Piano Removals
Piano Removals by Holland Park Movers
Specialist Piano Removals You Can Trust
Moving a piano is very different from moving ordinary furniture. Pianos are heavy, delicate, and often have significant sentimental or financial value. At Holland Park Movers, our dedicated piano removals team provides a precise, carefully planned service for upright, baby grand and grand pianos across {area} and the surrounding regions.
We use purpose-built equipment, protective materials and experienced, trained crews to ensure your instrument is moved safely, whether it is travelling across the street, across town or into storage.
Local Piano Moving Expertise in {area}
Working regularly in {area}, we understand the challenges that come with local properties: narrow Victorian staircases, mansion block corridors, mews houses, basement flats and loading restrictions. Our planners and foremen assess access routes in advance, arrange parking where required, and ensure we have the correct team size and equipment on the day.
This local knowledge means fewer surprises, smoother moves and minimal disruption to neighbours, building managers and other residents.
Who Our Piano Removal Service Is For
Our specialist piano removals in {area} are suitable for:
- Homeowners moving house or rearranging a piano within the property.
- Renters relocating between flats, often with tight stairwells and no lift.
- Landlords needing a piano removed, relocated or placed into storage between tenancies.
- Businesses such as schools, theatres, studios, hotels and venues requiring regular or one-off piano moves.
- Students at music schools or universities moving between term-time and home addresses.
Whether the piano is a cherished family heirloom or a working instrument used daily, we treat it with the same level of care and attention.
What Our Piano Removals Service Includes
Items and Services Typically Included
- Upright pianos – including small uprights, studio, and full-size uprights.
- Baby grand and grand pianos – dismantling legs and lyre where appropriate and crating if required.
- Digital and stage pianos, including stands and pedal units.
- Careful protective wrapping of the piano body with quilted pads and shrink-wrap.
- Use of piano skids, dollies, ramps and stair climbers where access requires it.
- Safe loading, securing and professional transport in a purpose-equipped vehicle.
- Unloading and placement in the room and position you specify.
What Is Not Included as Standard
- Piano tuning or internal repairs after the move (we can recommend local technicians).
- Specialist climate-controlled storage (standard storage is available by arrangement).
- Removal of windows, doors or structural alterations – we can coordinate with third parties if required.
- Disposal of unwanted pianos – this can be arranged as a separate service, subject to assessment.
If your piano move has unusual requirements – such as crane lifts, roof terraces or very restricted access – we will discuss this during the survey and provide a tailored plan.
Our Step-by-Step Piano Removals Process
1. Enquiry & Quote
Contact us by phone, email or through our website and tell us about your piano and addresses in {area}. We will ask a few key questions about the make and size of the piano, floor levels, lift access, parking and any tight turns. Based on this, we provide an initial, no-obligation quotation and explain any options or likely additional services.
2. Survey – Virtual or Onsite
For straightforward moves, a virtual survey using photos or video is often sufficient. For more complex properties, we arrange an onsite survey. Our surveyor measures access routes, checks stairs and landings, and identifies any potential risks. This allows us to specify the correct team, equipment and timing, so the move runs smoothly and safely.
3. Packing & Preparation
On the day, our trained crew will first prepare the area, protecting floors and doorways where necessary. The piano is then wrapped in heavy-duty blankets and secured with straps. For grand pianos, we carefully remove the legs and lyre, protect each part separately and mount the body on a piano skid. All fixings are kept safely for reassembly at the destination.
4. Loading & Transport
The team moves the piano using skids, dollies and ramps, working slowly and in coordination. Once at the vehicle, the piano is loaded with tail-lifts or ramps, positioned securely and strapped to anchor points to avoid movement in transit. Our vehicles are fitted with air-ride suspension where appropriate, helping reduce vibration and shock during the journey.
5. Unloading & Placement
At the new property, we follow the reverse process, taking the same care with floors, walls and staircases. We place the piano in the exact location you request and reassemble grand pianos. You may wish to allow the instrument to settle for a week or two before booking a tuner, as changes in humidity and position can affect tuning.
Transparent Piano Removal Pricing
Piano removal costs in {area} depend mainly on the type of piano, the access at each property, distance travelled and whether any specialist equipment or extra crew are required. We provide a clear, written quotation before any booking is confirmed, with all expected charges itemised.
Typical factors affecting price include:
- Upright vs baby grand or grand.
- Number of floors, presence of lifts and stair complexity.
- Parking restrictions or significant carries.
- Distance between addresses and time of day.
- Additional services, such as storage or moving other items.
There are no hidden extras: any potential additional costs (for example, if a crane or window removal is required) are discussed and agreed in advance.
Why Choose Professional Piano Removals Over DIY
A piano can weigh anywhere from 150 kg to well over 400 kg, with much of that weight concentrated in delicate cast iron and soundboard components. Attempting a DIY move with improvised equipment or an inexperienced man-and-van service risks injury, serious damage to the instrument and harm to your property.
Our professional piano movers use appropriate lifting techniques, purpose-built equipment and team coordination to manage weight, balance and obstacles. This reduces the risk of dropped instruments, strained backs, broken stairs, damaged plasterwork and costly repairs – and protects your peace of mind.
Insurance and Professional Standards
Holland Park Movers operates to high professional standards, backed by comprehensive insurance and rigorous training.
- Goods in transit insurance protects your piano while it is being moved and transported, up to pre-agreed limits.
- Public liability cover safeguards you and your property in the unlikely event of accidental damage.
- Trained moving teams – our crews are experienced in piano handling, manual handling techniques and safe use of equipment.
We are committed to clear communication, punctual attendance and respectful behaviour in your home or business premises.
Care, Protection and Sustainability
We understand that many pianos carry deep personal and cultural significance. Our crews treat each instrument with care, patience and respect. We use high-quality reusable protective materials, rather than excessive single-use plastics, and plan journeys efficiently to minimise unnecessary mileage.
Where possible, we consolidate routes and use modern, well-maintained vehicles to reduce emissions. If a piano is no longer playable and you wish to dispose of it, we can explore recycling or donation options where viable.
Real-World Piano Removal Use Cases
- Moving house in {area} – transferring a family upright from a top-floor flat to a new home, managing tight stairs and ensuring safe transit.
- Office or venue relocation – moving a baby grand between performance spaces, coordinating with building management and security.
- Urgent moves – short-notice relocations due to tenancy changes, renovations or flood and fire remediation.
- Internal moves – repositioning a piano between rooms or floors during refurbishment or decorating.
Whatever your situation, we develop a plan that fits your timescales, access restrictions and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a piano removal cost?
The cost of a piano removal depends on the type of piano, the access at each property, and the distance between addresses. Upright pianos on ground floor to ground floor moves are usually the most straightforward and therefore the least expensive. Grand pianos, multiple flights of stairs, awkward turns or limited parking will increase the price. Once we have details, we provide a clear written quotation with no hidden extras, so you know exactly what is included before you decide to proceed.
Can you handle same-day or urgent piano removals?
We can often accommodate same-day or urgent piano removals in {area}, depending on crew and vehicle availability. If your move is time-critical – for example, a last-minute tenancy change, event or building works – contact us as early in the day as possible. We will check our schedule and advise what is realistic. In some cases, we may suggest a temporary storage solution or phased move to keep your piano safe until full access is available at the destination.
Is my piano insured during the move?
Yes. Your piano is covered by our goods in transit insurance while it is being handled and transported by us, subject to the terms and value limits set out in your quotation and contract. We also carry public liability cover to protect against accidental damage to your property. During the booking process, we will ask for details of the piano’s make, model and approximate value to ensure appropriate cover. If you have any high-value or antique instruments, please mention this so we can discuss specific arrangements.
What is included in your piano removal service?
Our standard piano removal service includes a pre-move assessment, provision of all necessary protective materials and equipment, the services of a trained crew, safe loading, secure transport and careful placement at the destination. For grand pianos, dismantling and reassembly of legs and lyre is included where needed. We also protect floors and access routes as far as reasonably possible. Optional extras, such as storage, moving additional household items or coordinating with third parties, can be added and will be itemised in your quotation.
How is your service different from a basic man-and-van?
While some man-and-van operators may move pianos, many lack the specialist equipment, training and insurance that a dedicated removals company provides. Our crews use piano skids, proper strapping, ramps and, where appropriate, stair climbers. We are fully insured for goods in transit and public liability, and our planners carry out detailed surveys for challenging moves. This reduces the risk of damage to your piano and property, and means you are not relying on improvised techniques or inadequate staffing for a very heavy and delicate item.
How far in advance should I book a piano removal?
For the best choice of dates and times, particularly at weekends and month-ends, we recommend booking your piano removal at least one to two weeks in advance. However, we understand that circumstances change quickly, especially with rental moves and building works, so we always try to help with shorter notice where possible. Even if your dates are not yet fixed, an early conversation allows us to advise on availability, likely costs and any preparatory steps you may need to take at either property.