Top 3 Piano Moving Companies in San Francisco, CA

At MovingWaldo, we dedicated the recent years to actively comparing moving services based on rigorous criteria and thorough verifications. In the last year, our platform helped many Americans discover highly recommended residential movers in San Francisco, CA. You can trust that the companies listed on this page are experienced, licensed, and insured. They can move your piano safely and securely into your new home.

How are moving companies selected?

MovingWaldo's List of The 3 Best Piano Movers that you can trust in San Francisco, CA

These reviews are not sponsored, we independently reviewed all the companies we recommend. Clicking on a link may earn us a commission. Learn more.

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Rockstar Pro Movers

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Accreditations

Pricing

Available on demand

Verified Credentials

  • 10 years of experience 
  • USDOT: 2774464
  • MC Number: 1104857
  • MTR: 0191955
  • BBB Rating: A+
  • BIPD coverage: Unavailable
  • Insurance coverage details available upon request.

Services offered

  • Local and long-distance moves 
  • Commercial and office moves
  • Packing and unpacking
  • Storage
  • Special item moves 
  • Junk removal

Why Rockstar Pro Movers is recommended by our expert

Rockstar Pro Movers, a family-owned business, prioritizes treating customers like rock stars while ensuring the safety of their belongings. Although they are on the higher price point, it’s definitely worth it as their professional movers use top-tier packing techniques and moving supplies and operate a fleet of dozens of well-equipped trucks for stress-free moving. They even offer a “Move Now and Pay Later” option to ease the financial burden of moving.

The company excels in moving heavy items, especially gym equipment, and provides home staging and furniture rearrangement services. Additionally, they offer secure storage services with climate control and 24-hour CCTV surveillance including student discounts to fit various budgets.

Local office

1131 Mason Ct #E, San Francisco, CA 94130

The company has been a MovingWaldo network partner since 2022

Dependable Movers SF

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Accreditations

Pricing

  • Hourly price starting at $139 / hr for 2 movers after 3 hours minimum
  • Double drive time charge: Yes
  • Truck fee: No

Verified Credentials

  • 5 years of experience 
  • USDOT: 3098516
  • MC Number: Unavailable
  • MTR: 0191786
  • BBB Rating: A+
  • BIPD coverage: $750,000
  • Basic insurance of $0.60 per pound protection. Company offers additional coverage up to $10 per pound.

Services offered

  • Local and long-distance moves 
  • Commercial and office moves
  • Packing and unpacking
  • Storage
  • White glove services

Why Dependable Movers SF is recommended by our expert

Dependable Movers, a locally owned moving company with locations in San Francisco, Walnut Creek, and San Rafael, position themselves as experts across the Bay Area. Committed to understanding their clients’ needs, they prioritize quality control at every stage of the move, ensuring a stress-free moving experience.

Specializing in white-glove moves and the handling of fragile items, bulky furniture, antiques, and pianos, their team of thirty skilled and experienced movers is trained in effective packing techniques for items of any size. Additionally, for added peace of mind, they offer additional insurance coverage up to $10 per pound.

Local office

425 Avenue M, San Francisco, CA 94130, United States

Pure Moving

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Get a Quote

Accreditations

Pricing

Available on demand

Verified Credentials

Available on demand

Services offered

  • Local moving and long-distance moving
  • Commercial and office moves
  • Packing and unpacking
  • Storage
  • Special item moves

Why Pure Moving is recommended by our expert

Pure Moving has established itself as a leader in local and long-distance moving and storage services across Los Angeles, Orange County, and the San Francisco Bay region. Specializing in moving heavy objects, notably pianos, they maintain an in-house team and fleet of trucks for top-quality service. 

With glowing reviews on Angie’s List , Yelp and Google, they successfully move 5,000 clients annually, offering customized plans and dedicated coordinators. Their careful handling includes free wrapping with protective materials. Weekend scheduling and free estimates are available, with a 7% cash discount, all aimed at ensuring a calm and stress-free moving experience.

Local office

401 Terry A Francois Blvd #110, San Francisco, CA 94158, United States
Featured in this article

Conclusion

In San Francisco, CA, you can find numerous piano movers who specialize in safely transporting your instrument to your new property. When selecting from the pool of piano movers available in San Francisco, CA, it is crucial to consider not only their rates and prices but also their experience and expertise in securely crating, transporting, and protecting your valuable piano. Rest assured, the movers listed above possess the necessary skills and knowledge to handle these tasks with utmost care and proficiency.

Accreditations

BBB

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a non-profit organization that collects and evaluates data from various industries, including the moving industry. By analyzing customer complaints, reviews, and ratings, the BBB provides valuable insights for individuals looking for a moving company.

These ratings act as a roadmap, assisting individuals in making informed choices when selecting a moving service. Along with delivering clear-cut reviews, the BBB also offers dispute resolution services designed specifically for the moving industry, promoting trust and transparency in the market for both customers and movers.

Waldo Verified Preliminary Verification

To become Waldo Verified, a company must first pass a preliminary verification process. Waldo Verified is a verification process for moving companies that ensures they meet certain standards of professionalism and trustworthiness. 

At a minimum, moving companies on MovingWaldo must complete a preliminary verification process, considering key factors including accreditations, reviews, years of experience, professionalism, and a positive online presence.

ATA-MSC ProMover Certification

The American Trucking Associations (ATA), with a 90-year history, serves as the voice of the entire U.S. freight industry through its nationwide representation across all 50 states.

ProMover accreditation is granted by ATA to moving companies after a thorough background investigation, including operations and prior work. These businesses commit to following the ATA’s Code of Ethics and ethical business practices. ATA-MSC ProMover Certified companies undergo an annual evaluation to ensure ongoing adherence to program requirements.

USMA

The United States Movers Association (USMA) is a national trade association that represents carriers and agents in the household goods moving industry, including moving companies that uphold high standards of customer service. 

Members of the USMA endeavor to provide competitive pricing and take exceptional care of their clients’ possessions.

Verified Credentials

USDOT Number

The USDOT number, issued by the FMCSA, acts like a unique identifier for a moving company’s vehicle safety data. This number is crucial because it helps check if the company follows the rules of the road for both commercial and private vehicles. It’s used to monitor how well they stick to these rules by doing audits, investigating crashes, and carrying out inspections.

This number is mandatory for any moving company operating on public roads, whether they’re transporting goods within a state or across state lines.

Each commercial vehicle needs to first be registered before getting its own USDOT number. While some companies opt to consolidate their fleet under a single USDOT number, others may have multiple numbers for individual vehicles.

MC Number

An MC Number, or ‘motor carrier’ identifier, is an identification issued by the FMCSA. Alongside the mandatory USDOT number, the MC Number is essential for moving companies engaged in interstate commerce, especially when transporting federally regulated commodities.

MX Number

An MX number is a registration ID for motor carriers owned or controlled by a Mexican citizen or someone based in Mexico, or for motor carriers operating between the U.S. and Mexico. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issues MX numbers to ensure movers adhere to regulations and maintain safety standards during transportation.

BIPD coverage

Bodily Injury and Property Damage (BIPD) coverage is an indispensable requirement for moving companies. It’s a legal imperative, ensuring movers can bear financial responsibility in incidents involving injury or property damage. 

This insurance encompasses medical expenses and property damage for all affected parties, including bystanders and their belongings. Across states, there’s a usual minimum mandate of $750,000 for BIPD coverage for moving businesses.

Frequently asked questions

  • What accreditations should you look for in a moving company

    BBB

    The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a non-profit organization that collects and evaluates data from various industries, including the moving industry. By analyzing customer complaints, reviews, and ratings, the BBB provides valuable insights for individuals looking for a moving company.

    These ratings act as a roadmap, assisting individuals in making informed choices when selecting a moving service. Along with delivering clear-cut reviews, the BBB also offers dispute resolution services designed specifically for the moving industry, promoting trust and transparency in the market for both customers and movers.

    Waldo Verified Preliminary Verification

    To become Waldo Verified, a company must first pass a preliminary verification process. Waldo Verified is a verification process for moving companies that ensures they meet certain standards of professionalism and trustworthiness. 

    At a minimum, moving companies on MovingWaldo must complete a preliminary verification process, considering key factors including accreditations, reviews, years of experience, professionalism, and a positive online presence.

    ATA-MSC ProMover Certification

    The American Trucking Associations (ATA), with a 90-year history, serves as the voice of the entire U.S. freight industry through its nationwide representation across all 50 states.

    ProMover accreditation is granted by ATA to moving companies after a thorough background investigation, including operations and prior work. These businesses commit to following the ATA's Code of Ethics and ethical business practices. ATA-MSC ProMover Certified companies undergo an annual evaluation to ensure ongoing adherence to program requirements.

    USMA

    The United States Movers Association (USMA) is a national trade association that represents carriers and agents in the household goods moving industry, including moving companies that uphold high standards of customer service. 

    Members of the USMA endeavor to provide competitive pricing and take exceptional care of their clients' possessions.

  • What are the credentials verified by MovingWaldo?

    All states

    USDOT Number

    The USDOT number, issued by the FMCSA, acts like a unique identifier for a moving company's vehicle safety data. This number is crucial because it helps check if the company follows the rules of the road for both commercial and private vehicles. It's used to monitor how well they stick to these rules by doing audits, investigating crashes, and carrying out inspections.

    This number is mandatory for any moving company operating on public roads, whether they're transporting goods within a state or across state lines.

    Each commercial vehicle needs to first be registered before getting its own USDOT number. While some companies opt to consolidate their fleet under a single USDOT number, others may have multiple numbers for individual vehicles.

    MC Number

    An MC Number, or 'motor carrier' identifier, is an identification issued by the FMCSA. Alongside the mandatory USDOT number, the MC Number is essential for moving companies engaged in interstate commerce, especially when transporting federally regulated commodities.

    MX Number

    An MX number is a registration ID for motor carriers owned or controlled by a Mexican citizen or someone based in Mexico, or for motor carriers operating between the U.S. and Mexico. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issues MX numbers to ensure movers adhere to regulations and maintain safety standards during transportation.

    BIPD coverage

    Bodily Injury and Property Damage (BIPD) coverage is an indispensable requirement for moving companies. It's a legal imperative, ensuring movers can bear financial responsibility in incidents involving injury or property damage. 

    This insurance encompasses medical expenses and property damage for all affected parties, including bystanders and their belongings. Across states, there's a usual minimum mandate of $750,000 for BIPD coverage for moving businesses.

    California:

    MTR Number

    The MTR Number, also known as CAL-T Number or CPUC Permit Number, serves as a distinct identifier for property motor carriers. For intrastate carriers in California handling household goods and passengers, an active CPUC permit issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is mandatory.

    This designation needs to be visibly displayed on the power unit and incurs a one-time fee. Additionally, carriers must annually submit an equipment list and proof of insurance to maintain compliance.

    Ohio

    PUCO Number

    Moving companies operating in Ohio must obtain a PUCO number to conduct intrastate business and comply with intrastate operating authority regulations.

    Movers registered with PUCO undergo checks to ensure they have liability insurance, properly registered vehicles with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and possess relevant licenses, such as a weight distance tax permit. 

    Florida

    FDACS Number

    In Florida, Chapter 507 of the Florida Statutes mandates that any business involved in intrastate moving of goods must register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). 

    Registration is compulsory for intrastate movers in addition to any local licenses, but it does not replace them. Intrastate movers and brokers need to renew their registration every two years.

    PBCCA (Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs) Number

    Palm Beach County mandates that all local household moving companies obtain a license, or "business permit," from the Consumer Affairs Division. Their license means that they meet the minimum requirements of the Palm Beach County Moving Ordinance. 

    Massachusetts

    MDPU Number

    A moving company that intends to move household items within Massachusetts must first obtain operating authority from the Department of Public Utilities (DPU). Once approved, they receive an operating number known among movers as MDPU.

    Every year, these moving companies are required to send the DPU updated insurance documents when they renew their license. They also need to update their pricing details by filing a new tariff whenever they change their rates or fees.

  • How will my piano be protected during the move?

    The piano will be protected throughout your move with the proper packing, handling techniques and specialized equipment from your professional movers. The movers will carefully wrap and secure your piano with specialized padding, blankets and protective materials that help keep your floors, walls and doors scratch-free. Furthermore, professional piano movers will use heavy-duty furniture dollies, piano boards and furniture straps to delicately deliver the piano to your new address.  Experienced piano movers have the knowledge and skills to handle pianos safely. They are trained in lifting techniques, balancing weight distribution, and navigating through doorways, stairs, and tight spaces. Note: You can prepare your space in advance by taking note of any narrow doorways, staircases or hallways. Make sure any furniture and rugs are out of the way along the path to the moving truck or container.
  • Do piano movers provide insurance coverage?

    Yes, professional piano moving companies typically provide insurance coverage as some types of pianos are worth over $7000. This insurance coverage is intended to protect your piano against potential damage or loss during the moving process. The specific details of the insurance coverage may vary between moving companies, some key points to insure yourself over damage for your piano may include:
    • Coverage limits: The insurance policy may have specific coverage limits which will determine the maximum amount the piano movers will pay for repairs, replacement or reimbursements. It's critical to understand these restrictions and make sure they are appropriate for the price of your piano.
    • Additional insurance: If you have a rare piano, you may consider asking for additional insurance coverage through a different insurance company.
  • Why is it a good idea to hire a professional piano mover?

    It is a good idea to hire a professional piano mover due to the following:
    1. Expertise and experience: Professional piano movers have specialized knowledge and experience in handling all types of pianos. Piano movers can also be certified by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) meaning they are authorized to operate as a motor carrier in the United States. 
    2. Safety: It is a good idea to hire a professional piano mover as there is a significant risk to your physical health, particularly, neck and back injuries, as moving such a heavy object can easily strain those areas. The moving company will have the required tools and training to handle the weight and type of piano. 
    3. Damage: You may be tempted to move the piano yourself with a few friends. However, we advise against this, as you can do a lot of visible and unseen damage to your piano when you DIY (do it yourself) a move. There is also a possibility of causing scratches or dents to your floor and walls while attempting to move a delicate instrument some weighing over 1000 pounds. Professional piano movers use specialized padding, straps, and equipment designed specifically for piano transportation to prevent scratches, dents, and other damages.
    Discover everything you need to know about moving a piano
  • How much does it cost to move a piano?

    Generally, the professional piano movers charge an hourly rate with a minimum number of hours (usually three hours). The cost varies depending on the location of the piano (ie. main floor or second floor) and where it's being transported too. It is important to remember that all professional piano movers have diverse pricing and processing therefore, we recommend communicating directly with the moving company about this inquiry. You can find the average costs of moving a piano with professional movers here:
    Type of move Average Cost (US dollars)
    Local move  $200 - $500
    Long distance move $400 - $1000
  • Will the cost of the move be dependent on the type of piano I own?

    As mentioned previously, all professional piano movers operate differently but as a general rule of thumb, yes the cost of the move is dependent on the type of piano. The cost of the move can vary depending on size and weight, accessibility, complexity of disassembly or reassembly, the distance and location as well as the fragility and value of your piano. For example, purchasing a brand new grand piano can cost anywhere from $7000 up to $200 000 so the cost of the move can be elevated.
  • How long will it take to move my piano?

    Moving a piano can generally range from approximately one to three hours. It is important to keep in mind, the duration required to move a piano depends on factors such as the type of piano, size, and accessibility. For example, if you are the owner of a baby grand piano, you will need at least five feet of space to accommodate the instrument.  As for an upright piano, it is recommended to have at least three people to effectively move the piano - two people for the heavy lifting and one person for guidance!

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Ann Nacario

The author

Meet Ann – our head writer with a knack for making moving and city living a breeze. From the many details of moving to picking the perfect moving company, she’s your guide. Ann has a friendly yet detailed approach to ensure your move goes off without a hitch. When she’s not writing about relocation, it will always be on her mind, but you’ll catch her spending time with her three furry friends.

Mathieu Paquette

The expert

Introducing Matt, our expert relocation specialist at MovingWaldo. With over 6 years of experience in the moving industry, coupled with a Tariff Certification accredited by Atlas Van Lines, Matt plays a central role in our wealth of moving expertise. His business background brings a unique perspective, enriching our wealth of moving knowledge and taking our services to a new level.

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