How Much Does It Cost to Move a Piano in the UK?
Most UK piano moves cost between £180 and £650. An upright moved locally is usually £180–£350; a grand piano is £300–£900 depending on size and access. Below is the full 2026 breakdown, including the surcharges that catch people out — stairs, crane access and mileage.
UK piano moving price guide (2026)
| Service | Typical price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Upright piano — same property (room to room) | £90 – £180 | Two-person crew, floor protection, no vehicle required. |
| Upright piano — local move (under 20 miles) | £180 – £350 | Ground floor to ground floor, standard doorway access. |
| Upright piano — long distance (100+ miles) | £350 – £650 | Includes fuel, tolls and secure transit strapping. |
| Baby grand — local move | £300 – £550 | Legs and lyre removed, piano moved on a padded skid board. |
| Concert grand — local move | £500 – £900 | Four-person crew, hydraulic tail lift, full dismantle and rebuild. |
| Stairs surcharge (per flight) | £40 – £90 | Applies to narrow Victorian staircases and upper-floor flats. |
| Crane or hoist access | £400 – £1,200 | Required when a piano cannot pass through a stairwell or doorway. |
| Climate-controlled storage | £25 – £60 per week | Humidity-stabilised units for pianos awaiting delivery. |
Prices are indicative UK averages for guidance. Your written quote is fixed and itemised before booking.
What affects the price of a piano move?
- Piano type and weight. A studio upright is around 250kg; a 9ft concert grand can pass 500kg and needs a four-person crew.
- Stairs and access. Each flight adds time and crew. Narrow Victorian staircases and tight landings are the single most common cost driver.
- Distance. Local moves are priced by job; anything over roughly 50 miles is priced on mileage, fuel and driver hours.
- Hoist or crane access. Where a piano cannot pass through the stairwell, external lift equipment and permits add £400–£1,200.
- Parking and permits. City-centre suspensions in London, Edinburgh and Manchester are charged at cost.
- Timing. Weekend, evening and same-day slots carry a modest premium.
How to keep the cost down
Clear the route before the crew arrives, reserve a parking space close to the door, be flexible on the day of the week, and give accurate access details when you request a quote — a surprise flight of stairs is what turns a fixed price into a variation. If you are also having the piano tuned, book the tuner for two to four weeks after delivery so you only pay for one visit.
Piano moving cost FAQs
How much does it cost to move a piano in the UK in 2026?
A local upright piano move typically costs £180–£350, a baby grand £300–£550, and a concert grand £500–£900. Long-distance moves over 100 miles usually add £150–£300, and each flight of stairs adds roughly £40–£90.
What makes a piano move more expensive?
Four things drive the price: the weight and type of piano, the number of stairs at each end, distance travelled, and whether a crane or hoist is needed because the instrument will not fit through the stairwell.
Is it cheaper to move a piano within the same house?
Yes. A room-to-room or floor-to-floor move inside one property costs £90–£180 because no vehicle, fuel or long-distance handling is involved.
Are there hidden costs when moving a piano?
There should not be. We itemise stairs, parking permits, hoist equipment and waiting time in the written quote before booking, so the price you accept is the price you pay.
Is it worth paying for specialist piano movers?
A dropped upright can cost more to repair than the piano is worth, and injuries from a 300kg instrument on stairs are severe. Specialist crews carry the right equipment and instrument-specific insurance, which general removals policies often exclude.
See the full range of piano moving services or find your local piano movers.
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