The longer answer
Yes, and there is no piano fee
We move pianos regularly, and there is no separate piano surcharge. You pay the normal hourly rate for the crew and truck, and the crew brings what it needs for the job. What changes with a piano is the crew size, which depends on the type of piano and the stairs involved.
Crew size and minimum by piano type
| Situation | Crew | Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Grand or baby grand, piano only | 4 movers ($235/hr) | 4 hours |
| Grand or baby grand, part of a full move | 4 movers | The job's normal minimum |
| Upright with a flight of stairs at either end | 4 movers | Normal minimum |
| Upright with no stairs | 3 movers ($175/hr) | Normal minimum |
What to tell us when you ask for a quote
- The type: upright, baby grand or grand.
- Any stairs at pickup or delivery, and how many steps.
- Whether the piano is moving alone or with the rest of the home.
- Tight turns, narrow doors or a long walk to the curb.
With those details, David can confirm the crew and an expected time. Stairs and long carries never carry a fee, but they do add minutes. Our piano movers page has more on how the team handles them.
Pianos inside a larger move
When the piano moves with the rest of the household, it simply becomes one of the items on the truck. The crew size is set to suit the piano, and the usual minimum for the job applies rather than a piano-specific one. Costs for a whole-home move are explained in the moving cost guide, and the residential moving page covers everything else in the house.
Piano questions
Questions and answers
Do you charge extra for moving a piano?
No piano fee. The move is billed at the hourly rate for the crew size the piano requires.
Why does a grand piano need 4 movers?
Grands are heavy and awkward to turn on edge, so we always send four people to handle them safely.
Can I book a move for just the piano?
Yes. A grand on its own carries a 4-hour minimum with four movers, while an upright on its own follows the regular 3-hour minimum.
Spartan Moving Systems
San Jose, CA · Cal-T #0190543 · US DOT 1783494
1-877-417-6060
