International Piano Moving
Trust International Sea & Air Shipping, the leading international piano movers, to handle your cherished instrument with care, precision, and expertise.
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Start Your International Moving Journey
If you own a piano and have found this page while searching for overseas piano moving services, we deeply appreciate the importance of your valuable asset. We consider piano moving an art because we recognize that a piano is more than just a musical instrument. Every owner has a unique emotional attachment to it. We treat your piano as our own, handling these feelings with care.
The International Piano Moving Specialist
International Sea & Air Shipping has been moving pianos for 75 years and is a leader in the field. We offer full support for both short and long trips. We make sure that your valuable piano is delivered by professionals who are closely watched.
Employees are Our Pride
Our team is the foundation of our business. We look at more than just experience when we hire our servicemen. We make sure that the people we hire are friendly, professional, and well-trained; pay close attention to detail; and have excellent morals. We think that we can only win over our customers with the right team.
Emotional Care is Our Exclusivity
We understand the emotional connection our customers have with their pianos. That’s why we go the extra mile to offer emotional care that distinguishes us from other moving companies. We maintain transparent communication, handle items with respect, accommodate special requests, and provide reassurance and support throughout the service.
Tools are our Most Valuable Assets
To move an asset safely and quickly, it is mandatory to use the right equipment. We have made substantial investments in state-of-the-art equipment specifically designed for moving pianos. Our specialized piano moving equipment includes:
- Custom-made crates
- Piano dollies and loading ramps
- Air-ride suspension vehicles
- Piano boards and skid systems
- Climate-controlled storage facilities
They are the backbone of our business. They enable us to deliver the highest level of service to our customers.
The Types of Pianos We Ship
Our piano moving meets the shipping needs of most pianos, from small uprights to grand pianos. Each variety is treated with care and expertise on our part:
Upright Pianos
These are the most popular kind of piano found in people’s homes, and though they’re smaller, they still require some thought before you move them.
Baby Grand Pianos
With their slim construction and complex parts, baby grands demand custom crates for safe shipping.
Grand Pianos
Grand pianos are bigger and heavier, which is why they require professional care when being disassembled, packed, and shipped to prevent possible damages that the instruments can endure.
Digital Pianos
While they are generally lighter, these instruments do contain electronics that make them vulnerable to damage if not protected properly.
Whether the piano is upright or grand, we have a team of highly skilled movers that will treat your instrument with the utmost professionalism.
How Do We Carry Out Our Piano Moving Services?
Our piano moving services involve a series of steps and verified procedures. All packaging materials and equipment used in the process are thoroughly examined and approved by higher authorities before use. We ensure a safe journey by securing your precious cargo within one of our fleet vehicles. Your piano will be carefully packaged and carried, with no detail spared.
Here is the step-by-step process of piano shipping from the team at International Sea & Air Shipping:
- Assessment and Planning (Pre-Moving Survey): We will start by inspecting of the piano. Then we carefully review every detail. This involves measuring doorways and stairwells, mapping the path to your desired location, and handling packages.
- Packing for Overseas Moving: We make certain to utilize archival and custom-made crates to add a layer of protection during the piano shipping services. We also concentrate on seasonal packing to safeguard the piano from extreme weather.
- Loading and Transportation: Our drivers are taught and supervised to load your vehicle for safe and secure transport. A dedicated team oversees secure transportation, while our logistics specialists monitor the shipment throughout transit.
- Customs Clearance: We take care of all paperwork, which requires seeing that your piano shipment is cleared efficiently and without inconveniences at customs according to the particular nation’s laws.
- Delivery and Unpacking: We use a piano-specific shipping dolly to bring the piano into your home, and we secure it carefully to prevent any damage or dents.
- Final Inspection: Once the piano is placed at its final location, our staff will inspect it one more time thoroughly.
How to Ship a Baby Grand Piano?
A baby grand piano needs extra preparation because of its size and detachable parts. The lid is secured, and the legs and pedals are removed and wrapped separately to prevent damage. Care is taken to protect the piano’s body and finish during handling.
How to Ship a Digital Piano Overseas?
Digital pianos require special care due to their electronic components. Stands and pedals are detached and packed separately, and the main unit is protected with moisture-resistant materials to guard against humidity and temperature changes.
How Much Does It Cost to Move a Piano Internationally?
Piano shipping is a sensitive operation, and it comes with costs that fluctuate based on several factors:
- Type of Piano: The bigger the piano—such as grand or baby grand models—the more it will cost to move due to its size and weight. An upright is cheaper and may cost less to build.
- Distance and Destination: The further the destination, the higher the cost. The more distance, the greater the expense. Rates will depend on the shipping line and international laws.
- Packing and Crating: Professional packing and a custom crate are important for shielding your piano from damage in transit, adding to the price but protecting its safe arrival.
- Mode of Transport: Air freight is faster but more expensive, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. Sea freight is more affordable, costing $1,000 to $5,000, but takes longer.
- Customs and Taxes: Customs duties and taxes vary by country, potentially adding several hundred to a few thousand dollars to the cost.
- Storage: Temporary storage services may also be necessary, adding flexibility but increasing costs.
Note: All pricing ranges are estimates and may vary based on destination regulations, piano specifications, and handling requirements.
Shipping Methods for Pianos
Selecting the optimal way to ship pianos overseas will have a big impact on how easy and safe the entire process is. Air freight and ocean freight are the two most common options for international shipments.
If you want your piano ASAP and waiting 8-12 weeks is not an option, air freight is for you. But the trade-off is cost—it’s typically more expensive. Ocean freight is cheaper and more effective for larger instruments like grand or upright pianos, but it takes longer.
And whatever your method is, excellent packing makes all the difference. Our international piano movers provide custom-built crates and padding to ensure the safety of your piano while it is being transported. For shipping via sea, we go a step further—using moisture-resistant materials to minimize potential harm.
Avoiding the Mistakes When Moving a Piano Internationally
Piano moving mistakes can be expensive in terms of repair bills and time. Here are a few errors to avoid:
- Hiring inexperienced movers: Moving a piano is not really on the list of household DIY undertakings. Never hire just anyone to be international piano movers for you.
- Using inadequate packing materials: Poorly made packing materials can result in serious damage. You’ll never regret your investment in professional crating services, which will provide the best possible protection.
- Not purchasing insurance: Shipping a piano without insurance is taking it on the chin. Make sure that your piano is always covered against damage.
- Ignoring customs regulations: Customs documents are part and parcel of shipping a piano. And if you don’t prepare it ahead of time, the prices can add up.
Is It Worth It to Move a Piano Internationally?
Many people ask, “Are piano movers worth it?” Yes, especially for moves to other countries. Pianos are worth a lot of money and are very fragile, so they need a lot more care than other things in the house. You can’t match the level of skill, tools, and insurance coverage that our international piano movers have.
Here’s why it may be worth it:
- Sentimental Value: If you are considering a piano move and the instrument has significant sentimental value—perhaps it’s been in your family for many years or holds deep personal meaning—then moving it is likely the right choice.
- Replacement Costs: Good pianos, especially grand and baby grand models, are quite costly to replace. It could be less expensive to move your piano than to buy another.
- Condition and Craftsmanship: If you have an instrument in great shape or that is rare, taking it with you means that you maintain the quality of that device.
Trust the Experts for Your International Piano Move
The only safe way to make sure your expensive instrument is moved without damage or inconvenience is by choosing seasoned international piano movers. We can get you anywhere in the world, whether it’s across town or around the globe! Reach out to International Sea & Air Shipping for a custom piano moving schedule, and we will take care of the rest.
FAQs
What are a few important details to note in Piano Shipping?
Pack and pad the overseas skid board. Secure it to a deck or platform so it cannot move, then tag it and ship it on a truck to the freighter.
Insurance – We suggest taking out insurance to cover the replacement value of the goods at the destination.
Ivory Ban – Shipping a piano with genuine ivory key tops may have customs issues. Pianos older than 100 years with documentation may pass. For pianos under 100 years old, consider temporary replacements or protective measures to prevent damage during customs checks.
Who will ship my Piano?
One of the very first steps to shipping a piano is locating someone who does it. If you’ve located a company that’s capable of shipping your piano overseas, the business likely collaborates with a freight forwarder.
How long does it take to move a piano internationally?
International piano moving generally takes 30–60 days depending on destination and method. Air shipments take a few days; sea shipments can take weeks.
How do I prepare my piano for an international move?
Remove personal items, ensure the path for movers is clear, latch down loose parts like covers or benches, and share any special requests with the movers.
Can I ship a piano and other household items together?
Yes. The piano will be in a separate crate for safekeeping. Ensure all additional household items are packed and handled properly.
