Piano Removals

Piano Removals in Surrey by Experienced Professionals

Moving a piano is not the same as moving standard furniture. At Surrey Movers, we provide a dedicated piano removals service across Surrey, combining specialist equipment, skilled crews and careful planning to protect your instrument, your property and everyone involved.

Specialist Piano Removals Service Explained

Our piano removals service is designed around the specific weight, shape and sensitivity of pianos. Whether you own an upright, baby grand or concert grand, we plan every move to minimise vibration, avoid damage and ensure safe transit.

We use piano skates, protective covers, padded blankets, floor protection and, where required, stair climbers or hoists. Every move is assessed by a trained member of our team so we understand access, staircases, tight turns and any structural constraints before lifting a single note.

Local Piano Moving Expertise in Surrey

As a Surrey-based removals company, we know the area’s homes and roads extremely well. From period properties in Guildford and Dorking, to modern flats in Woking and Epsom, to larger family homes in Weybridge and Esher, we have hands-on experience moving pianos in all types of buildings.

Local knowledge means we plan the most suitable parking, access routes and timings, helping your move run smoothly and reducing the risk of delays. Being close by also allows us to respond more quickly to urgent requests when availability allows.

Who Our Piano Removals Service Is For

Our specialist piano removals in Surrey are suitable for:

• Homeowners moving house or rearranging rooms
• Renters relocating between flats or houses
• Landlords needing pianos moved between properties or into storage
• Businesses such as schools, theatres, churches, hotels and music studios
• Students at music colleges or universities moving term-time accommodation

Whether your piano is a family heirloom, a professional instrument or a cherished hobby piece, we treat it with the same level of care and respect.

What We Can and Cannot Move

Items Included in Our Piano Removals Service

We regularly move:

• Upright pianos (all sizes, including overstrung and upright grands)
• Baby grand pianos
• Grand and concert grand pianos (subject to access and route survey)
• Digital pianos and stage pianos
• Related items such as piano stools, music stands and metronomes

Items Excluded or Requiring Special Arrangements

We do not usually handle:

• Pianos requiring crane lifts through windows without prior structural approval
• Instruments with significant existing structural damage that may not withstand moving
• Non-piano oversized items outside the scope of the agreed service

We can often arrange complex moves (such as balcony or window lifts) working alongside specialist contractors once a detailed survey has been completed.

Our Step-by-Step Piano Removals Process

1. Enquiry & Quote

You contact us with details of your piano, current address and destination. We will ask for photos of the instrument, access points, staircases and any tight turns. Based on this information, we provide a clear written quotation outlining what is included and any assumptions made.

2. Survey (Virtual or Onsite)

For straightforward ground-floor moves, a virtual survey with photos or video is often sufficient. For more complex moves (stairs, limited access, long carries or high-value instruments) we may arrange an onsite survey. A professional survey ensures we specify the right team size, equipment and timings, and identify any risks in advance.

3. Packing & Preparation

On move day, we first protect the surrounding area – using floor runners, corner protection and door protectors where required. The piano is then wrapped with thick padded blankets and secured with straps. For grands, we carefully remove the legs and lyre, label fixings and protect each component individually before placing the body on a piano skid.

4. Loading & Transport

Your piano is moved using trolleys or skates specifically designed for heavy instruments. Once at the vehicle, it is loaded using ramps or tail lifts and securely strapped to the side rails to prevent movement in transit. Our vehicles are fitted with suspension suitable for delicate loads, and our drivers are experienced in transporting valuable items.

5. Unloading & Placement

At the destination, we reverse the process with the same level of care. The piano is positioned in the room of your choice, reassembled if required, and any packaging removed from site. We will help you fine-tune the final position within reasonable limits, bearing in mind floor load and environmental factors such as heat sources.

Transparent Piano Removal Pricing

Piano removal costs vary depending on several factors:

• Type and size of piano
• Number of stairs and complexity of access at each property
• Distance between addresses
• Need for additional equipment or extra crew
• Timing (standard weekday vs weekend or out-of-hours)

We believe in clear, upfront pricing. After your survey, you will receive a fixed quotation for the agreed scope, with any potential additional charges (for example, unexpected access issues on the day) clearly explained in advance. There are no hidden extras for standard protective materials or basic floor protection.

Why Use Professional Piano Movers Rather Than DIY

Attempting to move a piano yourself or relying on a casual man-and-van can be risky. Pianos are extremely heavy and awkward, and many have fragile internal components. Incorrect lifting or securing can result in serious injury, damage to the instrument, or harm to floors, walls and staircases.

By choosing a professional removals company like Surrey Movers, you benefit from:

• Trained staff used to handling heavy, awkward loads
• Correct equipment designed for pianos and tight access
• Goods in transit insurance for your instrument
• Public liability cover to protect you and your property
• Planned risk assessments and methodical working practices

Insurance and Professional Standards

We operate to recognised industry standards and take our responsibilities seriously. Every piano move is carried out by a trained team and covered by appropriate insurance:

• Goods in transit insurance covering your piano while it is in our care and being transported
• Public liability cover for accidental damage to third-party property or injury

Policy limits and key terms are available on request, and we are happy to discuss any specific concerns you may have about high-value or unusual instruments.

Care, Protection and Sustainability

Our approach is built around care for your instrument, your property and the wider environment.

• We use high-quality reusable blankets and pads rather than excessive single-use plastics.
• Floor and wall protection is used wherever needed to minimise scuffs and damage.
• Vehicles are loaded carefully to avoid unnecessary vibration and movement.
• Routes are planned efficiently to reduce mileage where possible.

Your piano is always handled by people who understand its value – not only in financial terms, but often in emotional and musical terms as well.

Real-World Piano Removal Use Cases

Moving House

When you are moving home, the piano is often one of the most challenging items. We coordinate with your wider removals schedule, ensuring the piano is moved safely while the rest of your belongings are packed and loaded. If we are handling your full house move, the piano is incorporated into the overall plan from the outset.

Office, School and Studio Relocations

We regularly move pianos for schools, music studios, rehearsal spaces, hotels and places of worship. We can schedule moves around lesson times, performances or business hours to minimise disruption, and we are used to working in busy environments with safeguarding, security or access requirements.

Urgent or Short-Notice Moves

Sometimes a piano needs to be moved urgently – for example, due to a tenancy ending, a property sale completing earlier than expected, or works being carried out at the property. Where our schedule allows, we provide short-notice or same-week appointments, always maintaining professional standards and proper planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a piano removal in Surrey cost?

The cost of a piano removal depends mainly on the type of piano, access at each property and the distance travelled. Upright pianos with level access are generally the most straightforward and therefore the least expensive. Grand pianos, multiple flights of stairs or restricted access will increase the price due to the extra time, equipment and staff required. Once we have details and photos, we provide a clear fixed quotation so you know exactly what to budget before you book.

Can you do same-day or urgent piano removals?

Same-day or urgent piano removals are sometimes possible, but they depend on our existing schedule, crew availability and the complexity of your move. Simple ground-floor moves within Surrey are the easiest to accommodate at short notice. More complex jobs involving stairs, limited access or grand pianos usually need at least a little planning time. If you have an urgent requirement, contact us as early in the day as you can and we will always be honest about what we can safely and realistically offer.

Is my piano insured while you are moving it?

Yes. Your piano is covered by our goods in transit insurance while it is in our care and on our vehicles. We also carry public liability cover in case of accidental damage to property or injury to third parties. Insurance is there as a safety net; our primary focus is on preventing problems through careful planning, trained staff and suitable equipment. If your instrument is particularly high value or unusual, let us know so we can confirm the cover limits and discuss any additional requirements.

What is included in your piano removals service?

Our standard service includes a pre-move assessment, provision of suitable protective materials, wrapping and securing the piano, safe loading and unloading, transport between addresses and placing the instrument in your chosen room. For grand pianos, it includes careful dismantling of legs and lyre and reassembly at the destination. Basic floor and doorway protection is also included where required. Tuning is not included, as pianos often need to acclimatise after a move, but we recommend arranging a professional tuning a few weeks after relocation.

How is a professional piano removal different from a man-and-van?

A professional piano removal service uses trained crews, specialist equipment and structured risk assessments specifically for heavy instruments. We carry appropriate insurance, protect your property and follow established techniques for moving pianos safely. Many casual man-and-van operators do not have the right equipment or experience and may not be properly insured for high-value items. While the upfront cost might appear lower, the potential for damage or injury is much higher. With Surrey Movers, you are paying for knowledge, safety, and peace of mind.

How far in advance should I book a piano removal?

For the best choice of dates, we recommend booking your piano removal at least one to two weeks in advance, particularly if you are moving on a Friday, at month-end or during school holidays. Grand pianos or complex access jobs may benefit from even more notice to allow for surveys and planning. That said, we understand that situations change, and we will always try to accommodate shorter notice where our diary allows. The earlier you get in touch, the more options we can usually offer.