The Moe's Move series: Ques. #2 - Piano moving

In My Humble Opinion
1

My parents have a piano that they are willing to give me for my new place (which is fairly important to me since I’m a music student who has just made piano my primary instrument of study).

I’m not sure if it would be considered an upright (maybe a baby upright?). It is like an upright but doesn’t extend as high up (maybe 6" above the keys), making me hopeful that perhaps hiring a professional mover wouldn’t be necessary.

The piano is currently on the ground floor and can leave through the garage without encountering stairs, and it would go in a room on the ground floor of the new place but encounter 3-4 stairs outside to get to the front door.

I have a horrible back so I would be of no use, but I’ll be living with 3 other men (all musicians excited about having a piano) and we have a few other friends who would help. We also have access to a moving van with plenty of space in the back.

So what do you think? Is it possible for 4-5 men (ranging from average to fairly above average bulk) to accomplish this? Are there techniques that professional piano movers know about that makes them less at risk for injury (to themselves or the piano), or special equipment that they have access to?

How much should I expect to pay for a professional?

Thanks in advance.

2

I’ve moved that size piano quit a few times with one other person. No big deal, including a six floor walk-up.

For larger pianos with only two people, strap-on piano moving dollies made the day (I can’t remember what they were called – got them from a general rent-all place).

The only time it took more than two people was when a lot of tight manouvering and a ceiling removal was required.

My sister uses a professional piano mover for her grand at only $200CDN a pop.

For you size piano, you might wish to save your cash for tuning, rather than spend it on movers.