Updated: October 2026Editorial team: Umzugsexpress GmbHTeam: 17 years in moving and clearance
An upright piano often weighs between 200 and 300 kilos, a grand even more – and the action is delicate. With two friends and a van, that quickly ends in damage to the instrument, the stairwell or someone’s back.
In short
An upright is moved padded, standing and secured; a grand travels without its legs on a piano board. Effort and price depend on floors, stairs and distance. Have the instrument tuned only a few weeks after the move.
How a piano move works
- Survey on site or by video call: instrument, stairwell and access.
- All surfaces are padded. On a grand we remove the legs; it goes onto the piano board.
- Carrying with straps and piano dollies, on stairs with the stair-climber.
- Standing, secured transport in the vehicle.
- Placing it in the desired spot.
What determines the effort
- Instrument: upright or grand
- Floors and stairs
- Distance
- Whether a furniture lift is needed – when that is the case is explained in the guide Furniture lift or stairwell?
What it costs
Guide value: we move an upright piano within the region for CHF 380–650 and a grand piano for CHF 650–1,300 (incl. VAT). Floors, stairs and distance determine where your price falls within this range.
What to prepare
- Send us photos of the instrument, stairwell and entrance via WhatsApp – this lets us estimate the effort in advance.
- Clear the route: coat rack, rugs, plants.
- Decide on the new location before we arrive.
- On the day, keep a space for the vehicle free close to the entrance.
After the move
A piano reacts to temperature and humidity. Let it settle in its new place first and book the tuner only after a few weeks – tuning earlier is not worthwhile.
Other heavy items
We move safes, machines and other heavy goods with special equipment: heavy and safe transport. For single items over 100 kg we charge a surcharge; the amount is stated in the quote.
Frequently asked questions
Can I move a piano myself?
We advise against it: an upright often weighs 200 to 300 kilos, and without straps, dollies and padding the risk to the instrument, the stairwell and the helpers is high.
Does the piano need tuning after the move?
Usually yes. Wait a few weeks until the instrument has adjusted to the room climate.
Do you carry grand pianos over stairs?
Yes, with leg removal, piano board and stair-climber.
As of October 2026.
Related services
- Piano moving – uprights and grand pianos in safe hands
- Heavy and safe transport with specialist equipment
- Furniture lift with operator – when the stairwell is too narrow