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Moving a piano is one of those chores that feels equal parts science and ceremony — you want someone who treats the instrument like a heavy piece of furniture and also like a treasured family member. If you’re a homeowner in Salt Lake City weighing your options, this guide is for you. I’ll walk you through what to watch for, what to ask, and what to expect so you don’t end up with scratched floors, a cracked rim, or a giant regret. Spoiler: the right piano moving company makes all the difference — seriously.

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Why a local Piano Mover matters (yes, location actually helps)

Here’s the thing: moving a piano in Salt Lake City isn’t the same as moving one in Boise or Los Angeles. Local crews know the streets, the permit rules, and how to handle snow-packed driveways or narrow rowhomes near the Avenues. A nearby mover responds faster, offers realistic timelines, and usually understands seasonal quirks — like spring thawing basements or winter salt on the roads that can damage wood.

Plus, local companies often have repeat business with area piano technicians, tuners, and venues. That network matters because post-move tuning or minor cabinet repairs are common, and you want a mover who can coordinate, not fumble.

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What to look for — credentials, gear, and common sense

Let me be blunt: fancy websites are nice, but they don’t guarantee careful crews. Instead, look for solid signs of professionalism and practical tools.

• Licensed and insured. Full stop. Ask for policy details, not just “don’t worry.”
• Specialized equipment. Piano boards, heavy-duty straps, moving blankets, and skid plates aren’t optional.
• Experience with your piano type. Uprights, grands, baby grands, player pianos — they’re all different.
• Clear crew size and plan. Two people might be okay for a small upright with elevator access; four or more for a grand up or down stairs.

Sometimes a small team will treat your piano like it’s their own, and sometimes big companies show up with the right tools. Both can be excellent — a little contradiction, but it’s true. What matters is evidence: photos of past moves, references, and transparent communication.

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Quick reference: piano types and moving tips

Piano Type	Typical Weight	Moving Tip
Upright	300–600 lbs	Use a piano skid or board; protect legs and pedals.
Baby Grand	500–700 lbs	Requires multiple movers and careful balance.
Concert Grand	Up to 1,300+ lbs	Often needs rigging, hoisting, or special permits.

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Questions to ask before you hire — the ones that save you headaches

Let me explain: good questions separate careful pros from ones who’ll guess as they go.

• Are you insured, and what’s covered? Ask for certificates and specifics about property and liability coverage.
• Do you provide in-home estimates? Virtual estimates are fine sometimes, but stairs and tight corners usually need an in-person look.
• What’s your team size and equipment list? If they say “we’ll bring what we need,” press for specifics.
• What about damage policy? Get their process in writing — repairs, deductibles, timelines.
• Do you tune pianos after moving? Movers aren’t tuners, but many coordinate with local piano techs (handy).

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Red flags — when to walk away (or at least tread carefully)

If a quote seems impossibly low, that’s usually a warning bell. You get what you pay for — sometimes, literally. No insurance? No contract? No online reviews or references? Those are signs to pause.

Also be wary of vague timelines. If the crew gives you a day window without specifics, your piano might sit in a truck through a heatwave or freezing night. Sometimes a cheap bid works out, but you’ll want to know exactly why it’s cheap before you say yes.

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How to prepare your home and your piano — practical steps you can do today

Preparation matters and it’s simple stuff.

Measure doorways, hallways, stair widths, and any turns. Take photos and send them to the mover. Clear the route: roll up rugs, move console tables, and lock pets in a back room. Remove music stands, lamps, and any items on or around the piano. If you can, schedule the move for a dry, mild day — Salt Lake City spring and summer are usually friendlier than icy January mornings.

And yes, plan to get your piano tuned a week or two after the move. The wood expands and contracts; strings relax. Tuning helps; movers can recommend a local tuner if you don’t have one.

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Costs and getting a fair quote — what influences price in Salt Lake City

Price depends on weight, distance, stairs, rigging, and how difficult access is. Straightforward local upright moves are cheaper than hoisting a grand over a balcony. Movers typically charge for labor hours plus mileage and extra Services like disassembly or protective housing.

Service Level	Typical Considerations	When to use
Basic Local Move	Short distance, no stairs	Same neighborhood or nearby.
Stairs or Tight Spaces	Extra labor, protective gear	Historic homes, narrow staircases.
Hoisting or Rigging	Crane or lift; permits	Balconies, 2nd-floor setups, impossible pathways.

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Final thoughts — a couple of quick, practical reminders

Honestly, moving a piano is part logistics and part trust. You can check boxes — insurance, references, gear — but you also want to feel comfortable with the team that will carry your instrument down a flight of stairs. You know what? That gut feeling often tells you as much as a contract does.

When you’re ready, choose someone who communicates clearly, shows up on time, and treats your piano like something worth caring for. If you want help that’s friendly, local, and experienced in Salt Lake City, give Utah Piano Movers a call. We’re happy to answer questions, provide an in-home estimate, and coordinate post-move tuning if you’d like.

Call us at 801-396-7323 or Request a Free Quote.