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Best Piano Movers (2024)

Author Image Written by Shane Sentelle + 1 other Reviewed by Kent Sisneros Updated 06/23/2024

When you buy a new home, you either have to leave your piano behind or find a way to relocate it. Upright pianos aren’t easy to move or load onto a truck and often take several sets of hands, specialized dollies, and careful planning. You can hire a professional piano mover to save your back and relocate your instrument safely. We reviewed 33+ moving providers, compiled a list of the leading moving companies, and handpicked the best piano moving services.


The Best Piano Movers

Based on our in-depth methodology and 500+ hours of research, these are our top picks for piano moving companies:


Compare the Top Piano Moving Companies

Here is how each piano mover compares:

Our Pick
International Van Lines
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American Van Lines
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Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
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JK Moving Services
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Moving APT
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North American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Overall Rating

4.5 / 5 4.3 / 5 4 / 5 4.7 / 5 4.3 / 5 4.8 / 5 5 / 5

BBB Rating

A+ A+ B A+ B+ A+ A+

FMCSA Licensing

Carrier/Broker Carrier Broker Carrier Broker Carrier/Broker Carrier

Average Price*

$5,250 $5,625 $5,054 $7,171 $4,683 $5,969 $5,370

Deposit Required

Up to 25% Up to 50% Up to 33% $250 Varies None None

Pros

  • Flexible insurance plans
  • Free month of storage
  • Upfront pricing
  • Hires movers who average 10 years of experience
  • Provides fixed-rate quotes
  • Trains its employees regularly to efficiently handle special packing and crating
  • Offers a quick quote process for last-minute moves
  • Prescreens all third-party movers in its network
  • Provides full-service packing and crating for all moving customers
  • Background-checked movers
  • Financing available
  • Intuitive AI-assisted online quote tool
  • Offers an online cost estimator
  • Offers price-matching
  • Provides quick service
  • Budget-planning service
  • No deposit
  • Only provides binding estimates
  • Climate-controlled storage facilities
  • Expedited relocation services
  • In-house vehicle shipping

Cons

  • Below-average customer reviews
  • Outsources some moves
  • Requires up to a 25% deposit
  • Charges higher average prices
  • Has limited customer service on weekends
  • Requires a deposit of up to 50% of the total cost
  • No customer service on the weekends
  • No refund on your deposit if it's more than 72 hours after booking
  • Not responsible for damage due to broker status
  • Higher-than-average pricing
  • Long quote process
  • No refund on your deposit
  • Not responsible for any damage due to broker status
  • Service varies by location according to reviews
  • Unwanted contact from partner companies may occur
  • Items may take 10–14 days to arrive
  • Limited storage services according to zip code
  • Three-day requirement for cancellations
  • Misleading quote tool
  • No weekend support
  • Slow claims process

Summary

We recommend International Van Lines (IVL) if you want the most moving service options possible. The company boasts one of the most extensive moving service catalogs at highly competitive rates.

We recommend American Van Lines if you’re moving high-end items or antiques because it focuses on training its staff to move difficult and valuable items.

We recommend Interstate Moving & Relocation Group as a reputable broker if you need to move quickly. The company’s customer service is prompt, and its broker network helps you find a vetted mover fast.

We recommend JK Moving Services for its ability to offer financing options through its partnership with Enhancify and its high-end, white-glove packing services.

We recommend Moving APT because of its highly rated customer service and its ability to quickly provide you with multiple quotes for its partner companies.

We recommend North American Van Lines (NAVL) as the best long-distance mover overall because of its customizable insurance packages, highly rated customer service, and extensive service options.

We recommend Allied if you want to ship a vehicle due to the company’s in-house vehicle relocation services.

Rating Categories

International Van Lines American Van Lines Interstate Moving & Relocation Group JK Moving Services Moving APT North American Van Lines Allied Van Lines

Customer Service

5 / 5
4.4 / 5
3.8 / 5
4.4 / 5
4.3 / 5
4.4 / 5
4.4 / 5

Reputation

4.3 / 5
3.9 / 5
2.9 / 5
5 / 5
3.9 / 5
3.6 / 5
3.9 / 5

Value

2.8 / 5
3.3 / 5
4.2 / 5
3.1 / 5
4.2 / 5
4.7 / 5
4.7 / 5

Service Offerings

4.7 / 5
4.7 / 5
4.5 / 5
4.7 / 5
4.5 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5

Item Protection

5 / 5
5 / 5
3.5 / 5
5 / 5
4.3 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5

Scheduling

4.1 / 5
2.3 / 5
3.9 / 5
5 / 5
2.3 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5

Our Reviews of the Best Piano Movers

International Van Lines

Best Service Offerings
4.5
  • Deposit: 25% up-front
  • USDOT #: 2293832

Overview

International Van Lanes (IVL) holds broker authority while operating as a full-service carrier, assisting with moves over any distance. You can also hire IVL for packing services, leaving the organizing and problem-solving to trained professionals. This includes piano moving for an additional fee.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers full-packing assistance, including large and fragile items Provides more than one contents coverage plan Issues deposit refunds if a scheduled move is canceled more than 48 hours before the pickup date Cons Brokers some moving services using third-party carriers that may not all adhere to the same standards Doesn’t execute local moves in all state

Services

IVL’s full service includes furniture disassembly and reassembly. The moving crew will pack all the inventoried belongings in your home, load the trucks, and drive to your new residence. The movers will take extra care with your piano and other fragile items to avoid damage.

Cost

Like most movers, IVL prices its services based on your inventory’s weight and the distance it has to go. Expect to pay more for moves involving multiple staircases and elevators.

Relocating a piano requires additional payment between $150 and $350, depending on the piano type. For instance, moving a concert grand piano is more expensive than a baby grand piano. 

IVL estimates that moving from Los Angeles to Houston (a distance of more than 1,500 miles) costs $3,500–$8,000. A three-bedroom home will fall at the range’s higher end.

American Van Lines

Best Overall Moving Labor
4.3
  • Deposit: Up to 50%
  • USDOT #: 614506

Overview

American Van Lines (AVL) is selective in its hiring process, vetting candidates for experience in the moving industry and strong customer service skills. The company trains its team for specific moving techniques, enabling AVL to offer specialty moving services such as crating for fragile and antique items. Its movers know how to disassemble, wrap, and transport pianos to ensure their safe arrival.

AVL provides moving services in all U.S. states except Alaska and Hawaii. 

Pros and Cons

Pros Uses its own fleet and moving team for all services Offers convenient flat-rate pricing options Delivers shipments seven days a week Cons Lacks good communication according to many customer reviews Has larger deposit requirements than many competitors

Services

AVL trains its movers to provide full-service relocations. This includes hands-on services such as packing, unpacking, loading, and unloading. Customers can pack themselves for a reduced cost. Climate-controlled storage services are also available, protecting sensitive items such as pianos from high humidity and large swings in temperature.

Cost

American Van Lines has a fixed-rate pricing model. Customers can request binding estimates, which include standard services and specialty services such as piano moving. AVL determines the total cost by factoring in your move’s weight and distance.

AVL estimates that moving from Los Angeles to Houston will cost an average of $8,252. This figure is for a three-bedroom home.

Interstate Moving & Relocation Group

Most Efficient
4
  • Deposit: Up to 33%
  • USDOT #: 3034100

Overview

Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) is a broker specializing in state-to-state moves. It outsources services to third parties within its network. When booking your move, IMRG reserves space on a carrier’s truck and coordinates requested services through that company. This process is faster and less stressful, allowing you to compare prices across carriers.

Pros and Cons

Pros Often responds to quote requests in minutes and provides detailed, same-day estimates Goes the extra mile to coordinate military moves Provides a moving calculator on its website to determine rough estimates Cons Expects customers to pay a 4% cancellation fee Doesn’t offer moving insurance, leaving claims processing to the carriers

Services

IMRG works with full-service carriers to accommodate interstate moves. Packing services are available for customers who choose not to self-pack. You can include a piano on the inventory sheet sent to you after asking for a quote, ensuring moving companies that follow up will know about special requirements and can fulfill your request.

Cost

IMRG calculates estimates based on your move’s size and distance. Precise costs depend on the carrier, but as a broker, IMRG allows you to compare prices and stay within your budget.

IMRG estimates it costs $1,400–$3,950 for a 250-mile move, nearly the distance between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. This varies according to many factors, such as additional services and labor.

JK Moving Services

Best Specialized Packing
4.7
  • Deposit: $250
  • USDOT #: 1065394

Overview

JK Moving designs and executes moving plans according to your individual preferences and finances. Select comprehensive packing services when booking your move, or pack items independently and hand them off to JK Moving for loading. You can also request limited packing assistance for fragile and difficult-to-move items, such as pianos.

Pros and Cons

Pros Implements different moving plans based on your wants and needs Offers financing options, an uncommon practice in the moving industry Provides 24/7 customer service Cons Doesn’t provide online quotes Quotes are higher than many other moving companies

Services

JK Moving is a full-service provider offering several types of moving assistance. Customers who choose the do-it-yourself route can purchase specialty packing supplies from the company. Those who select full service will receive help with all moving aspects. This includes the safe handling and transportation of pianos, with equal care given to grand pianos and smaller modern pianos.

Cost

JK Moving bases quotes on your move’s size, distance, and weight. You need to consult a company representative who can assess your moving needs to provide an accurate estimate.

Moving APT

Best Customer Service
4.3
  • Deposit: Varies
  • USDOT #: 2247863

Overview

Moving APT is a nationwide moving broker that partners with a vast network of providers. Each move is unique, and you must ensure your hired mover can meet your needs. Moving APT’s relocation specialists can connect you with a local piano mover or a cross-country carrier. You can request specialty services such as short- and long-term storage to avoid going through multiple companies when moving. Moving APT provides 24/7 customer support.

Pros and Cons

Pros Has a price-matching policy to help customers secure better deals Keeps tabs on its network of movers to ensure there are no major or recurring issues Offers several discounts Cons Has fielded complaints about customers paying more than their quoted estimates Gives your moving details to several partners, resulting in excessive solicitation

Services

You can select a full-service moving company or decide to self-pack when speaking to a Moving APT relocation specialist. An advantage of using a broker such as Moving APT is the ability to narrow your options with minimal effort. Note that you need to move a piano on your inventory sheet, and Moving APT will notify carriers that are available for that specific task.

Cost

Moving APT’s carriers typically determine prices by gauging your shipment’s weight and size with a detailed inventory. Distance is also a factor. Some carriers may provide binding estimates based on an in-home or virtual survey. Expect to pay additional fees for moves requiring special handling, such as those with pianos or other bulky items.

Moving APT estimates it will cost $1,700–$3,500 to move a 250-mile, three-bedroom home. This is roughly the distance between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

North American Van Lines

Best for Claims
4.8
  • Deposit: None
  • USDOT #: 070851

Overview

North American Van Lines (NAVL) has been in business since 1933. It offers residential and commercial moving services with an option for packing and unpacking. NAVL also facilitates a smooth claims process for damaged or lost items by putting forms in plain view on its website.

Pros and Cons

Pros Has a frustration-free process for filing damaged or lost item claims Provides binding estimates and more transparent pricing than many other companies Puts down protective pads and coverings to prevent damage during moves Cons Receives many negative customer reviews, often citing delays and other delivery issues Outsources some services when its moving teams are overbooked

Services

NAVL’s movers are available for full-service pickup and delivery, including packing and unpacking. The movers also disassemble and reassemble furniture as needed and will dispose of boxes and other moving materials when the shipment arrives at your new home. You can request a custom packing and moving plan for fragile items and valuable belongings, such as your piano.

Cost

NAVL offers binding and non-binding estimates, allowing customers flexibility in paying for their move. Your quote includes fees for basic transportation costs (mileage and shipment weight) plus full service if selected.

NAVL typically won’t provide an estimate until you schedule a consultation to assess your home’s inventory.

Allied Van Lines

Best for Vehicle Relocation
5
  • Deposit: None
  • USDOT #: 076235

Overview

Allied Van Lines provides many long-distance and local moving options, including multiple storage solutions. It will help customers who can’t drive their vehicles to their final destination, providing a $100,000 valuation coverage plan for vehicle shipping. Allied’s white-glove moving service includes special treatment of fragile and high-end items, such as pianos.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers full-service options for most relocation types, such as residential, corporate, and military Can move items on a truck for large moves or in portable storage containers for small moves Employs white-glove movers trained to handle fragile items, art, antiques, and electronics Cons Doesn’t provide 24/7 customer service Is unable to book last-minute moves in many circumstances without delays

Services

Allied is a full-service provider offering wrapping and packing services in addition to delivery. It’s one of our few reviewed providers offering pet relocation assistance in certain service areas. Storage-in-transit, long-term storage, and container storage are all available for customers needing piano storage before settling into a new home.

Cost

You can get a rough estimate right on the Allied homepage. You should contact an Allied representative to conduct a virtual home survey for a more accurate quote. Allied uses shipment weight and mileage to calculate your move’s cost. Full-service packing is an additional charge.

Allied provides an InstaQuote of $5,952–$6,542 for moving the contents of a three-bedroom home from Los Angeles to Las Vegas.


How To Find a Piano Mover

We’ve outlined our recommended steps for finding a quality piano moving company that matches your budget and needs:

  1. Research: Begin your search by researching piano moving companies in your area. Look online. Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or music professionals. Look for companies with a proven track record in piano moving. Experience matters, as pianos are delicate and heavy instruments requiring specialized handling. We recommend checking popular online review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to get insight into each company’s customer service.
  2. Verify credentials: Ensure the piano mover is properly licensed and insured. This demonstrates their commitment to professionalism and offers financial protection in case of any damage or accidents during the move.
  3. Obtain multiple quotes: Reach out to several piano movers to request detailed quotes. Compare the estimates, keeping in mind that the lowest price is not always the best choice. A reputable company may charge more due to their expertise.
  4. Ask about equipment and techniques: Inquire about the mover’s equipment and techniques. A professional piano mover should have specialized tools such as piano boards and dollies to ensure a safe and damage-free move.
  5. Discuss insurance coverage: Clarify the extent of insurance coverage provided by the mover. Ensure it includes your piano’s full value to guarantee compensation in the event of an accident.
  6. Review the bill: Before signing off on the move, carefully review the bill of lading, which is a document that outlines the service’s terms and conditions. Ensure all details and pricing align with what you’ve discussed with the mover.

Our Conclusion

Pianos are often cited as one of the most challenging items to move. A professional piano mover eliminates this stress. Based on our analysis, International Van Lines’ movers are among the best for transporting instruments of all sizes, from spinets to grand pianos. The company handles pianos with care, taking the necessary measures to avoid damaging the housing or other components. 

American Van Lines is notable for the attention its experienced movers give fragile items such as pianos. It uses climate-controlled storage to ensure humidity doesn’t warp your instrument. Interstate Moving and Relocation Group is another solid choice for piano moving. It allows you to compare multiple carriers and select the one you trust most with your piano. We recommend requesting quotes from at least three moving companies before making a deposit.


Frequently Asked Questions About Piano Movers

Do you need a professional mover to move a piano?

You need a professional mover to move a piano without putting yourself at risk or damaging your instrument. A trained and experienced mover knows how to protect, move, and transport a piano. Professional piano moving also ensures that the piano arrives at the destination on time.

What are the benefits of hiring a piano mover?

There are several benefits to hiring a piano mover. Professionals take care of the heavy lifting, helping you avoid potential injury. They also use established methods to protect the piano during the move so that you don’t have to worry about scratches or other damage.

Are pianos expensive to move?

Pianos are not expensive to move when considering the difficulty of moving such a bulky item. However, most movers will charge an additional fee.  

What is the distance a piano can be moved?

A piano can be moved over any distance, depending on the moving company. Many movers offer custom crating for long-distance and international moves. 


Our Rating Methodology

We back up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We conduct research by reading through the company websites, analyzing customer reviews, conducting consumer surveys, requesting quotes, and speaking with customer representatives. We then score each moving company against our review standards for services, contents coverage, scheduling, trailer and container options, additional benefits, and reputation to arrive at a final score out of 100.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.