Moving an Upright Piano: Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Upright pianos are the most common type found in British homes—versatile instruments that deliver beautiful music without demanding the space of a grand piano. But don’t let their vertical design fool you into thinking they’re easy to move. A standard upright piano weighs between 200kg and 400kg, contains thousands of delicate parts, and represents both significant financial value and often considerable sentimental attachment.

Having moved over 15,000 pianos across Gloucestershire over 33 years as a third-generation family business, we’ve developed systematic processes that protect these beloved instruments. This guide shares that professional approach—whether you’re researching before hiring movers or (against our advice) considering the challenge yourself.

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Understanding Upright Piano Weights and Sizes

Before moving any upright piano, you need to know what you’re dealing with.

Size Categories

Category	Height	Typical Weight	Examples
Spinet	Under 91cm	140-180kg	Older compact models
Console	91-107cm	160-220kg	Yamaha B-series
Studio	107-120cm	200-280kg	Yamaha U1, Kawai K-series
Full-size	Over 120cm	280-400kg	Vintage Germans, Yamaha U3

Why Weight Matters

A 300kg upright piano is:

• Too heavy for two average people to safely control
• Heavy enough to crash through weak flooring if dropped
• Capable of causing serious injury if it tips
• Requiring professional equipment to move safely on stairs

Did You Know? Victorian upright pianos often weigh more than modern equivalents due to their cast iron frames, solid hardwood cases, and ornate decoration. We’ve moved 1880s Bechsteins weighing over 400kg.

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Can You Move an Upright Piano Yourself?

Our honest assessment: moving an upright piano yourself is risky and generally inadvisable.

What DIY Requires

Personnel: Minimum 4 strong adults who understand the process Equipment: Piano dolly, straps, blankets, floor protection (£200+ to hire) Time: 2-4 hours for experienced movers; much longer for beginners Risk acceptance: Insurance unlikely to cover DIY damage

When DIY Might Be Considered

• Moving within the same room (short distance)
• Ground floor to ground floor with no obstacles
• Low-value piano where damage is acceptable
• You have genuine experience and equipment

When DIY is Definitely Wrong

• Any move involving stairs
• Narrow doorways or tight corners
• Valuable instruments
• No proper equipment available
• Fewer than 4 strong, able people

The cost of professional upright piano moving (£150-£300 typically) is modest compared to repair costs from damage or medical bills from injury.

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Essential Equipment

Professional piano movers use specialist equipment that makes the difference between safe moves and disasters.

Must-Have Equipment

Piano dolly/skid board: A heavy-duty wheeled platform designed for piano weight. Without this, don’t even attempt the move.

Piano straps: Wide, padded straps that secure the piano without damaging the case. Regular ratchet straps can mark finishes.

Moving blankets: Thick quilted pads that protect the piano’s finish from scratches, bumps, and impacts.

Floor protection: Hardboard sheets or similar to protect both the piano’s castors and your floors.

Gloves: Non-slip gloves improve grip and protect hands.

For Stair Moves

Stair climber: A motorised device that safely navigates stairs. Essential for any significant stair movement.

Additional personnel: Stair moves require more people for safety.

Ramps: For small level changes and vehicle loading.

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Step-by-Step Moving Process

Here’s how professionals move an upright piano safely.

Step 1: Preparation

Before moving day:

• Measure all doorways, corridors, and turning points
• Clear the route of obstacles
• Protect floors along the path
• Confirm parking and vehicle access

Moving day:

• Close and lock the fallboard (key cover)
• Close the top lid
• Remove any items from inside or on top
• Wedge doors open along the route

Step 2: Positioning the Dolly

1. Approach from one side: Two people tilt the piano slightly while another slides the dolly underneath
2. Centre the weight: The piano should sit balanced on the dolly
3. Secure with straps: Multiple straps around the piano, attached to the dolly

Warning: Never tilt an upright piano backwards—this can damage the internal mechanism and risks the piano falling.

Step 3: Moving to the Vehicle

1. One person at each corner: Maintain control at all times
2. Move slowly and steadily: No rushing, no sudden movements
3. Communicate constantly: “Ready? Moving left. Watch the doorframe.”
4. Navigate obstacles carefully: Take extra time at doorways and turns

Step 4: Loading into Vehicle

1. Use ramps: Never try to lift a piano into a vehicle
2. Position carefully: Against the vehicle’s solid wall, not loose
3. Secure thoroughly: Multiple straps to prevent any movement

Step 5: Transport

• Drive smoothly, avoiding sudden braking and sharp turns
• Take corners slowly
• Check securing after the first few minutes
• Maintain moderate temperature (avoid extreme cold or heat)

Step 6: Unloading and Positioning

1. Reverse the loading process: Use ramps, move slowly
2. Navigate to final position: Same careful approach as loading
3. Remove dolly carefully: Two people hold the piano, one removes dolly
4. Position precisely: Adjust to exact desired location
5. Level if needed: Ensure the piano sits evenly

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Handling Stairs and Obstacles

Stairs are where piano moves become genuinely dangerous without proper equipment and expertise.

Going Up Stairs

• Piano positioned with keyboard facing up (away from stairs)
• Weight on the stair climber or team members below
• Those above guide and balance
• One step at a time, never rushing

Going Down Stairs

• Piano positioned with keyboard facing down (towards stairs)
• Weight controlled from above
• Those below guide and prevent acceleration
• Even more careful than going up

Narrow Doorways

Many UK doorways are 762mm (30 inches) wide. Upright pianos are typically 650mm deep.

Solutions:

• Remove doors temporarily
• Angle the piano through carefully
• In extreme cases, consider window removal or alternative access

Tight Corners

Victorian and Georgian corridors often have 90-degree turns with little clearance.

Solutions:

• Tilt the piano to clear corners
• Take time to find the right angle
• Sometimes multiple attempts are needed
• Protect walls with padding

When we moved a Yamaha U3 through a Cheltenham Regency townhouse, navigating the tight hallway turn required precise tilting and three attempts to find the correct angle. Professional patience made the difference.

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Protecting Your Piano During Transport

The journey between locations is when damage most commonly occurs.

Wrapping Protocol

1. Close all openings: Lid, fallboard, any decorative panels
2. Wrap with blankets: Complete coverage, secured with tape (never tape to the piano itself)
3. Pay attention to corners: Extra padding on vulnerable points
4. Cover the top: Protect from items that might fall during transport

Securing in Vehicle

• Multiple straps from different angles
• Piano against solid wall, not loose in the vehicle
• Nothing placed on top of or leaning against the piano
• Sufficient padding between piano and vehicle walls

Environmental Considerations

• Avoid extreme temperatures
• Don’t leave in a vehicle overnight in winter
• Protect from rain during loading/unloading
• Allow acclimatisation after significant temperature changes

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others’ costly errors.

❌ Tilting Backwards

Tilting an upright piano backwards risks damage to the internal mechanism and can cause the piano to fall. Always tilt sideways if tilting is necessary.

❌ Insufficient People

Attempting a move with too few people leads to loss of control, injuries, and damage. Minimum four people for any significant move.

❌ Using Inappropriate Equipment

Furniture dollies and standard straps aren’t designed for piano weight and shape. Use proper piano equipment only.

❌ Rushing

Hurrying leads to accidents. A piano move should never feel rushed. If you’re running late, you’re taking dangerous shortcuts.

❌ Not Protecting Floors

Piano castors (especially old metal ones) can damage flooring badly. Always protect floors with boards or runners.

❌ DIY on Stairs

Stair moves are where DIY attempts most commonly go wrong. Stairs require professional equipment and expertise.

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After the Move

Once your piano is in position, a few final steps ensure everything is correct.

Immediate Checks

• Inspect for any damage during the move
• Check all keys function correctly
• Look for loose or displaced parts
• Ensure the piano is level and stable

Acclimatisation

Allow 2-4 weeks for the piano to adjust to its new environment before tuning. See our guide on piano tuning after moving.

Schedule Tuning

Book a tuning for 2-4 weeks after arrival. Moving always affects tuning, regardless of how careful the move was.

Placement Considerations

Position your piano:

• Away from radiators and heat sources
• Away from direct sunlight
• Away from exterior walls if possible
• On level, solid flooring
• With adequate ventilation around the back

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About the Author

Liam

Piano Moving Specialist

Liam is part of the A1 Piano Removals team, bringing professional expertise to every piano move.