Piano Removals Across Hampshire

1. 1
   For moves in Hampshire, preparing properly for a piano move protects the instrument and keeps costs down.

   Follow these seven steps before our team arrives.

2. 2
   Measure every doorway the piano must pass through.

   An upright piano is typically 145cm to 155cm tall and 55cm deep. If any doorway is narrower than 75cm, tell us in advance so we can plan the tipping angle.

3. 3
   Clear a 1.5-metre clear path from the piano to the exit.

   Remove rugs, lamp stands, and any furniture that narrows the route. This is the single biggest time-saving step you can take.

4. 4
   Lock the keyboard lid.

   If the lid lock is broken or missing, tape the lid shut with cloth painter's tape. Never use masking tape directly on lacquered wood.

5. 5
   Close and latch the fallboard over the keys.

   The fallboard protects the action from knocks. If your piano does not have a fallboard lock, place a folded tea towel between the fallboard and the keys to prevent rattling.

6. 6
   Photograph the piano before we arrive.

   Take photos of any existing scratches, chips, or worn lacquer spots. This protects you and us if a pre-existing mark is noticed after the move.

7. 7
   Confirm parking at both ends.

   If there is no off-street parking at either address, let us know at least 48 hours in advance. We can advise on council permit applications in Southampton, Portsmouth, and Winchester.

8. 8
   Have the destination room ready.

   Know exactly where the piano is going before the day. Changing your mind mid-move while the piano is on the stairs adds time and risk.

From Enquiry to Piano Removals in Hampshire

1. 1
   Many people assume that any removal company can move a piano.

   In practice, piano moving is a distinct specialism that requires different equipment, different training, and a different approach to risk assessment.

2. 2
   A standard removal team moves furniture by lifting and carrying, often with moving blankets and a sack truck.

   A piano is different in three important ways. First, the weight distribution is uneven. An upright piano has most of its weight in the cast iron plate at the back, which means it tips unexpectedly if not handled correctly.

3. 3
   Second, the instrument is acoustically sensitive.

   Sudden jolts, sharp tilts, and hard knocks can shift hammers, break strings, and alter tuning. Third, the shape is awkward. A grand piano cannot be moved in one piece through most residential doors in Hampshire's Victorian housing stock.

4. 4
   General removal companies that take on piano moves without specialist training commonly cause damage to the instrument, the walls, and the floors.

   The cost of a scratched skirting board or chipped piano casing is minor compared to the cost of a cracked soundboard or a string replacement, which can run to £300 to £800 at a piano tuner.

5. 5
   Giant Van keeps piano moves separate from standard house removals in terms of crew assignment and equipment loading.

   Every piano job uses a Luton van with a tail lift and a team with completed piano handling training. We do not send the standard house moving crew to a piano job just because they happen to be in the area.

6. 6
   That distinction matters when the instrument arriving at the new address needs to be in tune.