Pianos are heavy, awkward and sentimental. An upright is 200–300 kg; a grand can be 400+. The wrong lift damages the instrument, the floor and usually a back. This is not a job for two friends and an estate car.
What a proper piano move involves
- Site visit or photos beforehand – we need to see access at both ends
- A four-wheel piano dolly and proper straps
- Two to four trained movers depending on the instrument and the stairs
- Protective covers and corner guards
- Goods-in-transit and public liability insurance
Uprights vs grands
Uprights move on a dolly upright with straps. Grands come apart – legs and pedal lyre off, body on its side on a skid board. Done properly, neither needs retuning beyond the normal post-move settle.
What to ask before you book
How many piano moves have you done in the last year? What's your insured value? Will you do a site visit? Vague answers mean walk away.