When you’re faced with moving a piano, you’ll quickly realize this isn’t your typical furniture relocation task. Whether you’ve inherited a cherished family heirloom or need to transport your concert grand to a new venue, the process demands careful consideration and specific expertise. You’ll need to decide between hiring professionals or tackling the move yourself, but either way, there’s much more to consider than simply getting from point A to point B. The following essential tips will help protect your valuable instrument and ensure you avoid the costly mistakes that many piano owners discover too late.
Essential Piano Moving Equipment
Before attempting to move a piano, you’ll need specialized equipment to ensure both safety and protection of the instrument.
Your essential tools should include a four-wheel piano dolly with rubber wheels, heavy-duty moving straps, thick moving blankets, and protective padding.
You’ll also need lifting straps with proper weight capacity ratings, work gloves with good grip, and skid boards for navigating stairs.
Don’t forget to secure locking straps to keep the piano lid closed during transport. A piano board or skid board becomes crucial when moving over rough surfaces or up and down stairs.
For upright pianos, you’ll need vertical steel support bars, while grand pianos require specific support brackets and a specialized grand piano skid board to maintain stability during disassembly and transport.
Professional Vs DIY Moving
Having the right equipment is just one part of the equation – deciding between professional movers and DIY is equally important.
While DIY moving can save you money, it’s crucial to understand the risks. Professional movers offer insurance coverage, specialized equipment, and years of experience handling delicate instruments.
If you’re considering DIY, you’ll need at least 3-4 strong adults, proper moving equipment, and insurance coverage for potential damages.
You should also understand that pianos aren’t just heavy but extremely complex instruments that can be damaged by improper handling or tilting.
For upright pianos under 500 pounds in ground-floor moves, DIY might be feasible.
However, for grand pianos, stairs, or long-distance moves, hiring professionals is strongly recommended to protect both your instrument and your safety.
Preparing Your Piano
Proper preparation is critical before moving your piano. First, remove all decorative items from the top and sides of your piano, and secure them separately.
Next, close and lock the keyboard lid to prevent damage to the keys during transport.
You’ll need to measure your piano’s dimensions and weight to determine the right equipment and number of helpers needed. Take photos of your piano from multiple angles to document its current condition and help with reassembly later.
Clean and wrap your piano thoroughly with moving blankets, securing them with packing tape. Don’t tape directly on the piano’s surface.
For upright pianos, wrap the pedals separately and secure the sustain pedal. For grand pianos, you’ll need to remove the legs and properly secure the lid.
Safe Moving Techniques
Moving a piano’s substantial weight requires careful attention to professional techniques.
When lifting, keep your back straight and bend at the knees to prevent injury. Use a piano dolly positioned beneath the instrument’s centre of gravity, and secure it with heavy-duty straps.
You’ll need at least four people to guide the piano – two in front and two in back. Don’t push or pull the piano directly; instead, use the dolly’s handles for control.
Navigate turns slowly, maintaining constant communication with your team. When encountering stairs, use a piano board or skid to create a ramp, and employ a mechanical stair-climbing dolly if available.
Never attempt to move an upright piano while it’s lying on its side, as this can damage the internal mechanisms and frame.
Transportation and Storage Tips
When transporting your piano, you’ll need a climate-controlled vehicle with enough height clearance and a sturdy lift gate.
Place the piano against the truck’s wall, using straps to secure it tightly. Don’t forget to lock the piano lid and wrap the pedals with moving blankets.
For storage, choose a climate-controlled facility that maintains consistent temperature and humidity levels between 45-65%.
Keep your piano away from exterior walls and windows to prevent moisture damage. Place it on a piano skid or platform to elevate it off the floor.
Don’t store other items on top of the piano, and cover it with a breathable cloth cover, not plastic.
Check on your piano periodically to ensure it’s not developing rust or other damage, and consider scheduling regular tunings if it’s stored long-term.
Conclusion
Moving your piano doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’ve chosen professional movers or decided to tackle it yourself, remember that preparation is key. Make sure you’ve got the right equipment, enough helping hands, and a clear plan before starting. By following these essential tips and techniques, you’ll protect your valuable instrument and ensure it arrives safely at its new destination.
