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Moving a piano isn’t like moving an ordinary piece of furniture. It’s a delicate and complex task that requires skill, experience, and the right equipment.
One of the most common questions people ask before hiring a professional piano mover is — do piano movers disassemble a piano before transporting it?
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into how professional piano movers handle disassembly, especially for grand pianos, why it’s necessary, and what makes the process safe and efficient.
If you’re in London or anywhere in the UK, and planning to move your piano, this article will help you understand exactly what to expect from professional movers like Piano Logistics Transport.
Understanding How Piano Movers Work
Before we answer whether piano movers disassemble your piano, let’s look at what piano moving actually involves.
A piano is not just heavy — it’s fragile and built with hundreds of delicate internal parts. A grand piano, for example, can weigh between 400–1200 pounds and include intricate components like strings, hammers, pedals, and soundboards that can easily be damaged during transport.
Professional piano movers use specialized tools, dollies, padding, ramps, and lifting straps to handle each part carefully.
They are trained not just in moving heavy objects but in understanding the structure of different piano types — from upright to baby grand to concert grand.
Do Piano Movers Disassemble a Piano?
The simple answer is yes, piano movers often disassemble a piano — but not entirely. The extent of disassembly depends on the type and size of the piano.
Let’s break it down:
1. Upright Pianos
For upright pianos, movers usually don’t need to disassemble much. The structure is compact, and most of the weight is centered in the main body. Movers typically secure the lid, pedals, and keyboard cover, wrap the piano in padded blankets, and carefully lift it using a dolly or piano board.
2. Grand and Baby Grand Pianos
When it comes to grand pianos — the answer to “do piano movers disassemble a piano” is definitely yes. Movers almost always remove certain parts for safe transport.
Here’s what they usually disassemble:
- The lid – detached to prevent cracks or scratches.
- The legs and pedals – removed to make the piano easier to maneuver through doorways or staircases.
- The lyre and music rack – taken off to protect the internal parts from vibration damage.
Each part is wrapped individually with soft padding and secured in the moving truck to avoid any stress on the frame.
Why Do Piano Movers Disassemble a Piano?
Pianos are not designed to be carried in one piece, especially through tight spaces or stairs. Here’s why professional movers in London and across the UK often need to disassemble your piano:
- Prevent Damage – Removing detachable parts reduces the risk of cracks, scratches, and internal misalignment.
- Ensure Safety – A grand piano with its legs attached is difficult and unsafe to maneuver.
- Ease of Transport – Disassembled parts are easier to pack securely in the truck.
- Precision Reassembly – Professional movers know exactly how to reassemble everything at your new location without affecting sound quality.
At Piano Logistics Transport, our expert movers handle each piano as if it were their own — from disassembly to careful delivery and setup.
How Piano Movers Disassemble a Grand Piano: Step by Step
If you’ve ever wondered how the process works, here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how movers handle a grand piano disassembly:
Step 1: Preparation
The movers inspect the piano, check for existing damages, and take note of any fragile parts. They’ll also measure doorways and stairways to plan the safest route.
Step 2: Lid Removal
The lid is carefully detached using the right tools. Hinges and screws are kept in labeled bags for easy reassembly.
Step 3: Pedal and Lyre Removal
The pedal lyre is disconnected from the body and wrapped separately to prevent breakage.
Step 4: Leg Detachment
Each leg is removed one by one while the piano is gently supported on a piano skid board. Movers make sure the frame stays balanced throughout this process.
Step 5: Wrapping and Protection
The piano’s body and detached parts are covered in multiple layers of protective padding and shrink wrap to prevent scratches.
Step 6: Loading
Finally, the wrapped parts are secured in the moving truck with straps and cushioning, ensuring zero movement during transit.
Professional movers like Piano Logistics Transport also carry insurance coverage to protect your piano throughout the move.
How Long Does It Take to Disassemble and Move a Piano?
On average, disassembling a grand piano takes about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on its size and location access. The entire move — including packing, transport, and reassembly — can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours locally, or longer for long-distance moves.
If you’re moving within London or anywhere in the UK, it’s best to book your piano movers in advance to ensure availability and smooth coordination.
Is Reassembly Included in the Service?
Yes, reputable piano movers will reassemble your piano once it reaches the destination.
At Piano Logistics Transport, reassembly is part of our standard service. We ensure your piano is set up exactly as before — tuned and balanced — ready to play in your new home, venue, or studio.
Can You Disassemble a Piano Yourself?
While some DIY movers might be tempted to disassemble a piano themselves, this is not recommended.
Without professional tools and experience, you could easily damage sensitive parts like the soundboard or pedals. Also, pianos are extremely heavy — lifting them incorrectly can lead to personal injury.
Hiring professional movers ensures your instrument’s safety, saving you time, money, and stress.
Why Choose Piano Logistics Transport in London, UK
If you’re searching for experienced piano movers in London, Piano Logistics Transport is one of the most trusted names in the industry.
Our Key Advantages:
- ✅ Specialized Piano Moving Experts – trained to handle all piano types
- ✅ Full Disassembly & Reassembly Service
- ✅ Safe Packing & Transportation
- ✅ Local and Nationwide UK Coverage
- ✅ Competitive Prices
- ✅ Licensed & Insured Services
We move pianos for private owners, concert venues, schools, recording studios, and event organizers across the UK.
📞 Phone: 0207 965 7363
📧 Email: piano.logistics.transport@gmail.com
📍 Address: International House, 12 Constance Street, London E16 2DQ
🌐 Website: https://piano-logistics-transport.co.uk
Final Words
So, do piano movers disassemble a piano? Yes — especially when it’s a grand or baby grand piano.
Professional movers carefully remove and protect each part to ensure your piano arrives safely and perfectly intact. If you’re based in London or anywhere in the UK, trust Piano Logistics Transport to handle your piano with precision, care, and expertise.
Your piano deserves more than a moving service — it deserves a professional touch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do piano movers disassemble a piano before every move?
Not always. Upright pianos rarely need disassembly, but grand pianos usually require partial disassembly for safe transport.
2. How long does it take to disassemble and reassemble a grand piano?
Typically between 2 to 4 hours, depending on size and access.
3. Will movers reassemble my piano at the destination?
Yes, professional movers like Piano Logistics Transport will reassemble and place it in your desired location.
4. Is piano disassembly included in the moving cost?
Most professional movers include this service as part of the overall quote. Always confirm in advance.
5. Do piano movers tune the piano after reassembly?
Most movers don’t tune pianos; it’s recommended to book a tuning a few days after relocation once the piano acclimates to its new environment.
6. Can I help movers during piano disassembly?
For safety reasons, it’s best to let professionals handle all aspects of disassembly and lifting.
7. Are piano movers insured in case of damage?
Yes, reputable companies like Piano Logistics Transport carry full insurance to protect your instrument.
8. How should I prepare my piano before movers arrive?
Clear the surrounding area, remove decorations from the piano, and ensure easy access to doors and stairs.
9. How much does it cost to move a piano in London?
It depends on the type and distance. Local moves generally start around £150–£350, while complex or long-distance moves may cost more.
10. Where can I get a piano moving quote in London or the UK?
You can request a free quote directly from https://piano-logistics-transport.co.uk or email piano.logistics.transport@gmail.com for personalized assistance.
For: https://piano-logistics-transport.co.uk
Email: piano.logistics.transport@gmail.com
Phone: 0207 965 7363
Address: International House, 12 Constance Street, London E16 2DQ
