Piano movers in San Antonio: what to know before you book
Lugg is an on-demand moving and delivery platform in San Antonio where you book local movers to carry upright, console, spinet and digital pianos to a new home, up or down a flight of stairs, or home from a seller.
Upright piano movers carry it standing. A full upright can stand up to 60 inches tall, taller than a Van's 4.5 ft cargo area, so book a Pickup, XL or Box for one of those. Lugg movers bring dollies, furniture blankets, stretch wrap and straps to every job.
How much does a piano weigh, and how many Luggs to book?
Lugg's weight limit is 125 lbs per Lugger, so up to 250 lbs on any vehicle that comes with two Luggers. Most acoustic pianos weigh more than that, so book a second Lugg for the same time window and both arrive together for the lift. Use the type of piano to decide:
- Digital pianos and keyboards run about 80 to 300 lbs, and the lighter ones usually need just one Lugg.
- Spinet and console pianos run about 200 to 400 lbs, so plan on a second Lugg.
- Studio and full uprights run about 300 to 500 lbs, so book a second Lugg, and a third for an old full-size upright that's heavier still.
Not sure which you have? The maker's name is usually above the keys, and looking up the model will give you its weight. If it's borderline, someone you know can be there at both ends to help the crew instead.
How much does piano moving cost in San Antonio?
Piano moving services with Lugg are priced on three things you can see before you book: the truck you pick, the distance between your addresses, and how long the job takes on site. Each Lugg you add for the weight is its own booking with its own estimate, and a long staircase adds time on site.
Moving a piano up or down stairs
Luggers will always make their best attempt on stairs. A narrow or steep staircase adds complexity, though, and may need a second Lugg, so measure the stairwell and every turn before you book. Before they arrive, close and lock the lid so the keys stay covered, and move the bench separately.
Grand and baby grand pianos
Lugg movers can move a baby grand or a grand within the same home, room to room or lifted so a rug can go underneath, as long as it fits through every doorway and turn and enough Luggers are booked for the weight. A grand that's leaving the building is a job for a specialist piano mover, because the legs and lyre come off and the body travels on its side on a piano board.
Free and used pianos from a seller
Free pianos are common on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, usually on the condition that you get it out yourself. Ask the seller for photos of the stairs and doorway before you book, so you know which truck and how many Luggs you need. If you're paying for it, settle up with the seller before the crew arrives, since Luggers can't pay on your behalf.
After the move: plan on a tuning
Plan to have the piano tuned two to four weeks after the move, once it has settled into the new room's temperature and humidity. Luggers move the instrument and aren't piano technicians, so tuning and repairs go to a piano technician.
