How to Get Rid of an Old Piano (Without Breaking Your Back)

Letting go of a piano isn’t easy. Whether it once filled your home with music or sat quietly as a piece of furniture, parting with it can feel overwhelming. Not only are pianos large and heavy, but they’re also one of the most challenging items to remove responsibly.

Most curbside services won’t accept them, and figuring out what to do with a used piano takes more than a quick search. From baby grands to old uprights, each instrument needs a plan.

If you’re looking for simple, eco-friendly, or donation-based ways to clear out an unwanted piano, you’re in the right place.

There’s more than one smart way to handle it, and HaulBuddy can help make the whole process easier than you think. Keep reading to discover how.

Final Checklist Before Getting Rid of a Piano

Before saying goodbye to your old piano, take a few simple steps to ensure the process goes smoothly. Whether you plan to donate, sell, or arrange for piano removal services, these checks will help you avoid last-minute surprises.

Things to Do Before Piano Removal:

• Check its condition: Is it playable, tunable, or just decorative? This helps determine its value and whether donation is a good idea.

• Look for damage: Note any cracked wood, broken keys, or pedal issues. An old upright piano in poor shape may not be accepted by donation programs.

• Gather the details: Find the serial number and repair history if available. This can help piano dealers or music programs assess its worth.

• Measure your space: Take measurements of doorways, stairwells, and hallways to make sure the piano can be removed safely.

• Remove valuables: Take out sheet music, pedals, and the bench before moving day.

• Check local rules: Some cities require advance notice or permits for large-item disposal or pickups.

Following this checklist helps you stay organized and ensures your piano finds the right next home — whether that’s a community center, school, or recycling service through HaulBuddy.

6 Ways to Get Rid of an Old Piano

1. Donate the Piano If It’s in Working Condition

If your old piano still holds a decent tone and the keys respond well, consider donating it. Even if it’s not valuable to a professional pianist, it could be a perfect fit for a school music room or a community center in need of instruments.

Organizations that support music education, like local churches, youth programs, or even smaller music nonprofits, often welcome pianos that are in playable condition.

Before reaching out, take time to inspect the instrument. A piano that can hold a tune and has no serious structural damage is more likely to be accepted. If tuning isn’t possible or the pedals don’t function, it may not meet donation criteria.

Keep in mind that many donation centers and schools may not have the staff or equipment to move a large upright piano or baby grand. Always call ahead to ask if they can accept it and what their donation requirements are.

Websites like PianosForEducation.org and the Beethoven Foundation help connect donors with programs that accept piano donations. You can also explore local Facebook Marketplace groups or community boards to find individuals or music programs looking for a used piano.

If your donation is accepted, HaulBuddy can take the stress out of transporting the instrument. Our team handles the pickup and delivery, ensuring your piano arrives safely at its new home.

It’s a convenient, hands-free way to support your community and give your musical instrument a second life.

2. List It for Free in Local Online Marketplaces

If your piano is no longer needed but still too good to toss, local online marketplaces can be your quickest route to finding it a new home. Many people search these platforms not just for deals but for free finds they can restore, repurpose, or use for parts.

Websites like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, and Nextdoor let you create listings for free items with minimal effort. When creating your post, be honest about the piano’s condition.

Mention whether it plays, if any keys are damaged, or if it's better suited for decoration than performance. Including clear photos and the serial number can help potential takers determine the value or potential for repair.

Use attention-grabbing titles such as “Free piano must pick up” or “Used upright piano available — good condition” to reach the right audience. Hobbyists, DIY restorers, or local music students may be willing to haul it away quickly, especially if it's a baby grand or upright piano with usable parts.

To avoid any misunderstandings, make sure to mention upfront if they’ll need to bring a truck, movers, or specialized equipment. You’ll also want to confirm pickup details in advance, especially if the piano is near your front door or requires maneuvering through stairs.

Safety should always come first. Arrange contactless pickup if possible, or only coordinate with verified users or trusted neighbors through community platforms.

While this option may not earn you money, it often helps you get rid of an old piano faster than expected and gives someone else the chance to enjoy or revive your musical instrument.

3. Repurpose or Upcycle It

When your piano is beyond tuning or resale, tossing it shouldn’t be the first option. After all, a piano isn’t just an instrument — it’s a piece of craftsmanship that deserves more than the junk pile. That’s where repurposing comes in.

Many old pianos, especially upright ones or baby grands with damaged interiors, can be reimagined into something entirely new. Think bookshelves tucked inside the body, garden planters in place of the keys, or even stylish bars made from the original frame.

These aren’t just fun projects — they’re functional, eye-catching pieces of furniture that hold sentimental value.

If you’re not a DIY pro, consider reaching out to someone who is. Local artists, furniture makers, or creative hobbyists often look for old furniture and musical instruments to upcycle. With a bit of vision, your piano can become the centerpiece of a home just in a different form.

Need inspiration? A quick search online or a scroll through Pinterest will show you how repurposed pianos have become everything from bathroom vanities to coffee stations.

If you love the idea of keeping your instrument close without needing to play it, upcycling might just be the perfect fit.

4. Call a Piano Removal or Junk Removal Service

When the idea of lifting a 600-pound upright piano makes your back hurt just thinking about it, it’s time to call in the pros. Pianos aren’t just heavy; they’re awkward, fragile, and often wedged into tight corners or stairwells. Without the right equipment, moving one can easily lead to injury or property damage.

That’s why many people turn to junk removal companies or professional piano movers who know how to handle the job safely. Junk removal services will haul away your unwanted piano, but it comes at a cost.

Depending on the piano’s size and location in your home, removal and disposal fees can range from $200 to $600. And unlike donation routes, these services don’t offer a tax deduction.

The upside? Many removal services will break down the instrument on-site, recycling usable parts like the wood casing, metal strings, and cast-iron components. This ensures your old piano doesn’t end up in a landfill unnecessarily.

If you’re looking for a more thoughtful and affordable alternative, HaulBuddy can help.

We specialize in piano removal services and make sure each instrument is either donated to local community centers or responsibly recycled. You won’t need to rent a truck, coordinate movers, or figure out what to do with the parts — we manage the whole process for you, from pickup to drop-off.

5. Recycle or Dispose of an Unusable Piano Responsibly

Some pianos reach a point where there’s no sound left to save and no second life waiting in a music room. If your old upright piano is cracked, unplayable, or filled with warped components, recycling is often the most respectful way to let it go.

Inside every piano are valuable materials — dense hardwood, cast iron, and metal wires — all of which can be separated and reused. A digital piano may also contain electronics worth salvaging.

But not every recycling center accepts full instruments, so it’s important to check in advance. Some facilities may ask you to remove the keys, strings, or pedals first before drop-off.

Dumping an instrument this size at the curb isn’t just frowned upon — in many places, it’s illegal. If disassembly feels out of reach or you're unsure where to start, using a piano removal service ensures safe, city-compliant disposal without the heavy lifting.

HaulBuddy offers this kind of support, making it easy to remove your piano while maximizing what can be reused or recycled. It’s a smart option when donation isn’t possible but responsible disposal still matters.

6. Give It to Someone in Your Community

Sometimes the best place for a piano isn’t far away. If your instrument still plays and holds a tune, someone nearby might be hoping for exactly what you’re ready to part with. Instead of letting it gather dust, consider passing it on to a student, a local family, or a small church in need of a musical instrument.

Many people in your neighborhood may love to learn music but simply can’t afford a piano. Sharing yours can open the door for someone else’s musical journey whether it’s a child just starting lessons or a piano teacher running a small studio from home.

Even local university groups or community centers may accept working instruments, especially if they’re offered at no cost.

To make the gesture even more meaningful, you can pair your gift with a pickup and drop-off service. HaulBuddy can handle the piano moving, making sure it reaches its new home without stress or risk of damage.

Giving your used piano to someone in your circle isn’t just about clearing space — it’s a chance to pass along the music.

Let HaulBuddy Handle Your Piano Pickup and Removal

Getting rid of an old piano isn’t as simple as dragging it to the curb. It’s a major task — one that requires planning, muscle, and the right tools. But with the right support, it doesn’t have to feel like a burden.

Whether your piano is still in good condition or long past its prime, there’s always a responsible way to move forward. From donating it to a local music program to recycling its parts or simply clearing space in your home, every option honors the value your instrument once brought.

HaulBuddy makes it easy to take the next step. Our experienced team handles the full piano removal process — from careful lifting to final drop-off — whether that means delivering it to a community center or hauling it away for recycling. No stress. No strain.

Ready to say goodbye to your piano the right way?

Book your pickup now at HaulBuddy.com or get started with a quote at HaulBuddy Booking Page. We’ll do the heavy lifting so you don’t have to.