By / OVM TEAM

Everything You Need to Know About Piano Moving | Piano Movers Ottawa | Ottawa Valley Movers

Piano moving can be a daunting task

A piano is an important item and very few people leave their beloved piano behind, especially if they’re considered precious family heirlooms. Pianos are extremely expensive and extremely hard to move – this combination is not ideal for most moving days. But, when you work with the right Ottawa piano mover, you can rest assured that your beloved instrument will be treated with the utmost care and respect.

At Ottawa Valley Movers, we understand how important your piano is to you. We also know that moving a piano is no easy feat – it requires special equipment and training to ensure a safe and successful move whether you’re moving your piano locally or long-distance.

DIY vs. hiring professional piano movers

There are two main options when it comes to moving a piano: you can either do it yourself or hire professional piano movers in Ottawa.

Doing it yourself is generally not recommended, as pianos are extremely heavy and delicate items. One wrong move could easily damage the piano – or worse, injure someone in the process.

Hiring a professional moving company is always the best option. Not only will your piano be in safe hands, but you’ll also have peace of mind knowing that it will arrive at its destination in one piece.

Can furniture movers also do piano moving?

Furniture movers and piano movers are generally two very different things.

Piano moving is a specialized service that requires piano-specific equipment and training. On the other hand, furniture movers are not trained or equipped to move pianos. They may be able to move other large pieces of furniture, but they should not be trusted with piano moving.

Some moving companies can move furniture and pianos, but it’s crucial that you do your research to ensure that the moving company you choose is properly trained and has experience moving pianos. At Ottawa Valley Movers, our piano movers are highly trained and experienced in both furniture and piano moving.

Piano moving preparation

Now that you’ve decided to hire a professional piano moving company in Ottawa, it’s time to start preparing for the big day.

The first step is to measure the piano and all doorways, stairwells, and other spaces that it will need to travel through on moving day. This will allow the piano movers to determine what type of equipment they’ll need to safely move the piano.

The next step is to empty the piano of any items that might be inside, such as sheet music or photographs. These items can be packed separately and moved with the rest of your belongings.

Finally, it’s a good idea to cover the piano with a sheet or blanket to protect it from scratches or other damage during the move.

Piano moving day

On moving day, the piano movers will arrive at your home with all of the necessary equipment to safely move the piano. They will carefully lift the piano and load it onto a dolly or piano board.

The piano will then be moved to the truck and secured in place. Once the piano is loaded, the piano movers will carefully unload it at your new home and place it in the desired location.

If you’re not sure where you want the piano to go, the piano movers can help you determine the best spot for it.

The piano moving process

When you hire professional piano moving services in Ottawa, the process will go something like this:

1. The piano movers will assess your piano and determine the best way to move it.

2. They will then wrap and secure the piano in order to protect it during transport.

3. The piano will be loaded onto a piano dolly and wheeled out to the moving truck.

4. Once at the new location, the piano will be unloaded from the truck and placed in its new home.

The piano moving process may vary slightly depending on the company you hire, but this is generally how it goes.

How are pianos transported?

Pianos are transported using a piano dolly, which is a specialized piece of equipment designed specifically for moving pianos. The piano is placed on the dolly and then wheeled to the truck. Once at the new location, the piano is unloaded from the dolly and placed in its new home.

The piano dolly is one of the most important pieces of equipment used in piano moving, as it helps to prevent damage to the piano during transport.

The most common types of pianos

There are three main types of pianos: grand piano, baby grand piano, and upright piano.

A grand piano is the largest and most expensive type of piano. They are also the most difficult to move, as they can weigh up to 1,000 pounds (450 kg).

Baby grand pianos are smaller than grand pianos and therefore slightly easier to move. They typically weigh between 500 and 700 pounds (225-320 kg).

Upright pianos are the most common type of piano. They are smaller and lighter than grand or baby grand pianos, making them much easier to move. Most upright pianos weigh between 200 and 400 pounds (90-180 kg).

Moving an Upright Piano

Upright pianos are the most common type of piano, and they’re also the easiest to move. As the name suggests, upright pianos stand upright on their own – you don’t need to worry about them toppling over during transport.

The main challenge with moving an upright piano is getting it through doorways and tight spaces. But with a little planning and the help of professional piano movers, this shouldn’t be a problem.

Risks of moving an upright piano

Even though an upright piano is the easiest type of piano to move, there are still some risks involved. The main risk is damage to the piano, which can happen if it’s not properly secured during transport.

Another risk is injury – both to you and the piano movers. Upright pianos are extremely heavy, and lifting one incorrectly could easily lead to a back or muscle injury.

Moving a Grand Piano

A grand piano is much larger and heavier than an upright piano, which makes it more difficult to move. In fact, most need to be disassembled before they can be moved – something that should only be done by professional piano movers.

The good news is that once the piano has been disassembled, it can be moved in smaller, manageable pieces. This makes the overall move much easier and ensures that your piano will arrive at its destination safely.

Risks of moving a grand piano

There are a few risks to consider when moving a grand piano. First, a grand piano is extremely heavy and can easily injure someone if it were to fall on them. Second, the delicate inner workings of a grand piano can be damaged if it’s not moved carefully.

Moving baby grand pianos

Baby grand pianos are a happy medium between grand and upright pianos. They’re not as large or heavy as a grand piano, but they’re still too big and delicate to move without professional help.

Like grand pianos, baby grands need to be disassembled before they can be moved. But once they’ve been taken apart, they can be moved in smaller, more manageable pieces.

Risks of moving baby grand pianos

The risks of moving a baby grand piano are similar to the risks of moving a grand piano. They’re large and heavy, so they can be difficult to move without professional help. And if they’re not moved carefully, they can be damaged.

The piano moving process will vary depending on the type of piano you have, but all pianos should be moved by professional piano movers. This is the best way to ensure a safe and successful move.

Moving pianos long-distance

If you’re moving a piano long-distance, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll need to find Ottawa piano movers who are experienced in long-distance moves. Second, you’ll need to properly secure the piano for transport. And finally, you’ll need to insure the piano for its journey.

Insurance for moving your piano

Most piano movers will offer some sort of insurance for your piano, but it’s always a good idea to get your own insurance as well. This way, you’ll be covered no matter what happens during the move.

The best way to insure your piano is to get a quote from an independent insurance company. Be sure to give them all the details of your move, including the type of piano you have, the distance it’s travelling, and the value of the piano.

I have a very old piano, is it worth moving?

Older pianos may hold sentimental value, but that doesn’t mean they’re worth moving. In fact, most older pianos are not worth the cost of moving.

The reason for this is that older pianos are often not in good condition and can be difficult to move. If you have an older piano that you’re thinking of moving, it’s best to talk to a professional piano mover first. They can help you assess the piano and determine if it’s worth moving.

How to know if a piano is worth moving or not

There are a few things to consider when trying to determine if a piano is worth moving. First, you need to consider the age and condition of the piano. An older piano that’s in good condition is more likely to be worth moving than a newer piano that’s in poor condition.

Second, you need to think about the value of the piano. A piano that’s worth a lot of money is more likely to be worth moving than a piano that’s not worth much.

And finally, you need to consider the cost of moving the piano. If the cost of moving the piano is more than the piano is worth, then it’s probably not worth moving.

Piano removal

If you have an old piano that you no longer want, the best option is to have it removed by professional Ottawa piano movers. This way, you won’t have to worry about moving it yourself and you can be sure that it will be disposed of properly.

Piano movers will usually charge a fee for piano removal, but it’s worth it to have the piano out of your home.

Average piano moving costs

The average piano moving price will vary depending on a number of factors, including the size and weight of your piano, the distance of the move, and whether or not the piano needs to be disassembled.

In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $1000 for professional piano moving services.

The best way to get an accurate estimate is to contact a few different companies and request a quote.

Factors that influence the cost of piano moving

The size and weight of your piano are the two main factors that will influence the cost of piano moving. A larger piano or a piano that needs to be disassembled will be more expensive to move.

The distance of the move is also a factor. Local moves are usually less expensive than long-distance moves.

And finally, the time of year can also affect the price. Piano movers are usually busiest during the summer months, so you may be able to get a discount if you’re willing to schedule your move for another time of year.

Additional piano moving costs

In addition to the piano moving price, there are also a few other costs to consider.

If your piano needs to be disassembled, you may need to pay a piano tuning fee. This is because pianos can go out of tune when they’re disassembled and reassembled.

And if you’re moving a piano long-distance, you may need to pay for storage. Piano storage fees can range from $50 to $200 per month.

4 tips for saving money on piano moving costs

1. Get quotes from multiple companies: The best way to get a good deal on piano moving services is to get quotes from multiple companies. This way, you can compare prices and choose the best deal.

2. Move during the off-season: As mentioned above, piano movers are usually busiest during the summer months. If you’re willing to schedule your move for another time of year, you may be able to get a discount.

3. Move locally: Local moves are usually less expensive than long-distance moves. If your piano doesn’t need to be moved too far, you may be able to save money by hiring a local company.

4. Do it yourself: If you’re feeling brave, you can always try to move your piano yourself. This is obviously the cheapest option, but it’s also the riskiest. If you’re not careful, you could end up damaging your piano or even injuring yourself.

The benefits of hiring professional Ottawa piano movers

When you hire professional Ottawa piano movers, you can rest assured knowing that your piano will be in good hands. Piano movers are trained and experienced in moving all types of pianos, so they’ll know exactly how to get your piano from point A to point B without any damage.

In addition, piano movers have the necessary equipment to move pianos safely and efficiently. This includes piano dollies, straps, and blankets – all of which are essential for a successful move.

If you’re planning on moving a piano, we highly recommend hiring professional piano movers. They have the experience and expertise to get the job done right, and they’ll ensure that your piano arrives at its destination safely and soundly.

Qualities of a great piano mover

When you’re looking for piano moving companies in Ottawa, it’s important to choose a company that has a good reputation. Here are a few qualities to look for:

Experience: Look for a company that has been in business for several years. This is a good indication that they know what they’re doing.

Positive reviews: Check online review sites to see what other people are saying about the company. If they have mostly positive reviews, that’s a good sign.

Competitive prices: Get quotes from multiple companies and compare prices. This will help you choose a company that offers competitive rates.

Professional piano movers: Make sure the company you choose has professional piano movers on staff. These are the people who will be moving your piano, so you want to make sure they’re qualified and experienced.

Why hire Ottawa Valley Movers?

At Ottawa Valley Movers, we are some of the most experienced Ottawa piano movers. We have all the specialized equipment to move pianos of all shapes and sizes. We understand the delicate nature of these instruments and take every precaution to ensure a safe and successful move.

When you hire us, you can rest assured that your piano is in good hands. If you’re looking for piano moving services in Ottawa, contact Ottawa Valley Movers today. We would be more than happy to help you with your move.