Skip to contentMoving items such as pianos, safes, or large gym equipment requires careful planning and the right expertise. At Red Rose Removals, we understand the complexities involved in handling these specialist objects. Our FAQs provide clear, practical information to help you prepare for your home or office move.
Yes, Red Rose Removals regularly handles upright piano moves. We use specialised equipment such as piano boards, heavy-duty straps, and sliders to ensure safe transit. The average cost to move an upright piano in Greater London is around £280 plus VAT, based on a 2026 Which? Trusted Traders survey.
Grand pianos require particular handling due to their weight and dimensions. A minimum four-person crew is needed, utilising hydraulic stair-climber sleds and carbon-fibre shoulder straps to adhere to HSE manual handling limits of 25 kg per person. This specialised service is reflected in the cost; the average for moving a grand piano in Greater London was approximately £490 plus VAT in 2026.
Moving safes involves careful assessment of weight and access. For safes exceeding 300kg in domestic flats, pre-approval for lift use is now required under NHBC warranty clause 3.8 following 2025 building revisions. We use appropriate lifting gear to ensure the safe and secure relocation of these heavy items.
Yes, specialist items typically incur additional charges due to the extra crew required, specialised equipment, and extended timeframes. For instance, London-wide Saturday piano or safe moves in Kennington (A3 red route) only permit loading bays from 09:00 to 15:00 with a virtual permit, which can impact planning and scheduling.
Red Rose Removals employs a range of dedicated equipment for specialist items. This includes reinforced piano boards, heavy-duty webbing straps, specialised sliders, and hydraulic stair-climber sleds for grand pianos. Our vehicles are also equipped with tail-lifts for efficient loading and unloading.
For safety and legal reasons, Red Rose Removals cannot transport hazardous materials such as aerosols, paints, gas cylinders, or flammable liquids. We also do not move items deemed illegal or highly perishable goods. Please discuss any unusual items with us in advance.
For items like pianos, please ensure all loose items, such as sheet music or accessories, are removed and secured separately. For safes, ensure they are empty and locked. Clear the access routes within your property and at the destination to allow our team to work efficiently and safely. A significant 47% of London piano damage claims in 2025 occurred on staircases narrower than 870 mm, highlighting the importance of clear access.
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