A piano typically weighs between 150 to 500 kg, depending on the type—uprights are lighter, while grand pianos are much heavier. Due to their size, weight distribution, and delicate parts, lifting or moving a piano requires multiple people and specialized equipment to avoid injury or damage.
Experts carry specific tools to move them safely. If you also want safe transportation of your piano, you should hire a professional. This will also protect your piano from unnecessary damage.
Piano moving in Adelaide is particularly difficult because of the city’s mix of modern apartments, historic homes, and uneven terrain. Not every removalist has the tools or training necessary to handle such delicate cargo. Selecting the best piano mover in Adelaide means putting your priceless instrument in the hands of professionals who are knowledgeable about both the logistics of safe, damage-free transportation and piano craftsmanship.
To help you make an informed choice, this blog has every information to find the best piano movers in Adelaide.
Why You Need a Specialist Piano Mover
Many people believe that moving a piano only requires hiring a standard removalist, but this can be an expensive error. Here are the top reasons to hire a specialist piano mover:
- Expertise in Piano Mechanics: Professional movers understand how pianos are constructed and which parts are most vulnerable during a move. It helps in disassembly and assembly.
- Proper Equipment: Specialist movers use custom dollies, ramps, skid boards, padding, and climate-controlled vehicles.
- Safety First: Trained movers ensure safety for your piano, your property, and themselves, especially in narrow hallways, stairs, or multi-story buildings.
- Insurance Coverage: Reputable piano movers offer full insurance in case of damage, theft, or unforeseen accidents.
- Peace of Mind: With professionals, you don’t need to worry about scratched floors, broken keys, or poor transportation.
When you consider the cost of piano repairs or replacement, hiring a qualified piano mover becomes a small investment in protecting your prized instrument.
Types of Piano Moving Services
It’s critical to understand the various services provided before selecting Adelaide Piano Movers.
Moving an Upright Piano
The typical weight of an upright piano is 150–300 kg. Although they are usually easier to move, care must still be taken, particularly in confined areas.
Moving Grand and Baby Grand Pianos
These pianos need to have their legs, pedals, and lids disassembled because they can weigh more than 500 kg. To secure and safeguard every component, movers must use straps and piano boards.
Electric and Digital Pianos
Despite being lighter, these instruments have electronics that are susceptible to moisture and shocks. They might also need padded crates or specially made cases.
Interstate Piano Transport
Make sure the mover you select has an interstate transport license and provides climate-controlled vehicles if you’re moving between states.
Balcony Lifts and Stairs
Certain properties require navigating tight staircases or lifting the piano over balconies. Movers may use specialized rigging, hoists, or cranes.
What to Look for in the Best Piano Movers in Adelaide
It takes more than just selecting the lowest quote to find the best piano mover in Adelaide. The following are the main things to think about:
Specialisation and Experience
Seek out businesses that expressly list piano moving as one of their main offerings. They will be more adept at managing unforeseen difficulties the more experience they have. Find out if they have experience moving pianos like yours (upright, grand, digital) and how many pianos they have moved in the last 12 months.
Licensing and Insurance
Always choose a fully insured and licensed mover. This protects your piano—and your wallet—in case of damage or injury. This includes Public liability insurance, Transit insurance, and Workers’ compensation.
Equipment and Techniques
Inquire about the equipment they use, particularly if your house has stairs or restricted access. A good mover uses:
- Heavy-duty piano dollies
- Skid boards
- Stair climbing equipment
- Piano covers and pads
- Vehicle tie-downs and ramps
Customer Reviews and Reputation
Reviews can tell you a lot. You can check a lot of reviews left by customers. You can seek out recurring compliments in areas such as communication, punctuality, and instrument maintenance. Avoid companies with little to no online presence or reviews that are vague or generic.
Transparent Quotes
Watch out for lowball quotes that exclude long carries, stairs, insurance, and disassembly costs. Request a thorough quote, ideally in writing.
Punctuality and Communication
Select a business that has a reputation for being courteous, prompt, and responsive. There will be fewer surprises on moving day if there is effective communication.
Handling of Special Situations
Not all piano moves are straightforward. The best movers conduct a site assessment and have strategies for difficult access points like narrow doorways, spiral staircases, high-rise apartments, and uneven outdoor surfaces.
Trained Staff (Not Just Labour Hire)
Ensure the crew includes trained piano movers, not just general labourers. Pianos are delicate and heavy; they require technical knowledge, muscle coordination, and teamwork to handle safely.
Flexibility with Scheduling
Top piano movers offer flexible booking times, weekend or after-hours availability, and understand the need for precision timing, especially when coordinating with settlement dates, concerts, or events.
Disassembly & Reassembly Services
Grand and baby grand pianos often need partial disassembly (like removing legs or pedals). The best movers offer this as part of the service and ensure everything is reassembled correctly at the new location.
Climate-Controlled or Secure Transport
If your move is long-distance or across seasons, ask whether the moving truck is climate-controlled or equipped to keep the piano safe from humidity, heat, or cold.
Local Knowledge of Adelaide Suburbs
Movers who are familiar with Adelaide’s roadways, parking regulations, and building layouts (especially in areas like North Adelaide, Glenelg, or CBD apartments) can save you time and hassle.
Post-Move Advice or Services
After a piano move, tuning is often required. Top piano movers like Intercity Movers may not tune it themselves, but can refer trusted technicians or include post-move care tips to protect your instrument.
Estimated Costs of Piano Moving in Adelaide
The type of piano, the distance, and the difficulty of the move can all affect the cost. Here is a general guide:
| Piano Type | Local Move (within Adelaide) | Interstate Move (SA to Others) |
| Upright Piano | $200 – $400 | $600 – $900 |
| Baby Grand Piano | $400 – $700 | $900 – $1,400 |
| Grand Piano | $600 – $1,000+ | $1,500 – $2,500+ |
| Digital/Electric Piano | $150 – $300 | $400 – $600 |
Additional Costs
- Stair Fees: $50–$100 per flight
- Hoisting or Crane: $300–$800+
- Tuning (post-move): $150–$250
- Storage (monthly): $100–$250, depending on the facility.
Tip: Find out from your mover if tuning is required following the move. Your piano could become out of tune due to even minor bumps during transportation.
Questions to Ask Before Booking A Piano Mover
Before hiring a piano moving company, ask these important questions:
- Do you offer piano moving as a specialty or as an add-on service?
- Which insurance plans do you provide?
- On that day, how many movers will be there?
- Do you provide disassembly or tuning services?
- Have you ever worked on a piano like mine?
- Are you able to offer references or client endorsements?
- What problems with access should I be aware of?
- What occurs if the move is delayed or damaged?
By asking these questions, you can decide whom to choose. You can select the right kind of piano mover according to your requirements.
Tips to Prepare for Your Piano Move
The secret to a flawless piano move is preparation. As the owner of the piano, you can do the following:
Make the Way Clear
Clear the entryways, stairwells, and hallways of clutter, furniture, and rugs. Make sure there is adequate clearance by measuring doorways.
Preserve the Environment
Although piano movers will provide padding, you can prevent scratches and scuffs by placing mats or blankets close to areas that see a lot of traffic.
Use Clear Communication
Notify the movers ahead of time of any stairs, elevators, low ceilings, or sharp turns. When quoting, photos can be useful.
Take Out Any Loose Things
To avoid damage, take out any decorative items or a music stand that may be attached to your piano.
Fasten the Lid
To keep the keys safe while being transported, close and lock the lid.
Refrain from Moving in Severe Weather
To minimise moisture and tuning problems, try to avoid moving during periods of intense heat or rain.
Make a Tuning Plan
Before tuning the piano, you can simply wait a few days following the move. It requires a little bit of time to be assembled.