Piano Moving

Your piano is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, a repository of family memories and a complex instrument comprised of over 12,000 moving parts. Whether it’s a family heirloom upright, a digital piano or a concert grand, moving it across the street is a challenge, and moving it across the ocean requires a completely different level of expertise.

International Piano Moving: Expert Shipping for Your Cherished Instrument

At International Sea & Air Shipping, we understand that international piano moving is a high-stakes operation. Standard moving procedures simply aren’t enough to protect the delicate internal mechanics, the high-tension strings and the pristine finish of your instrument during a long-haul voyage. 

You need a partner who combines the strength of a freight forwarder with the delicacy of a piano technician. If you’re planning a move abroad, trust the international piano movers with over 76 years of experience to ensure your instrument arrives in perfect harmony.

More Than Just Moving: Why Shipping a Piano Requires Specialized Care

Many general movers treat a piano like a heavy table, but the right movers will use specialized techniques to protect both the finish and the structural integrity of the instrument itself. As part of our comprehensive international moving services, we treat your piano as a distinct shipment requiring specialized climate and shock protection.

The Importance of Proper Transport Methods for Your Piano

Pianos are made of wood, felt and metal. The wooden soundboard is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs and releases moisture from the air. Professional moving techniques can prevent these risks:

• High humidity: During sea freight, uncontrolled humidity can cause the wood to swell, leading to sticking keys, rusted strings and a dull tone.
• Low humidity: Rapid drying can cause the soundboard to crack or the pinblock to loosen, making the piano unable to hold a tune.
• Physical shock: Without air-ride suspension and custom crating, the constant vibration of a truck or ship can torque the frame or damage the action. 

Our International Piano Moving Services

We offer a white-glove experience designed to mitigate the risks associated with shipping a piano overseas. Our team handles every detail, from the initial measurements to the final placement in your new home.

Climate-controlled storage solutions: If your new home isn’t ready yet, we can offer climate-controlled storage options (available in select locations) to keep your piano at the ideal temperature and humidity while it waits.

Door-to-door white glove service: We handle the professional disassembly, packing, customs clearance and reassembly. You don’t need to lift a finger. If you’re moving your entire household, check out our household goods shipping page for full relocation details.

Custom crating and vapor barriers: We build bespoke wooden crates for every piano. These crates are lined with vapor barriers to stabilize humidity levels and high-density foam to isolate the instrument from physical shock.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Denis Vostrikov 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
We recently completed an international move of our household goods from Moscow, Russia to Enumclaw, Washington with International Sea & Air Shipping.

Overall, we had a very good experience. Our shipment included a large sectional sofa and several boxes with personal and sentimental items. Everything arrived safely and in good condition, including the sofa, which was especially important to us.

International shipping is a long process and there were a few unexpected circumstances along the way, including a customs inspection in Lithuania, but Bryan kept us informed and was always helpful in answering our questions.

The final delivery went very smoothly. The crew arrived within the scheduled window, brought everything inside, assembled the sectional sofa, and removed all the packing materials.

Most importantly, everything we chose to ship made it safely from Moscow to our home in Washington. We are very happy to finally have these things back with us and are satisfied with the service provided by International Sea & Air Shipping. I would recommend them to anyone planning an international move.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 barbara dressler 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
We are so pleased that we selected International Sea and Air Shipping for our move from New Jersey to Bremen, Germany. It was a huge move as we had lived in the same home for 49 years!  We did research many reviews of moving companies and basically from the reviews we finally chose ISAS. From the administration to the packing crew in New Jersey to the unpacking crew in Bremen, everything was very organized and it all worked out great. Of course, with a big move like this there will always be little glitches but the company was very responsive and answered questions promptly.
Their moving crews were absolutely the best and went over and beyond their duties. Everything was wrapped very well and the unpacking crew in Germany were so helpful and also did even more than we expected. Putting some of our old furniture back together was a back breaking job and they did it without a complaint. As well, our house in Germany is very old and many stairs to the second floor. Not a complaint by their crew!
We can only highly recommend ISAS very highly.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Dan Negara 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
International Sea & Air Shipping made our move from the USA to Spain completely seamless.
The packing crew was extremely professional, and every single household item arrived in Spain in perfect condition with zero damage. Throughout the entire journey, communication was proactive, clear, and prompt, which made navigating international logistics stress-free.
I couldn't have asked for a better experience and highly recommend them to anyone planning an international move.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Jon Dobson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
We used International Sea and Air Shipping to move our daughter from the US to the UK to start her PhD in London. All of her belongings arrived in excellent condition and she said that the crew who unloaded were very friendly, polite and professional.

The whole process was very smooth and they were excellent at communicating where we were at the various steps along the way. Everyone was very professional and friendly (especially Robert and Jeanine) and we really appreciate it!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Vinit Allen 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
The shipping process - both pick up and delivery - was excellent and efficient. I received a reminder about completing all of the required forms and authorization quite late in the process, which caused some stress, but it all worked out well.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Jessica Yarborough 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Excellent communication throughout the process. My interactions with International Sea & Air Shipping were exceptional as well as with the international team for delivery. I would absolutely recommend them for an international move!

I did notice after the Atlanta team left that the downstairs bathroom had been missed as well as a few kitchen items. We had to just throw things away. Check after the packers to be sure they got everything, but that's no fault of International Se & Air Shipping.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Isak Levi 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Excellent service and handling of my goods. I highly recommend it to all my fellow Serbians, who decided to move back home to Serbia.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Paul 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
The team at International movers was professional from the very beginning. They answered all my questions, walked us through the process step by step. The movers they contracted with on both the States side and overseas side were great! Friendly, fast and efficient!
Definitely give them a call for any of your international moves
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
    
 
 

How We Ship Pianos Overseas: A Step-by-Step Process

We believe in total transparency. Here’s how to ship a piano overseas with International Sea & Air Shipping.  

Step 1: Pre-Move Survey and Assessment

Every piano is unique. We start by assessing the size, weight and access points, such as stairs, elevators and narrow hallways, at both the origin and final destination. Schedule a free in-home pre-move survey today to ensure your quote is accurate.

Step 2: Professional Disassembly

For Grand and Baby Grand pianos, our technicians carefully remove the legs, pedal lyre and music rack. This is critical to lower the center of gravity and protect the legs during transport. All hardware is labeled and packed separately. 

Step 3: Wrapping, Padding and Skidding

We wrap the body of the piano in non-abrasive moving blankets and secure it to a specialized piano “skid board,” which is a heavy-duty sled. This board allows us to maneuver the heavy instrument safely without putting stress on its frame.

Step 4: Loading and Secure Transport

Once it is put in a crate, your piano is loaded onto the transport vehicle. You have two main options for overseas shipping:

• Sea freight: The most common and cost-effective method. We use sealed containers to protect against salt air. Learn more about our general overseas shipping options.
• Air freight: The fastest option, ideal for high-value concert instruments that need to minimize travel time.

Step 5: Destination Delivery and Reassembly

Our service doesn’t end at the port. Our network of global partners will deliver the piano to your new residence, uncrate it, reassemble the legs and pedals and place it in the room of your choice on the ground floor.

International Piano Shipping Costs: What to Expect

One of the most common questions we receive is about the cost to move a piano internationally. While every move is different, we want to provide realistic expectations so you can budget accordingly.

Key Factors That Influence Your Quote

Here are some variables that can affect your quote for international piano transport.

Valuation: The cost of insurance is based on the declared value of the instrument.

Volume, weight and type: A 9-foot Concert Grand costs more to ship than a Spinet Upright.

Shipping method: International piano shipping cost via air freight can be higher than sea freight.

Distance and route: Shipping to major ports like London or Sydney is often cheaper than shipping to remote inland destinations.

Access issues: Flights of stairs at either end will affect the final price.

Critical Regulations: Shipping Pianos With Ivory Keys

If your piano was made before the 1970s, there is a high chance the keys are made of ivory. Under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), moving ivory across borders is strictly regulated or prohibited in some cases.

Understanding CITES Regulations and Permits

International regulations require specific permits for ivory. Noncommercial musical instruments that contain worked ivory acquired before February 26, 1976, may qualify for a specific exemption if they meet certain criteria. However, they require a CITES pre-Convention certificate or musical instrument certificate before they can be imported or exported.

Having all the necessary documents can ensure a smooth process as your instrument goes through customs. For the most current specific regulations, we recommend checking the CITES website or the guide on ivory import and export rules .

Documentation You Will Need

We’ll help you gather the necessary proof, which may include:

Antique declarations for instruments over 100 years old.For shipping via sea, we go a step further—using moisture-resistant materials to minimize potential harm.

Original purchase receipt or appraisal proving the age of the piano.

CITES re-export certificates.

Protecting Your Investment: Valuation and Insurance Options

We offer comprehensive insurance options to give you peace of mind. Choose between:

• Total loss: Only covers the piano if the entire ship sinks or the container is lost.
• All-Risk (recommended): Cover damage such as scratches, dents or internal breakage. To qualify for All-Risk insurance, the piano must be professionally packed and crated by our team.

Get a Custom Quote for Your International Piano Move

Trust the experts who understand the anatomy of your instrument for safe travel. If you’re ready to start planning your move, get a moving quote today and let us handle the heavy lifting for you.

FAQs

GET YOUR FREE MOVING QUOTE FOR INTERNATIONAL SEA & AIR SHIPPING SERVICES 

Get a Quote