With decades of hands-on experience, Big John’s Moving stands out as one of the few independent movers still operating in New York City. Our expert crew, personally trained by founder Big John himself, brings unmatched skill and care to every job. Specializing in piano services, we understand the unique challenges of moving pianos. This includes taking into account their immense weight, delicate internal mechanisms and sentimental or monetary value. As trusted piano movers in New York, we combine strength and professionalism to ensure your instrument arrives safely and in perfect condition. When it comes to moving pianos, Big John’s Moving is the name you can trust.
Our Insured Piano Moving Process, Step by Step
Big John’s Moving is licensed and insured, with US DOT #0331030, NY DOT #10542, and an A+ BBB rating.
Before moving your piano, we’ll explain your valuation and protection options so you’ll understand what’s covered if something is lost or damaged in transit. Then, we’ll carefully assess your piano, building access, stairs, elevator rules, and any tight turns. We follow strict damage prevention protocols and offer insurance coverage for added peace of mind.
From there, our professional piano movers will protect the instrument with piano boards, custom covers, corrugated bubble wrap, and secure padding. Once wrapped, your piano will be placed on the right dolly or skid board for the job, then loaded onto an air-ride truck to reduce road vibration during transport. For especially delicate instruments, we can arrange climate-controlled trucks.
At delivery, our crew will move the piano exactly where you want it, handle any needed reassembly, and confirm that you’re satisfied.
Big John’s uses personally trained crews and no subcontractors, so our process is consistent from one piano move to the next. When you choose Big John’s, you can expect white-glove moving service from a company that New Yorkers have trusted for generations.
Every Piano Type We Move – Upright to Antique Steinway
Big John’s handles upright pianos, baby grands, grand pianos, concert grands, console pianos, spinet pianos, studio pianos, player pianos, digital pianos, and antique or heirloom pianos. We’ve moved Steinway, Bosendorfer, Fazioli, Yamaha, Kawai, Mason & Hamlin, and other premium uprights and grands.
Before moving a piano, we create a plan based on its size, weight, shape, age, and internal structure. That’s especially important for antique and heirloom pieces that carry both financial and sentimental value. Big John’s brings the same care we use for fine art, antiques, and specialty furniture to every piano moving job.
NYC piano moving also comes with building challenges. Walk-ups, narrow stairwells, tight elevators, and small apartments can all affect the move. Our crews understand those challenges because many of our movers have spent more than 20 years working in New York City buildings.
The Equipment That Protects Your Piano (Air-Ride Trucks, Skid Boards, Stair Climbers)
Piano moving calls for specialized equipment – not guesswork. Big John’s uses custom piano dollies, skid boards, J-bars, stair-climbing dollies, quilted moving pads, lifting straps, hoists, and air-ride suspension trucks when necessary.
For NYC stairwell moves, the crew may use a J-bar to help pivot the piano, a stair-climbing dolly for controlled movement, or a four-mover lift when the space requires extra hands. The right technique depends on the piano, the staircase, and the building layout.
Air-ride suspension also matters during piano transport. It helps reduce road vibration that can affect the piano’s soundboard, legs, frame, and finish during local piano moving or long-distance piano moving.
Because Big John’s crews are personally trained, they know which equipment and techniques to use for each piano and space combination.
Storage Options for Your Piano
Need a safe place to store your piano during a move or renovation? Big John’s offers secure piano storage through our private, climate-controlled facility, Little John’s Storage. Designed to protect your instrument from temperature and humidity changes, our storage space ensures your piano stays in top condition.
With 24/7 security, expert handling, and safe placement, you can trust that your piano is in good hands. Whether it’s short-term or long-term storage, we make the process simple. When you’re ready, just contact us, and our team will retrieve and redeliver your piano promptly and with the same expert care.
Why NYC Piano Owners Trust Big John’s (Reviews, Ratings & Long-Term Clients)
Since 1977, Big John’s has helped New Yorkers move pianos, furniture, antiques, and full homes with care. Families, musicians, music teachers, piano technicians, schools, and event organizers trust our professional piano moving service because we combine experience with steady, hands-on service.
Many clients return to Big John’s for future moves, and some families have trusted us for generations. Our crews are known for careful handling, punctuality, and professionalism, especially when a move involves stairs, tight deadlines, or delicate instruments.
Read what our customers have to say:
- Yelp: 4.0 out of 5 stars with 88 reviews
- Google: 4.8 out of 5 stars with 116 reviews
- Review Stars: 4.8 out of 5 stars with 81 reviews
“Superb. Prompt, fast-paced, polite and–maybe most important for a stressful day–funny! A friend was with us and liked our moving crew so much, he booked them for his own move the following week.”
–Jill V., Forest Hills, NY, Angie’s List Customer
“I used Big John’s, and they were very professional, helpful, and nice. They were on time and it was a positive experience.”
–Jane E., Upper West Side, Angie’s List Customer
More Than Piano Movers – We Offer Full-Service Expertise!
Big John’s Moving is more than just expert piano movers. We’re a full-service moving company with the experience, equipment, and trained team to handle virtually any moving scenario. As one of NYC’s most trusted independent movers, we provide tailored solutions for individuals, families, and businesses alike across a wide range of needs, including:
- Local and long-distance moves
- Residential and commercial moves
- Last-minute and emergency moving
- Senior and military moving (with available discounts)
- Professional packing services and quality moving supplies
- Secure, climate-controlled storage
Our team is highly skilled in handling complex and delicate jobs, such as fine art and antiques, plus other specialty items that require extra care and precision. Whether you’re relocating a small apartment, an entire corporate office, or valuable heirlooms, we approach every move with professionalism and personal attention.
No situation is too complicated for our full-service moving company based in New York City. Why? We bring decades of trusted service, a highly trained crew, and the dedication to make your move smooth from start to finish. Our range of expertise makes us your one-stop solution for any type of move – planned or last-minute!
Get a Free Piano Moving Quote
Piano moves typically range from $200 to $1,000 depending on piano type (upright vs. grand), distance, number of stairs, building access (walk-up vs. elevator), and timing. Moving an upright piano in an elevator building is usually simpler than moving a grand piano or concert grand down a walk-up staircase.
Big John’s serves Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Long Island, Westchester, New Jersey, Connecticut, and long-distance destinations. Big John himself often provides on-site estimates, giving customers a clear breakdown with no hidden fees.
Reach out today to get a quick, free quote from the best piano movers in NYC.
Piano Moving FAQs
It all depends on your piano type, the number of stairs, building access, moving distance, and how quickly you need the move scheduled. It ranges from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars.
Schedule as early as possible, especially for weekends, walk-ups, events, or long-distance moves.
Yes. Our crews use specialized equipment and proven techniques for stairwell moves.
Yes. Big John’s offers piano storage through Little John’s Storage, our private, climate-controlled facility.
Climate-controlled trucks may be available for delicate instruments. Ask about this option when requesting your quote.
Call Big John’s Moving today or request a quote online to schedule your piano move with experienced NYC piano movers.
I recently selected Big John’s to move an expensive cherry wood desk and attached bookcase/hutch, plus seven wood and cotton velvet dining room chairs worth $1,200 each.Every piece not only arrived in like-new condition, but your men were very careful, polite, professional, and quick to unload, unpack, and assemble everything perfectly. You should be pleased to have such dutiful employees. I will always use Big John’s for future moves.