Local piano moving service

Move upright and baby grand pianos between homes, schools and churches in your area, paid per move.

Startup cost$3k to $20k
Monthly revenue$1k to $5k
Time needed8+ h/week
First incomeWeeks
  • $3k-20k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
  • Licence or permit needed

Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.

Official data

9,436 US businesses with employees in this field, -3.7% in a year

NAICS 484210 “Used household and office goods moving”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.

What it is

Moving pianos safely using dollies, ramps, skid boards and straps, usually with a helper. Most jobs are local moves from one address to another, plus moves within a building.

Your first three steps

  1. Learn the basics from an experienced piano mover or a training course, and practice strapping and moving on a spare upright
  2. Get a cargo van or box truck, a piano dolly, skid board, ramp, straps and blankets, and price local moves against other movers
  3. Introduce yourself to piano tuners, music teachers and local dealers, and ask for referrals
Who pays

Families, piano teachers, schools, churches, small venues and piano dealers or tuners who refer work.

How it makes money

A flat price per move, based on piano type, stairs, distance and access. Extra charges for stairs, long carries or tight turns.

Skills that help
  • Physical strength and good lifting technique
  • Careful, methodical planning of each move
  • Safe driving and securing loads
  • Clear quotes and customer service
Watch out for
  • Cargo insurance on top of general liability, as a damaged piano can be costly; check what your policy covers
  • Workers' compensation insurance once you hire helpers; check your state's rules
  • Whether your state or city requires a moving company license or registration for household goods moves
  • Heavy lifting injury risk; never move a grand or a stair job without enough people and equipment
  • Whether a vehicle over a certain weight triggers extra requirements; check with your state DMV

Deep research report · US

Everything you need to start: local piano moving service

Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.

  • Startup costs with real prices
  • Licences, registration and rules
  • Pricing: what others charge
  • Break-even example
  • Finding your first customers
  • 30-day launch plan
  • Risks and how to reduce them
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a piano moving business?

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $20,000, depending on whether you buy a van or truck, new or used, and how much moving equipment and insurance you need. These figures are estimates only.

How much can a local piano mover earn?

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many moves you book, your pricing and how often you work. This is revenue before costs such as fuel and insurance, and is only an estimate.

What insurance and rules should I check to move pianos?

Check cargo insurance on top of general liability, workers' compensation once you hire helpers, and whether your state or city requires a moving company license for household goods. Also check whether a heavier vehicle triggers extra requirements with your state DMV.

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