“I’ve started preparing for my move, but this soundproof room… how on earth do I transport it?”
The moving season in February and March is a time when even users who already have a soundproof environment face the huge hurdle of “relocation.” A soundproof room is a mass of panels weighing over 100kg. Is it okay to ask a regular moving company? How much will it cost? The anxieties never end.
The conclusion is: You should always hire a “Professional Specialist” to relocate your soundproof room.
In this article, we’ll explain in detail the cost market for relocation, how to choose a company, and the criteria for deciding whether you should “replace” it for your move.
How Much Is the Relocation Cost? Let’s Know the Market#
Relocating a soundproof room requires three steps: “Disassembly,” “Transportation,” and “Reassembly.” The cost varies greatly depending on the size.
| Estimated Size | Cost Market for Relocation (Within the same region) |
|---|---|
| 0.8 to 1.2 Mats (Streaming/Streaming/Woodwind) | 150,000 to 250,000 JPY |
| 1.5 to 2.0 Mats (Piano/Strings) | 200,000 to 350,000 JPY |
| 3.0 Mats and Larger (Grand Piano, etc.) | 400,000+ JPY (By Estimate) |
Cases Where Costs Skyrocket#
- Availability of Elevator: If manual carrying on stairs is required, tens of thousands of yen are added for each floor.
- Travel Distance: Long-distance moves, such as out of state, incur additional freight charges.
- Special Specifications: Detachment/installation of air conditioners and reconfiguration of wiring are separate costs.
Why Hire a “Professional Specialist” Instead of a Regular Mover?#
While it’s tempting to “get it moved cheaply” as part of a general move estimate, relocating a soundproof room on your own (or by a general contractor) is extremely high-risk.
- Risk of Performance Degradation: “Gaps” are fatal to soundproof rooms. If an amateur assembles it, the gaskets won’t fit together correctly, causing “sound leakage” that drastically reduces performance.
- Danger of Building Damage: Since a single panel weighs 40-70kg, there’s a very high risk of scratching walls or floors. In the case of rentals, this could lead to massive bills for restoration.
- Loss of Manufacturer Warranty: If disassembly is performed by anyone other than a certified specialist, the subsequent manufacturer warranty or potential future resale value may be nullified.
Relocation Schedule for Success#
During the moving season (Feb-Mar), specialists are at their busiest for the year. Start moving at least one and a half months in advance.
- On-site Survey & Estimate Request: Send the addresses of both your current and new homes, the floor numbers, and photos of the installation sites.
- Check the “Floor Load” of the New Home: Even a 0.8 mat room weighs over 200kg. You need to check with the management company if the floor of the new home can withstand it.
- Coordination with Moving Company: To avoid the soundproof room specialist and the general furniture mover clashing, it’s smoother to offset the dates (e.g., set the soundproof room for the day “before” or “after” the general move).
[Important] Cases Where You Should Consider “Selling/Replacement” Instead of Relocation#
If the relocation cost exceeds 200,000 yen, you might find that “selling your current room and setting up a new (or used) one in your new home” is cheaper overall and improves performance.
- It’s Been Over 10 Years Since Installation: Since the gaskets are likely deteriorating, it’s wise to take the move as an opportunity to refresh.
- Does Not Suit the New Home’s Size: Instead of “forcing a 1.2 mat room into a cramped new home,” consider replacing it with a “0.8 mat latest model” using the sale proceeds as capital.
Check the Specs of Latest Models#
For those considering a replacement for the move, please check the latest lineups of various manufacturers. Ventilation efficiency and design have evolved dramatically, not just soundproofing performance.
*Popular models from Yamaha and Kawai often fetch high prices on the resale market even if they are over 10 years old.
Summary: A Quiet New Life Starts with a Reliable Relocation#
A soundproof room is an important partner that gives you “silence and freedom.” If handled carelessly during the busy move, its hard-earned performance will go to waste.
First, check the manufacturer name and model number of your current room and start by asking a professional specialist for an estimate. If you feel the “estimate is too high,” consulting a resale specialist is also an option.
Related Articles#
- [Practical Guide] : Can I Sell an Unwanted Soundproof Room for a High Price? Points for Appraisal and Market Rates
- [Introduction Guide] : Precautions for Floor Load When Installing/Relocating a Soundproof Room in Apartments
- [Comparison] : Soundproof Room Maintenance Costs and Tips for Choosing a Maintenance Specialist