5 checkpoints before scheduling a piano move / delivery
Does your building have an elevator or flights of stairs? Elevator buildings or first floor deliveries are a base rate of $200 (each way) in the tri-boroughs. A small elevator may be okay as a piano can be placed on its side on a dolly, making the piano human-size. If your building has a service elevator, even better! If you believe your elevator is small, please ensure that you take photos and measurements before booking a piano delivery.NYC is notorious for some tricky and narrow flights of stairs. Note that each flight of stairs adds $70-$100 depending on the size and number of steps per flight. If you’re on the 5th floor of a walkup building, consider how long you will be staying in that location before committing to a difficult move/delivery!
Narrow flights of stairs are okay if the width of the piano can fit through. The biggest concern of all is a tight turn between the flights of stairs. The piano may fit going up a flight, but may not be able to turn at a corner. Make sure to send the piano movers photos and measurements of each turn to avoid penalties and rescheduling. 3 movers are usually required for tough flights and turn jobs.
The size of the piano, of course, matters when scheduling a delivery, not just for flights of stairs but for elevators as well! Be sure to check the Width, Height, Depth measurements of the piano you are getting delivered before scheduling! If you are unsure, our expert movers will be able to direct you.
Most buildings in NYC, both walk-up and elevator buildings, require a Certificate of Insurance for piano moves. What is a COI? A COI is a document issued by the insurance company of the movers that verifies the existence and conditions of their insurance policy. This document provides your building management with the assurance that if any damage is made to the building during your move/delivery, our insurance will cover it! If you’re unsure, please check with your building management before scheduling or securing a delivery. We will require a sample COI from your building management. Providing a COI is free of charge, but will take a day or two. The earlier we have the sample COI, the better!
Location, of course, will also determine the price of delivery, whether it is for a move from one building to another across town, or a piano being delivered from our store to your location.We charge a flat-rate in the NYC Tri-boroughs, but if your location is located past the tri-boroughs additional fees will apply. The same goes for locations that have a toll along the way, as pianos are delivered in trucks e.g. Staten Island.
If you are looking for an interstate OR international move/delivery, there will be significant additional charges and we will work with one or various freight companies to deliver your instrument to you. State and customs taxes will apply, and our movers will notify you of this. We regularly deliver our refurbished and rebuilt Steinway and grand pianos interstate and internationally. Be sure to schedule a trip to try the piano in-store before committing to a purchase and long-distance delivery!
