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Frequently Asked Questions regarding Piano Moving
1. Why do I need a Piano Mover?
        Piano moving is a specialty trade unto itself.  An upright piano on the average weighs anywhere between 400 to 900 lbs.  Most grand pianos start at 650 lbs and can go all the way up to 1300 lbs.  The piano value can vary from a couple hundred dollars to 200,000 dollars depending on make, model, age and condition of the piano.  For most people, their piano is one of their most prized possessions and getting it moved without damage is one of the most important things to them during moving time.  This is why household movers do not include the piano in their general household pricing.  You want movers who know, what they are doing, who are going to move your piano with the care it deserves, and who will not damage your home or injury anyone in the process of moving.  Moving a piano almost always requires it to be moved through a space that has a tight squeeze (i.e. a door frame, staircase, etc.).  I will never tell a person that they can not move their piano themselves.  The question every person who wants their piano moved has to ask is, "Do I feel lucky?"  and "What risks am I willing to take?".  Any person who has had an accident with their piano knows that when something goes wrong,  it happens fast and when you least expect it.  The repercussions of moving a piano by yourself or with an inexperienced person can cost you a small fortune or more stress than most people can take.  The reason you need a piano mover is simple: you want someone who is able to anticipate every part of your move before the move has started.
2. How are Pianos moved?
        Pianos are moved in one of two ways.  The first way, which is commonly used by the general public and a number of household movers, is by brute force.  Manhandle the piano with 4 to 8 people from one location into a vehicle.  If you are lucky someone might consider trying to secure it into the vehicle.  Then complete the move by manhandling it into place at the new location.  The second way is used by professional piano movers and some household movers.  They use 2 or 3 people to move the piano and are equipped with piano skids, moving pads, ramps, slings and the knowledge of how to move a piano safely.  They use special techniques to manipulate the piano through the move and only require 4 to 6 people in the most difficult moves.  The first way has an extremely high damage rate and can take 2 to 20 times longer than the second way.  I personally am a professional piano mover.  You can not imagine the number of times people's jaws hit the floor when they see a professional move a piano after they have attempted it themselves in the past. They almost always say the exact same thing "Never again will I attempt to move my own piano, I will let the professionals handle it from now on".
3. If I hire a professional piano mover, does it mean that my piano will not be damaged?
        No.  As in any move, there is always an element of risk.  Any mover that tells you he has never damaged anything is either lying or extremely new to the profession (there could be an exception out there, but anyone who gambles would never take that bet).  The reason you should hire a professional piano mover is the same reason you hire a professional in any other trade or buy insurance:  To protect yourself from injury liabilities and reduce the odds of your piano or home being damaged.  A good piano mover will tell you if there is a chance of damage in the move before he/she has started doing anything and will give you the option of proceeding.  Please note that when this occurs, you are now liable for the damage that occurs; not the mover.
4. Are all piano movers equal?
        Absolutely not.  Like any profession, you have people with different levels of experience.  Like all professions, there are those that are better equipped and more prepared than others.  Like all professions, there are those that care about what they are doing and treat your merchandise with respect and there are those that do not.  Like all professions, there are those that act with integrity and those that do not.  The trick is finding the right company (piano mover) for you.
5. How do I find the best piano mover?
        Call the local stores, technicians, teachers (people in the industry) and find out who they would use.  After a couple of inquiries it will become clear who the piano mover of choice is in your area.   In most areas there is really only one good piano mover.  In large metropolises there could be more than one.  In small rural areas it will probably be a household mover that specializes in pianos on the side due to the lack of volume.  If you live near a large city, it is probably worth your while to have the expert drive out of the city and do your piano move for you.  It does not take a rocket scientist to realize that a piano mover in a big city has more experience moving pianos than a small town mover (Larger community, means more pianos to move, therefore more experience). 
6. Are all companies similarly insured?
        No.  The true answer to this question will shock a lot of people.  It is the buyer's responsibility to make sure that he/she is properly insured, not the moving company.  Just because the company says they are insured does not mean they are fully insuring your merchandise and move or telling you what their maximum liability is.  On top of this, there are three types of insurance to consider when people refer to insurance.  1) Is the company insured against damage to property and or vehicles (commercial/automotive insurance)?  2) Is the company insured against damage to the piano (cartage/content insurance)?  3) Is the company insuring its workers against injury (WSIB formerly know as Workman's Compensation)?  When you ask the question, are they answering 1 & 2, 2 & 3, all of them, one of them, insuring for a single dollar or the full value of the item being moved?  Never assume that all of these are being covered (unfortunately most people do and sometimes pay a dear price for it).  Is there a legal document to show that the customer is insured? (Another important question that is almost never asked.)  Make sure you know the company's "Terms of Cartage" before you book your move (ask them for a copy).  Is the mover providing a proper "Bill of Lading" with all the "Terms of Cartage" and insured values for your piano move?  Most people do not realize that without a proper "Bill of Lading" they are NOT fully insured and fall under local cartage laws, which are never more than a maximum of $2.00 per pound, do NOT cover their home and do NOT cover the workers.  Just because a piano mover says they are fully insured does not mean you are properly covered; unless there is a "Bill of Lading" provided with the full declared value (insured value) written on it you are exposed and definitely not covered.  Using a REPUTABLE piano mover is extremely important, because they take care of all these things for you.  I should also mention that if you do not give an insured value to the mover prior to the move, you default to the local cartage amounts automatically.  It is not the mover's responsibility to make sure you have the right amount of insurance, it is YOUR job.  I should also note that most movers will charge extra for additional insurance.
        The MOST IMPORTANT reason to use a REPUTABLE piano mover, has to do with insurance.  These days, insurance has become an extremely touchy issue, whether it be car, home or business insurance.  Most people do not claim insurance with their insurance companies anymore due to rising premium rates.  This same fact holds true with businesses, especially movers and piano movers.  They have insurance policies to cover worst case scenarios, but like you and most businesses, piano movers are self-insuring their smaller day to day claims.  You want someone who will provide you with a "Bill of Lading" (legal document) at the beginning of the move so that you know where you stand, and that the piano mover will stand behind any damages that they might have incurred and repair those problems.  Everyone has heard moving company nightmares at one time or another.  No "Bill of Lading" and No "Reputable Mover" is a recipe for your own nightmare and can cost you a fortune. 
7. Why is worker injury important to me?  After all it is the company's problem.  Isn't it?
        It is extremely important for you to know the answer to this question.  It is your responsibility to make sure as an individual or business that the company (piano mover) you are hiring is WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board formerly know as Workman's Compensation) covered.  If you hire a company (piano mover) that is not covered you are accepting FULL LIABILITY for any employees who are injured doing your job, because the local authority will consider them your employee while they are working for you.  This includes medical bills and lost wages and a possible civil law suit.  A company (piano mover) covered by WSIB (which they must have by Canadian law) will take care of most of these problems for you.  Unfortunately, not all companies pay their required premiums and like all insurance companies, WSIB will cut off or not cover all claims from delinquent companies or piano movers.  To make sure that you are covered, ask the company (piano mover) you are hiring for a current WSIB clearance certificate (NOT MORE THAN 2 MONTHS OLD).  If you are having trouble getting one from them, call WSIB direct or visit their web site to get one.  On average, they can get you one in less than one day.  I have received some within the hour.  They can also tell you immediately over the phone whether the piano mover is covered or not.  It is also important to note that if you are a business that uses a non-WSIB covered companies (piano movers) and get audited by WSIB, you could be liable for those WSIB premiums that were not paid while you were using them.  To verify current information and changes about WSIB, you should visit their web site. 
8. Does moving the piano affect the sound of my piano?
        This is a commonly asked question for which you may hear many different answers.  This question is asked because lots of people say that their piano sounds different in its new location.  The answer to the question may or may not surprise you.  No, not directly.  The moving does NOT effect the sound of the piano directly at all.  If it is not the moving then what makes it sound different here versus there? and why does it not hold tune or does hold tune better here?  The answer lies with the piano technicians and furniture makers.  A piano is made of wood and steel.  Wood is directly affected by two things: "Temperature" and "Humidity".  Steel is directly affected by temperature.  When these two elements change, so does your piano.  The more these two elements change, the more frequently you need to regulate and tune your piano.  It does not take a big change to change your piano, and you should consult your manufacture's web site to see what type of environment is best for your piano.  I will never forget a story from one of our customers for whom we were moving a pre-tuned piano from a piano store to a concert hall on one of the coldest days in winter.  When we delivered his piano it was cold and obviously out of tune due to the temperature outside.  When the piano warmed up again, it came back into tune.  Another reason why your piano may sound different is due to size of room and its acoustics.  Carpet absorbs sound, hardwood reflects sound.  Sound reinforces in small spaces, seeming louder, and gets lost in larger spaces, seeming quieter.
9. How much does it cost to move a piano?   
    Piano moving is billed in one of two ways:
The household mover way - Hourly rate, with a minimum number of hours (usually min. = 3 hours)
The professional piano mover way - flat rate based on following factors
    The cost of moving a piano can vary due to the following factors:
Type of Piano 
Distance being moved 
Difficulty level due to stairs, grass pulls, tight turns, etc. 
Number of people required to move piano due to difficulty level 
Time restraints placed on move during the daytime of year (season)
Waiting time that you might incur on the mover
10. How much notice do I need to give the Piano Mover?
        This depends greatly on when you need to have your piano moved and where you are located.  Most piano movers will book on a first come, first serve basis.  If it is an in demand day, you could require over a month's notice.  If it is not, your move could be booked as quickly as tomorrow.  If you need a specific day, I would recommend booking well in advance.  On average in the Greater Toronto Area, the average booking time is a couple days to two weeks assuming you have some flexibility as to which day your piano can be moved.  When you need your move done on a specific date, please note that it is important you use a reputable, RELIABLE piano mover.
11. What information do I need to have before I call a Piano Mover?       
        It constantly amazes me how many people call to get a quote or book a piano move and do not have any of the important information required to do so.  I am constantly getting people calling me asking for our flat rate for moving a piano.  My first question is what type of piano do you want moved.  They answer a standard size piano.  This type of answer tells the piano mover absolutely nothing.  All pianos are standard for there type and  class.  The piano movers have only two choices here.  Push you for the right information or quote you the most expensive rate he has to cover the worst case scenario.  The next question you will get ask is where it being moved to and from so they can calculate mileage.  Following this you will than be asked whether there are any stairs involved.  Again I am constantly shocked how many people have no clue as to how many stairs are in or outside their house or just don't know how to count them.  If you do not want to get surprised by extra stair charges, make sure you know the answer to this question.  Over 80% of people guess totally wrong and usually have 2 to 6 steps more than what they remember.  The way the mover counts is simple, he stands at the bottom of the stairs and counts how many times he has to lift his foot until he is standing on top of the landing (Yes the landing counts as a step).  Knowing how the mover counts steps is very important to remove any misunderstandings.  I should also note that every piano mover counts the stairs outside the house as well as inside the house.  It is possible to have more than one flight of stairs at one location (one or more flights of stairs outside and one or more flights of stairs inside).  To get an accurate quote, here is a list of items you should know before you make the phone call to them.
What type of piano is it that you required moved? (Upright or Grand Piano) 
What size of piano is it? (Upright are measured by height [floor to lid], Grand's are measured by longest length [keyboard to curve in bow end]) 
Where is it being picked up from? (Have full address including postal code) 
Where is it being delivered to? (Have full address including postal code) 
Are there any stairs that the piano needs to go over? (inside or outside, does not matter where) If there are stairs, how many? (Yes, the top landing step counts too, after all you had to lift your foot to get over it) Are they straight, spiraled, curved?  Is there any turns getting on, in the middle or getting off the stairs? (To a Piano Mover: A tight turn at the top or bottom of the staircase does NOT constitute a straight staircase even if the steps themselves are straight.  It is considered a flight with a turn) Based on what you tell the piano mover, he/she will tell you how many people they believe it will take to accomplish your move.  Missing important details or difficulties or miss-estimating your move based on the information you provided could mean your piano move might not happen the day you have it booked and could incur more charges. 
When are you looking to have it moved? 
Are there any time restraints involved? (Remember that placing a time restraint on your move can more than double the cost) 
Inform the Piano Mover of any problems that you can foresee ahead of time.  For example, It has to go around my house across the grass.  (Piano movers consider going across grass the same pushing a piano up a flight of stairs and charge accordingly for it).  "I don't have my keys to my new place until..." (screams of surprise waiting time or dead trip charges), "I have to be out of my old place by..." (you don't want your piano not to be picked up in time and lose possession of it to the new owner), "The person I am getting the piano is very hard to deal with because..."
Have only one person responsible for getting a quote and arranging your move.  The more people involved, the more likely a miscommunication could occur in your move.
 General weight of grand pianos
  size          weight     model

9'(107.9")    990 lbs.   D  grand
  6'9"(83")     760 lbs.   B  grand
  5'9"(70.5")   610 lbs.   L  grand
  5'6"(67")     560 lbs.   M  grand
  5'1"(61")     540 lbs.   S  grand
  4'3"(52")     600 lbs.   K  vertical
  3'9"(46.5")   480 lbs. 1098 vertical M

The more information you can provide the more accurate your quote will be.  If you are vague and provide few details, do not be surprised if are hit up for extra charges.  Piano Movers are very specific about what they charge.  Remember they can only quote you based on the information you provide.  A good, reputable piano mover will make the process as painless as possible and usually be the highlight and most stress-free part of your whole moving process.  The key is providing them with the information they need to help you properly.

DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF AGREEMENT Note to recipient: Please read the following agreement thoroughly PRIOR to signing. Should you need clarification of terms, please contact our customer service department at (714) 636-3122. Any piano that is moved using this service will do so under the following terms. Payment received represents agreement with these same terms. PianoTuningRepair.com 's piano moving business is an agency which acts as a liaison between customers and piano movers, whereby through large quantities of moves, we are able to negotiate exceptional rates on behalf of customers. Though PianoTuningRepair.com is not responsible for damage or accidents which may occur, it will "go to bat" for its customers to help in resolving any issues which may arise, and represents that it uses only movers which meet the following criteria: I. PIANO MOVING A. They will pick up your upright, baby grand, or grand piano from 4’11 ½ ” to 6’ in length. (There will be an additional charge for any larger size. Please contact us) B. They will have your items picked up and delivered within an average of 6-8 weeks (though MP and its piano movers continually strive for a 4-6 week delivery). (Be advised that due to high number of deliveries, there may be times when a delivery will be prolonged (Usually Christmas time). However, they will do everything they can to expedite the move). Be aware that specific short windows of time for pickup or delivery may not be accommodated. You might want to have a local mover pick it up if you are in a hurry, and have it stored at a regularly accessible location until the truck arrives. C. PianoTuningRepair.com trucking companies are fully insured by Lloyds of London. Therefore, Lloyds of London will be solely liable for damage incurred in transit (while driving on the road). Coverage includes damages up to $5000 with a $500 deductible. Please note that all damages must be reported within a 24 hour period of receiving piano. Additional insurance is available at $250 for the first $5000, and $150 for each additional $5000 insurance. PianoTuningRepair.com's trucking companies will repair or compensate for any damage that occurs to the piano while transporting into or out of destination and into or out of the truck. D. Payment will be due in advance for all moves. Special financing is available whereby you may pay 1/2 in advance, and the other 1/2 upon delivery. The cost for this financing will be 10% of the total bill. If you decide to change your mind about the move for any reason, please specify in writing within 5 business days of original booking date. For cancellations within this 5 day time frame, 1/2 of total bill will be retained to cover booking, scheduling, trucking, fuel, driver housing, and other costs associated with scheduling a piano pickup. Initial 1/2 payment will not be refundable for schedule changes, changes in delivery, change of mind, or personal issues, since real hard costs are incurred in scheduling, loading, preparing for your move, as well as fuel costs in transit. Once a piano has been loaded and is en route to its destination, should a change in destination be required (particularly one which is more than a few miles from the original destination), may be charged another delivery fee or 1/2 delivery fee depending on the distance from originally scheduled destination. Move cancellations following the 5 day period will be due in full. For moves which are financed, a lien will be placed upon the piano. By contracting this move, you are agreeing to authorize PianoTuningRepair.com to hold as colateral by lien or any other means the piano in transit for any delinquency in payment, reversal of payment (such as credit card chargeback), or any shortfall in the agreed transportation price, and agree to allow repossession for reversals, returned checks, or faulty means of payment. II. DELIVERY & SET UP A. PianoTuningRepair.com offers delivery and set up to your home/business with no more than 3 (three) steps at a flat rate. Stairways with more than three steps may require the use of a stair-climbing machine. For this reason, groups of four or more steps will bill at $30 per step. By signing this agreement, you verify that there are no more than 3 steps. Should we determine prior to placement in the home that the move will require more equipment than PianoTuningRepair.com offers, we will gladly drop ship to a local mover in your area at no additional charge, at which time the customer will be responsible for delivery and set up. (In such cases, the moving company assumes liability for the piano only to the moment of drop off.) B. PianoTuningRepair.com's trucking companies will do everything possible to protect and safely move piano into customer’s residence. Please be advised that cosmetically sensitive floors such as hardwood, linoleum, tile floors and steps need to be protected by home owner. PianoTuningRepair.com will bring protective material with delivery and will do everything possible to safely move piano into home, but assumes no responsibility for floor and step condition before or after move. (Often times on older homes, the weight of the piano alone, being rolled across a weak floor on a piano dolly may crack hardwood or tile, and with regards to a piano that has been set up in a particular spot on hardwood, tile, or marble: there are only two guys delivering. If a customer asks them to move it around, two guys is not adequate to move the piano around on hardwood. Rolling the wheels on it may scratch it. It takes four guys to lift a piano and move it around. Therefore, we are not responsible for scratches from these moves. If you would like your piano placed on such flooring carefully, be sure to have two extra guys there to help lift and carry the piano.) Linoleum may tear when a piano is set on it, then rolled around. Moving a piano up and down stairs which are not concrete or carpeted is a dangerous operation. We use a stair-climber for 4 or more steps. Regardless, any time you put 600-1400 pounds on stairs, there is a risk that something may break, scratch, tear, etc. We do not recommend ever moving a piano up or down stairs, but it is the nature of how homes are built, and the determination to have a piano moved up or down them that makes it a necessity for some customers. A crane is the preferred method for moving most pianos up stairs, and a stair-climber is a great alternative to carrying it, however, due to the extremes, PianoTuningRepair.com and it's movers keep the risk decisions regarding stairs and floors in the hands of the home or business owner. If you choose to move a piano over them, you should be sure the floor is strong, and know the risks of the various flooring types. Please ask questions in advance if you have any. C. Due to this extremely low rate, it is imperative that delivery take place in a very timely manner. Any unexpected delays due to special circumstances, no shows, unexpected stairs, etc, may result in a $50 per hour wait fee. Plan about two hours for delivery once the truck arrives. Most will take less time, but the unloading a piano will not be rushed to meet time deadlines. If you have any questions, please call. PianoTuningRepair.com reserves the right to change the terms of this agreement at any time without notice. Please print yourself a copy to validate the terms which you have committed.