7 Best Piano Moving Companies [2022]

The Best Piano Movers

1. Best Full-Service Movers: International Van Lines
2. Best for Extended Storage: Allied Van Lines
3. Best Customer Service: North American Van Lines
4. Best Moving Add-Ons: American Van Lines
5. Best for Single-Item Shipping: uShip
6. Best for Protection Insurance: JK Moving Services
7. Best for Military Moves: Safeway Moving Systems

Quick Overview

There are plenty of large van lines and cross-country movers who also handle piano moving. Here, we’ve included a snapshot of the best piano movers operating today. As you research providers, we recommend requesting and comparing multiple quotes. This will help to ensure you get the best rate for your needs:

* Long-distance average cost is based on aggregate data from customer reviews for a two-bedroom home, moving 250 miles. Cost can vary significantly based on move weight and distance. Be sure to request a free quote to get an accurate estimate for your move.

1. International Van Lines

International Van Lines is a leading moving carrier and broker. They are one of the most recognized names both domestically and internationally. With more than 10,000 relocations completed annually, this mover has the experience and know-how to handle your relocation needs. They also happen to be one of the best piano moving companies, which is available as one of many add-on services to enhance your move.

IVL Services

• Local, long-distance, and international moves
• Full and partial packing services
• Custom crating
• Piano moving
• Storage services (long-term if needed)
• Debris removal
• Auto shipping

IVL Cost

We were able to get a preliminary pricing estimate from IVL for a two-bedroom move, totaling 400 miles. The price range of $2,015 – $3,445 accounts for varied inventories and add-on services clients could request. Piano moving service is $150 – $350, depending on the type of piano. To get your own personalized quote, you should contact them today.

IVL Service Area

International Van Lines serves the entire US and 180 other countries. Though many of their moves in the States are brokered out to other carriers, their network of partner companies is highly regarded.

Why We Like International Van Lines

IVL brings their reputation for award-winning customer service to every job they carry out. From the quote process to the end of your move, you will be in contact with an attentive support staff and moving crew. You can expect the same level of care whether you’re moving a large 4-bedroom home or a grand piano.

2. Allied Van Lines

With nearly a century of experience, Allied Van Lines is one of the best full-service movers available today. The company can assist clients with moving across town, across the country, or to another country overseas. Beyond their basic services, packing, storage, and vehicle transport are just a few of the add-on services you can add to your moving package. Allied Van Lines (AVL) is one of the largest full-service moving carriers operating today.

Allied Services

There are plenty of ways to enhance your move when you work with Allied Van Lines, allowing you to build a personalized moving package:

• Local and long-distance moving
• International moving
• Packing (full-service or partial)
• Unpacking
• Furniture assembly and disassembly
• Auto shipping
• Storage
• Debris removal
• GPS shipment tracking
• And more

Allied Cost

While cost can vary depending on your moving origin and destination, Allied Van Lines is in line with industry averages. It’s important to remember that local moves are based on an hourly rate with a two-hour minimum. Long-distance moves are billed at a flat rate based on your home size and the distance you’ll be traveling. Below, you’ll find some sample pricing from the company:

Allied Van Lines Sample Pricing

Allied Availability

Allied Van Lines helps customers throughout the country, providing both local and long-distance moving services. They also provide international moving services to over 120 countries.

Why We Like Allied Van Lines

Allied Van Lines has one of the broadest service areas in the world. No matter what services you need, their experienced team is ready to provide exceptional service. Perks like instant online quotes, virtual home surveys, and dedicated moving coordinators help to ensure a fast and easy relocation.

North American Van Lines

North American Van Lines (NAVL) is one of the nation’s top movers. While they’re best known for long-distance moves and international moves, they provide local moving services as well. Boasting an A+ rating with the BBB, NAVL has an excellent track record for customer service. From the booking process to the last box off the truck, you can count on NAVL to make your move hassle-free.

NAVL Services

Whether you prefer to do some labor yourself or want to have a completely hands-off move, North American Van Lines can help. You can select from a variety of add-on services to best meet your needs and budget:

• Local and long-distance moving
• International moving
• Packing and unpacking (full-service or partial)
• Furniture assembly and disassembly
• Debris removal
• 24/7 shipment tracking
• Appliance installation
• Storage
• Excellent insurance options
• And more

NAVL Cost

The longer your move and the more add-on services you select, the more expensive your move will be. NAVL has competitive pricing in the industry, with an average two-bedroom 250 mile move costing from $1,800 to $4,500. Here are some cost estimates we were able to get by pulling data from over 200 past client testimonials:

NAVL Sample Pricing

NAVL Availability

With over 500 local facilities across the country, NAVL can relocate customers anywhere in the U.S. Local and long-distance services are available across the nation. The company also delivers international moves, serving 130 countries globally.

Why We Like North American Van Lines

With one of the largest lists of add-on services in the industry, you can pay for only what you need. From full-service to DIY assistance, NAVL can provide high quality services backed by years of expertise. Many reviews praise the company’s level of care on move-in day, which includes the use of pads and carpet covers to protect your property. The estimate process is also convenient—and 24/7 customer service means an agent is always a phone call away.

4. American Van Lines

American Van Lines has operated continuously since the mid-1990s. They now serve as one of the largest moving carriers in the country. With their experienced workers and industry-leading range of add-on services, this mover can help with whatever your move could entail.

AVL Services

• Local and long-distance moving
• Military and commercial moving
• Piano Moving
• Climate-controlled, secure storage
• Antique moving
• Full or partial packing
• Custom crating for fragile items

AVL Cost

Based on previous pricing data, a two-bedroom, 400-mile move with AVL will cost between $2,900 and $3,900. This accounts for potential add-on services. More basic moves could cost less than the minimum on this range, just as comprehensive relocations could cost more. For piano moving, you can expect to add $150 – $500. To get a more exact figure, request a free quote with AVL.

AVL Service Area

American Van Lines serves the entire country for both local and long-distance moves. They work exclusively as a carrier and never as a broker. This means you will always work directly with the company, allowing them to maintain service consistency across locations.

Why We Like American

AVL advertises that its workers average ten years of experience on the job. They have experience and equipment to safely move pianos. They also have a long list of other add-on services, ensuring your move is as easy and stress-free as possible.

5. uShip

While some people may want to ship a piano as part of a larger home move, others only need to ship their instrument. In this case, uShip is one of the best piano moving companies to consider. As a leading shipping broker, the company makes it easy to find the best and most affordable carriers for a wide range of shipping needs—from cars and appliances to furniture, pianos, and more.

uShip Services

Whether you need to ship a single item or fill an entire truck, uShip makes it easy. To get started, simply request a quote and let them know what you want to ship. Provide as much detail as possible to get the most accurate estimates. uShip will then send you a list of quotes from different carriers that you can then select from.

uShip Cost

Browsing through recent carrier listings on uShip’s site, we were able to aggregate pricing data for piano moving services. To ship a piano as a single item locally, you can expect to pay $100 – $500. To ship your instrument long-distance, you can expect to pay $700 – $2,000.

The price you will pay will vary from carrier to carrier. The good news is that uShip will provide you with multiple estimates, so you can select the best match for your needs and budget.

uShip Service Area

Through its extensive carrier network, uShip can help clients in all 50 US states. As a broker, keep in mind that level of service may vary depending on the carrier you’re matched with. When booking through the uShip, we recommend doing a little research on the carriers you’re presented with before signing a contract.

Why We Like uShip

The ability to ship a single item is a unique service in the moving industry. We also love the fact that uShip presents its clients with multiple carrier options. This helps to ensure you get the best rate for the service you need.

6. JK Moving Services

JK Moving Services has carried out more than half a million moves over 40+ years in the business. They only act as a carrier within Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland, where they provide local moves. But they can serve the entire US for long-distance moves through their extensive partner network. As an add-on service, JK provides piano moving. With their years of experience and strong reputation for care, you can rest assured that they are one of the best piano movers in the US today.

JK Moving Services

• Local moving within the Washington DC metropolitan area
• Long-distance moving to all points in the United States
• Piano moving
• Commercial moving
• GPS shipment tracking
• Full packing services
• Climate-controlled storage
• Financing for payment of your move bill
• Valuation coverage options

JK Moving Cost

We were unable to get a quote from JK, as they do not supply sample pricing. To find out what your move will cost, request a free quote and provide the details of your move.

JK’s Service Area

JK works as a carrier in Maryland, Virginia, and they Washington, D.C. area. They serve the entire country outside of these areas as a moving broker. No matter the location or scope of your move, this company can assist you.

Why We Like JK Moving Services

JK Moving Services is one of the best interstate moving companies operating in the US today. Their highly-trained workers and industry-leading valuation coverage options go a long way toward ensuring peace of mind when moving a piano or anything else. With these factors considered, you can be confident that your belongings are in good hands.

7. Safeway Moving Systems

Safeway Moving Systems is one of the country’s largest moving brokers. From their headquarters in Chicago, they contract out moves to all points in the US. Although they specialize in military moves, they help more than their share of residential and commercial clients as well.

Their Services

• Long-distance moving (residential and commercial)
• Military relocations
• Full and partial packing
• Piano moving
• Auto shipping
• Basic furniture assembly and disassembly

Safeway Cost

Safeway doesn’t provide pricing data on their website. To get an estimate for your unique move, request a free quote well ahead of your preferred move date.

Safeway Service Area

Safeway contracts moving services across the entire country. The only provide long-distance moves across state lines. They do not provide local moving services. Their status as a broker allows them to handle many unique moving needs, and their network of quality partners come highly recommended in the industry.

Why We Like Safeway Moving Systems

Safeway Moving Systems strives to be transparent about their service offerings, offering flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees. Plus, all moves are 100% guaranteed, so you can be confident in your choice to book with them.

Request a Quote

The best piano movers we’ve listed above are all excellent choices. To choose the right mover, you will need to vet them during the quote process. Each moving company will offer different services at different prices and varying qualities. To get started, request a company and compare rates from each of the providers you’re interested in working with below:

How to Find the Best Piano Moving Companies

Wondering how to choose a mover? Here are some key things to look for when selecting the best piano moving companies for your needs:

• Local Registration. All moving companies must carry some form of registration within their state of operation. Certain states may not have a governing body overseeing the transportation of household goods, but that doesn’t necessarily mean there is no local body overseeing a given company.
• Federal License. If your movers are conducting any interstate or cross-country moves, then they will need to have a federal license with the FMCSA. They should also have a USDOT number, which can be used to look up their complaint history here.
• Customer Reviews. Be sure to check out customer reviews for providers across all platforms. This will allow you to get insight into how effectively your movers can complete your job.
• Insurance. Insurance is a legal requirement for any kind of move, but it’s even more important when transporting a piano. Check to ensure that your mover has both workers’ compensation insurance and liability insurance. Basic liability coverage should cover a minimum of $0.60 per pound, per item. It’s probably a safe bet, however, that your piano is worth more than the basic coverage would provide. Ask your mover if other valuation coverage options are available.

How Much Does Moving a Piano Cost?

The cost of piano moving services can vary from mover to mover. In general, the price you will pay is determined by the distance traveled as well as the weight and type of your piano. Long-distance moving cost is actually cheaper per mile compared to moving a piano locally. On average, you can expect to pay around $5.50 per mile to ship a piano locally and $0.80 per mile to ship a piano long distance.

When moving a piano as part of a full-service move, the cost can range from $400 to $1,500+. Dedicated single-item shippers like uShip can be more affordable.

Piano Moving Tips

Here are some tips to help ensure your piano moving service goes smoothly:

• Check Condition: Before beginning your move, be sure to examine the condition of your piano and take pictures. This will help you to verify if any damage occurred during the shipping process.
• Large Pianos. All large variants—including baby grand pianos and concert grands—will require piano boards but are fairly straightforward to move. Many come with numbered support legs, which must be put back in the right place upon reassembly. If not, your instrument will fall and could be irreparably damaged. This is a detail that could elude some local piano movers, even if their stated specialty is with this instrument.
• Wrap. To protect your instrument, the moving company should wrap it with protective materials like padding and cellophane.
• Movers. Pianos are very heavy. Two movers simply won’t cut it. Ideally, there should be 4-6 movers to safely handle your instrument.