Heavy-item planning

Moving a piano or heavy item?

A piano, safe, stone table, pool table or large piece of equipment needs more detail than a standard furniture list. Send the item information and the complete carrying route at both properties so we can assess whether the move can be included and what it would require.

Add the item to your enquiry Build your furniture inventory

Before requesting a quote

Describe the item without guessing.

Exact details help the team assess the job before anyone arrives.

Name the item and type

For a piano, state whether it is an upright, baby grand or grand. For another heavy item, provide the make, model or a clear description. Include the manufacturer’s weight if you can verify it; otherwise say that the weight is unknown.

Measure the item

Record its height, width and depth. Identify detachable sections, but do not dismantle anything unless the manufacturer or a qualified specialist says it is suitable.

Photograph the item

Take clear photos from several sides, including the base and any handles, wheels, feet or delicate finishes. Photograph labels or model plates if they are readable.

Show the full access route

Photograph doors, hallways, corners, steps, stairs, lifts, gates and the route to the nearest legal truck position at collection and delivery.

Access assessment

Measure the tight points at both properties.

Give the clear width and height of doorways, stairways and lift openings. Include landing sizes, tight turns, the number of steps and whether the route is level, sloped, paved, carpeted or soft ground. For a lift, ask the building for its internal dimensions, door opening and load limit.

Also describe where a truck can legally stand and the distance from that position to the item. A building loading bay or lift booking should be confirmed before the move is finalised, but do not reserve a time until AA has confirmed availability and the written scope.

Read the Melbourne access planning guide

Why the route matters

Heavy and awkward items need a handling plan.

WorkSafe Victoria identifies high force, awkward posture and loads that are unstable, unbalanced or hard to hold as hazardous manual-handling factors. The item, route, people and equipment need to be considered together rather than relying on weight alone.

Do not test a difficult lift, push a heavy item down stairs or remove structural parts to see whether it will fit. Keep people, children and pets away from the carrying route while the work is underway.

Read WorkSafe Victoria’s moving and lifting guidance ↗

Written scope

Wait for the assessment before treating it as booked.

Item acceptance

Submitting an enquiry does not confirm that the item can be moved. AA will review the information and state what is included in the written quote.

Crew and equipment

The required crew, equipment and vehicle depend on the item and access. Do not assume they are included until the written scope confirms them.

Changes before moving day

Tell AA if the item, route, stairs, lift booking or truck access changes. The plan and price may need to be reviewed.

Common questions

Can AA move my piano?

Send the piano type, verified dimensions, photos and access at both properties. The team will assess the route, crew and equipment before confirming whether it can be included in a written quote.

What if I do not know the weight?

Do not guess. Provide the make, model, dimensions and photos, and state that the weight is unknown. A manufacturer or qualified specialist may be able to confirm it.

Do you need photos of both properties?

Yes. Show the complete route from the item to the truck position at collection and from the truck position to its final place at delivery.

Should I dismantle the item before the move?

Only follow the manufacturer’s instructions or advice from an appropriately qualified specialist. Tell AA what will and will not be dismantled before the written scope is confirmed.

Ready for assessment?

Send the item, dimensions, photos and access.

Request a moving quote