Can You Move a Piano Yourself? DIY vs Professional Movers

Introduction

“How hard can it be to move a piano?” It’s a question we hear regularly, usually from well-meaning friends or family members offering to help with a house move. The short answer is: harder and more dangerous than almost anyone expects. The longer answer—which this article provides—explains exactly why piano moving is categorically different from moving other heavy items.

In our 33 years of moving pianos across Gloucestershire and beyond, we’ve seen the aftermath of countless DIY attempts. We’ve collected pianos with cracked soundboards from being dropped on stairs. We’ve moved instruments into homes after owners realised their “helpful” friends couldn’t manage the task safely. And we’ve heard stories of injuries—some serious, some life-changing—from people who underestimated what they were attempting.

This isn’t a sales pitch designed to frighten you into hiring professionals. It’s an honest assessment based on extensive experience. Some piano moves genuinely can be done carefully by capable amateurs with proper preparation. Many cannot. By the end of this guide, you’ll know which category your situation falls into—and you’ll be able to make an informed decision.

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The Honest Truth About DIY Piano Moving

Why People Consider DIY

The motivations are understandable:

Cost savings: Professional piano moving costs £150-£800 depending on the instrument and circumstances. That’s a meaningful sum, especially during an already expensive house move.

Convenience: Scheduling around professionals adds complexity. Friends might be available this weekend; the piano movers might not be free for two weeks.

Pride: “We managed to move the sofa, the wardrobe, and the fridge ourselves. Surely we can handle a piano.”

Underestimation: Most people have never tried to move a piano and simply don’t understand the challenges involved.

The Reality Check

Here’s what we know from professional experience:

Piano moving injuries are common: Emergency departments regularly treat people injured moving pianos. Herniated discs, crushed fingers, back strains, and falls are frequent consequences.

Piano damage is even more common: For every injury, there are many more damaged instruments—scratched cases, cracked soundboards, broken legs, and internal damage that may not be apparent until the piano is played.

Property damage accompanies most amateur attempts: Scratched floors, dented walls, damaged doorframes, and broken banisters are routine.

The “savings” often evaporate: When repair costs, medical expenses, or property damage are factored in, professional moving almost always proves cheaper.

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What Makes Pianos So Difficult to Move

Weight

Piano weights that shock most people:

Piano Type	Weight Range
Small upright (console)	135-180kg (300-400 lbs)
Standard upright	180-270kg (400-600 lbs)
Large upright	270-360kg (600-800 lbs)
Baby grand	230-320kg (500-700 lbs)
Medium grand	320-410kg (700-900 lbs)
Concert grand	410-540kg (900-1,200 lbs)

For context, a typical refrigerator weighs 70-100kg. A piano can weigh three to five times as much.

Weight Distribution

Unlike a box or appliance where weight distributes evenly, pianos have concentrated mass:

Upright pianos:

• Heavy at the top (cast iron plate)
• Top-heavy centre of gravity
• Want to tip backward

Grand pianos:

• 60-70% of weight in keyboard end
• Radically uneven distribution
• Counter-intuitive handling required

Fragility Despite Size

Pianos look robust but contain thousands of delicate components:

The soundboard: A thin (8-10mm) sheet of spruce under enormous tension. Even minor impacts can crack it—damage that’s often unrepairable or costs thousands to address.

The bridges: Wooden components transmitting string vibration to the soundboard. Cracking or separation destroys the piano’s function.

The action: Thousands of precisely calibrated moving parts. Rough handling knocks them out of alignment, requiring expensive regulation.

The strings: Under tremendous tension. Sudden impacts can break them, and the release of tension is dangerous.

The legs (grands): Support the entire weight but aren’t designed for sideways force. Easily broken during moves.

Awkward Dimensions

Pianos don’t fit through spaces easily:

Upright pianos:

• Typically 145-155cm wide
• 60-70cm deep
• 100-130cm tall
• Must be tilted to fit through standard doorways

Grand pianos:

• 145-155cm at widest point
• 150-275cm long
• Require disassembly for most moves
• Cannot be tilted like furniture

No Good Grip Points

Unlike boxes with handles or furniture with frames to grasp:

• Smooth, polished surfaces provide no grip
• Cases are not designed for carrying
• Weight must be managed with straps and boards
• Improper lifting damages the instrument

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Situations Where DIY Might Work

To be fair, some piano moves can be managed without professionals. These share common characteristics:

Moving a Piano Within a Room

The scenario: Repositioning an upright piano to a different wall in the same room, on the same floor level.

Why it’s manageable:

• Short distance
• No doorways
• No stairs
• Controlled environment

Requirements:

• Piano moving cups or caster cups (£15-£40)
• 2-3 strong adults
• Cleared pathway
• Protected flooring

Technique: With the piano on proper cups/sliders, it can be pushed carefully across hard floors. This is not “moving” so much as repositioning.

Moving a Small Upright Across a Single Room

The scenario: Moving a console-sized upright (under 150kg) from one room to an adjacent room, on the same floor, through a doorway that accommodates the piano’s width.

Why it might work:

• Manageable weight for a proper team
• No stairs
• Limited distance
• Standard doorway access

Requirements:

• Piano dolly or proper moving equipment
• 3-4 strong adults minimum
• Doorway at least 80cm wide
• No thresholds or level changes
• Protected floors throughout

Critical note: This is the absolute limit of reasonable DIY piano moving.

Digital Pianos and Stage Pianos

The scenario: Moving an electronic piano/keyboard with its stand.

Why it’s manageable:

• Much lighter (20-80kg typically)
• Designed for transport
• No delicate acoustic components
• Often have carrying handles or cases

Still be careful:

• Heavier digital pianos still need two people
• Electronic components don’t like drops
• Stands may be awkward

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Situations That Absolutely Require Professionals

Any Move Involving Stairs

Without exception, stairs transform piano moving from difficult to dangerous:

Why stairs are different:

• Gravity works against you
• Control is exponentially harder
• Rest points are limited
• Falls have catastrophic consequences
• Rescue is nearly impossible if something goes wrong

The physics: On stairs, the lower people bear most of the piano’s weight—potentially 200kg+ per person on steep stairs. The upper people must prevent the piano from sliding down. Any loss of control means the piano becomes an uncontrollable projectile.

Our experience: We use stair-climbing equipment specifically designed for piano weights. Even with this equipment and years of experience, stairs demand extreme care. Amateur attempts on stairs account for most serious piano moving injuries and damage we’re aware of.

Grand Piano Moves

Without exception, grand pianos require professionals:

Why grand pianos are different:

• Legs must be removed properly (supporting 250-500kg temporarily)
• Piano must be positioned on a piano skid/board
• Asymmetric weight distribution requires specific techniques
• Reassembly requires expertise to avoid damage
• Size prevents standard doorway passage without disassembly

What goes wrong:

• Improper leg removal causes piano to fall
• Inadequate support during leg removal breaks leg sockets
• Incorrect transport position damages rim
• Reassembly errors create ongoing problems

Any Move Through Tight Spaces

If doorways, corridors, or turns require careful manoeuvring:

Challenges include:

• Precise angle calculations
• Potential door or frame removal
• Zero tolerance for errors
• Risk of case damage from wall contact
• Limited visibility during manoeuvres

Valuable or Antique Instruments

If your piano has significant financial or sentimental value:

The calculation: Professional moving costs £150-£800. If your piano is worth £5,000, £20,000, or is irreplaceable, the cost of professional moving is trivial insurance against catastrophic loss.

Long-Distance Moves

Any move requiring vehicle transport:

Requirements amateur movers lack:

• Appropriate vehicle (tail lift, secure anchor points)
• Proper securing equipment
• Insurance coverage
• Experience with transport vibration

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The Real Costs of DIY Piano Moving

Direct Costs You’ll Incur

Even “free” DIY moving has costs:

Item	Typical Cost
Van rental (if needed)	£80-£150
Piano dolly rental or purchase	£30-£80
Straps and padding	£20-£50
Furniture sliders/cups	£15-£40
Pizza and drinks for helpers	£30-£50
Floor protection	£20-£40
Total minimum outlay	£100-£250

Already, “savings” compared to professional moving (starting around £150 for simple moves) look less attractive.

Costs When Things Go Wrong

Piano damage costs:

Damage Type	Repair Cost
Deep case scratches	£200-£500
Broken leg (grand)	£300-£800
Soundboard crack	£2,000-£5,000 or unrepairable
Action damage	£400-£1,500
Total write-off	Piano’s full value

Property damage costs:

Damage Type	Repair Cost
Floor refinishing (scratches)	£500-£2,000
Doorframe repair	£150-£400
Wall damage	£100-£400
Banister repair	£300-£800

Personal injury costs:

• NHS treatment: “Free” but involves pain and recovery time
• Lost work: Variable, potentially significant
• Physiotherapy: £50-£80 per session
• Long-term disability: Incalculable

The Risk-Adjusted Calculation

Professional moving at £300 looks very different when you factor in:

• 20% chance of minor piano damage (£300 average): +£60 expected cost
• 5% chance of major piano damage (£2,000 average): +£100 expected cost
• 30% chance of property damage (£400 average): +£120 expected cost
• 10% chance of injury requiring treatment (variable): Priceless

The expected value of DIY disasters often exceeds the professional fee.

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Common DIY Piano Moving Disasters

True Stories We’ve Encountered

The staircase tumble: A family attempted to move an upright down ten stairs. They lost control on step four. The piano destroyed the bannister, crashed through the bottom wall, and was a total loss. One helper required back surgery.

The doorframe disaster: Friends helping move a baby grand removed the legs incorrectly. The piano fell onto one leg socket, destroying it. Repair cost: £1,800. Professional moving would have cost £350.

The van incident: A piano was loaded into a rental van without proper securing. During transport, it shifted and fell. The soundboard cracked. The piano, worth approximately £4,000, became worthless.

The “just across the room” injury: An owner moving their piano alone (they’d done it before) caught a finger between the piano and door frame. Three surgeries were needed to repair the damage.

Patterns We Observe

Most DIY disasters involve:

• Underestimating weight
• Insufficient helpers
• Missing proper equipment
• Stairs or level changes
• Overconfidence from past (lucky) experiences
• Rushing due to time pressure

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Equipment Required for Safe Piano Moving

Minimum Equipment for Any Piano Move

If you’re determined to DIY (within the limited safe scenarios):

Essential:

• Piano dolly (rubber-wheeled, rated for piano weight)
• Heavy-duty furniture straps (rated for weight)
• Moving blankets (several, thick)
• Floor protection (hardboard, carpet runners)
• Work gloves with good grip

Cost of proper equipment: £150-£300 to purchase, less to rent

Equipment for Stairs (Which You Shouldn’t DIY)

Professional stair moves require:

• Stair-climbing piano trolleys (£2,000-£8,000)
• Specialised strapping systems
• Multiple trained operators
• Experience with specific techniques

This equipment exists because human muscle alone cannot safely manage piano weights on stairs.

Equipment for Grand Pianos (Definitely Don’t DIY)

Grand piano moves require:

• Piano board/skid (£500-£1,500)
• Leg removal tools
• Padding specifically shaped for grands
• Multiple trained movers
• Vehicle with appropriate capacity and securing

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If You Must DIY: Essential Safety Guidelines

For the very limited scenarios where DIY might be appropriate:

Before You Start

1. Assess honestly: Is this truly a scenario where DIY makes sense?
2. Recruit adequately: 3-4 strong adults minimum for even small uprights
3. Inspect the route: Walk through, measure doorways, identify obstacles
4. Gather proper equipment: Don’t improvise
5. Clear everything: Remove all obstacles from the entire route
6. Protect floors: Lay protection before moving

During the Move

1. Communicate constantly: One person directs; everyone responds
2. Move slowly: No rushing, ever
3. Keep backs straight: Lift with legs, not backs
4. Stop if anything feels wrong: Better to regroup than continue unsafely
5. Take breaks: Fatigue causes accidents
6. Never let the piano run away from you: Maintain control at all times

What Never to Do

• Never move a piano alone
• Never tilt a grand piano on its side (without proper support)
• Never use a piano’s legs as lifting points
• Never rest a piano on its keyboard (keys down)
• Never rush
• Never continue if someone is struggling
• Never improvise equipment

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Professional Moving: What You Actually Get

The Service Package

Professional piano movers provide:

Expertise:

• Years of experience
• Specific piano moving training
• Knowledge of piano construction
• Problem-solving capability for access challenges

Equipment:

• Proper dollies, straps, and protection
• Stair-climbing equipment when needed
• Appropriate vehicles
• Everything maintained and safety-checked

Insurance:

• Goods-in-transit coverage
• Public liability insurance
• Recourse if something goes wrong

Peace of mind:

• Your piano will be moved safely
• You won’t injure yourself or others
• Property damage is covered
• The job will be completed

What Professional Moving Costs

Our price list provides detailed information, but typical ranges:

Move Type	Typical Cost
Upright, ground floor, easy access	£150-£250
Upright with stairs	£250-£400
Baby grand, ground floor	£300-£450
Grand piano with stairs	£500-£800+

For accurate pricing, get a quote based on your specific situation.

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Making Your Decision

Choose DIY If (All Must Apply):

• Moving within same room or to adjacent room
• Ground floor only, no stairs involved
• Small to medium upright piano (under 200kg)
• Clear, wide doorways (80cm+)
• 3-4 capable adults available
• Proper equipment rented or purchased
• Piano has modest financial/sentimental value
• You accept the remaining risks

Choose Professional Moving If (Any Apply):

• Any stairs involved
• Grand piano of any size
• Valuable or irreplaceable instrument
• Tight doorways or difficult access
• Long-distance move
• Vehicle transport required
• You want certainty and protection
• You value your back and fingers

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Expert Tips from A1 Piano Removals

Our Honest Assessment

After 33 years of professional piano moving:

1. Most DIY attempts are mistakes: The “successful” ones often involve undiscovered damage or near-misses
2. The savings rarely materialise: Between equipment costs, repair costs, and risk, professional moving is usually the better value
3. Some people get lucky: This creates false confidence that leads to disasters on subsequent moves
4. Pianos deserve respect: They’re complex instruments, not just furniture
5. Your health matters more than any piano: Back injuries from piano moving can be permanent

If You’re Still Considering DIY

1. Be honest with yourself: Can you really manage this safely?
2. Get proper equipment: Don’t improvise
3. Have enough help: More is better
4. Accept limits: If stairs are involved, call professionals
5. Consider the instrument’s value: Would you DIY moving a £5,000 anything else?

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About the Author

Liam

Piano Moving Specialist

Liam is part of the A1 Piano Removals team, bringing professional expertise to every piano move.