With the help of friends and rellies, you are going to move this beautiful and expensive instrument which incidentally has 10,000+ moving parts that are all finely synchronised and produce the most exquisite sounds. Then you possibly end up wondering why the soundboard is cracked or why it won’t keep its tuning any longer.

Okay your choice, but firstly just enquire about the cost to have it moved for you. Check out our blog https://www.austate.com.au/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-move-a-piano as it has a lot of good information and some basic costs in moving a piano.

Variables that impact the price of your piano move:
  • Weight and size of piano
  • Accessibility and especially stairs, lifts, docks or other obstacles to be overcome
  • Distance of travel to the new location. If you are wanting to move long distance read our blog https://www.austate.com.au/blog/how-to-move-a-piano-long-distance
  • Closeness to both locations for mover’s truck
  • Time of year (Holiday times are usually more costly)
  • Insurance cover provided
  • It is preferable to get an all-up quote so that you are aware of the cost to you rather than hourly rate or incurring additional costs for maybe degree-of-difficulty or other factors
Stages of a piano move
  • The Preparation Phase
    • This is were you will need to enlist help
    • Assess where and how you are going to move the piano such as are there steps or hazards
    • Measure doorways and paths and clear them of obstacles
    • Ensure the intended path is strong enough to take the extra weight. Eg stairs.
  • Do the piano wrap
    • If the piano is a grand or baby grand remove the legs and wrap them in a furniture blanket
    • The piano is then lowered onto the long side preferably onto a well-padded piano board and secured with furniture straps to the board
    • Pad and secure the lid of the piano for in transit
    • Keep the piano well-padded throughout the process of securing to the board
    • The piano now being vertical can be moved slowly through doorways
    • Don’t forget to wrap and carry the piano stool also
  • On with the move
    • Don’t drop the piano as this can be disastrous for the instrument.
    • Take your time walking the piano through both locations. Don’t hurry and remember safety first
    • Ensure the piano once removed from the old location is placed in the truck against the back centre of the truck pantech and securely strapped in place.
    • Ensure it is also fully covered in furniture blankets to avoid damage to the housing and other accessories.
    • Ensure that you minimise severe bumps or movement in transit in the truck.
  • After the move
    • Make sure that the piano is retuned about a month after the move.
    • Use mothballs throughout the piano to discourage insects and ensure that you replace them regularly.
    • Choose carefully where you intend to relocate your piano; for instance, not close to outside walls or in direct breezeways.
    • Monitor temperature and humidity levels for a time after the move.
    • Ensure the piano is not in direct sunlight or breeze.

And remember safety first! And for a more in-depth guide tips and cost breakdown visit the full blog at https://www.austate.com.au/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-move-a-piano