Why Piano Moving Requires Specialized Care
Pianos aren't just heavy—they're precision instruments containing thousands of moving parts, delicate hammers, and finely tuned strings that can be damaged by improper handling. A standard upright piano weighs between 300-500 pounds, while grand pianos can exceed 1,200 pounds. Moving one without proper training, equipment, and technique risks serious damage to the instrument—and potentially to your home and the movers themselves.
At Maloney's Moving LLC, we've moved hundreds of pianos throughout South Jersey, from family heirlooms that have been passed down for generations to brand-new instruments arriving from dealers. Our crews understand how to protect your piano's finish, internal mechanisms, and structural integrity while navigating stairs, tight doorways, and challenging access situations that come with many South Jersey homes.
Whether you're relocating a piano within your Deptford home, moving it across town to Cherry Hill, or transporting a baby grand from Voorhees to Washington Township, we treat every piano move with the specialized attention these valuable instruments deserve.
What's Included in Our Piano Moving Service
Full Protective Wrapping
Heavy-duty piano boards, padding blankets, and shrink wrap to protect the finish and prevent scratches during transport.
Specialized Equipment
Piano dollies, skid boards, straps, and ramps designed specifically for safe piano transport—not general moving equipment.
Trained Piano Movers
Experienced crews who understand proper lifting techniques, weight distribution, and how to handle grand piano legs and pedal assemblies.
Climate-Controlled Transport
Careful attention to temperature and humidity changes that can affect tuning and internal components during the move.
Complete Piano Moving Checklist:
- Pre-move inspection and documentation of existing condition
- Keyboard lid secured and locked (or padded if no lock)
- Pedals protected with padding
- Grand piano legs removed and wrapped separately
- Floor and doorway protection at origin and destination
- Secure positioning in truck to prevent shifting
- Careful reassembly and placement at destination
- Post-move inspection to confirm safe delivery
Types of Pianos We Move
Upright & Vertical Pianos
The most common piano type in South Jersey homes, upright pianos typically weigh 300-500 pounds. While smaller than grands, they still require specialized handling due to their height, weight distribution, and delicate internal components. We move spinets, consoles, studio uprights, and full-size professional uprights throughout the region.
Baby Grand Pianos
Baby grands (under 5'7") combine the elegance of a grand piano with a more manageable size, but they still weigh 500-600 pounds and require leg removal, careful tipping onto the piano board, and expert handling to prevent damage to the soundboard and strings.
Grand & Concert Grand Pianos
Full-size grand pianos (5'7" to 9'+) are among the most challenging items to move, weighing 700-1,200+ pounds. These instruments require additional crew members, specialized rigging equipment for stairs, and sometimes even crane services for upper-floor access. We've successfully moved grand pianos into second-floor music rooms, through narrow Victorian doorways, and into basement studios throughout South Jersey.
Digital & Electric Pianos
While lighter than acoustic instruments, digital pianos with weighted keys and furniture-style cabinets still require careful handling to protect electronics, screens, and speaker systems. We treat digital instruments with the same care as acoustic pianos.
How Piano Moving Pricing Works
Piano moving prices vary based on several factors specific to your situation:
- Piano type and size: Upright pianos cost less to move than baby grands, which cost less than full concert grands
- Access conditions: Ground-floor moves with straight paths cost less than moves involving stairs, tight turns, or long carries
- Distance: Local moves within Deptford differ from moves across South Jersey or into Pennsylvania
- Special requirements: Hoisting, crane rental, or exterior rigging for difficult access adds to the cost
We provide free, no-obligation quotes after understanding your specific piano and access situation. Our pricing is transparent—no hidden fees, no surprise charges on moving day. What we quote is what you pay.
Contact us at (856) 223-7940 to discuss your piano move and receive a detailed estimate.
Piano Moving Service Areas in South Jersey
Maloney's Moving provides professional piano moving services throughout South Jersey, including:
Camden County
- • Cherry Hill
- • Voorhees
- • Haddonfield
- • Collingswood
- • Gloucester Township
Gloucester County
- • Deptford
- • Washington Township
- • Sewell
- • Glassboro
- • Woodbury
- • Turnersville
Burlington County
- • Marlton
- • Mount Laurel
- • Moorestown
- • Medford
We also travel to Philadelphia, Delaware, and throughout the Delaware Valley for piano moves. Contact us for availability and pricing to your specific location.
Frequently Asked Questions About Piano Moving
Q: Should I have my piano tuned before or after the move?
A: Always wait until after the move. Pianos need 2-3 weeks to acclimate to their new environment's temperature and humidity before tuning. Moving a freshly-tuned piano wastes money since it will go out of tune during transport regardless of how carefully it's handled.
Q: Can you move a piano up or down stairs?
A: Yes. We regularly move pianos up and down stairs in South Jersey homes. Stair moves require additional crew members and specialized equipment but are routine for our trained teams. We assess stairway width, turns, and landing areas before the move to ensure safe execution.
Q: How many people does it take to move a piano?
A: Upright pianos typically require 2-3 movers. Baby grands need 3-4 movers. Full grand pianos often require 4+ movers depending on size and access conditions. We always send the appropriate crew size for your specific piano and situation.
Q: Will moving damage my piano?
A: When handled by trained professionals using proper equipment, pianos survive moves without damage. However, pianos should be retuned after moving and may need a few weeks to settle in their new location. We're fully insured for your protection.
Q: How far in advance should I book piano moving?
A: We recommend booking 1-2 weeks ahead when possible, especially during peak moving season (May-September). However, we accommodate shorter notice when our schedule permits.
Q: Do you move pianos into storage?
A: Yes, we transport pianos to climate-controlled storage facilities throughout South Jersey. We can recommend storage options if needed and handle the complete move from your home to the storage unit.
Q: Are you licensed and insured for piano moving?
A: Absolutely. Maloney's Moving holds NJ Public Movers License #39PM00502700 and carries comprehensive liability insurance that covers your piano during our care.
Ready to Move Your Piano?
Get your free piano moving quote today:
Maloney's Moving LLC | 647 McNaughton Ave, Deptford, NJ 08096
NJ License #39PM00502700 | Fully Licensed & Insured