Piano Removalists Melbourne: How to Plan a Piano Move
A piano is one of the heaviest and most awkward things in most homes. It is top-heavy, easily scratched, and has to get through whatever doorways, hallways and stairs your house gives you. Planning is what makes a piano move go smoothly, and good piano removalists Melbourne-wide will want to know about the piano and the access at both ends well before moving day.
This guide covers the practical things to think about: piano size and weight, stairs, narrow doorways, floor protection, and what happens at pickup and delivery, so you know what to tell your removalist and how to prepare.
Piano Moving With Apex Moving
Apex Moving moves upright and grand pianos as part of our removalist services, with the right trolleys, padding and manpower for stairs, tight hallways and narrow access. Our trucks carry blankets, straps, trolleys and protective covers, and the crew protects floors and doorways before anything is moved.
The two things we need to know to plan and quote a piano move are the type of piano and the access at both addresses.
Piano Size and Weight
Pianos vary a lot in size and weight, and that changes the crew and equipment the move needs. Published guides generally put upright pianos at roughly 140 to 360 kg and grand pianos at roughly 225 to 550 kg, depending on the model and size. Check your piano’s make and model if you can, and treat these ranges as a rough guide only.
Upright pianos
Upright pianos stand vertically against a wall. They range from compact spinet and console styles to tall studio and full-size uprights. Although they take up less floor space than a grand, their weight is concentrated high and in a narrow footprint, so they must be kept upright, balanced and secured throughout the move.
Grand pianos
Grand pianos, including baby grands, are longer and wider. They generally need more planning because of their shape and size, including how the piano is positioned to fit through doorways and around corners.
Digital pianos and keyboards
Digital pianos are much lighter than acoustic pianos and are usually moved like other furniture, though they still need to be wrapped and protected. Let us know which type you have when you enquire.
Access: The Biggest Factor in a Piano Move
Access at both ends decides how a piano is moved, how many people are needed and how long it takes. Before you ask for a quote, walk the path the piano will take from where it stands now to the truck, and from the truck to its new spot.
Stairs
Stairs are the most important detail to mention. Tell us how many flights there are at each address, whether they are straight or turn a corner, and whether there is a landing. Stairs affect the crew and equipment required, and stair charges apply per flight: $40 for one flight, $80 for two and $120 for three. Internal stairs in a townhouse or split-level home count too.
Narrow doorways and hallways
Measure the width of every doorway, hallway and corner the piano has to pass through, then compare it with the piano’s depth and width. Tight turns in older Melbourne homes and apartment corridors are where most of the planning goes. If the fit looks close, it is far better to know that a week before the move than on the day.
Lifts and apartment buildings
If either address is an apartment, check the lift car dimensions and weight limit, and whether the lift or loading dock has to be booked through building management.
Parking and the path to the truck
Let us know where a truck can legally park and how far it is from the door. Steps at the front, sloping driveways, gravel paths and garden paths all affect how the piano is moved.
Floor and Property Protection
Pianos are heavy enough to mark floors and scrape walls if they are not moved carefully. Our crew protects floors and doorways before moving, and the piano is padded and wrapped before it is lifted. To help, clear the path of rugs, furniture, pot plants and anything fragile, and point out any flooring or surfaces you are particularly concerned about.
Planning Your Piano Move
- Identify the piano. Note whether it is an upright, grand or digital piano, and the make and model if you know it.
- Measure. Record the piano’s height, width and depth, plus the doorways, hallways, stairwell turns and lifts it has to pass through.
- Describe the access at both ends. Number of stairs, lifts, parking and the distance from the truck to the door.
- Tell us when you enquire. Include the piano in your quote request, not on the day, so the right equipment and crew are planned.
- Confirm the date. Book any lift, loading dock or parking you need for the moving day.
Pickup and Delivery Considerations
At pickup
- Close and, where possible, lock the lid to protect the keys.
- Remove music, ornaments, photos and anything stored in or on the piano or the stool.
- Clear the path from the piano to the door.
- Be there to walk the crew through the route before the piano is moved.
At delivery
- Decide exactly where the piano is going before moving day, so it is placed once rather than moved around.
- Many piano owners prefer a spot on an internal wall, away from direct sunlight, heaters and air-conditioning vents.
- Check the route at the new address: stairs, doorways, lifts and where the truck can park.
After the move
Changes in environment can affect a piano’s tuning. Many piano technicians suggest letting a piano settle in its new home for a few weeks before having it tuned. For tuning, speak to a qualified piano technician.
Moving a Piano as Part of a Home Move
Most pianos move as part of a larger household move. Including the piano in your house removal quote means it is planned alongside everything else, from the loading order to where it sits in the truck. If you only need a piano or a few heavy pieces moved, our furniture removalists service covers single items and part loads. Moving further afield? See our interstate removalists page.
Wondering how a piano affects your moving budget? Our guide to removalist costs in Melbourne explains our hourly rates, call-out fees and stair charges. If you would also like help with boxes, read about our packing services in Melbourne.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you move pianos in Melbourne?
Yes. Apex Moving moves upright and grand pianos with the right trolleys, padding and manpower for stairs and narrow access. Tell us the piano type and the access at both ends.
Can you move a piano up or down stairs?
Stairs are common on piano moves. Tell us how many flights there are at each address and what the stairwell is like so the move is planned properly. Stair charges are $40 for one flight, $80 for two and $120 for three.
What do you need to know to quote a piano move?
The type of piano (upright, grand or digital), both addresses, the stairs, doorways, hallways and lifts at each end, where a truck can park, and your preferred date. Measurements and a photo of the piano and the access help too.
How do you protect the piano and my home?
The crew protects floors and doorways, and the piano is padded and wrapped before it is moved. Our trucks carry blankets, straps, trolleys and protective covers.
Will my piano need tuning after the move?
Moving and a change of environment can affect tuning. Many piano technicians suggest waiting a few weeks for the piano to settle before tuning it. For tuning, contact a qualified piano technician.
Is my piano insured during the move?
We provide fully guaranteed transit insurance to protect your goods throughout the move. Full cover details and policy terms are confirmed directly at booking.
Get a Quote From Piano Removalists in Melbourne
Tell us about your piano, the access at both addresses and your moving date, and we will plan the move and send you a written quote. Request your quote online, contact our team or call 0470 515 895. You can also see all our removalist services or learn more about our Melbourne removalists.
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