How to Move a Piano in Perth (Upright & Grand)

Pianos are heavy, awkward, and fragile. The weight is only half the problem. The real risks are tipping, snapped castors, damaged floors, crushed fingers, and cracked soundboards from poor handling. Perth homes add their own quirks: narrow hallways in older suburbs, apartments with tight lift rules, and steep driveways in the hills.

If you're moving an upright, baby grand, or grand piano, treat it like a specialist move — not a "couple of mates and a trolley" job. Request a free quote before you lift a single lid.

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Piano Types and What Changes

Upright Piano

• Heavier than it looks (often 180–280kg)
• Top-heavy and unstable when tilted
• Vulnerable to knocks around corners and door frames

Baby Grand / Grand Piano

• More complex disassembly (legs, lyre/pedals)
• Needs proper padding and strapping to avoid rim damage
• Often requires extra crew and better equipment

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When You Should Use Professional Piano Movers

Be blunt with yourself. If any of these apply, don't DIY:

• Stairs (even a few) at pickup or drop-off
• Tight turns, narrow doorways, or split-level entries
• Apartment lift bookings, loading dock rules, or strata restrictions
• You're moving a valuable or sentimental piano
• You don't have a proper piano skid board, straps, and moving blankets

A small mistake can cost thousands in repairs, plus damage to walls, floors, and body parts. Professional furniture removals in Perth means the right gear, the right crew, and no surprises.

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DIY Piano Move Checklist (Minimum Safe Setup)

If you insist on moving it yourself, don't improvise.

Gear

• Heavy-duty piano trolley or appliance trolley rated for the load
• 4+ quality ratchet straps
• Thick moving blankets and corner protectors (see our packing and storage support for tips)
• Non-slip gloves
• Furniture sliders (for repositioning on flat surfaces)
• Protective floor covering (cardboard sheets, drop cloths)

People

• Upright: minimum 3 strong adults who can follow instructions
• Grand: minimum 4, ideally more, with someone experienced leading

Safety Rules

• One person is the caller. One set of directions.
• Never grab the keys/lid or rely on castors
• Keep hands out of pinch points
• Move slowly, communicate constantly

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Step-by-Step: Moving an Upright Piano

1. Measure First

• Doorways, hallways, tight turns, lift dimensions (if applicable)
• Confirm the piano can physically pass through before you start

2. Protect the Piano

• Close and secure the lid
• Wrap in moving blankets (especially corners and edges)
• Strap the blankets so they can't slip

3. Protect the House

• Put down floor protection on timber, tiles, and carpet transitions
• Plan your path with doors pinned open

4. Load to Trolley

• Tilt slightly, slide trolley under from the strong side
• Strap piano firmly to trolley
• Keep it upright as much as possible

5. Move It

• Slow, controlled movement
• At thresholds, one person lifts while another stabilises
• If stairs exist — stop, reassess. This is where injuries happen.

6. Load Into Truck

• Use a ramp or lift gate if available
• Strap piano to truck anchor points
• Prevent all movement in transit

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Moving a Grand Piano

A grand piano generally needs partial disassembly and correct positioning. If you don't know what "lyre removal" is, don't attempt it.

Typical safe process:

• Remove music stand and pedals (lyre)
• Remove legs in a controlled order while stabilising the piano
• Place onto a padded skid board
• Strap securely, load with lift gate or ramp
• Strap to anchor points for transport

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Perth-Specific Tips (Parking, Access, Strata)

Perth adds its own complications. Check our service areas across Perth metro before you plan.

• Subiaco / Leederville / Mount Lawley — narrow streets and parking restrictions. Book a spot early or hire removalists in Subiaco who know the access.
• CBD apartments — confirm loading dock access and lift booking times. Many buildings require 48hr notice.
• Hills suburbs (Kalamunda, Mundaring) — steep driveways. Plan truck placement and safe angles carefully.
• Older homes — narrow doorways are common in character homes. Measure before you commit.

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After the Move: Tuning and Acclimatisation

Even if the piano looks fine, changes in temperature and humidity during transport affect tuning.

• Let it settle for 1–2 weeks before playing seriously
• Then book a piano tuner (especially after a long move or a Perth summer move)

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to move a piano in Perth?

Professional piano moves in Perth typically cost $200–$600+ depending on access, distance, and piano type. Upright pianos with easy access are at the lower end. Grand pianos with stairs or lifts are at the higher end. Always get a quote specific to your situation.

Can you move a piano up or down stairs?

Yes, but it requires the right equipment (a piano board and proper straps) and an experienced crew. This is one of the most common causes of piano damage and injury for DIY moves. Professional movers assess the staircase first and quote accordingly.

How long does it take to move a piano?

An upright with easy access typically takes 45–90 minutes to load, transport, and place. A grand piano with disassembly can take 2–3 hours. Access complexity (stairs, lifts, parking) is the main variable.

Do you need to tune a piano after moving it?

Yes, almost always. The vibration and change in environment affects tuning. Book a piano tuner 1–2 weeks after the move once the piano has acclimatised to its new space.

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Get a Piano Moving Quote

If you want it done without damage and drama, book a professional move with the right crew and gear.

Call us: 0449 987 350 (7 days, 7am–7pm)