Piano Movers handle pianos with the right equipment and a trained team. An upright piano typically weighs a few hundred kilograms and a grand piano more, with the weight unevenly spread, so they need specialist handling rather than a general furniture crew.
- Give the type, make and approximate size of the instrument.
- Describe steps, stairs, tight corners and doorways at both ends.
- Send photos of the piano and the route out of the house.
Describe your piano and access once and compare quotes from piano movers.
Compare Moving QuotesInstrument Types
| Type | What to tell the movers |
|---|---|
| Upright piano | Height, width and whether there are steps to the door |
| Baby grand or grand | Length, and whether legs and lyre must come off and the piano go on its side on a skid board |
| Digital piano or keyboard | Usually light enough for a normal removal crew |
| Organ or harpsichord | Make, size and age; fewer specialists handle these |
What You Can Request
- Moving the piano within the house, locally or between cities.
- Padding, strapping, piano dollies and skid boards.
- Removing and refitting grand piano legs and pedals.
- Storage in suitable conditions.
Tuning is not part of the move. Pianos usually need tuning after moving and settling, by a piano technician.
How It Works
- Details. Send type, size, photos and access.
- Quote. The mover assesses crew size and equipment, and may visit.
- Move. The piano is protected, strapped and moved with dollies or a skid board.
- Place. It is positioned away from direct sun, heaters and damp walls.
Piano Moving Prices
| Job | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Upright piano, local | R1,000 - R3,500 |
| Piano, long distance | R4,000 - R22,000 |
| Baby grand, Gauteng to the Western Cape (example quotes) | R12,000 - R16,500 |
| Stairs, upper floors without a lift | R500 - R1,500 extra |
Ballpark figures, not quotations. Ranges compiled from price guides published by South African removal companies and quote websites, checked October 2026 and rounded where needed. They are not our prices and no company is bound by them. No published local price for grand pianos was found; expect it to be quoted after an access check. Published guides vary widely, so treat the ranges as a sanity check only, and confirm whether VAT is included on every quote.
Sources:
- WiseMove, piano moving quotes
- The Handyman Johannesburg, moving services prices (2026)
- Sharpmoov, piano moving prices
- BuzzMove, moving cost guides (2026)
What Affects the Price
- Upright or grand.
- Number of steps and stairs.
- Distance.
- Tight turns, gravel paths or a steep driveway.
- Whether hoisting is needed.
- Moving it alone or as part of a full household move.
Access Considerations
- Measure the piano and every doorway, passage and stairwell.
- Clear the route and protect floors.
- Check that the floor at the new spot is solid and level.
- Tell the movers about steps at both ends, even one or two.
- If it will not fit the stairs, ask about furniture hoisting.
Questions to Ask the Piano Mover
- How many pianos do you move a month?
- What equipment will you bring?
- How many people will be on the job?
- What cover applies to the piano, and up to what value?
- Is there an extra charge per step or flight of stairs?
Find piano movers through Furniture Movers South Africa, or browse every service under Furniture Removals South Africa.
Piano Movers FAQs
Can normal furniture movers move a piano?
Some removal companies have trained piano teams. Ask directly, and ask what equipment they use.
Will my piano need tuning after the move?
Usually yes. Let it settle in its new spot for a while, then book a technician.
Can a piano go on a long-distance truck?
Yes, if it is properly padded, strapped upright and loaded against the truck wall.
Should I move a piano myself?
No. The weight and balance make it dangerous for untrained people and risk damage to the instrument and your home.
Can a piano be stored?
Yes, ideally in dry, stable conditions away from heat. Ask about the storage environment.
Related Services
Furniture Movers South Africa is a free quote-comparison service. Moves are quoted and carried out by independent removal companies, and your agreement is with the company you appoint. Before you pay a deposit, ask each one for a written quote, what is and is not included, their liability and insurance terms, and the collection and delivery dates.
Piano Movers. Describe your piano and access once and compare specialist quotes.
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