Piano moving: how to move an upright or grand piano safely

Why does a piano need a specialist move?

A piano has a heavy cast-iron frame and a delicate mechanical interior. The centre of gravity is often unevenly distributed, which makes it difficult to carry safely. An incorrect lift can damage the instrument, floors and stairs – and the people carrying it.

Moving companies experienced with pianos use special equipment, such as piano dollies, lifting straps, protective blankets and sometimes stair climbers. A grand piano is often partly dismantled, with the legs and pedal lyre removed, and transported on its side on a special board.

What affects the price?

Piano moves are often priced at a fixed rate. Ask for a quote and provide as much detail as possible:

• Type of instrument: small upright, upright or grand piano, and its approximate weight
• The number of steps and floors at both ends, and whether there is a lift
• Narrow passages, turns and door widths
• The distance between the addresses
• Whether dismantling, reassembly and tuning are needed
• The need for a crane or other special equipment

It helps to send photos of the instrument, the stairwell and the entrance so that the company can assess the job correctly.

RUT deduction and insurance

Moving your piano as part of your household goods counts as a moving service and qualifies for a RUT deduction of 50 % of the labour cost. RUT and ROT together may not exceed SEK 75,000 per person per year, of which no more than SEK 50,000 may be ROT. Transport costs for vehicles and fuel give no deduction.

Ask how the moving company's liability and insurance work if the piano or the property is damaged. The company's liability may be limited under its terms. If the instrument is valuable, also check with your own insurance company whether your home insurance applies during the move, and whether you need additional cover.

Preparations

• Measure doors, stairs and turns and compare them with the piano's dimensions
• Close and lock the lid over the keys and remove sheet music and ornaments
• Clear the route from the piano to the vehicle
• Protect floors and thresholds, or ask whether the moving company does this
• Decide in advance exactly where the piano will stand in the new home
• Arrange parking close to the entrance

Do not place the piano directly against a radiator, in strong sunlight or near a draughty window, as changes in temperature and humidity affect the instrument.

Tuning after the move

A piano often needs tuning after a move, but it is best to wait a few weeks until the instrument has adjusted to the temperature and humidity of its new surroundings. Tuning is done by a piano tuner and is not normally included in the move, but some moving companies can put you in touch with one.

What should the quote contain?

• Type of instrument and addresses, with details of stairs and lifts
• Number of people and the equipment used
• Fixed price and what may lead to surcharges
• Labour cost shown separately for RUT
• Liability, insurance and maximum amount in the event of damage
• Whether dismantling and reassembly of a grand piano are included

Questions and common mistakes

Ask how many pianos the company has moved, what equipment it uses and whether it has experience with your particular type of instrument and stairwell. Check that it has liability insurance.

Common mistakes are letting friends carry the piano without the right equipment, not mentioning stairs or tight turns in your request, and assuming that an ordinary removal firm always takes pianos. Many moving companies do, but not all, and it should be stated in the quote.

Piano moving via Fixtorget

Describe the instrument, the stairs and the addresses for free on Fixtorget, and feel free to attach photos. Up to four vetted companies can get in touch. In the profile you can see whether the company has reviewed proof of insurance and what previous customers think.

Frequently asked questions