Piano removals in London demand specialist care, given an upright weighs 180kg to 300kg and a grand 300kg to 550kg, resting on castors that can easily damage floors if tipped.
A standard man and van service is ill-equipped for this task; specialist moves require skid boards, piano shoes, heavy-duty straps, and a crew trained to control the lift rather than carry the instrument. The type of piano significantly dictates the crew size and equipment needed. Grand pianos, for instance, must be moved on their side with legs detached, requiring extra manpower and care.
Local upright moves typically range from £80 to £150, while grands cost between £150 and £500, though stairs and tight turns can significantly increase these figures. Additional costs like the ULEZ charge, Congestion Charge, and parking suspensions must also be factored into a transparent, written quote.
Before booking, ensure the removal company has adequate Goods in Transit and public liability insurance. The process should involve a pre-move assessment of access routes and proper protection of the piano and property. Post-move, allow the piano to acclimatise before arranging tuning.
For a comprehensive breakdown of the piano removal process, including insurance checks, access solutions, and preparation tips, read our full Practical Owner's Guide on the blog.
