How much does a piano transport in Hilden cost?
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The cost of a piano transport in Hilden depends on several factors: the size of the instrument, floors (with/without lift), distance and special features (narrow stairs, dismantling, etc.).
Tip: an individual quote is always best.
Is my piano insured during transport?
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Yes – professional piano movers are insured. In Germany, freight and removal companies carry statutory liability under Section 451g of the German Commercial Code (HGB), covering damage to goods up to a certain amount – often around €620 per m³ of goods or 40 Special Drawing Rights (SDR) per kg (approx. €45). A piano is therefore usually covered with a basic sum of several thousand euros. Important: if your instrument is of particularly high value, e.g. €50,000, additional transport insurance covering the full value can usually be taken out – often for a small surcharge (approx. 1–2% of the instrument’s value). Please discuss this when requesting your quote.
How long does a piano transport take?
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The duration depends on distance and conditions. Within the town of Hilden the actual transport often takes only 1–2 hours. This includes carrying out of the flat, loading, the drive (20–40 minutes depending on traffic) and unloading and setting up at the destination. Under simple conditions (ground floor to ground floor within one district) it can even be done in under 1 hour. If there are many stairs or a crane has to be used, the duration increases (perhaps 2–3 hours). For a transport outside Hilden, the driving time is of course added.
Do you also transport grand pianos? Are there any special considerations?
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Yes, of course we also transport grand pianos. A grand piano is usually heavier and more unwieldy than an upright piano, so there are a few special considerations:
• For transport, a grand piano is dismantled: the legs and pedal lyre are removed so the instrument can be stood on its side. These parts and the body are protected separately.
• Before transport, your grand piano is carefully wrapped in protective blankets and secured on a special grand piano skid board. This allows it to be carried and tilted safely – without strain on the instrument and well protected from external influences.
• A grand piano usually requires more carriers – 2 to 4 people depending on size, as the weight (usually 200–600 kg) has to be distributed. Tight spots are even more complicated because a grand piano is longer. Here professionals are more likely to use a crane or exterior lift than for a smaller upright piano.
How far in advance should a transport be booked? Are short-notice dates possible too?
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As a rule: the sooner the better – especially at peak times (spring/summer, end of month, weekends) good piano transport teams are quickly booked up. Ideally, private customers book a few weeks in advance as soon as the moving date is fixed. Business customers, e.g. for events, also plan long-term. Short-notice appointments are, however, often possible: we keep capacity available for urgent orders. If you need a transport at short notice – for example because you have bought a piano that is to be delivered immediately – just give us a call. We try to find a solution ad hoc too.
Our tip: ask straight away – then we can tell you what is possible. In an emergency it is always worth asking; a flexible team often makes the impossible possible, especially in a region like the Rhineland.
Do I as a customer need to prepare anything or help with the transport?
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As a customer you do not need to lend a hand physically – we take care of that completely. A few preparations can nevertheless help the transport go smoothly:
• Clear the way: make sure the routes are free. Temporarily remove obstacles in the stairwell or the flat (vases, rugs, decorations) that could be in the way.
• Secure valuable parts: if your piano has loose parts (e.g. castors, handles) or delicate items (e.g. a metronome on top), remove them beforehand.
• Inform those around you: let neighbours know about the transport date if the stairwell may briefly get a little noisy or the hallway is needed – this avoids stress on moving day.
• Be present: you or a person you appoint should be present during the transport to answer questions and unlock or lock the premises. Everything else – from carrying to assembly and dismantling – is handled by our specialists. You can sit back and watch. After the transport we recommend giving the piano a few days to acclimatise and then having it tuned.