Piano Moving in Montreal: Grand, Upright & Digital

Piano Types and Weights: What Movers Need to Know

Not all pianos are created equal when it comes to moving. A digital keyboard might weigh 30-80 lbs and fit in a padded bag, while a concert grand piano tips the scale at 990-1,200 lbs and requires four experienced movers plus specialized equipment. Understanding your piano type is the first step to a successful move in Montreal.

Upright pianos, the most common type found in Montreal homes, weigh between 300 and 800 lbs depending on age and construction. Older uprights from the early 1900s tend to be heavier due to solid wood cabinetry. Baby grands range from 500-600 lbs, while standard grands reach 600-900 lbs. Each type demands different handling techniques, truck space, and crew size.

At Up & Out, we categorize piano moves into three tiers: digital/keyboard ($150-$250), upright ($250-$550), and grand ($500-$900+). These prices reflect local Montreal moves — long-distance or multi-flight walk-ups add to the cost.

Preparing Your Piano for a Montreal Move

Never attempt to move a piano yourself. Every year, Montreal emergency rooms see injuries from DIY piano moves gone wrong. Professional piano movers use piano boards, heavy-duty straps, and custom padding to protect both the instrument and your property.

Before moving day, close and lock the keyboard lid. Remove any music books, decorative items, and detachable legs if applicable. For grand pianos, the lid, lyre (pedal assembly), and legs are removed on-site by the crew. The body is then tilted onto a piano board and wrapped in moving blankets secured with shrink wrap.

If you live in a classic Montreal walk-up — think a 3rd-floor Plateau apartment with narrow spiral stairs — expect the move to take longer and cost more. Our crews regularly navigate these challenging staircases using specialized stair-climbing dollies rated for up to 1,200 lbs.

Piano Moving Costs in Montreal (2025-2026)

Piano moving costs in Montreal depend on the instrument type, number of stairs, distance, and time of year. Here's what to budget: digital pianos run $150-$250, uprights $250-$550 (add $50-$75 per flight of stairs), and grands $500-$900+ with disassembly and reassembly included.

July 1st — Quebec's infamous moving day — can push prices up by 25-40%. If you can schedule your piano move for a weekday in October or February, you'll save significantly. We also recommend booking at least 2-3 weeks in advance for any piano move, as specialty equipment and trained crews need to be reserved.

After the Move: Tuning and Acclimatization

Once your piano arrives at its new home, resist the urge to play immediately. Acoustic pianos need 2-3 weeks to acclimatize to the new environment's temperature and humidity before tuning. Montreal's extreme seasonal shifts — from -25°C winters to +35°C summers — make this step essential.

Place your piano against an interior wall, away from windows, heating vents, and exterior doors. A piano humidifier system ($60-$200) is a worthwhile investment for Montreal's dry winter air. After the acclimatization period, hire a certified piano tuner ($150-$250 per session) to restore optimal sound quality.