Some items are just different. A piano, a slate pool table, a home gym or a safe can weigh hundreds of kilograms, and moving them safely takes the right crew, the right gear and some planning.
Here's how heavy-item moves work in Darwin, what they typically cost, and how to prepare.
Quick costs (Darwin, typical): Piano $230–$805 · Pool table $345–$920 · Other heavy items $200–$800 each, depending on weight, stairs and access.
Why heavy items cost more
- Extra crew — often three or four people
- Special equipment — piano boards, stair climbers, heavy-duty trolleys and straps
- Dismantling and reassembly — pool tables, multi-gyms, some beds
- Access — stairs on elevated Darwin homes add a lot of difficulty
- Risk — to your floors, walls, the item and the crew
Pianos
Upright pianos
The most common. They're top-heavy and delicate inside. They need to be strapped to a piano board and moved upright.
Grand pianos
Usually need the legs and lyre removed, and the body moved on its side on a padded board.
Darwin tip: heat and humidity affect tuning. Expect to get your piano tuned a few weeks after the move, once it has settled into its new room.
Pool tables
Most good-quality tables have slate beds, which are very heavy and can crack if mishandled. A proper pool table move includes:
- Removing the pockets and rails
- Removing and protecting the felt
- Separating and moving the slate pieces
- Reassembling and re-levelling at the new home
You may need new felt if the old felt can't be re-used. Ask your removalist whether they handle the full job or work with a pool table specialist.
Gym equipment
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Treadmills | Fold if possible; secure the deck; some need partial dismantling |
| Multi-gyms | Often need dismantling — keep the manual |
| Weight plates and dumbbells | Pack in small, strong boxes or move loose; very heavy |
| Exercise bikes and rowers | Usually moved whole |
Tell your removalist the make and model so they can plan.
Safes
Safes are dense and heavy for their size. Your removalist needs to know: - The weight (check the manufacturer's details) - Whether it's bolted down - The route out — stairs, door widths, flooring
Empty the safe before moving day.
Other heavy items
- Spa baths and hot tubs — often need a specialist and sometimes a crane
- Marble or stone tables — tops usually come off and move separately
- Large aquariums — must be emptied completely
- Outdoor kitchens and big BBQs
- Large fridges — keep them upright where possible
How to prepare
- Measure doors, hallways, stairs and lifts at both homes
- Clear the path completely
- Tell your removalist about every heavy item when you ask for a quote — not on the day
- Protect floors — ask whether the crew brings floor protection
- Plan the spot in the new home so it only needs to be placed once
Don't DIY heavy items
Every year people injure themselves moving pianos and pool tables. It's rarely worth the risk to your back, your floors or the item.
Get a heavy-item quote
✎ Edit: Confirm which heavy items you move and any specialist partners you use.
Get a free quote · or see our furniture removals service. For full pricing, see How Much Do Removalists Cost in Darwin?
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to move a piano in Darwin?
Piano moves in Darwin typically cost $230–$805, depending on the type of piano, stairs and distance. Grand pianos cost more than uprights.
How much does it cost to move a pool table?
Typically $345–$920 in Darwin. Slate tables usually need to be dismantled and reassembled, and may need re-levelling and new felt.
Can removalists move gym equipment?
Yes. Treadmills, multi-gyms and heavy weights are common. Some machines need to be partly dismantled. Tell your removalist the make and model.
Should I move heavy items myself?
It's not recommended. Heavy items can cause serious injuries and damage floors, walls and the item itself. Professional crews use the right equipment and technique.