Piano moving costs

Cost Of Moving A Piano

If you plan to move your piano, you should ensure that it is moved effectively and safely. A piano costs a lot of money to buy or repair if it gets damaged. As a result, you should not risk having it transported by amateurs. You need to plan well in advance to ensure that the piano move is done correctly at an affordable budget. Understanding how to handle the instrument from the packing to the returning stage is critical for a smooth and seamless move.

There are several factors that you need to put into consideration in the moving process. Cost is one of the most critical factors to think about. You should set a budget to cater for the move from the start to the end. So, what is the cost to move a piano in Sydney? Well, this is what this article helps you understand, so read on to find out.

Requirements For Moving A Piano Correctly

You probably paid a lot for your piano, so you should ensure that it is moved safely. Make sure that it is well-secured during the move to avoid damages. Note that the piano might be fragile, awkwardly shaped, and heavy. So, you need excellent skills and knowledge to have it moved in the right way. Here are some valuable tips on how to move your piano.

Measure the Piano's Dimensions

You should obtain the correct measurements of the piano and the path you will need to move it. Obtain measurements of the hallways, staircases, and doorways. You also need the proper measurements of the new space where you will place it. This ensures that it fits in the new space seamlessly.

Whether you move the piano yourself or hire a piano removal company in Sydney, first ensure that you remove all decorations and other obstructions for an easier and safer move. This helps reduce the risks involved and allows more efficiency as you move your instrument.

Have the Right Piano Moving Equipment

For a safe and efficient piano moving process, you need to have the right equipment. Some of the equipment you need include dolly straps, work gloves, heavy-duty tape, moving straps, moving pads/blankets, and a ramp. You can either buy these essentials or borrow from others who have moved their pianos before. When hiring a mover to help you out, you should ensure that they use state-of-the-art moving equipment to guarantee your piano's wellbeing and safety.

Protect the Piano from Damage

It is good to protect the piano before moving to avoid damages. You need to determine the type of piano you have to know the best way to protect it. You could either have an upright or grand piano. Either way, both of them require high-level protection. You can disassemble the pedals and legs of your grand piano. On the other hand, you do not have to disassemble an upright piano.

You also need to put the lid down over the keyboard. Then, lock it into place, and if it does not have a lock, you should wrap the lid to ensure that it is closed shut. Never use tape because if the piano gets into direct contact with the tape, it can damage it. Moreover, ensure that you use thick paddings and blankets to wrap the piano. This helps protect it from any dents, bumps, and scratches.

Keep the Piano Upright

When you wrap the piano in the right way, you can now move it to the dolly.  You should move your piano in an upright position. For a stress-free process, hire the best removalists to help you in the process. You should ensure that you explain to your mover where you want the piano to be transported.

This helps ensure that you have a smooth and seamless piano move. Be sure that you are involved from the start to the end of the piano moving process.

Factors That Determine Piano Moving Costs

The costs to move your piano will be determined by several factors. Thus, as you plan your budget, it is advisable to consider all these factors to determine the average price the process will cost you from the start to the end. With the complexity and value of pianos, it is always advisable to bring in a professional hand in the process.

With a professional piano removalist, you can be sure that they will use the correct procedures, moving cars, and other piano transport methods to secure it from damages and other harms. Here are a few of the factors that determine the cost of moving your piano:

Weight and Size

The weight and size of your piano will highly determine the cost you incur. It is more challenging to move a heavy and oversized piano compared to a smaller one. It also takes more time and a larger workforce to lift and move a grand piano compared to a small upright piano.

Moving a heavy piano also requires you to use more complex equipment and more movers. Note that an upright piano is lighter and smaller than a grand piano. A baby grand piano will also cost you more than an upright piano. So, as you plan to move the piano, consider the size in order to allocate the right amount.

Moving Distance

The distance you want to move the piano will also determine the amount you pay. Piano movers usually use vehicles with highly specialised equipment such as multiple rings, ramps, hydraulic lifts, and clips that help protect the piano during the moving process. The longer the distance you want to move the piano, the higher the amount you pay.

Most piano movers in Sydney usually charge a base rate and then add the miles travelled to their charges. It is also worth noting that you will also be charged depending on the terrain of the route travelled. You might discover that you end up having to pay more for a shorter distance if the terrain is rough or if there is high traffic. On the other hand, you might pay a lesser amount if the terrain is smooth and there's no traffic.

Piano Storage

If you need storage services for your piano, you can expect to pay a higher amount. Most piano movers usually charge a fee for storage services provided to their clients. You might get free storage for a few days, but you have to pay a specific price if you exceed the set days.

The great thing is that with the fee charged, you can be sure that your keyboard is stored in a safe place where it cannot be damaged by high temperatures or humidity.

Stairs and Other Obstacles

Stairs, spiral staircases, hilly terrains, crane lifts, and other factors can cause the piano moving costs to go up. It can be challenging to move the piano down and up a flight of stairs. You need more people and more complex equipment to do the job. Some movers will charge you depending on the number of stairs from your house to the moving vehicle.

Note that you will also pay more if you live on the sixth floor or higher without a freight elevator. You also pay more if the route to where you want the piano to be transported is hilly or has other obstacles.

Special Packing

If your piano needs specialised packing, you will pay an extra amount of money for the same. A grand piano requires dismantling or crating. Your movers will disassemble it, lay it on the side and then do the reassembling when you reach the new location. They will charge you a fee for dismantling and other services such as crating.

An upright piano does not require a lot of work. It just needs to be wrapped and then moved on a skid board or dolly.  Upright pianos are cheaper to pack and move than grand pianos.

Insurance Cover

Even when using the best piano removalists, there are some risks involved in the process. To be on the safe side, it is good to ensure that your piano is insured. Reputable movers should have insurance cover to protect you and your piano from all the liabilities that may occur during the moving process. This guarantees you a much-needed peace of mind during the entire piano moving process.

Rescheduling and Rush Fees

If you want your piano to be moved as an emergency, you will pay a higher amount. Your mover will charge you a higher amount because of the extra effort and accommodations needed to fit your tight schedule. Moreover, if you reschedule your piano move, you may end up being charged an additional amount for the same job.

It is also advised to remember that you may also be charged an extra amount if you are not at the delivery location according to the contract agreement. So, make sure you adhere to all the terms and conditions set in the agreement.

Piano Tuning

Some of the piano's parts will be disturbed during the moving process. The disturbance could result from several factors, such as changes in humidity and climate or shaking. Thus, for your keyboard to play effectively, it requires retuning. This should be done when the piano is at its new location. If you do not know how to retune your piano, you should request the pros to help do so. Therefore, you should plan for the piano tuning fee.

Humidity Control

Reputable piano moving companies in Sydney have climate-controlled vehicles. This ensures that your piano is safe from dramatic humidity changes. Note that the soundboards may shrink or swell with humidity fluctuations, leading to tuning problems or wood cracking. You get charged for climate-controlled moving, but the cost is worth it since it protects the integrity of your instrument.

Additional Items

If there are other objects you want to be moved together with your piano, you can expect to pay an extra fee. For instance, you may also want to move the piano bench. The cost of moving the bench is calculated differently from that of the piano.

Get An Accurate Estimate For Piano Moving

It is vital to ensure that you get the right quotes from your mover. Note that the estimates you receive depend on the information you provide to the mover. If you fail to give the correct information, you may end up being overcharged. Moreover, you should avoid giving wrong information in an attempt to get low quotes.

You need to give your movers information about the size and type of your piano. This is necessary because the type and size of your instrument determine the cost the movers will charge you. Other important information you should provide accurately include the location where the piano will be picked from, the new site, door sizes, whether there are stairs, among others.

You should also give details of all other items you want to be moved together with the piano. In addition, include all the services you would want your mover to provide during the moving process.

How To Save On Piano Moving Costs

Your piano is a precious instrument for you, so it makes sense to hire professional movers to help move it. Although you should not hire the cheapest movers, it is good to look for ways you can save money in the process.  Here are some tips to help save some money in the process.

Compare Different Piano Movers

It is essential to compare different piano movers in Sydney. This helps you determine the one charging the most affordable price in relation to your budget. As you compare, you realise that they do not charge the exact fees for the services they offer. Look for the one charging a discounted price that matches your budget.

However, make sure that they have a good reputation for providing high-quality piano moving services. This means that you need to check and confirm they have positive reviews from their past clients or online.

Do Some of the Tasks Yourself

As mentioned above, the amount you pay will depend on the services you get from your mover. Thus, you can save on the costs if you can perform some of the tasks by yourself. For instance, if you have the skills, you can disassemble the piano, wrap, or retune it when you reach the new location. Only ensure that you hire a moving company to offer you the most vital tasks that you cannot perform yourself.

Negotiate for a Price Reduction

Like any other business, your mover will be more than willing to offer you a discount for your piano moving process if you ask for it. Before you can bargain for a price reduction, you need to understand Sydney's average piano moving costs to base your price on the same. Most of the movers will be willing to reduce the price for you as a way of encouraging you to hire them in the future or refer others.

Borrow the Moving Equipment

You can also save on the costs by borrowing some of the piano moving equipment instead of buying them. If you happen to have loved ones or friends who have moved a piano in the past, you can request them to help you with their equipment and return it to them later.

Why You Need Professional Piano Movers

A piano is a delicate instrument with a lot of moving parts. This means that it can get damaged easily if mishandled during the moving process. To have peace of mind, it is advisable to leave the job to professional movers. The movers have the knowledge needed on how to move your piano smoothly without compromising its quality.

They can also offer you safe storage and tuning services to ensure that it is intact and plays well. Additionally, all you will be required to do is make sure you hire a vastly experienced and reputable mover to help in the process.