"I want to use the soundproof room I bought even at my new home!"
However, when you ask a moving company for a quote, it’s not rare to be refused, with them saying “We cannot handle soundproof rooms.” How much does it cost to relocate in the first place? Will the performance drop? It’s full of anxiety, isn’t it?
As a Kind Life Advisor, I’ll tell you the costs for relocating a soundproof room and tips for a smooth move in this article.
Total Relocation Cost: 150,000 to 400,000 JPY is the Market Rate#
Relocating a soundproof room incurs the following three costs:
| Item | Market Rate |
|---|---|
| Disassembly Fee | 30,000 - 80,000 JPY |
| Transportation Fee | 50,000 - 200,000 JPY (Varies by distance) |
| Reassembly Fee | 50,000 - 120,000 JPY |
| Total | 150,000 - 400,000 JPY |
*For a 1.5-mat unit soundproof room. Varies by size and distance.
Reasons Why General Moving Companies Cannot Handle It#
You might think “Won’t it be cheaper if I ask a regular moving company?”, but most companies refuse.
Reason 1: Specialized Knowledge Is Required#
A soundproof room is not just a combination of panels. If the direction of the sound-insulating gaskets (rubber parts) or the tightening torque is wrong, the performance will drop significantly. General moving staff cannot handle it.
Reason 2: Heavy Objects & Damage Risk#
A single panel of a soundproof room weighs 20kg to 30kg. Without specialized tools and experience, there is a risk of scratching walls and floors or damaging the panel itself.
Solution: Ask a Soundproof Room Specialist#
For Yamaha or Kawai soundproof rooms, there are official manufacturer relocation services (or affiliated companies).
For Yamaha Avitecs:#
- Contact: Request via the instrument store where you purchased it.
- Estimated Cost: From 150,000 JPY for short distances (within the same prefecture).
- Benefit: Performance guarantee exists, including gasket replacement.
Unofficial Specialists:#
- Cost: Sometimes 20-30% cheaper than official ones.
- Note: There may be no performance guarantee after relocation.
Risks and Countermeasures for Performance Degradation During Relocation#
Risk 1: Gasket Deterioration#
Once disassembled, the sound-insulation gaskets (rubber parts) can deteriorate, causing gaps.
Countermeasure: Ask the relocation specialist for “gasket replacement” (additional cost of 10,000 to 30,000 JPY).
Risk 2: Gaps During Reassembly#
If the assembly is poor, sound leaks from the gaps between panels.
Countermeasure: Always have a performance check done after relocation. Or do a sound leakage test yourself (have someone listen outside).
Air Conditioner Removal and Installation Problem#
If you have an air conditioner dedicated to the soundproof room, you need to arrange an air conditioner contractor separately.
- Removal/Installation Fee: 15,000 to 30,000 JPY (higher if piping extension is needed).
- Timing: It is necessary to remove the air conditioner before the disassembly of the soundproof room.
Important: Schedule adjustment between the soundproof room company and the air conditioner company is mandatory.
What to Communicate when Getting a Quote#
When requesting a quote from a moving company (or a soundproof room specialist), be sure to communicate the following:
- Manufacturer & Model Number (e.g., Yamaha Avitecs Cefine NS 1.5 Mats)
- Installation Floor (If it’s on the 2nd floor or above, costs increase for crane use)
- Presence of an Air Conditioner
- Installation Location at the New Home (width of delivery route, presence of an elevator)
Summary: Relocation vs. Sale & New Purchase, Which Is a Better Deal?#
| Relocation Cost | New Purchase Price |
|---|---|
| 150,000 - 400,000 JPY | 500,000 - 1,000,000 JPY |
If the relocation cost exceeds 300,000 yen, it’s also worth considering the option of “selling the current soundproof room and buying a used one at the new home.”