Piano Moving in Exeter
Professional piano moving services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
Quote required
Typical Duration
2-4 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Upright pianos moved carefully without wrecking your floors, doorframes, or the instrument itself. Proper lifting, proper protection, done right.
Moving a Piano Isn't Like Moving a Sofa
Pianos are heavy, awkward, and delicate. Get it wrong and you've got dented floors, smashed doorframes, or a damaged instrument worth hundreds to repair.
💡 Pro tip: An upright piano weighs 150-300kg. That's not a one-person job, no matter how strong you think you are.
Why This Needs Doing Properly
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Floors protected with boards | Castors gouge tracks in your flooring |
| Controlled lifting with two people | Back injuries and dropped instruments |
| Doorframes measured, piano tilted carefully | Frame damage trying to force it through |
| Instrument kept upright and stable | Internal damage from rough handling |
What's Involved
🔧 The Process
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Assess | Measure doorways, check stairs, plan the route |
| Protect | Floors covered, doorframes padded if needed |
| Move | Controlled lifting, steady progress, no rushing |
| Position | Piano settled in new location, felt pads under legs |
📦 What I Bring
- Second person to help with lifting
- Boards and blankets for floor protection
- Straps for controlled movement
- Experience with Exeter's awkward old houses
When to Call for a Quote
This isn't a fixed-price job because every piano move is different:
Simple moves (ground floor, clear access): 2 hours = £110
Typical moves (stairs or tight access): 3-4 hours = £160-£210
Difficult moves (multiple flights, very tight spaces): Quote after assessment
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after.
⚠️ Grand pianos: These need specialist piano movers with proper equipment. I'm honest about what I can and can't do - grands are beyond my setup.
Perfect If You're...
✅ Moving house - need the piano relocated along with everything else
✅ Redecorating - shifting it to another room temporarily
✅ Downsizing - taking it to a new owner or storage
✅ Realistic about access - you know it's not going to be easy
Why Choose Us for Piano Moving in Exeter?
Floors and doorframes protected
Instrument handled with care
Proper lifting technique
Second pair of hands included
What to Expect
Step 1: Photos and Measurements
Send me photos of the piano and the route it needs to take - stairs, doorways, tight corners. I'll tell you honestly if it's doable and give you a time estimate.
Step 2: Moving Day
I arrive with a helper, floor protection, and proper equipment. We take our time, protect everything, and move it carefully.
Step 3: Positioned and Settled
Piano in position, felt pads under the legs so it won't mark the floor. I'll make sure you're happy before we leave.
🔧 DIY Tips
Honestly? Don't. But if you're determined to try:
🔧 What you absolutely need
- Minimum three strong adults (four is better)
- Moving dolly or furniture straps
- Thick blankets for floor protection
- Someone who knows what they're doing
📐 Before you start
- Measure EVERYTHING - doorways, stair width, ceiling height
- Clear the entire route of obstacles
- Lock the keyboard lid and secure loose parts
- Remove any items from the top
⚠️ Why this goes wrong
- Underestimating the weight (it's heavier than you think)
- Trying to muscle it through gaps it won't fit
- Not protecting floors (those castors will gouge)
- Lifting with your back instead of your legs
- Rushing because it's harder than expected
💡 The harsh truth: Piano removal companies exist for a reason. The cost of hiring someone who knows what they're doing is less than repairing floor damage, doorframe damage, or a dropped piano.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎹 Old Exeter houses: Victorian terraces with narrow stairs and tight corners are doable but take longer. Factor that into your moving day schedule.
Selling the piano? If the buyer's arranging collection, make sure they're sending proper movers. I've seen buyers turn up in a hatchback thinking they'll just "squeeze it in."
Storing it temporarily? Pianos don't like damp or temperature swings. Garage or shed storage can wreck them. A spare room is far better than an outbuilding, even short-term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you move a piano on your own?
For an upright piano I usually bring someone with me - they're too heavy and awkward for one person to move safely. For a grand piano, you'll need specialist piano movers with the proper equipment. I'll be honest about whether I'm the right person for your specific piano.
Will you damage my floors or doorframes?
I protect floors with boards or blankets, and I'm careful around doorframes. Pianos are heavy but manageable if you take your time and use proper technique. I've done plenty of these without leaving a mark.
How long does moving a piano take?
Depends massively on stairs and tight corners. Ground floor to ground floor with clear access, maybe 2 hours. Upstairs or awkward access, could be 3-4 hours. I'll need to see photos or visit to give you an accurate time estimate.
Do I need to tune the piano afterwards?
Moving doesn't necessarily mean it needs tuning - that's more about temperature and humidity changes. But if it's going to a new house with different conditions, yes, you'll probably want a piano tuner in after a few weeks to let it settle.
What about really tight staircases?
Exeter's older houses can be tricky. Sometimes pianos need tilting, sometimes they need taking upright through doorways sideways. I'll assess it honestly - if it's genuinely not going to fit, I'll tell you before wasting your time and money trying.
Piano Moving Also Available In:
Get a Free Quote in Exeter
Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote for your piano moving job in Exeter.
01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
Why Trust Us
Need Piano Moving in Exeter?
Get a free quote for your piano moving job in Exeter today.