Are Piano Movers Worth it?
Mozart and Beethoven in their primes created magic with pianos of 66 keys and less. Today, the average piano has up to 88 keys. That’s not even the most interesting part! Did you know that your piano has more than 10000 moving parts? While this improvement on the piano gives you leverage to make better and more modern-sounding sounds, it makes your piano an even more delicate instrument to move around.
It’s a lot of work to move such a delicate and heavy instrument without damaging it, and quite frankly, improbable. DIY videos and guides don't help you with everything. It’s smarter and safer to call in a professional to help move your piano.
If you’re in need of one, let NearbyMovers help you with the profiles and contact information of the best hands around you.
Recommended Piano Movers
Below is a list of some reliable piano movers we recommend for you:
Pro Piano Movers
Pro Piano Movers are experts in the relocation of pianos and organs from coast to coast. The skilled technicians there can deal with anything from a spinet to a Bosendorfer 9'6" concert grand.
The company moves pianos majorly around these locations; Seattle, Kitsap Country, Puget Sound, Tacoma, Olympia, Everett, Bellingham and also across Washington. They coordinate piano moves across the country and piano crating services worldwide too.
Pro Piano Movers also have a climate-controlled piano warehouse to help store your piano.
Pros
- Nationwide shipping
- Excellent customer service
- Climate control warehouse
- Piano Crating
- On-site piano evaluation
Cons
No information regarding insurance
Duffy Piano Movers
The Duffy family has been in the piano moving business for four generations. They are experts in the transportation of pianos and organs.
Duffy Piano Movers are available for both business and household relocations. They guarantee dependable service at an affordable rate.
They're experienced and backed by insurance. If you live in the Tri-State area, the company can help you relocate your piano with minimal stress and maximum efficiency. They are also available for negotiable long-distance moves beyond the Tri-state area.
Pros
- Provide commercial and private moves
- Reasonable prices
- Guaranteed insurance
- Piano storage
Cons
- A limited region of operation
Modern Piano Moving
Modern Piano Moving company has a strong commitment to excellence and has been in the game for many years. Beginning with your first office contact, follow-up, and schedule, Modern Piano Moving is devoted to providing the highest level of customer satisfaction.
The company has an excellent track record of moving piano and organs and without any damage. Their rates are based on travel distance, manpower required to move your piano, and other additional information you provide them.
Pros
- Interstate traveling
- Piano storage facility
- Sufficient manpower
Cons
- No insurance
- Additional rates based on travel and hauling conditions
Two Men and a Truck
The moving company - Two Men and a Truck- operates more than 380 sites throughout the United States of America, Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. Although rates vary by area, on average, it is less expensive than many of its competitors. Besides the standard moving company services, they also provide packing and unpacking, storage, and express shipping.
Prices for Two Men and a Truck services are determined independently by each franchise. Other than location and season, these also impact relocation costs: travel time, driving time, home to loading/unloading places, and quantity of Staircases
Pros
- Local moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Storage facility
- Crating
Cons
No information about insurance
International Van Lines
International Van Lines is an American company that operates nationwide. The moving service doubles as both carrier and moving broker for local, interstate, and worldwide relocations. It remains one of the best choices for any relocation, thanks to its wide range of moving services, global accessibility, and top-notch customer service.
International Van Lines also offers the following services - assembly and disassembly of standard furniture, loading and unloading, and protection of furniture using padding, blankets, straps, and ties.
For an extra fee, IVL also provides full-value protection for transported items. For instance, you may protect your belongings during international relocation by purchasing marine insurance.
Pros
- Long-distance domestic moving
- International moving service across over 150 countries
- Ocean freight shipping
- Local and international auto transport
Cons
No information regarding the storage facility
How Much Does It Cost to Move the Piano?
Pricing for local moves (within around 30 miles) may range from $100-$300, while long-distance moves can cost $300-$1000. Staircases and small spaces provide additional obstacles for piano movers and may result in an increase in the final cost.
The size of the piano also matters a lot. Of course, a 9-foot grand piano will cost more than a 5-foot upright piano.
How Can I Find Piano Movers Near Me?
Finding a piano moving company is as simple as doing an online search or consulting a local business directory. However, it is not always easy to do these activities because of the time and effort they require. Fortunately, you can count on NearbyMovers to assist you with your relocation. We'll make it easier for you to choose a dependable piano mover.
Connect with NearbyMovers and we'll put you in touch with a trusted piano moving company in your area that has an excellent reputation and lots of happy customers. You can easily get a free estimate by calling us on this line: (888) 217-1969.
To get a list of local movers, you need just input your zip code, city, or state into the search directory. From there, you can compare the prices, customer ratings, and services of several local moving companies.
What Should I Look for When Hiring a Piano Mover?
There are a few key things to look out for when hiring a piano mover. Some of them include;
Experience
A reputable piano mover won't have just begun working with pianos the day before. Due to the fragility, cost, and emotional attachment you may have with your piano, it’s best to trust its shipment to the most reliable service. A team that makes its living transporting pianos is the most reliable option.
Insurance
When planning a move, it's best to hire a local moving company that has appropriate insurance to cover any valuables you're transporting. That way, you can be sure you are covered even if your piano gets damaged in transit.
Equipment
When moving heavy furniture, you’ll need more than just physical strength. There’s only so much you can do with your human strength. You need reliable equipment to help you lift the heavy stuff. Respectable movers know that investing in quality equipment will not only make their jobs simpler but will also reduce injury risks and increase productivity.
Top Tips for Piano Moving
If you wish to move your piano by yourself, below are a few tips that might be of help to you.
To Prevent Keyboard Damage
When preparing to move a piano, the first thing to do is to shut and lock the keyboard lid. Your piano is more secured when closed this way. The keys are fragile and so, you should be protected at all costs.
Cover the Piano
Wrap the piano with the blankets or padding. Ensure the corners are secured and fasten the blanket using packing tape. Don't let the tape touch the piano's surface.
Get the Proper Equipment
Straps with a higher breaking strength should be rented or bought to ensure the piano’s safety in transit. A heavy-duty furniture dolly can also come in handy during the piano's transfer. The piano may be secured on the dolly and in the moving vehicle using straps.
Picking Up the Piano
Do not raise the piano by its legs while moving it into place, whether onto a furniture dolly, onto a vehicle, or in a different room in the home. The legs are particularly prone to damage. The piano should also be kept in an upright position. It's not good for the internal mechanisms if you lay it on its side.
Get it tuned up
When a piano is relocated, it requires retuning. Even while pianos weigh a lot and seem sturdy, their delicate inner workings are often damaged by even the slightest bumps or vibrations. A skilled tuner can restore its original sound quality.
FAQs:
What information do I need before contacting a piano mover?
Sharing as much information as you can with the piano movers can help them transport your piano safely and efficiently. In addition to the standard questions about the piano's dimensions, make, and destination, it's helpful to have a conversation about the space it now occupies.
How much do you tip piano movers?
Many companies that specialize in transporting pianos make it clear that tips are not required and are left totally up to the discretion of the client. But if you were pleased with the movers' attention to detail and overall service, a gratuity of $20 to $40 might be appropriate.