Piano Removals
Piano Removals Islington – Specialist Piano Movers You Can Rely On
Moving a piano is not like moving standard furniture. It is a precision job that demands the right equipment, technique and experience. At Islington Movers, we provide dedicated piano removals in Islington and across North London, ensuring your instrument is protected from the moment we arrive to the moment it is safely positioned in its new home.
Specialist Piano Removals in Islington
We handle a wide range of pianos, from compact uprights in flats to grand pianos in family homes and performance spaces. Our local team knows the buildings, stairwells and parking challenges typical of Islington, so we plan every move carefully to keep your piano and property safe.
Every piano move is carried out by trained, experienced movers using purpose-built equipment. We combine methodical planning with practical know-how gained from years of handling delicate and high-value instruments.
Who Our Piano Removal Service Is For
Our piano removals service is designed for:
- Homeowners moving piano rooms, living rooms or music studios between houses or into storage.
- Renters in flats and maisonettes needing careful stair and corridor navigation.
- Landlords clearing or installing pianos between tenancies.
- Businesses such as schools, venues, churches and rehearsal spaces relocating or disposing of instruments.
- Students at local colleges and music schools moving pianos between term-time and home addresses.
Whether the piano is a treasured family heirloom or a working instrument used daily, we treat it with the same level of care and respect.
What We Can and Cannot Move
Included in Our Piano Removals Service
We regularly move:
- Upright pianos (all sizes, including tall uprights and studio uprights).
- Baby grand pianos and smaller grands for homes and studios.
- Grand pianos from performance spaces, churches and large properties (subject to access).
- Digital pianos and stage pianos, with stands and pedals.
- Piano stools, benches and small related accessories as part of the same move.
Items Excluded or by Special Arrangement
For safety and insurance reasons, we do not usually handle:
- Pianos with significant structural damage that may not withstand lifting.
- Instruments infested with woodworm, mould or severe damp.
- Tuning, repairs or restoration – these are best handled by specialist piano technicians.
- Extremely restricted or unsafe access (for example, unsafe balconies or non-structural fire escapes). We will always advise during survey if access is not suitable.
If you are unsure whether we can move your particular piano or access situation, we are happy to review photos or conduct a quick virtual survey.
Our Step-by-Step Piano Removals Process
1. Enquiry & Quotation
You contact Islington Movers by phone or online with basic details: type of piano, current and destination addresses, floor levels, and any stair or lift information. We provide a clear, no-obligation quotation outlining what is included, any parking requirements and estimated timescales.
2. Survey – Virtual or Onsite
For most pianos, we complete a virtual survey via photos or video call to assess access and any obstacles. For larger grands or complex properties, we may recommend an onsite survey. This allows us to confirm the number of movers required, specialist equipment needed and the safest route in and out of the property.
3. Packing & Preparation
On the day, our team arrives on time with protective materials and moving gear. We:
- Protect floors and key walkways with covers where needed.
- Attach padded blankets and securing straps to the piano.
- For grand pianos, carefully remove legs and lyre and wrap them separately.
- Protect corners, edges and delicate finishes.
All preparation is carried out in a controlled, methodical way to minimise movement and vibration.
4. Loading & Transport
The piano is lifted using appropriate dollies, skids and ramps, and moved steadily along the planned route to our vehicle. Inside the van, we secure it using professional tie-down systems and further padding to avoid any shifting in transit. Our vehicles are well maintained, clean and suitable for transporting delicate items.
5. Unloading & Placement
At the destination, we reverse the process just as carefully. We position the piano exactly where you want it, within the limits of safe access. For grand pianos, we reassemble the legs and lyre, checking that the instrument is level and stable. We remove all protective materials and leave the area tidy so you can start using the piano again as soon as it has settled.
Transparent Piano Removals Pricing
Our pricing is straightforward and explained in advance. Piano removal costs are based on:
- Type and size of piano (upright, baby grand, grand).
- Access at both properties (floors, stairs, tight turns).
- Distance between addresses.
- Any special equipment or extra manpower required.
We provide a clear written quote outlining what is included so you know exactly what you are paying for. There are no hidden extras for standard moves, and any potential additional charges (for example, complex parking arrangements or out-of-hours work) are discussed before you book.
Why Choose Professional Piano Removers Instead of DIY
A piano is both heavy and delicate. DIY attempts or casual man-and-van jobs often underestimate:
- The uneven weight distribution within the instrument.
- The risk of personal injury when lifting incorrectly.
- The potential damage to floors, walls, staircases and the piano itself.
Using professional piano movers means:
- Correct equipment and techniques are used from the start.
- The move is covered by appropriate insurance.
- Your time and stress are significantly reduced.
In many cases, attempting DIY can end up more costly once damage or injuries are taken into account. Our service is designed to be safe, efficient and cost-effective.
Insurance and Professional Standards
As a reputable removals company, Islington Movers operates to clear professional standards. All piano removals are covered by:
- Goods in transit insurance to protect your piano while it is being transported in our vehicle.
- Public liability cover for accidental damage to third-party property or injury to others.
- Trained moving teams who understand safe handling, lifting techniques and instrument protection.
We are happy to outline cover levels and terms on request, so you know exactly how your instrument is protected at every stage.
Care, Protection and Sustainability
Looking after your piano also means looking after your property and the wider environment. We:
- Use high-quality, reusable padded blankets and protective materials instead of excessive single-use plastics.
- Plan routes efficiently to reduce unnecessary mileage and fuel use.
- Handle pianos carefully to minimise impact on floors, walls and doorways.
- Regularly maintain our vehicles to keep them safe and efficient.
Our approach is to combine practical protection with a sensible, sustainable way of working wherever possible.
Real-World Piano Removal Use Cases
Moving House
When you are moving home, your piano is often one of the last items to leave and the first to be set up in the new property. We coordinate with your wider move, integrating the piano removal into your overall schedule so everything runs smoothly on the day.
Office and Commercial Relocations
We assist schools, theatres, rehearsal spaces and offices that have pianos or digital instruments as part of their premises. We work around your operating hours, minimising disruption and ensuring the instrument is moved safely alongside other equipment and furniture.
Urgent or Short-Notice Moves
Sometimes a piano needs to be relocated quickly – for example, end-of-tenancy deadlines, sudden repairs to a property or urgent venue changes. Where our schedule allows, we offer flexible and sometimes same-day solutions, always maintaining our usual safety and care standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a piano removal in Islington cost?
The cost of a piano removal depends on the type of instrument, access at both ends and the distance travelled. Upright pianos with straightforward ground-floor access are usually at the lower end of our pricing, while grands or awkward staircases will be higher due to extra labour and equipment. Once we know the details, we provide a clear fixed quotation with everything itemised. There are no hidden fees for standard jobs, and any potential extras are explained in advance so you can make an informed decision.
Can you handle same-day or urgent piano moves?
Where our schedule allows, we can often accommodate same-day or urgent piano removals in Islington and nearby areas. The key factor is availability of the right team and equipment, especially for larger or more complex moves. If you need an urgent service, contact us as early as possible with details of the piano, addresses and timings. We will confirm what is realistic, provide a clear cost and, if we cannot meet your exact time, suggest the nearest suitable slot that keeps your deadlines on track.
Is my piano insured during the move?
Yes. Your piano is covered by our goods in transit insurance while it is in our care and being transported in our vehicles. In addition, our public liability cover protects against accidental damage to third-party property or injury. Insurance is not a substitute for careful handling, so we combine this cover with experienced staff and proper equipment. If you have a particularly high-value or rare instrument, let us know so we can confirm limits and, if necessary, discuss any additional arrangements for complete peace of mind.
What is included in your piano removals service?
Our standard service includes a pre-move assessment, supply of protective blankets and securing straps, careful preparation of the piano, safe loading using appropriate equipment, transport in a suitable vehicle, and placement of the instrument in the chosen room at the new address. For grand pianos, this also covers removal and reattachment of legs and lyre where required. Basic protection for key access routes is included. Tuning, repairs and long-term storage are not included but we are happy to recommend trusted local specialists if needed.
How is a professional piano removal different from a man-and-van?
A dedicated piano removal service uses trained staff, purpose-built equipment and appropriate insurance, all focused on safely moving heavy, delicate instruments. A standard man-and-van may not have the right protection, lifting knowledge or cover for high-value items. With Islington Movers, the move is carefully planned, access is assessed in advance, and the piano is secured properly in the vehicle. This significantly reduces the risk of damage to the instrument, your property and the people involved, providing assurance that a casual service cannot usually match.
How far in advance should I book a piano removal?
For the best choice of dates and times, we recommend booking at least one to two weeks in advance, especially during busy periods such as month-ends and weekends. However, we understand that situations change quickly, so we always try to help with shorter notice where our schedule allows. The more information you can provide upfront, the quicker we can confirm availability and a firm quote. Even if your move date is not fixed, it is worth getting in touch early so we can pencil you into our diary and keep you updated.