Posting/ moving a piano

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by Ariadae, Jun 9, 2014.

  1. Ariadae

    Ariadae Super Gardener

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    We are giving our old family piano to our son, 200 miles away. Does anyone know the best/ cheapest way of sending it? We could hire a van but it is soooo heavy- an old upright, but good.
     
  2. Kristen

    Kristen Under gardener

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    Normally moved around using a Piano Trolley - rectangular board with 4 castor wheels. If you are going to hire a van it will need a tail-lift to get the piano in / out. Hopefully you have a hard surface at each end between house and drive / road - for example gravel is a nightmare for such moves (easier to put boards down over it than try to push the piano over gravel)
     
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    • Fat Controller

      Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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      Got to agree with Kristen - the cheapest way would be to hire a Luton/box van with a tail lift and move it yourself, as getting professional movers in would cost a bob or two I would think. Mind you, getting the professionals in might be a better option as it would negate the potential for you injuring yourself, plus they would (should) be insured should something bad happen in transit.
       
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      • Phil A

        Phil A Guest

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        Best not use a Transit then :snork:
         
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        • Scrungee

          Scrungee Well known for it

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          Sadly, we lost our family's piano during the Great Depression. Falling on hard times my grandfather applied for financial assistance, but when means tested was told his family didn't qualify because they had a piano.

          So he took an axe to it, called the Government Official back and after showing him the pile of broken pieces got the financial assistance they needed.
           
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          • pamsdish

            pamsdish Total Gardener

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            Try removal firms, some will do part loads if delivering passing your departure/destination.
             
          • Jack McHammocklashing

            Jack McHammocklashing Sludgemariner

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            What Pam just said
            Google part load transport etc
            http://www.anyvan.com/cheap-part-load-delivery
            You get a site and put your request on it, then you get about ten or more offers, by email
            (Usually empty tradesmen going back,/part loads or just white van man)
            We have used them a few times for heavy stuff, cheap as chips

            Jack McH
             
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            • Loofah

              Loofah Admin Staff Member

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              I had the devils own job of getting rid of my piano! In the end I just left it gathering dust until I had a sofa delivered one day... One of the chaps said 'doesn't look like you use that much!' I said he could have it to which he was delighted and that he'd be back at the end of the day when his truck was empty. Thought that was the last I'd see of him, based on prior experiences, but he was good as his word. Turned up with his oppo and I got a fraction through saying 'watch out it's REALLY HEAVY' before they lifted it up looking like it was all the effort of strolling down a sunny lane. I distinctly remember it took 4 good men from the 'Legion to heft that piano before...
              Best of luck moving it - I got lucky in the end but they are such a nuisance to shift.
               
            • JWK

              JWK Gardener Staff Member

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              I have helped shift them, lift it onto a skateboard to make it easier - a tail lift van would be better but if you're careful you can get them into the back using blankets to cushion it.
               
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