Piano needs to be moved up or down stairs — New York, New York

Moving a grand or upright piano up or down stairs is one of the highest-risk household moves. An upright piano weighs 300–800 lbs and a grand piano 500–1,200 lbs, with an awkward center of gravity that shifts as the instrument tilts. Standard movers often decline stair moves or charge a significant premium because the job requires specialized equipment—a piano board (skid board), heavy-duty ratchet straps, stair-climbing dollies, and sometimes a piano shoe to roll legs over thresholds. A crew of 3–4 experienced piano movers is typical. The legs and pedal lyre of a grand piano are removed, the lid is locked and padded, and the body is wrapped in quilted moving blankets before tilting onto the board. Hiring movers experienced in piano relocation protects both the instrument and your staircase from damage.