Moving a piano is not your average task. Whether it’s a baby grand, upright, or digital console, these instruments are heavy, delicate, and often hold deep sentimental and monetary value. In Santa Rosa, a city where music and art are woven into the cultural fabric, protecting your piano during a move isn’t just about muscle—it’s about precision, care, and expertise. That’s where Ornelas Packing and Moving comes in.
Why Moving a Piano Is a Specialized Task
Pianos are intricate machines with thousands of moving parts. Even a small upright piano can weigh several hundred pounds, while grand pianos can exceed 1,000 pounds. Beyond their weight, they are sensitive to movements, humidity, and temperature changes. Attempting to move a piano without proper training and equipment risks damaging not only the piano but also your walls, flooring, and your back.
General Piano Moving Costs in Santa Rosa
Keep in mind, most professional moving companies have an hourly minimum of 4 hours in California, ensuring they have a full-staffed team to do your move. Generally, movers will quote the additional charge during a move for a piano. However, if a piano is all you need moved, be prepared for these costs below:
Upright Piano (Spinet, Console, Studio): $350–$550
Baby Grand Piano: $500–$850
Grand Piano: $850–$1,000+
Digital Piano: $150–$300
Additional Costs to Consider:
Stairs (per flight): $50–$100
Long carries (over 50 ft): $50+
Disassembly/Reassembly (grands): $100–$200
Local moves vs. long-distance: Local moves are typically flat-rate or hourly; long-distance moves may be priced by weight and mileage.
Local Expertise You Can Count On
Ornelas Packing and Moving is a trusted name in Santa Rosa and throughout Sonoma County for reliable, full-service moving. Our team is trained in handling specialty items, with piano moving being one of our most requested services. Whether you’re moving your piano across town or relocating it from your home to a performance venue or storage unit, we have the tools and training to get the job done safely and efficiently.
At Ornelas Packing and Moving, every piano move begins with a thorough assessment. We consider the size and type of piano, the layout of your home, and the final destination. Here’s a breakdown of what sets our piano moving service apart:
Protective Wrapping: We use heavy-duty blankets, padding, and shrink wrap to protect your piano’s finish from scratches, dings, and dust.
Specialized Equipment: Our movers use piano boards, dollies, straps, and skid boards to transport your piano with minimal stress on the instrument.
Team Coordination: Piano moving requires teamwork. Our crew works in sync to navigate tight corners, stairs, and doorways with precision.
Climate-Conscious Transport: We understand how sensitive pianos are to weather changes. Our trucks are prepared to protect your piano from humidity or temperature extremes during transit.
We Move All Types of Pianos
No two pianos are alike, and our team has experience moving all styles, including:
Upright Pianos – Often found in homes, schools, and studios, these require less space but still need expert care when moving.
Baby Grand and Grand Pianos – These elegant instruments demand precise disassembly and reassembly to ensure safe transit.
Digital Pianos and Organs – While lighter than acoustic models, these require special handling to protect delicate electronics.
Moving a piano is a job for professionals. Don’t risk injury or damage by attempting it yourself or hiring a general mover. Ornelas Packing and Moving is Santa Rosa’s trusted name for piano relocations and all your specialty moving needs.
Serving Santa Rosa’s Musicians and Families
From professional musicians to families who treasure their heirloom instruments, we’ve helped countless Santa Rosa residents relocate their pianos without a scratch. Whether you’re moving from a hillside home in Fountaingrove, a downtown condo, or a farmhouse in Bennett Valley, we know the local landscape and can plan the smoothest route.
Our team has assisted with piano moves for:
Private homes and apartments
Schools and music studios
Churches and performance venues
Retirement communities and care homes
We understand the emotional attachment that often comes with moving a piano. It’s not just furniture—it’s part of your life story.