How to Move a Piano in Metro Vancouver

A piano is one of the most challenging items to move. An upright piano weighs 200–300kg. A grand piano can weigh 400kg or more. They are fragile, expensive, and awkward — and moving one incorrectly can damage the instrument, the building, and the people doing the moving.

Here is what you need to know.

Should You Move It Yourself?

In short: no. Piano moving requires specialized equipment — piano dollies, skid boards, moving straps — and experience with how to navigate stairs, tight corners, and doorways safely. Attempting to move a piano without the right equipment and technique is how pianos get dropped, walls get damaged, and people get injured.

If your piano is moving with you, tell your moving company when you book. Not all moving companies handle pianos — confirm that yours does and that they have the right equipment.

Upright Pianos

Upright pianos are the most common type moved in Metro Vancouver homes. They are heavy but compact, and can usually be moved through standard doorways with the right equipment.

Key considerations:

• Measure doorways. Standard upright pianos are 55–60 inches wide. Most interior doorways are 32–36 inches. The piano typically needs to be tilted and angled through doorways.
• Stairs. Moving an upright piano up or down stairs requires a piano board (a heavy-duty skid board) and at least 3–4 experienced movers.
• Locks. Lock the keyboard lid before the move to protect the keys.

Grand Pianos

Grand pianos require disassembly before moving — the legs and pedal lyre are removed, and the body is placed on its side on a piano board. This requires experience and the right tools.

Grand pianos also require more space in the truck and more time to move. Factor this into your quote.

Preparing Your Piano for the Move

• Tune after, not before. Pianos go out of tune during a move regardless of how carefully they are handled. Schedule a tuning 2–4 weeks after the move, once the piano has acclimatized to the new environment.
• Close and lock the lid. Protect the keys during transport.
• Do not wrap in plastic. Pianos need to breathe. Use moving blankets, not plastic wrap.
• Climate considerations. Pianos are sensitive to temperature and humidity changes. Avoid leaving a piano in an unheated truck or storage unit for extended periods.

At the New Home

• Place the piano away from exterior walls, heating vents, and direct sunlight — all of which cause humidity fluctuations that affect tuning and can damage the soundboard.
• Allow the piano to acclimatize for 2–4 weeks before having it tuned.

At 4 You Moving

We handle piano moves across Metro Vancouver with the right equipment and experience. Tell us about your piano when you book — upright or grand, stairs or no stairs — and we will plan accordingly.

Call 778-200-8825 or get a free quote online.

Get a free moving quote from 4 You Moving — we serve all of Metro Vancouver 7 days a week. View our service areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to move a piano in Metro Vancouver? Piano moves are charged at the same hourly rate as other moves. An upright piano typically adds 1–2 hours to a job due to the extra care and equipment required. Always mention a piano when getting your quote.

Can any moving company move a piano in Vancouver? Not all moving companies are equipped for piano moves. Ask specifically about piano experience and equipment. At 4 You Moving, we handle upright and grand piano moves in Metro Vancouver.

How do movers move an upright piano? Upright pianos require at least 3 movers and a piano board (a heavy-duty dolly with straps). The piano is tilted, secured to the board, and moved carefully to avoid damage to the instrument and the floors.

How do movers move a grand piano? Grand pianos must be partially disassembled — the legs and pedal lyre are removed, and the body is wrapped and placed on a piano skid board. This requires specialized equipment and experience.

Do I need to tune my piano after moving it? Yes — pianos should be tuned after any move. The change in environment and the physical movement affects the tuning. Wait 2–4 weeks after the move for the piano to acclimate before tuning.

How do I prepare my piano for a move? Close and lock the keyboard lid. Remove any items from the top of the piano. Clear a path from the piano to the exit. Let the movers handle the rest — do not attempt to move a piano without professional equipment.