Quick answer: Moving a piano costs more than moving ordinary furniture because it needs special equipment and trained movers. In York we move upright pianos for a fixed price with two trained movers, from £160 Monday to Thursday.
Given how delicate pianos are, we can all agree that moving one can be hectic. Moving a piano requires specialised equipment and extra care. That's why it requires the expertise of professional movers who can make this otherwise daunting task flawless.
But still, the big question remains, how much will it cost to move a piano with movers? Well, that's what we are about to find out. Read on to find out the cost of moving a piano, some of the factors you should look at when choosing a piano removal company, and the factors that influence the cost of moving a piano.

The Cost of Moving a Piano
The cost of moving a piano varies widely depending on several factors, including the type and size of the piano, where the piano is located in the house versus where it's going to be placed in the new house, obstacles that movers will have to negotiate and the distance to the new location.
With us, an upright piano removal in York is a fixed price for two trained movers: £160 Monday to Thursday, £195 on Friday and Saturday, and £225 on Sundays and bank holidays. Longer distances and awkward access are quoted individually. Grand pianos are heavier and need specialist equipment, so they cost more to move than an upright.
What to Look for in a Piano Moving Company
First things first, check the company online and find out what other customers are saying about it. Online reviews are the best way to know if the piano moving company delivers what it says it delivers. 1 Van 1 Man Removals are experts in lifting and moving all kinds of pianos. We don't just move pianos at competitive prices. We go over and above to ensure our customers are satisfied. Our testimonials tell the story of committed piano movers with your interest at heart.

If the testimonials are great, the next step would be to contact the company and find out about their services. Some of the questions you should ask include the cost, the equipment they use, and whether they take the piano apart and assemble it on arrival. Another very important question is the insurance cover. Be sure to ask if the piano is fully insured when on transit. If not, you want to know the extent of the cover and plan on how you can make up for the remaining part of the risk.
When you receive a quote, it's important to confirm whether the cost covers all the costs of moving the piano or there are additional charges.
Factors that Influence the Cost of Moving a Piano
Now, let's take the discussion further and talk about some of the factors that may influence the cost of moving a piano. Here are the top three factors you should watch out for when moving a piano with movers. You can ask the movers to break down the quote so that you can see how these factors influence the cost overall.
Size and Type of the Piano
Pianos come in different shapes, sizes and models, and therefore the requirements to move them differ. Small pianos will definitely be cheaper because they are easy to move. Heavy ones may cost you considerably more, given their bulkiness and the equipment they might need to move.
It's cheaper to move upright pianos because they are smaller and less delicate than grand pianos. It's easier to move them through stairs and hallways. In terms of labour, upright pianos may need two movers. In contrast, grand pianos are large. Thus, moving them through stairways or hallways will take more movers. It may also take longer and require several pieces of equipment, which makes their moving cost expensive compared to upright pianos.
The Distance to the Destination
If the piano is being moved across the street, the cost will be cheaper. However, if you are moving a piano across the country, the cost will likely go up. Additionally, if there's shipping involved, you'll end up spending more because of the shipping cost.
Accessibility of Your Piano
Moving a grand piano from the fifth floor is time-consuming and difficult. The movers will have to put in more effort to go down the flight of stairs. In case the stairway is tight, that's another challenge. That means the movers will take longer and must be extra careful.
On the flip side, a piano that's on the ground or first floor in the sitting room area is easy to move. Hence, it will cost less.
Conclusion
And there you have it! The cost of moving a piano and some of the factors that may impact the cost. Pianos are heavy. Not only that, they are also delicate. That's why hiring a piano removal service can truly come in handy when moving locally or long distances. At 1 Van 1 Man Removals, we offer piano removal services at affordable prices. We have professionals specifically trained in moving pianos. And you don't have to worry about the cost because we are the most affordable removals company in York and its environs. Call us today!
Last updated 8 November 2026
