Hiring the wrong piano movers can destroy your instrument. Asking the right questions beforehand separates professionals from amateurs. You need to know about equipment, training, insurance, and hidden fees. This guide lists every question smart owners ask. Use them to protect your piano.
Why Questions Matter More Than Quotes
A low quote tempts everyone. But price alone tells you nothing about safety. The cheapest mover might lack insurance. The friendliest voice might hide inexperience. Asking the right questions reveals the truth.
Over a decade moving pianos across Durham, Metropolitan Movers has answered thousands of questions. We’ve also heard horror stories from customers who didn’t ask enough. This guide shares exactly what you need to know before signing anything. Print it. Use it. Protect your piano.
What Gear Do They Actually Use?
Equipment separates piano movers from furniture movers. Here’s what to ask.
- “Do you use piano boards or furniture dollies?” Piano boards distribute weight properly. Furniture dollies concentrate weight and damage pianos.
- “What kind of straps do you carry?” Shoulder straps allow tilt control. Regular straps just grip.
- “Are your trucks climate-controlled?” Durham’s humidity and cold destroy pianos. Climate control prevents damage.
- “What padding do you use for pianos?” Piano-specific padding absorbs impact. Moving blankets only protect scratches.
- “Do you have corner protectors for walls?” Prevents building damage during tight moves.
- “What equipment do you use for grand pianos?” Grands need specialized gear—skids, leg covers, lyre protectors.
Listen carefully to answers. Professionals describe specific tools. Amateurs give vague responses like “the right stuff” or “whatever’s needed.”
If they mention furniture dollies instead of piano boards, hang up. If they’ve never heard of climate-controlled trucks, keep searching. Proper equipment costs money. Companies that invest in it prove their commitment.
We carry everything on this list. Piano boards for every size. Shoulder straps for stairs. Climate-controlled trucks for Durham weather. Our gear tells our story before we speak a word.
A Pickering customer once asked these questions. The first mover said “we have dollies and blankets.” The second said “piano boards, shoulder straps, climate control.” She chose the second. Her grand arrived safely. She later told us, “The equipment question saved me.”
Who Actually Moves Your Piano?
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Equipment means nothing without skilled hands. Ask these questions about the crew.
- “How do you train your movers for pianos?” Look for anatomy study, technique practice, and ongoing education.
- “How many piano moves has this crew completed?” Experience matters. Ask for rough numbers.
- “Do you handle grand pianos regularly?” Grands need different skills. Weekly grand experience counts.
- “What’s your approach to stairs and tight spaces?” Should have clear protocols, not guesswork.
- “How do your crews communicate during moves?” Hand signals beat shouting every time.
- “Do you practice disassembly and reassembly?” Essential for grands. Ask how they ensure correct reassembly.
The best crews train constantly. They study piano construction. They practice techniques. They communicate without words.
Ask follow-ups. If they claim experience, ask for examples. If they mention training, ask how often. Real professionals answer comfortably. Fakers get defensive.
At Metropolitan Movers, new team members shadow for months before leading moves. Everyone studies soundboard stress points and grand piano anatomy. We practice hand signals until they’re instinct. That training shows in every move.
Who Pays If Something Goes Wrong?
Insurance separates professionals from everyone else. Ask these questions before anyone touches your piano.
“Are you licensed and insured for piano moving?” This seems basic. You’d be surprised how many skip it. Request proof. Look for specific piano coverage, not general liability.
“Does your insurance cover the full value of my piano?” Some policies cap coverage at absurdly low amounts. A $10,000 grand needs $10,000 coverage. Verify limits.
“Can you provide a certificate of insurance before moving day?” Legitimate companies provide this immediately. Hesitation signals trouble.
Also ask about deductibles and claims processes. Know what happens if damage occurs. Some policies require you to file through your own insurance first. Others handle everything directly. Understand before committing.
We’ve seen too many families discover insurance gaps after damage. A Courtice couple learned this painfully. Their mover’s truck got into an accident. The piano shifted and cracked. The mover’s insurance denied the claim. Piano exclusion clause. The couple paid $4,700 out of pocket. Don’t be them.
Ask hard questions. Demand written proof. Your piano’s protection depends on it.
What Will This Actually Cost?
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Quotes hide details sometimes. Ask these questions to reveal the full picture.
- “What’s included in your quote?” Stairs? Disassembly? Truck fees? Insurance? Get everything in writing.
- “Are there any potential additional charges?” Long carries, elevator delays, difficult access—ask about each.
- “What’s your deposit and cancellation policy?” Know before you pay.
- “Do you charge by the hour or flat rate?” Flat rates prevent clock-watching anxiety.
- “How do you handle stairs beyond the first flight?” Some charge per flight. Know ahead.
- “What about parking fees or permits?” Who pays? Ask now.
Compare quotes line by line. The cheapest often excludes stairs or insurance. The most expensive might include premium services. Understanding what you’re buying prevents surprises.
A Bowmanville resident once chose a mover based on a low quote. Moving day arrived, and the crew demanded extra for stairs, extra for disassembly, extra for “difficult access.” Her final bill doubled. She called us afterward, furious and broke. Ask everything upfront.
Extra Questions for Grand Piano Owners
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Grand pianos demand deeper questioning. Add these to your list.
- “How do you handle grand piano legs during moves?” They should remove them safely, not risk snapping.
- “What’s your process for protecting the lyre?” Pedal assemblies damage easily. Ask about padding and handling.
- “How do you transport grands in your truck?” Positioning matters. They should explain.
- “Do you label parts during disassembly?” Ensures correct reassembly. Ask about their system.
- “How many grands has your team moved?” Specialized experience counts. Listen for specific numbers.
- “What’s your reassembly process?” Should include tuning pin checks and careful alignment.
Grands magnify every risk. A mover who handles only uprights may damage yours accidentally. Ask specifically about grand experience. Listen for confidence and detail. Your grand deserves nothing less.
We’ve moved hundreds of grands across Durham. Each one taught us something. Each one reinforced why training matters. When you ask these questions, we answer with stories, not scripts.
Practical Questions That Prevent Chaos
Moving day logistics matter. Ask these before scheduling.
“How far in advance should I book?” Peak times fill fast. Know lead times. Summer months need three weeks minimum.
“What time will you arrive?” Get windows, not guesses. Morning windows beat afternoon uncertainty.
“How long will the move take?” Estimate helps planning. Ask what factors might extend timing.
“Who do I contact on moving day with issues?” Direct line matters. Save it in your phone.
Also ask about parking, building access, and elevator requirements. Some buildings need certificates. Some need reservations. Professional movers handle this. But you should know what to expect.
A Durham condo owner once forgot to ask about elevator booking. Moving day arrived, and the elevator was reserved for another resident. Her movers waited three hours. She paid for their waiting time. One question would have prevented it.
Red Flags in Answers
Listen for warning signs. Vague answers top the list. “We have everything we need” means nothing. “Don’t worry about it” means worry.
Defensiveness signals trouble. If you ask about insurance and they snap “we’re fully covered,” ask for proof. If they refuse, walk away.
Pressure tactics raise alarms. “This quote expires today” or “someone else is booking this slot” often hide problems. Real professionals let you decide calmly.
Cash-only demands scream danger. Legitimate companies accept cards and checks. Cash-only suggests no paper trail.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it probably is. Keep asking until answers satisfy you.
Durham’s Most Transparent Piano Moving Company
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We welcome every question on this list. Here’s why.
- Complete specialized equipment we’re proud to describe in detail
- Trained technicians who study piano anatomy and practice constantly
- Full liability insurance with certificates provided before moving day
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees or surprises
- Grand piano expertise from hundreds of successful moves
- Over a decade serving Durham with proven results
- Values-driven: Professional Growth, Honesty, Collaboration, Safety
Our values shape every answer. Professional growth means we keep learning. Honesty means clear quotes and no surprises. Team collaboration ensures smooth execution. Safety protects your piano, your home, and our crew. Ask us anything. We’re ready.
We’ve built trust across Durham by answering honestly. Churches ask about grand handling. Schools ask about scheduling. Families ask about insurance. Every question gets a straight answer. That’s how relationships grow.
Get Answers. Schedule Your Free Estimate Today.
You now know questions to ask before hiring piano movers. Use this list. Protect your instrument. Don’t settle for vague answers or hidden risks.
Visit our piano movers in Durham service page to schedule your free estimate. We’ll answer every question clearly and provide written quotes with no pressure. No hidden fees. No vague promises. Just honest expertise from Durham’s piano moving specialists.
Contact Metropolitan Movers today and hire with confidence. Whether you’re in Courtice, Uxbridge, Port Perry, or anywhere across Durham Region, we’re ready. Your piano deserves protection. You deserve answers. Let’s make it happen together.
Top 5 Questions People Ask Before Hiring Piano Movers
How many quotes should I get before deciding?
At least three. Compare equipment, insurance, and pricing. Don’t automatically choose cheapest.
Can I trust online reviews for piano movers?
Generally yes, but read carefully. Look for reviews mentioning piano moves specifically, not just general moving.
What’s the biggest mistake people make when hiring movers?
Not asking about insurance until after damage happens. Verify coverage before moving day.
Should I be present during the move?
Absolutely. You can answer questions, document condition, and ensure everything goes smoothly.
How do I know if a mover is hiding something?
Vague answers. Defensiveness. Refusal to provide certificates. Trust your instincts.
