How Much Does It Cost to Move a Piano in Ottawa?
If you're planning a move, one of the first questions is how much it will cost to move your piano. The honest answer is that it depends on your piano and your home. Two pianos of the same model can cost different amounts to move, because one sits on a main floor and the other is at the bottom of a narrow basement staircase.
In this post we explain what affects the price of piano moving in Ottawa, what's included, and how to keep your cost down.
What Affects the Cost of Moving a Piano?
1. The Type and Size of Your Piano
Pianos range from small spinets and digital pianos to full-size uprights and concert grands. Most upright pianos weigh roughly 300 to 800 pounds, and grand pianos can weigh well over 1,000. Bigger, heavier pianos need more movers and more equipment. Grand and baby grand pianos also need their legs and pedal lyre removed, then reassembled at the new home.
2. Stairs, Turns and Landings
Stairs are the biggest factor in most Ottawa piano moves. Every step, tight turn and landing adds time and care. A piano on a main floor with a few front steps is a very different job from one in a split-level home, an upstairs studio or a basement with a narrow staircase. When you ask for a quote, count the steps inside and outside at both locations.
3. Distance Between Homes
A move within Ottawa, such as Kanata to Orléans, costs less than a long-distance move elsewhere in Ontario or Quebec. Moves across the river to Gatineau are routine for us.
4. Access at Each Location
Parking, long walkways, elevators and condo rules all matter. Many condo buildings need the service elevator booked ahead of time, and some need a certificate of insurance. Tell us about these details up front so there are no surprises on moving day.
5. Timing
The end of the month and the summer are the busiest times for moving in Ottawa. Booking one to two weeks ahead gives you the best choice of dates.
6. Extra Services
If you need your piano held between homes, climate-controlled piano storage is quoted separately. If you're replacing an old piano, we can also take care of piano disposal and recycling on the same trip.
What's Included in a Professional Piano Move?
- Trained piano movers, usually two, and three to four for grand pianos or difficult staircases
- Moving blankets, plastic wrap, corner pads and straps to protect the piano
- Piano boards, skid boards and dollies sized for the job
- Runner mats to protect your stairs and floors
- Disassembly and reassembly of grand pianos
- Transit insurance on every move
How to Keep Your Piano Moving Cost Down
- Give accurate details. The more we know about your piano and both homes, the more accurate your quote.
- Book early. Avoid last-minute bookings at the end of the month.
- Clear the path. Move furniture, rugs and boxes out of the way before we arrive.
- Book elevators and parking ahead. Waiting for an elevator or a parking spot adds time.
- Combine services. Moving a piano and removing an old one in one visit saves a second trip.
Is It Worth Hiring Professional Piano Movers?
Moving a piano yourself or with general movers can look cheaper, but it's a common way to damage a piano, a staircase or someone's back. Repairs to a piano's case, keys or soundboard, or to your walls and floors, can easily cost more than a professional move. Read more about why you need a piano moving company in Ottawa.
Get a Free Piano Moving Quote
Every piano move with Ottawa Piano Moving Specialist starts with a free, upfront quote, so you know the price before moving day. Tell us the type of piano, both addresses, and the number of steps at each location, and we'll reply within 24 hours.
Find out what your piano move will cost
Free, upfront quotes for piano moving in Ottawa and Gatineau. We reply within 24 hours.
Get a free quote Call (613) 883-9877Piano Moving Cost Questions
Is it cheaper to move a piano myself?
It can look cheaper, but a piano can weigh 300 to over 1,000 pounds, and one slip on the stairs can mean injuries, damage to your walls and floors, and repairs that cost far more than a professional move. Professional piano movers bring the right equipment and transit insurance.
Do general moving companies move pianos?
Some will, but many don't have piano boards or trained piano movers, and some won't cover pianos under their insurance. Always ask before booking.
Does a grand piano cost more to move than an upright?
Usually, yes. A grand piano has to have its legs and pedal lyre removed, be placed on its side on a padded piano board, and be reassembled at the new home, which takes more time and often more movers.
How do I get an exact price for my piano move?
Send us the type of piano, both addresses, and the number of steps, turns and landings at each location. We reply within 24 hours with a free, upfront quote.