Moving a piano is a complex and difficult process. But before the actual job, a client must know some essential things before hiring a piano mover. Preparing and planning for the move is important to ensure the piano’s safety. Moreover, getting an accurate quote and estimate is vital.
Planning the piano moving project
Before you contact a professional piano mover and request a quote or estimate, the first thing to do is to determine the distance from your current location to your target location. Since moving involves travel time and fuel, understand that it will cost more if it requires long-distance travel. It will help get you a more accurate quote if you know this factor. You can also check the piano manual to determine some specifics, such as the piano’s weight, width, and length.
Confirm the qualifications and references of the piano mover
Even if you are hiring a professional piano moving service, it is prudent to check their references before you commit. Request referrals and make sure that you check with previous customers. It is likewise important to read online reviews. If the service provider is trustworthy, you can be sure the company will provide an accurate quote.
Ask the professional piano mover some relevant questions
When you talk to potential piano movers, you must get relevant information from them, such as:
- Type of guarantee they offer for their services
- Insurance coverage of owner and workers
- References
- Safety procedures for dismantling and reassembling the piano
- Safety and appropriate equipment they use
- Base rates for moving different types of piano
- At what moving distance, weight, and size do the rates increase?
Know the factors affecting the cost of moving the piano
Usually, older generations pass down their piano to younger family members, increasing its sentimental and physical value. Moreover, a piano is a large and delicate musical instrument, which makes moving it worrisome.
Because of the physical characteristics of a piano, it is necessary to hire an expert in piano moving. A professional piano mover understands the specific requirements of different piano types. Thus, they know the tools and equipment they need to secure the piano and safely deliver it to the desired location.
Type of piano
Pianos come in different types, sizes, and weights, requiring different specialized equipment. These factors affect the cost of piano moving. The common rule is that large pianos require additional specialized equipment and more workers. Therefore, a small one will have lower rates than larger pianos.
Distance
Most movers calculate the cost according to the miles they will travel to transport the piano, which affects the final rate. For example the piano move from Bellingham to Auburn would now cost the same as from Seattle to Bonney Lake.
Schedule and hoisting
You can avoid higher moving costs by scheduling the move in advance. Late booking costs more. Moreover, if you live on the upper floor of a building, getting the piano out of the residence might need hoisting. The mover will use a crane to take the piano in or out of the building. On the other hand, if hurdles block the piano’s path while taking it out of the house, such as narrow doorframes, tight corners, and stairs that make moving more difficult, you can expect additional charges. Moreover, they might need to disassemble and reassemble the piano for safety reasons. But this process will also incur additional costs.
To receive an accurate piano moving quote or estimate, you need to know these essential factors. Moreover, make sure you get a contract with a detailed cost breakdown to avoid surprises. Finally, before moving day, inspect the piano and note existing damage. Take pictures of the piano from all sides. Your record can be evidence should something go wrong.