Moving a piano across town: arranging the van, crew and safe access

A practical checklist for moving an upright piano: measure access, confirm the removal crew, protect the instrument and agree responsibilities before moving day.

Describe the instrument and every access point

Say whether it is an upright or another piano type, provide measured dimensions where possible, and mention protruding parts or existing damage. Photograph staircases, lifts, doorways and tight turns without exposing neighbours' personal information. Give the floor numbers, the walking distance to the permitted parking position and any awkward thresholds. A specialist needs the actual route, not just the postcode. If the piano has an unusual shape or is particularly old, disclose that before agreeing on a price.

Separate the driver's job from the removal crew's

A van driver does not necessarily provide piano handling or lifting. Ask explicitly how many trained movers are included and whether they will bring suitable moving equipment, protective covers, straps, floor protection and an appropriate vehicle. Ask how they intend to secure the piano during transport and what happens if a lift cannot be used. Do not volunteer to take the weight yourself without relevant training. A lower transport-only quote cannot be compared directly with an offer that includes specialist handling.

Agree the route and a realistic time window

Check that stopping and loading are permitted at both addresses and find out whether a courtyard gate, building access rule or lift booking needs advance arrangement. State the departure and destination addresses, preferred date, time window, floors and number of steps in the request. Discuss packing, internal carrying, stair work and any unusual access as separate items. Ask who will make the final call if the route cannot safely accommodate the instrument. Requirements differ by building, so confirm the rules rather than assuming a general permission.

Document condition before collection and after delivery

Take clear pictures of the case, legs or feet, exposed corners and existing scratches before anyone touches the piano. Ask the movers how they will protect the keys and lids; do not improvise fixings that might damage the mechanism. After delivery, inspect visible surfaces before the team leaves and record any newly discovered concern promptly. Piano tuning after a move may be advisable, but it is a distinct service and should not be presumed to be included in the removal price.

A hypothetical move in Yekaterinburg

Imagine a family moving an upright piano between two homes in Yekaterinburg, Russia, with no goods lift at the collection address. They send photographs of the staircase and measured clearances to two transport providers. One quotes for a vehicle only; the other offers movers and floor protection. The family compares the full scope, checks whether a safe carry is feasible and only then agrees on the collection date. This is an illustrative scenario, not an actual customer review.

Know when not to proceed

Photos cannot replace a professional assessment of an especially narrow staircase or the weight and condition of an individual piano. Some moves may require specialist lifting equipment or may not be practical at all. If the provider cannot explain the lifting and securing plan, postpone the job until it can be assessed properly. Even careful handling cannot guarantee that the action or tuning will remain unaffected. Agree on what to do if access proves different from what was described.

Discuss the request directly on Match2Go

Match2Go is a geosocial service for sharing genuine needs and offers, with location details and useful photographs. People discuss arrangements directly with those who respond; no particular crew, van or response is guaranteed. The service currently focuses on Russia, and local availability in other countries has not been verified. Match2Go does not buy paid advertising and grows through personal recommendations. If this checklist is useful, share it with someone planning a move.

Prepared with AI assistance; independent human editorial review has not been confirmed.