Start a piano removal service

Households moving home or selling a piano, music teachers, schools, churches, venues and piano dealers or tuners who need a reliable mover.

A fixed price per move based on piano type, distance, stairs and access. Extra charges for grand pianos, long carries or storage runs. Repeat work often comes from tuners and dealers.

• Safe lifting and handling heavy items
• Careful planning of each route and access
• Calm, reassuring customer service
• Confident driving a larger van

• Goods-in-transit and public liability insurance, check the cover limit is enough for high-value pianos
• Check whether your van weight and the work you do need an operator licence or tachograph rules, and which rules apply to you
• Serious injury risk from heavy lifting, never take on a job you cannot do safely with two people
• Damage to floors, walls and the instrument itself, take photos before and after and agree terms in writing
• Check with your insurer about driving a larger van and with HMRC about registering as self-employed

Startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending mainly on the van, lifting equipment and insurance. These are estimates, so check cover limits are enough for high-value pianos before you buy.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on how many jobs you take and your fixed prices. These are estimates, and revenue is not profit.

Check goods-in-transit and public liability cover is enough for pianos, and whether your van weight and work need an operator licence or tachograph rules. Also check with your insurer about larger vans and with HMRC about self-employment.