“How much time should I set aside for moving my piano?” It’s one of the first questions people ask when planning a move. The answer depends on several factors, but having a clear timeline helps you coordinate everything else—elevator bookings, work schedules, and other moving tasks.
At Regina Moving, we’ve moved over 24,000 pianos, so we know exactly how long different types of moves take. This guide breaks down the timelines for local upright and grand moves, long‑distance relocations, and even a step‑by‑step look at what happens during each hour.
Knowing how long a piano move takes Regina helps you plan your day.
This article is part of our piano moving process Regina series .
What Affects Piano Moving Time?
Several factors influence how long a piano move will take. Understanding these helps you set realistic expectations.
- Piano type – Grand pianos take longer than uprights because they require leg removal, a skid board, and a larger crew.
- Stairs – Each flight of stairs adds 15–30 minutes. The number of steps and the turn radius matter.
- Distance – Local moves are measured in hours; long‑distance moves in days.
- Accessibility – Long carries (distance from truck to door), narrow doorways, and elevator wait times can extend the timeline.
- Crew size – More movers can sometimes speed up the job, but safety always comes first.
Time required to move a piano in Regina varies with these factors.
Local Piano Moving Timeline – Upright vs. Grand
For moves within Regina or to nearby communities like Pilot Butte, White City, Emerald Park, Balgonie, and Lumsden, here are typical timelines.
| Piano Type | Ground Floor | With 1 Flight of Stairs | With 2+ Flights |
| Upright (300–500 lbs) | 1–1.5 hours | 1.5–2 hours | 2–3 hours |
| Upright (500–900 lbs) | 1.5–2 hours | 2–2.5 hours | 2.5–3.5 hours |
| Baby Grand | 2–3 hours | 2.5–3.5 hours | 3–4 hours |
| Grand (full) | 2.5–4 hours | 3–4.5 hours | 4–6 hours |
These estimates include:
- Crew arrival and setup
- Wrapping and preparing the piano
- Moving to the truck, loading
- Transport to new location (local)
- Unloading, placement, and final walkthrough
Average time to move upright or grand piano Regina is reflected above.
Long‑Distance Piano Moving Timeline – Regina to Anywhere
When your piano travels beyond the Regina area, the timeline shifts from hours to days. Here are estimates for common routes:
| Destination | Estimated Time |
| Saskatoon | 1–2 days |
| Winnipeg | 2–3 days |
| Calgary | 3–4 days |
| Vancouver | 5–7 days |
These estimates include:
- Packing and loading (1 day)
- Travel time (varies by distance)
- Unloading and placement (1 day)
- Climate‑controlled transport for sensitive instruments
For long‑distance moves, we provide a clear schedule during the planning phase so you know when to expect delivery.
Piano relocation timeline Regina depends on distance.
Step‑by‑Step: What Happens in Each Hour
To give you a clearer picture, let’s walk through a typical 2‑hour upright piano move on the ground floor.
Hour 1: Arrival & Preparation (0–60 minutes)
- 0–15 min: Crew arrives, meets you, reviews the plan, and lays down floor runners and door jamb protectors.
- 15–30 min: The piano is wrapped in professional‑grade blankets and secured with straps. The lid is locked or strapped closed.
- 30–45 min: A piano dolly is positioned under the instrument using a controlled tilt. The piano is rolled to the truck.
- 45–60 min: The piano is loaded into the truck and strapped securely to the wall.
Hour 2: Transport, Unloading & Placement (60–120 minutes)
- 60–70 min: Travel to the new location (assuming a local move).
- 70–90 min: The piano is unloaded and moved into the new home.
- 90–105 min: Blankets are removed, and the piano is placed exactly where you want it.
- 105–120 min: Final walkthrough with you to confirm everything is perfect, and you sign off.
For a grand piano, add an extra hour (or more) for leg removal, skid board setup, and the additional coordination required by a larger crew.
Piano moving step by step – a clear timeline.
Plan Your Piano Move with Confidence – Get a Timeline & Quote
Knowing how long your piano move will take helps you coordinate the rest of your moving day. With Regina Moving, you get accurate timelines, transparent pricing, and the peace of mind that comes from a zero‑claim record.
Schedule your free, no‑obligation in‑home assessment today.
[Get Your Free Piano Moving Quote]
Frequently Asked Questions About Piano Moving Duration
How long does it take to move an upright piano locally?
1–2 hours for ground floor; add 30–60 minutes if stairs are involved. Larger uprights (over 500 lbs) may lean toward the higher end.
How long does it take to move a grand piano?
2–4 hours for local moves, depending on size, stairs, and access. Concert grands can take longer.
Does moving a piano yourself take longer?
Yes – often 2–3 times longer due to lack of experience, inadequate equipment, and the need for multiple breaks. What professionals do in 2 hours can take friends all day.
How long should I book the elevator for?
At least 2–3 hours for uprights, 3–4 hours for grands. This allows time for wrapping, moving, and any unexpected delays.
Can Regina Moving provide a precise time estimate?
Yes. During the free in‑home assessment, we give you a clear timeline based on your piano, stairs, and access. We update you if anything changes.
