Moving insurance helps protect your belongings from damage or loss during the moving process. This policy can help reimburse you either part of or the total amount of your belongings that become damaged during the moving process. Moving insurance has three main options: full value protection, released value protection, and third-party or separate liability coverage. Speak with your moving company to determine what is covered under each policy and their cost to determine the best fit for your needs.
Most moving companies don’t charge by weight or volume unless you’re freight shipping items. The cost of hiring movers typically depends on the number of movers and time spent on the task.
It is certainly possible to move a piano without hiring movers, but it’s not recommended. Not only will you need at least four people to lift and maneuver the piano, but getting it around tight corners and down flights of stairs might not be possible without the help of movers. Plus, pianos are exceptionally heavy and bulky, which means you and any helping hands are at risk of injury, as well as an increased risk of damaging your piano. Ultimately, it’s always worth it to call in a professional piano mover.
There are several effective ways to save money when hiring a moving company, primarily by handling some tasks yourself and being strategic with scheduling. Consider these methods:
Pack Your Own Belongings: You can significantly reduce costs by packing and protecting your items yourself. This includes wrapping delicate items, organizing them into boxes, and taping the boxes closed. You can use towels, clothes, and suitcases to pack belongings and protect breakables.
Provide Your Own Materials: Source free packing materials from friends and family, or reuse boxes and bubble wrap from a previous move.
Schedule Strategically: Book your move well in advance. Rates are often lower if you schedule your move on a weekday during the off-season, which typically runs from October through April.
Compare Quotes: Get moving quotes from at least three professional movers in your area. This allows you to compare services and choose the best value.
Ask for Discounts: Inquire if the moving company offers any special coupons or deals.
Purchase Moving Insurance: Protect your investment by purchasing moving insurance, especially for expensive or antique belongings.
Divide the Labor: While you can save money by packing, it's wise to leave the more dangerous and physically demanding work—like loading, unloading, and moving heavy furniture—to the professionals.
When loading a moving truck, the general rule is to load the heaviest and largest items first to create a stable base at the front of the truck, which helps balance the weight. You can start with large furniture like sofas, beds, mattresses, and tables to form a solid foundation, or begin by placing your heaviest boxes against the truck's walls to create a base layer. After the base is set, continue loading other large items like appliances and square furniture. Lighter and smaller objects, including most of your boxes, should be loaded last. They can be packed into gaps, around, and on top of the heavier items to maximize space. Following this order makes unloading easier and helps prevent damage to your belongings.
The Sanostee, NM homeowners’ guide to professional moving service pianos
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Learn about home items that are nearly impossible to move without movers, either because they are awkwardly shaped, too heavy, or require special equipment.
Professional piano movers help ensure the safe, smooth transportation of your instrument. Before you hire, it’s important to check qualifications, review references, and get a contract in writing. Find out the steps for hiring a piano mover here.