Choose a mover for the instrument and the route
Contact a specialist about moving an acoustic piano, including a short move within a building. A piano’s size and the route both matter. Do not assume a general furniture booking includes piano handling. Steinway’s moving advice recommends using a professional piano mover.
Search for piano movers and ask whether they handle your type of instrument and both locations. For a grand piano, ask about grand piano moving. Stairs, a balcony or a tight turn may require a difficult-access specialist to assess the route.
The directory helps you find and contact providers. Confirm their availability, experience and proposed arrangements directly; the presence of a category does not mean there is a local provider for every move.
Details to send when requesting a quote
- Instrument: upright, grand, digital or another type; brand, model and dimensions if known.
- Collection and delivery: the general locations, preferred dates and any fixed handover times.
- Access: floors, stairs, tight turns, doorways, lifts, long paths and parking at each end.
- Building rules: delivery hours, lift bookings, loading access and required permissions.
- Extra work: packing, storage, additional stops or specialist access that may be needed.
- Included items: stool, pedals, stand, cover or other pieces travelling with the piano.
Provide photos of the piano and the route when requested. Describe each end separately: an easy collection does not establish that delivery will be easy. If you cannot measure something reliably, ask the mover to assess it rather than guessing.
What affects the moving price?
Ask how the quote accounts for the piano type, distance, crew, access, equipment, packing and timing. Storage, a second visit or difficult access may change the scope. There is no single reliable moving price for every instrument and address.
Compare written quotes for the same job. Check whether taxes, stairs, waiting time, parking and any special arrangements are included. Ask what would trigger an extra charge and how it would be agreed before work proceeds.
A free or inexpensive piano can still involve substantial collection and preparation. If you are considering a purchase, review the used piano buying checklist and obtain the moving quote before committing.
Agree responsibility and check the booking
Confirm who is booking and paying, who will be present, and the contact person at each address. Check the collection and delivery windows with the seller and mover. Ask what happens if the route is unsuitable, the piano is unavailable or the date changes.
Ask the mover to explain their damage reporting process and applicable cover, including any limits or exclusions. Request the details in writing and raise questions before booking. Keep a record of the piano’s visible condition and included items before handover.
For storage or an international journey, ask about the complete route and who is responsible at each stage. You can look for piano storage or international piano shipping specialists. Obtain advice for the particular instrument and destination.
Prepare the room and plan the follow-up
Agree the intended position before arrival and keep the access route clear. Follow the mover’s instructions about preparing the instrument and any detachable accessories. Leave lifting, dismantling and specialist equipment to the people booked for that work.
At handover, check the piano and included items with the responsible person and report concerns promptly through the agreed process. Keep the booking details and any condition records together.
For an acoustic piano, ask a technician when to assess tuning and other servicing after delivery. Our guide to piano tuning and repairs explains the options. If you are selling, add helpful access information to your piano advert so buyers can plan collection earlier.
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