The cost of moving a piano varies from one service to another, making estimation complex.
Whether it’s an upright piano or a grand piano, each move requires specific expertise and suitable equipment to ensure safe transportation.
Getting an accurate estimate helps anticipate costs and avoid unpleasant surprises.
This guide helps you better understand how prices are calculated and what to expect when moving a piano.
You will also find practical tips for comparing available options and choosing the service that best meets your needs.
The cost of moving an upright piano generally ranges between $300 and $800. This price reflects the average rate charged by specialized companies for standard transportation.
An upright piano is more compact, requiring less space and manpower than a grand piano. However, the final price may vary depending on the included services and the complexity of the move.
The cost of moving a grand piano is higher, averaging between $500 and $1,500. This type of instrument, being larger, requires specific handling and sometimes partial disassembly to ensure safe transportation.
The cost varies depending on the level of service required, particularly for large models that need specialized equipment.
To determine the exact cost of transporting an upright piano or a grand piano, request a detailed quote from specialized companies.
A precise evaluation helps anticipate the required budget and choose a service that fits your needs.
| Small apartment piano | $300 - $500 |
| Upright piano | $400 - $800 |
| Grand piano (baby grand, grand piano) | $400 - $1,000 |
The cost of moving a piano varies from one company to another depending on the services offered and the level of service provided.
To help you make a decision, here is a comparative table of the main players in the Quebec market.
| Company | Upright Piano | Grand Piano | Long Distance Moving | Additional Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DMAX Moving | $200 - $800 (local) | $400 - $1,000 (local) | $1 to $2/km in addition to the base rate | ✅ Free online evaluation ✅ Specialized handling for difficult access (stairs, basement) ✅ Lifting equipment (hoist, straps, protective cushions) ✅ Temporary storage available |
| Piano Transport Moving | Starting at $300 | Starting at $400 | Not specified | Packing and protection: $300+ Temporary storage: $100+/month Additional insurance: $100+ |
| Alex Moving | $450 – $750 (to Ottawa or Quebec) | $600 – $950 (to Ottawa or Quebec) | $500 to $1,500 (Montreal to Toronto) | Crane use: $650 to $1,000 |
| Total Moving | $350 to $850 | $550 to $1,200 | $900 to $1,400 (Montreal to Quebec) $650 to $1,200 (Montreal to Ottawa) |
Crane truck lifting: $950 to $1,450 |
| Cargo Moving | Starting at $354 | $404 to $954 | Not specified | Not specified |
Why Choose DMAX for Your Piano Move?
Our team has mastered all the necessary techniques to ensure the safe transportation of your piano, regardless of its size or configuration.
Our Strengths:
✅ Competitive rates for local or long-distance transport
✅ Free and fast online evaluation to get your price in just a few minutes
✅ Secure handling even for difficult access (stairs, basement, tight spaces)
✅ Temporary storage and insurance options for complete peace of mind
Our online estimate allows you to get a clear idea of your moving cost with no obligation. We ensure a transparent approach tailored to each situation.
By choosing DMAX Moving, you trust professionals who have mastered piano transportation, regardless of the location's layout or the route to be taken.
The cost of moving a piano depends on several criteria. Beyond distance, other factors such as the type of instrument, housing accessibility, and the time of year play a role in determining the price.
Here are the main factors that influence the cost.
Not all pianos require the same level of effort or equipment for transportation.
The cost is influenced by the distance traveled.
The more difficult the access, the higher the price due to additional handling time and required equipment.
🔹 Example: Removing a piano from a basement with a spiral staircase may require lifting the instrument vertically, increasing handling time and the need for specialized equipment.
🔹 Example: A grand piano on an upper floor without an elevator and a narrow hallway may require the use of an outdoor hoist, adding extra costs.
Some pianos require additional equipment to ensure safe transportation.
The longer the trip, the higher the fuel and vehicle maintenance costs.
The risk of damage increases with the travel distance and the complexity of transportation.
A long-distance move requires more extensive organization, which can affect the price.
The longer the trip, the higher the fuel and vehicle maintenance costs.
The risk of damage increases with the travel distance and the complexity of transportation.
A long-distance move requires more extensive organization, which can affect the price.
At DMAX Moving, we analyze these criteria to provide a price tailored to each situation.
✔ The type of piano to be moved
✔ The accessibility of both the departure and arrival locations
✔ The distance between the two addresses
✔ Any storage needs
Request an estimate for your piano
The cost of moving a piano in Montreal depends on the type of instrument and the specifics of the transportation. Here is an estimate of the common pricing.
| Type of Piano | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Upright Piano | $300 - $800 |
| Grand Piano | $500 - $1,500 |
| Long-Distance Move | $1 to $2/km |
At DMAX Moving, we offer a free online estimate to help you get an accurate price based on your situation.
Piano transport is not just about moving an instrument from point A to point B. Due to its weight, fragility, and value, a piano requires specialized handling and appropriate equipment.
A long-distance piano move requires more thorough planning than a simple local transport. Whether you are moving to another city or region, several factors must be considered.
The cost of long-distance piano transport is often calculated per kilometer. Generally, expect to pay between $1 and $2 per km, in addition to the base fee.
At DMAX Moving, we handle long-distance moves while ensuring safe and tailored transportation for every situation.
Even for a local piano move, careful preparation is essential. The distance may be shorter, but the challenges remain the same: narrow spaces, stairs, basements, or lack of an elevator.
The cost of a local piano move depends on several factors, but on average, it ranges between $300 and $800 for an upright piano and $500 to $1,500 for a grand piano.
Our team at DMAX Moving ensures that every local transport is carried out safely, regardless of access difficulties or site layout.
Entrusting the transport of a piano to a specialized company like DMAX Moving helps reduce the risk of damage.
Our movers are skilled in handling techniques and have the necessary equipment to ensure a smooth relocation.
It is recommended to contact several specialized piano moving companies. This helps to get a realistic price range and compare the included services.
🔹 Tip: Beware of offers that seem too good to be true. A very low price may indicate a lack of experience or the absence of insurance.
To get an accurate estimate, it is important to provide as much information as possible about the instrument.
🔹 Example: A standard upright piano weighs about 150 to 250 kg, while a grand piano can exceed 600 kg. This difference directly impacts logistics and pricing.
The environment where the piano is located affects the complexity of transport. For a realistic quote, it is essential to specify:
🔹 Example: A piano located on the third floor without an elevator will cost more to move than a piano on the ground floor with an easy exit.
Each company offers different services. Some movers include additional services, while others charge them separately.
🔹 Tip: Always ask if wrapping is included or if it is an additional charge.
There are several ways to optimize your budget when planning a piano move without compromising transport safety.
If you are moving an entire household, it may be beneficial to include the piano transport within the same operation.
🔹 Example: If you are moving to Montreal and another client needs to transport a piano to the same destination, a grouped shipment can be arranged to lower costs.
High-demand periods (May to September) are generally more expensive.
🔹 Tip: If possible, avoid weekends and the end of the month, as prices tend to be higher during these times.
Comparing multiple estimates is one of the most effective ways to optimize your budget.
🔹 Tip: A detailed estimate allows you to clearly see what is included in the price, helping to avoid unexpected charges on the final bill.
1️⃣ Check accessibility: measure doors, hallways, and staircases to anticipate any difficulties.
2️⃣ Protect the piano: close the lid, secure the pedals, and use thick blankets to prevent impacts.
3️⃣ Clear the path: remove rugs, furniture, and obstacles to facilitate transport.
4️⃣ Hire specialists: choose an experienced company with the right equipment (straps, dollies, hoists if necessary).
5️⃣ Plan for tuning after transport: wait a few days before tuning the piano to let it adjust to its new environment.
📌 Tip: Booking during the off-season (October-April) may help reduce costs.
The number of movers depends on the type of piano and the accessibility of the location:
📌 Tip: If a hoist or crane is required, a larger team may be mobilized.
Yes, at DMAX Moving, we provide a free estimate to assess the cost of your piano move.
Yes, we include basic insurance covering potential damages during transport. For high-value pianos, you can opt for additional insurance that offers extended protection.
Yes, a tuning is often recommended after a move. Transport vibrations, temperature changes, and humidity variations can affect string tension.
It is advisable to wait a few days after installation to let the piano adjust before calling a tuner.