How much does it cost to move a piano in the UK?

Relocating a beloved piano on your own can be quite difficult due to the tools, skills, and manpower it requires. On the other hand, hiring a moving company also entails another type of challenge owing to the high prices involved.

Fortunately, with this guide, you can determine the factors that affect the cost to move a piano and learn how you can make it a more affordable endeavour.

What is the average cost of moving a piano in the UK?

How much do piano movers cost in the UK? The table below shows the typical numbers in different cities across the country.

What factors affect the costs of moving a piano?

Detailed view of an upright piano keyboard under soft lighting (Source: iStock)

Some of the major factors that influence piano moving prices are the distance involved, the number of movers needed, and the type and condition of the piano.

Distance of the move

The price to transport a piano locally is usually cheaper than the typical long-distance piano moving costs, as the latter involve driving longer hours, consuming more fuel, and exerting more effort.

Movers and equipment needed

Piano relocations commonly call for a dolly, straps, a piano skid board, furniture blankets, and regular movers, which all add to the total cost. Meanwhile, other piano moves may also require the use of a crane and crane operators, which can incur additional expenses.

Type and condition of the piano

Another thing to know is that a piano’s size, weight, type, and condition can affect moving expenses. For instance, the usual cost of moving a grand piano will be much higher than the cost of moving an upright piano. The former is generally bigger, heavier, and more difficult to transport.

Access and logistics

Wrapped piano positioned near a doorway, showing moving preparation (Source: iStock)

The more difficult the transfer is, the higher the piano transport cost will be. This is why safely manoeuvering an upright piano through tight corners, staircases, windows, and other obstacles will probably be more expensive than moving a baby grand located on a building’s ground floor.

Logistics-wise, a regional move might entail higher toll, permit, and fuel costs versus a short-distance move.

Timing of the move

How much does it cost to have a piano moved during summer? Expect prices to be at their highest during this season due to the demand induced by the fair weather, school break, and people having more free time.

Insurance and liability

Insurance type is another factor that can affect the cost of moving a piano in the UK. While a basic insurance coverage is automatically included in moving charges most of the time, upgrading the protection or purchasing add-ons can incur extra costs.

Additional services

Piano maintenance work being performed as part of post-move service (Source: iStock)

The average piano moving cost also depends on any additional services to be performed. These can include tuning, disassembly and reassembly, as well as short-term storage.

What are some ways to save on piano moving?

To keep expenses within your budget, consider asking family or friends with piano-moving experience to assist you. But if you’re hiring a moving company, here are other ways to keep costs relatively low:

• Don’t settle with the first moving specialist you see; compare prices and offerings to find the best option.

• Book a service provider a few weeks in advance.

• DIY some of the steps that you can do on your own, such as disassembling, reassembling, wrapping a protective sheet, or tuning.

What should you look for in piano movers?

Piano in foreground with movers and equipment in the background (Source: iStock)

Piano owners should take note of the following questions when looking for professional piano movers:

• Do they have experience in the proper handling and lifting of pianos in different settings?

• Do they have experience moving the kind of piano that you have?

• Do they have the right equipment to ensure a safe piano moving job?

• Do they have enough manpower to complete the task?

• Do they offer different insurance types?

• Do they provide additional services?

• Do they have excellent reviews and feedback from previous clients?

Get your piano moved with Airtasker

Need assistance in your search for a professional piano mover? Look for the help you need by signing up on Airtasker.

Simply post a task with all the info relevant to the job, such as the type of piano you have, your budget, and the date of your move. After that, wait for movers to reach out to you, and you can have your pick based on reviews and ratings from past customers.

Looking for someone to relocate your other household items? You can also find a roster of furniture movers on our platform.