Moving a piano requires specialized skills, experience, and equipment to safely transport these heavy, awkward instruments. Hiring professional piano movers reduces stress and minimizes the risk of damage during the moving process. However, with so many piano moving companies to choose from, it can be tricky to identify the best ones.
In this guide, we review the top 5 professional piano moving companies based on reputation, services, reliability, and value.
Whether you need local or long-distance piano moving services, these companies have the training and resources to properly move your piano. We break down the pros and cons of each company to make it easier to find the right piano mover for your needs and budget.
1. International Van Lines
Best Overall
Pros
- Decades of experience, specifically transporting pianos and other specialty items
- Large, modern fleet capable of moving pianos of all sizes
- Real-time GPS tracking for peace of mind
- Available short-notice and last-minute moves
- Minimal loss/damage claims track record
Cons
- Can be more expensive for small, local moves
- Schedules fill up weeks in advance for peak season
International Van Lines, which is the top moving company in San Diego, balances affordability and top-notch service across piano moves of all types and distances. However, IVL handles moves both nationally and worldwide.
Their piano specialists carefully pack the instruments in custom crates to prevent jostling and damage. The company is reliable, communicative throughout the process, and reactive if any issues come up during shipping. We’ve used them multiple times with great results each time.
While local moves are somewhat pricey, their long-distance piano moving services are very competitively priced.
Expect transparent quotes upfront and licensed, professional movers managing the entire process professionally. For multi-day van line moves, the pianos remain safely locked and temperature-controlled throughout transit.
Overall, with their decades of expertise safely moving all piano types combined with real-time tracking and responsive customer service, International Van Lines is a reliable choice for worry-free piano moving.
2. JK Moving Services
Most Customizable
Pros
- Specialized piano blankets & crates for safe piano transportation services
- Guaranteed pricing with no hidden fees
- Customizable add-on services like storage & tuning
- Highly-trained professional piano movers
- Available emergency/rush moves if needed
Cons
- Can be more costly than basic van lines
- Limited availability in some regions
JK Moving sets itself apart through customizable crating options, flexible scheduling, and extra services to meet any piano moving need.
Services range from basic door-to-door transport to all-inclusive options covering packing, additional insurance, temporary climate-controlled storage, and post-move piano tuning. You can build a customized piano move tailored to your specific requirements.
Throughout the moving process, the company is extremely communicative via phone and email to coordinate schedules and confirm details regarding the cost of moving services..
The movers themselves are professional and efficient when securing your piano for safe transportation in their specialized truck fleets. JK Moving develops a customized quote upfront so there are no surprise add-on fees after the move.
While pricing is at a premium compared to basic movers, the specialized expertise, flexibility, and customization options make them a standout for specialty piano moves.
3. North American Van Lines
Most Affordable Pricing Options
Pros
- Competitive pricing, especially for moving a piano long distance
- Decades of piano moving expertise
- Large fleet with experienced drivers & crew
- 24/7 customer service support
- Basic but reliable door-to-door transport
Cons
- Less specialty experience than piano-only moving companies
- Potential for more self-service elements
Compared to other van lines, North American Van Lines frequently has some of the most reasonable rates for moving pianos between states or long distances, such as moving from East coast to West coast. They have a solid track record with professional long distance piano moving in general.
While drivers have plenty of piano moving training, the experience level still varies more than specialized companies. Because the services are more basic than concierge-style options, you may need to handle more preparation and logistics planning yourself.
Overall though, North American delivers safe door-to-door piano transport at affordable prices. For straight-forward moves without many bells and whistles, they are cost-effective and reliable. Their binding estimates and available insurance protect against damaged goods as well.
Just confirm details upfront since service can vary between specific moving crews. But when cost is the foremost factor, this provider consistently offers budget-friendly routes for shipping pianos of all kinds.
4. Mayflower
Excellent Reputation
Pros
- Specialized piano moving crews & equipment
- Full-service packing/crating options
- Guaranteed pricing with no overages
- Transparent claims process for damages
- Interstate transport coordination expertise
Cons
- Can run slightly higher than basic van line quotes
- Needs 2+ week notice for best rates
Among the highest rated and most reviewed furniture shipping companies nationwide, Mayflower is trusted by pianists for local, long distance, and even international moves.
Their seasoned piano moving specialists provide old-fashioned service combined with the latest equipment for safe piano transport. You can opt for full-packing services as the crews prep and load the piano using specialty blankets, straps, custom crates, and climate-controlled trucks.
The company is highly communicative about timing, routes, and handling instructions for delicate instruments like grand pianos. Pricing is middle-of-the-road – not the absolute lowest but very fair when accounting for experience, reputation, and safety assurances. By giving adequate lead notice before moving day, Mayflower can usually accommodate preferred transport dates as well.
Bottom line – for a world class moving company with generations of piano shipping expertise, Mayflower delivers wonderful service and transparency from quote to keys. Their professionalism and attention to detail make them worth considering as your piano shippers.
5. American Van Lines
Easy Claims Process
Pros
- Highly rated claim process if damages occur
- Trained crews accustomed to piano moves
- Climate controlled, GPS-tracked truck fleets
- Full service packing & crating solutions
- Short notice or emergency relocations are possible
Cons
- Can cost more than basic intrastate moves
- Smaller customer base than largest van lines
American Van Lines is a great choice for safe piano transport thanks to numerous positive reviews praising their professional handling and responsive claims department.
The company asks customers to thoroughly photograph and document piano conditions prior to truck loading. That way, claims are easily validated if damage does regrettably occur. Despite focus on careful transport, they resolve issues promptly to minimize downtime without a piano.
They also offer customizable levels of service, from securing permits to full-packing solutions using specialty equipment. For an uncomplicated claims process plus reliable treatment of precious pianos, American Van Lines makes piano moving smooth and stress-free.
Their communicated handling instructions provide peace of mind during travels as well.
Piano Moving Company: FAQs
How much does piano moving cost?
Costs vary based on distance, piano size, flights of stairs, packing requirements, additional services, etc. Expect higher costs for grand pianos, long-distance moves, storage needs, specialty packing materials, and add-ons like tuning.
Do I need additional insurance when moving a piano?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to get additional insurance. Pianos are expensive to repair or replace so supplemental insurance through your mover or private company will protect against damages, theft, or other loss.
What preparation is needed before the piano movers arrive?
- Clear pathways in and out of home, remove furniture blocking stairwells
- Tune piano to stabilize parts before transit
- Photograph piano condition thoroughly beforehand
How are pianos safely moved?
- Custom crates brace pianos and prevent shifting/swaying
- Specialty moving blankets pad & protect pianos in trucks
- Secure specialty straps keep pianos stabilized on dolly & in truck
- Trained crews control climates, navigate tight spaces using proper techniques
Should I hire piano movers for short local moves?
Even for local moves under 50 miles, hiring professional piano movers is advisable. They have the right equipment, personnel, and training to safely navigate doorways, hallways, stairs, and elevators without harming your piano. Attempting these tight spaces without experience risks damaging your instrument.
If you don’t require a moving company and think you can round up enough bodies to move the piano yourself, consider PODS as an affordable DIY solution. You can get a discount with Agoyu!
How soon in advance should I book piano movers?
Ideally 4-6 weeks in advance for best rates and ideal timing. Holidays, summers, and end/start of month are peak times, so book further ahead. Last minute is still possible but will cost more and have fewer crew/truck options.
Final Thoughts
Moving pianos requires abundant preparation, specialty handling equipment, and trained professionals to prevent the delicate instruments from cracking, denting, or going out of tune.
Hiring one of these professional piano moving companies significantly reduces effort and risk while transporting your precious piano. With transparent quotes, real-time tracking, specialized trucks, and communicative staff, these top-rated movers offer worry-free piano relocation across any distance.
The Agoyu moving app can help you find the best piano moving company. Check out Agoyu today to get started.
