Question 1

How much does it cost to move a piano?

Accepted Answer

The cost of a piano move can vary based on several factors, including:

• The type of piano being moved
 • The distance of the move
 • Other moves scheduled in your area
 • The number of stairs involved
 • Any additional services required

These elements all contribute to determining the final price, ensuring we provide a tailored and accurate quote for your specific needs.

Question 2

Is my piano insured during the move?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Your piano is fully insured against any potential damage or loss during transportation.

Piano's are thoroughly checked and photographed before and after your move to ensure no damage has occurred.

See safety measures below to learn how we make your move as safe as possible.

Question 3

Do you move pianos up or down stairs?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We handle stairs in various ways depending on the type of piano and the width of the stairs and surrounding rooms.
 • Digital Pianos: Typically, two movers carry digital pianos up or down stairs.
 • Upright Pianos: Upright pianos can be carried using large moving straps with 2 or 3 movers or slid securely up or down stairs while strapped to a piano board.
 • Grand Pianos: Grand pianos are generally moved up or down stairs by 3 or more movers using a piano sled. This carpet covered sled is securely fastened underneath the piano with timber screws and to protect its high gloss finish. While we avoid drilling into pianos whenever possible, this method is essential for ensuring the piano's safety during staircase maneuvers. The screws are anchored to the timber underneath the piano and do not affect its sound quality. This approach is similar to how many piano manufacturers transport their instruments.

Question 4

What preparations should I make before the move?

Accepted Answer

Upon arrival, we will inspect your property to determine the safest way to move your piano, typically choosing the path with the fewest stairs or steps.

While there is nothing you need to do to prepare the piano itself, there are several things you can do in your home to make the process faster and safer:

• Remove all items from on top of the piano and from inside the stool.
 • Dust the piano with a microfiber cloth.
 • Clear the pathway for the piano, including moving furniture and rugs.
 • Secure and remove fragile items such as vases.
 • Keep pets and children in a separate room during the move to ensure they stay out of the way of movers handling a piano weighing over 200 kg.

Question 5

Do you provide piano tuning services after the move?

Accepted Answer

During a move, pianos can lose their tuning slightly due to movement. Once relocated, differences in temperature and humidity can cause the timbers to shrink or swell, a process that takes between 2 weeks and 2 months, further affecting the piano's tuning.

Pianos need to be tuned after a move, and we recommend doing this 2 months after relocation to ensure the piano has settled into its new environment.

While we do not provide piano tuning services, we can connect you with skilled tuners in the ACT. At the conclusion of your move, we will provide you with contact details for some of the best piano tuners in Canberra.

Question 6

How far in advance should I schedule my piano move?

Accepted Answer

The more notice you can provide, the better we can accommodate your preferred moving dates and times.

During quieter periods, we may be able to complete your piano move on the same day as your enquiry. However, during peak moving seasons (December - January), we can often be booked out 1 to 2 weeks in advance, so please contact us as soon as possible.

Question 7

What types of pianos do you move?

Accepted Answer

At Ivory Wheelers we have experience moving all types of pianos including uprights, grands and specialty pianos. We also regularly move organs, fridges, pool tables and other large and awkward items.

Question 8

What safety measures do you take during the move?

Accepted Answer

The best protection for your piano is effective communication between the movers. Navigating tight corners, stairs, and other hazards is manageable with slow movements and clear communication.

All of our equipment is designed to move pianos safely, protecting both their sound and gloss finish, and ensuring your piano doesn’t make any unintended movements.

In tight corners or corridors, it may be necessary to cover the piano with moving blankets and foam mats to protect it from walls or doors. These coverings are tightly secured using large rubber bands. While covering pianos offers some protection, it also removes handholds and grip surfaces, making the piano harder to maneuver.

For your peace of mind, we provide comprehensive insurance coverage for your piano and any potential damage to your home. This ensures that your valuable instrument and property are fully protected throughout the moving process.

Question 9

Can you provide references or testimonials from past clients?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We pride ourselves on our reputation as a reliable and safe piano moving service. Trusted by many piano retailers, theatres, and music schools, we have built a strong track record of safe, stress-free moves.

The best place to see what our customers think of our services is on our Google page.

Question 10

How long will the piano moving process take?

Accepted Answer

The time it takes to move a piano varies significantly depending on the type of piano, as well as the moving path, stairs, distance, and other factors.

Some digital and upright moves can be completed within 5 minutes. However, moving a grand piano up narrow paths and stairs can take up to 2 hours, depending on the difficulty.

For this reason, it is crucial that you inform us of any difficult passages before your move so we can provide an accurate quote and timing for our services.

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