There’s no denying that pianos are big, heavy, and fragile. If you own a piano, it may be one of the most expensive items you own.

If you need to move your piano, it’s important to do it carefully. Whether you’re moving your piano to a new room or are planning a long-distance move, the goal is to avoid damage to the piano, your home, and yourself. Moving a piano yourself can be dangerous without the right experience, proper equipment, and enough helpers.

Luckily, professional piano movers exist for a reason and can help you safely move your piano. These pros are able to move delicate instruments up or down stairs and through narrow passageways. They have special, professional equipment dedicated to moving pianos. And since it takes four people to move a piano, they’ll have enough movers on hand to do the job.

Some general moving companies may not be able to move your piano. This could be due to a lack of experience or knowledge of properly handling pianos. They may also deny your request to move your piano due to the liability of moving a large, expensive item.

When hiring a moving company to help you, ask if they move pianos. If they don’t, seek a specialized moving company to help you move it.

According to Forbes, the national average cost of moving a piano is $400; however, depending on the piano size and how far you’re moving it, prices can range from $150 to $5,000. The cost of your move may also vary depending on whether you’re moving an upright or a grand piano.

If you tip your piano movers, which is common, this will be an additional cost to consider. If you’re wondering how much to tip your movers, research the average tip amount in your area depending on how far your piano was moved and how long the move took.

When hiring a piano mover, get quotes from at least three moving companies. Remember, the lowest-priced quote may not always be the best option. Consider the companies’ timelines, moving processes, years of experience, how they communicate with you, and more.

Be sure to ask your movers about their insurance. Does the moving company have an insurance policy? Determine the amount of coverage the company’s insurance would provide if your piano sustained damage during the move.

To find a piano mover with ethical business practices, look for BBB Accredited ones. BBB Accredited Businesses undergo vetting against the BBB’s Standards for Trust. Finding someone you can count on when moving such a large and expensive item is important.

After safely moving your piano to its new location, you may want to get it tuned. Search for BBB Accredited piano tuners on BBB.org.

For more tips and resources to help you with your move, visit BBB’s Moving HQ. Know the warning signs of common moving scams, and watch out for piano scams.