Pianos are fragile and valuable musical instruments and whenever you are relocating, you should seek piano movers services. Some are family possessions that have been preserved for generations and require utmost care to ensure their history is preserved. Although these instruments have a sturdy appearance, they are extremely fragile and a slight mishandling can lead to a loss.
Due to their nature, these instruments require special handling when moving. Movers ensure they have a precise combination of how they will handle these instruments until they arrive at their new destinations. So, how much does using this company cost to move these priceless and fragile instruments?
- Factors Affecting the Cost of Moving a Piano
Toronto piano movers do not just fix the cost of moving pianos. There are a few factors put into consideration. They include:
- Type, Size, and Weight of Your Piano
Property owners with heavier and larger pianos incur more costs while moving their pianos. It is because more labor is needed to move them from one point to the next.
Also, if a piano is large and has a unique shape, it will cost more. Such pianos are difficult to move around. They require special attention to ensure they don’t get damaged when moving.
When reaching out to piano movers, ensure you have measured your musical instrument. Give them the dimensions, model, and shape. They will give you an accurate estimate and prepare the right tools to help you with moving.
- Distance
Let your moving company the exact location you want your instrument taken. It will help them know the distance they will cover until they reach the destination. The price increases with distance. For example, if you are moving to a distance of 30 miles and another person 300 miles, you pay cheaper.
Moving companies have to consider the cost of fuel, time, and wear and tear while moving your instrument around and that is why distance is such a key consideration in price calculation.
- Obstacles on Moving Day
Any obstacle that can make moving your piano challenging leads to an increased cost of moving. The major one is stairs. The moving team has to take extra time and effort to ensure your instrument is moved safely to their moving vehicle. If the stairs are many, be ready to pay a lot. Some piano movers charge per stair, with each step costing $5-$10. Others charge per staircase, which can be between $40 and $100.
Besides stairs, other obstacles movers consider are the distance between your entry door and their vehicle, tight corners, narrow doorways, and tight spaces.
- The Average Cost of Moving a Piano
If you choose local Toronto piano movers to move you locally, they can charge you an average of $200 and $400. Beyond your local area and to larger distances, the price increases to between $700 and $2,000.
- How the Piano Shipping Cost is calculated
- At an hourly rate. Some movers prefer charging per hour instead of a flat fee. When charging per hour, here is what these movers consider:
- The number of movers to include in their team
- Time used while moving your piano to your preferred destination
- Equipment used in moving your piano
- Travel fee
- Flat rate: long-distant piano movers prefer this rate. They consider the distance to be covered, obstacles for moving the piano from your house to their vehicle, and the type of your piano. Usually, a base fee of $50 is charged. If you are moving locally, the cost is charged per mile, which is approximately $1.50 per mile.
For longer distances, these movers charge $3 per mile. The best way to get an accurate quote is by having the moving company visit your home during the consultation, check the accessibility and moving difficulties in advance.
- Equipment Needed to Move a Piano
When moving a piano, Toronto piano movers need to maintain balance to ensure they do not damage your instrument. The most important pieces of equipment to help them achieve this balance are the humpstrap and a dolly.
- Upright Piano Moving Cost
- A 4-wheel piano moving dolly. This equipment costs approximately $160.
- 1 humpstrap. It costs $35
- A locking piano belt. Also $35
- Grand Piano Moving Equipment Costs
- 2 locking piano belts. These costs $70 and $35 each
- A piano skid board. It is sold at $160 and is used in securing the long flat side of the piano
- Quality movers pads, costing $30 each
- Quality packers tape. Sold in rolls, with each costing $3.00
- 4-wheel piano dolly, sold at $80