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Moving a Piano Abroad

Costs, Movers, and How to Prepare

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Moving a piano abroad can be confusing and frustrating at times. This article will provide you with the essential steps you need to take to complete your relocation smoothly.

The Cost of Moving a Piano Abroad – Piano Moving Rates 

The average cost to move a piano abroad typically ranges from $800 to $5,000+ CAD.

Below is a table with the estimated piano moving costs based on type:

Piano Type  Estimated Cost Range (CAD) 
Digital Piano (Keyboard)  $800 – $2,000 
Upright Piano  $1,000 – $3,500 
Grand Piano  $2,000 – $5,000+ 

Disclaimer: There are just estimates.  

Factors such as size, weight, destination, and service type can significantly influence the total expense of your move. Many people ask how much do piano movers cost for overseas transportation, and the answer is different depending on your own situation. 

Request Free Piano Moving Quotes with Sirelo 

Request up to 5 free relocation quotes for your move. Sirelo allows you to compare piano moving services from several professional piano movers and pick the one that matches your budget and needs. 

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Receive personalized removal quotes by choosing the size of your move
 

Top Piano Movers That Handle International Shipments 

Choosing the right piano movers for your international move is essential. Not every moving company can handle these delicate instruments during international relocations. 

Below are 3 trusted moving companies that move pianos from Canada abroad: 

Waypoint International Moving 

 

Campbell Bros. Movers Ltd. 

 

Euro Transport 

 

Always choose an insured piano moving company to ensure safety during transit. 

Check out our full database of piano movers in Canada if you prefer exploring on your own. 

Shipping a Piano Overseas 

Are you interested in knowing about shipping your piano in a container? You can find all the information you need on our Container Shipping page. 

How to Move a Piano Abroad 

If you’re handling an upright, grand, or digital model, you must know how to move a piano safely in order to avoid damage during the overseas transit. Here are 5 important steps for an efficient and stress-free piano move abroad: 

  1. Check your piano type and weight: For example, the weight of an upright piano is generally 180-250 Kg. 
  2. Disassemble and prepare the instrument: How to disassemble a piano properly: remove the legs, pedals, and lid (for grand pianos) and secure all the moving parts. 
  3. Use a piano skid and professional packing: A piano skid helps with stability during transit. Wrap the piano in blankets and strap it tightly. 
  4. Choose the correct shipping method: Depending on size and destination, decide how to ship a piano (sea freight vs air). For electric models, consider how to ship a keyboard piano with less packaging but with similar care. 
  5. Hire specialized movers with overseas experience: They know how to transport a piano abroad and will save you a lot of time. 

Why Hire Professional Piano Movers? 

By hiring specialized movers, your moving process will much easier and more enjoyable. These professionals are trained to handle all your items with care, and to deliver it safely to your new destination.  

With piano moving services you can take a step back and let the movers do the hard work for you. They can handle almost anything from packing, loading, customs to unloading and unpacking. 

Moving a Grand Piano Internationally 

Moving a grand piano abroad requires careful disassembly and packing. Piano movers know how to transport a grand piano using custom crating, humidity protection, and reinforced skids. You should not do this yourself, as it may cause damage. 

Moving an Upright or Digital Keyboard Piano 

If you’re working with a digital instrument, you’ll need to know how to ship a keyboard piano. It’s less fragile but still needs secure packaging. With uprights, you must measure the weight of a upright piano and use lifting straps, skids, and padding to protect all sides. 

Calculating the Volume of a Piano Move 

To calculate the size, you need to measure the length, width, and height of your piano. This will help estimate the international piano shipping costs and the crate size when you ship a piano internationally.  

Moving companies will often calculate this for you, but knowing your volume speeds up quoting and customs.  

Piano Moving Insurance 

When relocating your instrument overseas, it’s important to choose a good piano moving insurance. This will protect your piano against risk such as damage, loss or delays during the transit. Here are some good options you can consider: 

  1. PAF Insurance Services: Offers All-Risks insurance coverage based on the actual value of the item instead of the weight of the shipment. 
  2. Baker International Insurance: Provides with All-Risks insurances for worldwide relocations. 
  3. AIG Canada: Has options such as All-Risks and Third-Party coverage for household items such as pianos. 

Ready For Your Piano Move? 

This is the end of our article. By now, you should have all the information you need to get your moving process started. If you have any questions, check the FAQ’s section below, as well as related articles. 

Frequently asked questions

How do I transport a grand piano overseas?

Do I need piano moving insurance for an international move?

How long does it take to ship a piano internationally?

How much does it cost to hire piano movers for overseas?