Why pianos are different

An upright piano can weigh well over 150kg, and a grand piano more than 500kg, with the weight unevenly spread. Inside are thousands of delicate parts, and a bump that would be harmless to a wardrobe can affect the sound. This is a job for people with the right equipment and the experience to use it.

What to tell us

• The type: upright, baby grand or grand

• Roughly how big and heavy it is

• Where it is now, and where it is going, including floors and stairs

• Anything that narrows the route, such as tight hallways, turns or a lift

At B Moved we move upright, baby grand and grand pianos using specialist equipment. Where access calls for it, a crane or HIAB lift can be arranged after a survey. Safes are another job where weight, route and the building all matter, so we look at those at survey stage too.

Good to know: Where access calls for it, a crane or HIAB lift can be arranged after a survey.

Measure first

Measure the piano, then every door, hallway and stair it has to pass through, and the space where it is going. Tell us about anything tight, so we can plan how to do it before the day.

Before the day

Close and secure the lid and clear a wide, straight path at both ends, including rugs and small furniture.

In your new home

Piano specialists suggest putting it against an internal wall, away from radiators, direct sun and draughts, because steady temperature and humidity matter more than anything else. They also advise leaving it a few weeks to settle before it is tuned, as the wood adjusts to its new surroundings.

Other heavy and fragile pieces

The same approach works for any large or valuable item: tell us what it is, how much it weighs and how it will get out. Mention anything fragile or high value at the survey and we will plan the right resources.