall so it cannot shift.
• At the new home we place it where you want it.

Where to put it

Decide before the crew arrives, since moving it again later is another job. Pianos do best on an inside wall, away from radiators, vents, direct sun, and exterior doors. Check that the floor is level and that the spot leaves room for the bench.

After the move

We do not tune pianos. Wait two to four weeks before having it tuned, so the instrument can adjust to the temperature and humidity of the new room. We can refer you to local tuners.

Other heavy and awkward pieces

The same planning applies to these. Mention each one when you ask for a quote.

• Safes. Tell us the weight if you know it, and empty the safe first.
• Treadmills and gym equipment. Fold or take apart what the manual allows, and find the transport bolts if there are any.
• Pool tables, which have to be taken apart.
• Oversized sectionals, armoires, and stone-top tables.
• Appliances. Empty and defrost refrigerators the day before.

What goes wrong, and how to avoid it

Specialty moves fail on surprises.

• A staircase nobody mentioned. Count every step, including the ones outside.
• A doorway narrower than the piece. Measure it.
• A truck parked half a block away. Reserve the curb or clear the driveway.
• A crew that is too small. The photos are how we size it, so send them all.