Questions to Ask Before Hiring Piano Movers
Asking the right questions before hiring piano movers saves you from damage, stress, and hidden costs. Not all moving companies handle pianos properly—some lack training, equipment, or insurance. Your piano deserves specialists who understand its delicate mechanics and value. We’ve compiled the essential questions every Ajax resident should ask before booking. Use this guide to find trusted, professional piano movers in Ajax.
Why These Questions Matter for Your Piano’s Safety
Pianos contain over 12,000 delicate parts working together with microscopic precision. One wrong move shifts hammers out of alignment. One improper tilt cracks soundboards. One incorrect lift snaps decorative legs permanently.
General movers often cause this damage because they lack piano-specific knowledge. They see a heavy object and apply furniture-moving techniques. That approach destroys instruments regularly.
Asking detailed questions separates true specialists from amateurs. The right questions reveal training gaps, equipment deficiencies, and insurance limitations before you commit. You learn who understands pianos and who’s just guessing.
Protecting your instrument starts with proper vetting. Take thirty minutes to interview potential movers. That small investment saves thousands in repairs and heartache later.
10 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring
Ask every piano moving company these questions. Their answers tell you everything about their qualifications:
Are you specifically trained in piano moving?
Listen for details about training programs, certifications, and ongoing education. “We move pianos all the time” isn’t training. Real specialists study piano mechanics.
Do you carry full-value insurance for pianos?
Most movers offer 60 cents per pound coverage. That pays $300 for a 500-pound piano. Full-value insurance covers actual repair or replacement costs. Never accept less.
Do you have climate-controlled trucks?
Ajax winters and summers demand climate control. Without it, your piano experiences temperature swings that cause permanent damage. Only climate-controlled trucks protect your instrument.
What equipment do you use?
Listen for piano dollies with padded cradles, skid boards for stairs, industrial straps, and proper padding. If they mention furniture dollies and moving blankets, walk away.
How many pianos have you moved in Ajax?
Local experience matters. Ajax has older homes with narrow staircases and modern apartments with elevator restrictions. Local movers know these challenges.
Can you provide local references?
Real specialists have happy customers. Ask for references from recent Ajax piano moves. Follow up and ask about their experience.
Do you charge extra for stairs or tight access?
Hidden fees surprise many customers. Ask upfront about stair charges, long carry fees, and elevator requirements. Get everything in writing.
Will you provide a written estimate with all fees?
Verbal quotes disappear when disputes arise. Always get written estimates with all potential fees listed. Read every line before signing.
How do you protect floors, walls, and door frames?
Professional movers use corner pads, floor runners, and protective materials. Ask specifically what they bring. Your home deserves protection too.
Is tuning recommended after the move?
Honest movers tell you to wait two to four weeks before tuning. If they promise your piano will arrive perfectly in tune, they’re lying.
Training and Experience: What to Look For
Not all piano moving experience is equal. Here’s what separates true specialists from general movers:
Specialized training programs teach piano mechanics, weight distribution, and proper handling techniques. Ask about specific training certifications. Real specialists have them.
Years of experience matter, but variety matters more. Movers who handle uprights, grands, players, and antiques understand different challenges. Ask what piano types they’ve moved recently.
Knowledge of piano mechanics guides every handling decision. Movers who understand internal components know why tilt limits matter. They know which parts bear weight and which snap off.
Understanding of structural vs decorative parts prevents common damage. Piano legs attach with small screws. They are not lifting points. Trained movers know this. Amateurs learn the hard way.
Experience with Ajax’s unique housing makes a difference. Older homes have narrow staircases and tight corners. Modern apartments have elevator restrictions and strict building rules. Local experience solves these challenges.
Insurance Questions That Protect Your Investment
Insurance confusion causes heartbreak after damage happens. Ask these specific questions:
Basic valuation vs full-value insurance
Basic valuation pays approximately 60 cents per pound. A 500-pound upright qualifies for $300 coverage. That doesn’t fix anything.
Full-value insurance covers repair or replacement at current market value. If your piano costs $10,000 to replace, full-value insurance pays $10,000. This is the only acceptable coverage.
Request insurance certificates before moving day
Don’t take their word for it. Ask for certificates and verify coverage is current. Read the policy. Understand what’s covered and what’s excluded.
Liability coverage for property damage
If movers gouge your floors or punch through walls, their liability insurance pays for repairs. Verify this coverage exists before they enter your home.
Understanding deductibles and exclusions
Ask about deductibles you’d pay if damage occurs. Ask what situations aren’t covered. Know these details before you need them.
Additional coverage for valuable instruments
Antique or high-value pianos may need extra coverage. Ask if they offer it and what it costs. $15 per $1,000 of declared value is typical.
Equipment Questions: What Proper Tools Look Like
Equipment quality determines safety. Ask what specific tools they use:
Piano dollies with padded cradles
These custom dollies support the piano’s exact shape. Weight distributes evenly. Nothing wobbles or tips.
Furniture dollies from rental shops
Flat metal platforms let pianos rock and slide. One bump tips the whole instrument. Proper movers never use these.
Skid boards for stairs
These specialized boards let pianos glide down steps with rope control. Safe, controlled, professional.
Carrying by hand on stairs
Amateurs try this. People get hurt. Pianos get destroyed. Ask specifically about stair equipment.
Climate-controlled trucks
Professional trucks maintain stable temperature and humidity. Your piano never experiences weather shock.
Open trailers and unheated trucks
These expose pianos to Ontario weather. Soundboards crack. Pin blocks separate. Ask about truck type specifically.
Industrial straps rated for 1,500+ lbs
Proper straps secure pianos to truck walls. Nothing shifts during transport.
Bungee cords and moving blankets
These fail constantly. Pianos tip. Damage happens. Ask what they use.
Air-ride suspension trucks
These absorb road vibration. Your piano arrives still mostly in tune.
Regular trucks transmit every bump
Each jolt loosens strings and shifts action parts. Ask about suspension.
Questions About Costs and Hidden Fees
Money conversations feel awkward but prevent surprises. Ask these questions directly:
Request itemized written estimates
Line-by-line breakdowns show exactly what you’re paying for. Labor, equipment, travel, insurance—everything should appear separately.
Ask about stair fees specifically
Some companies charge per step. Others charge per staircase. Some include two flights in base price. Know their formula.
Long carry charges explained
If the truck can’t park close to your door, extra distance costs extra. Ask how they measure and charge for this.
Elevator fees in apartment buildings
Some buildings charge movers for elevator use. Ask if these fees pass to you and how they’re calculated.
Hourly rates vs flat rates
Some moves suit hourly billing. Others work better as flat-rate projects. Ask which applies to your situation and why.
Deposit requirements and payment methods
How much upfront? When is balance due? What payment types accepted? Cash-only requests raise red flags.
Cancellation policies
Life happens. Ask about cancellation fees and rescheduling options before you book.
Transparent pricing builds trust. Companies that hide fees have something to hide.
Trust Ajax Movers With 15+ Years of Piano Moving Expertise
For over 15 years, Ajax Movers has specialized in professional piano relocation. We’ve moved thousands of instruments across Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, and all of Durham Region. Every piano type crosses our trucks—uprights, grands, players, antiques, and concert instruments.
Our equipment is piano-specific. Our trucks are climate-controlled. Our teams train continuously in proper techniques. Our insurance covers your instrument fully.
We answer every question confidently because we have nothing to hide. Ask us anything. We’re proud of our reputation.
Get your free piano moving quote today. Call us at +1 866-211-0975 or book online. Let our 15+ years of experience answer all your questions—and protect what matters most to you.
Top 5 FAQs About Hiring Piano Movers in Ajax
How far in advance should I book piano movers in Ajax?
Book two to three weeks ahead during regular seasons. In summer, book four to six weeks early. Last-minute bookings limit your options and may cost more.
Do I need to be home during the move?
Yes, or have a trusted representative present. Someone should verify the piano’s condition before movers leave and after placement. This protects everyone.
What if my piano doesn’t fit through the door?
Professional movers have solutions. Removing doors helps. Tilting strategically works. Sometimes pianos enter through balcony doors using cranes. Rarely, pianos return to storage. Ask about their process.
How do I know if a mover is truly a specialist?
Ask detailed questions. Specialists answer confidently about piano mechanics, equipment, and techniques. General movers give vague answers and change the subject.
What happens if my piano gets damaged during the move?
With full-value insurance, you file a claim and receive repair or replacement costs. Without proper insurance, you fight for pennies on the dollar. This is why insurance questions matter most.
