How to Prepare Your Piano for Moving Day: Expert Checklist

Introduction

Moving day approaches, and amongst the boxes, logistics, and endless checklists, your piano requires special attention. Unlike furniture that can be bubble-wrapped and loaded onto any removal van, pianos demand careful preparation to survive a move unscathed. Having prepared and moved thousands of pianos across Gloucestershire and the surrounding counties, we’ve learned exactly what preparation makes the difference between a successful move and a damaged instrument.

The good news? Preparing your piano for moving isn’t complicated—it simply requires knowing what to do and when to do it. Whether you’re moving an upright piano across town or a grand piano to a new property in the Cotswolds, this comprehensive checklist will guide you through every step.

Professional piano movers handle the heavy lifting, but your preparation in the days and weeks beforehand significantly impacts the safety of your instrument. Let’s walk through everything you need to do to prepare your piano for moving day.

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Two Weeks Before Moving Day

Starting your piano preparation two weeks ahead gives you time to address issues without last-minute stress.

Book Your Professional Piano Movers

If you haven’t already, this is your priority. Quality piano moving companies book up quickly, especially during peak summer months.

When booking, provide:

• Piano type (grand, upright, digital)
• Approximate age and brand if known
• Current location (floor level, access details)
• Destination details (floor level, access route)
• Any stairs, lifts, or tight corners
• Moving date and preferred time window

Don’t rely on general removal companies for your piano. A specialist piano moving service has the equipment, expertise, and insurance specifically for instruments.

Schedule a Final Tuning (Optional)

Some owners prefer a final tuning before the move, though this isn’t essential. The piano will definitely need tuning after moving once it has settled in its new environment—typically 2-4 weeks after arrival. Learn more about piano tuning after moving.

Document Your Piano’s Condition

Take clear photographs of your piano from multiple angles:

Photograph:

• Overall front view
• Both side profiles
• Any existing scratches, marks, or damage
• Close-ups of the finish condition
• The keyboard (open fall board)
• Pedals and legs
• Back panel (for uprights)
• Underneath (if accessible)

These images serve as a record of your piano’s condition before the move. While professional movers carry comprehensive insurance, documentation protects everyone.

Gather Important Documents

Locate and safely store:

• Purchase receipts or invoices
• Tuning records and service history
• Insurance documents
• Warranty information
• Manufacturer documentation

Keep these with you during the move, not packed in boxes that might not be immediately accessible at your new home.

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One Week Before Moving Day

With a week to go, focus on practical preparation around the piano itself.

Clear the Piano Top and Surroundings

Remove everything from on top of and around your piano:

Items to remove:

• Sheet music and books
• Photographs and ornaments
• Vases, plants, or decorative items
• Metronomes and tuning equipment
• Piano lamps or lights
• Any items stored inside (upright pianos)

Pack these items separately and clearly label the box “Piano Accessories” so you can easily reunite them with your instrument at the new location.

Check Access Routes

Walk the route your piano will take out of your current home:

Assess:

• Can doors open fully, or do hinges need removing?
• Are there tight corners requiring specific manoeuvring?
• Will stair banisters present obstacles?
• Are there any steps, thresholds, or level changes?
• Is the flooring protected or does it need covering?

Repeat this assessment at your new property if possible. Inform your piano movers of any challenges—experienced teams like ours handle difficult access daily throughout properties in Bristol, Cheltenham, and beyond.

Measure Doorways

For grand pianos especially, accurate measurements prevent moving day surprises:

Measure:

• All doorway widths and heights
• Corridor widths at the narrowest points
• Stairwell dimensions including turns
• Lift internal dimensions (if applicable)
• External gate and pathway widths

A baby grand piano typically measures approximately 147cm (58 inches) wide. Standard UK internal doors are 76cm (30 inches)—the piano needs to pass through on its side, but tight corners complicate matters.

Notify Relevant Parties

Let people know about your piano move:

• Building management: If moving from or to a flat, you may need lift booking or permission
• Neighbours: Especially if access routes pass their property
• New property owners: If moving before completion, ensure piano delivery is coordinated
• Your regular piano tuner: Update them with your new address

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The Day Before Moving

The night before moving day, final preparations ensure a smooth start.

Clean Your Piano

Give your piano a gentle clean—this isn’t about aesthetics, but about assessing the instrument’s condition:

Cleaning steps:

1. Dust the case with a soft, dry cloth
2. Wipe keys gently with a slightly damp cloth, then dry immediately
3. Vacuum around (not inside) the piano to remove dust
4. Check for any loose parts or concerning sounds

Don’t use polish, cleaning products, or excessive moisture. If you notice any structural issues—wobbly legs, loose panels, strange noises—inform your piano movers in advance.

Confirm Moving Arrangements

Contact your piano moving company to confirm:

• Arrival time window
• Contact number for the day
• Any last-minute access information
• Payment arrangements

Professional companies like A1 Piano Removals confirm these details proactively, but a quick check provides peace of mind.

Prepare the Destination

If possible, ensure your new home is ready to receive the piano:

• Room cleared: The piano’s destination should be empty and accessible
• Flooring protected: Lay protective covering if needed
• Climate stable: Avoid extreme temperature changes (turn heating on/off gradually)
• Position decided: Know exactly where the piano will go

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Moving Day Morning

The morning has arrived. Here’s how to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Final Access Preparation

Before the movers arrive:

Outside:

• Clear the driveway or ensure parking is available
• Remove any obstacles from paths or gates
• Check for wet or slippery surfaces
• Prop open external doors if weather permits

Inside:

• Open all doors along the route
• Roll up any rugs that might slip or obstruct
• Move any furniture blocking the path
• Remove wall hangings that might be knocked
• Protect flooring with sheets or runners

Secure Pets and Children

Piano moving requires concentration and involves heavy equipment. For safety:

• Keep pets in a separate, closed room
• Arrange for children to be supervised elsewhere
• Ensure the moving team can work without interruption

Have Essentials Ready

Keep accessible:

• House keys (both properties)
• Mobile phone (charged)
• Contact number for the moving team
• Payment method
• Bottled water for the team (appreciated but not expected)

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What to Remove from Your Piano

Certain items must be removed before moving—your movers may ask you to do this beforehand.

Items to Remove Yourself

From all pianos:

• All sheet music and books from music rack
• Items from inside the bench or stool
• Decorative items from the top
• Piano lamp if attached

From upright pianos:

• Items sometimes stored inside the top (check!)
• Loose music rack (if removable)
• Detachable items from the back

From grand pianos:

• Music rack (usually lifts out)
• Piano stool/bench
• Any detachable accessories

What Professional Movers Remove

Leave these components for professional handling:

Grand piano disassembly (done by movers):

• Legs (carefully removed and wrapped)
• Lyre (pedal assembly)
• Music rack support
• Lid (secured, not removed)

Upright piano:

• Generally moved intact
• Professional movers may remove legs on some models
• Castor cups collected separately

Warning: Never attempt to disassemble a grand piano yourself. The legs support the entire weight of the instrument, and improper removal can cause catastrophic damage or serious injury.

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Securing the Keyboard and Lid

Protecting the keyboard and lid prevents damage during transport.

Keyboard Protection

Fall board closure:

• Close the fall board (keyboard cover) completely
• If your piano has a lock, use it
• If no lock exists, don’t tape the fall board shut—the movers will secure it properly

Key protection:

• Don’t place anything heavy on closed keys
• Movers may use soft padding over the closed keyboard
• Never tape directly onto keys or key surfaces

Lid Security

Grand piano lid:

• Close the lid fully
• Lower the prop stick
• Professional movers secure with specialised straps—don’t tape

Upright piano top:

• Close any hinged top panel
• Remove anything placed on top
• Movers wrap the entire instrument for protection

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Preparing the Room and Access Routes

Clear, protected pathways significantly speed up the moving process and reduce risk.

Current Location Preparation

The piano room:

• Remove all furniture within 2 metres of the piano
• Take down any wall hangings that might be knocked
• Roll up rugs or secure them firmly
• Protect delicate flooring with sheets or cardboard

Access route:

• Clear corridors completely
• Remove any trip hazards
• Ensure good lighting throughout
• Prop open all doors (or remove if necessary)

Stairway Preparation

If stairs are involved:

• Clear all items from stairs completely
• Ensure stair carpet is secure (not loose)
• Check banister stability
• Remove any stair gates
• Ensure adequate lighting

For challenging staircases in period properties—common throughout Stroud and Cirencester—discuss access with your movers beforehand.

External Access

Pathway and drive:

• Park vehicles away from the access route
• Clear wheelie bins, plant pots, or garden furniture
• Check gates open fully
• Consider ground conditions—rain makes grass and gravel challenging

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Special Considerations for Different Piano Types

Different piano types require specific preparation considerations.

Grand Piano Preparation

Grand pianos require the most extensive preparation due to their size and disassembly requirements:

Additional steps:

• Ensure the room has space for disassembly
• Expect the move to take 45-90 minutes from your property
• The piano will be wrapped in specialist padding
• Legs and lyre are wrapped separately
• A piano board/skid is used for transport

Our grand piano moving service includes all necessary equipment and expertise.

Upright Piano Preparation

Upright pianos are generally simpler to move:

Key points:

• Usually moved in one piece
• Wrapped in protective blankets
• Secured to a piano trolley
• May use stair-climbing equipment for multiple floors

Our upright piano moving service handles all upright sizes efficiently.

Digital Piano Preparation

Digital and hybrid pianos have different requirements:

Consider:

• Disconnect all cables and wrap separately
• Remove any detachable components
• Pack accessories (pedal units, stands) separately
• Handle as delicate electronics
• Avoid extreme temperatures

Antique and Valuable Pianos

Historical or particularly valuable instruments need extra care:

Additional considerations:

• Inform movers of the instrument’s value and age
• Consider specialist antique piano insurance
• Document condition meticulously
• Discuss any fragile veneer or decorative elements
• Allow extra time for careful handling

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What Professional Movers Handle

Understanding the division of responsibility helps you prepare appropriately.

What A1 Piano Removals Handles

Our professional team manages:

Equipment:

• Specialist piano trolleys and skids
• Protective wrapping materials
• Straps, ties, and securing equipment
• Stair-climbing equipment when needed
• Climate-controlled vehicles (available on request)

The move itself:

• Safe disassembly of grand pianos
• Wrapping and protection
• Loading and securing in the vehicle
• Transport to destination
• Unloading and positioning
• Reassembly of grand pianos
• Placement in your specified location

Insurance:

• Full goods-in-transit insurance
• Public liability coverage
• Protection for your property and the piano

What You Need to Handle

Your responsibilities:

• Clearing access routes
• Removing personal items from the piano
• Being present (or having a representative present)
• Indicating desired final position
• Arranging access at both properties
• Post-move tuning (scheduled separately)

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After the Move: Settling In

Your piano has arrived safely—now let it acclimatise before playing seriously.

Immediate Post-Move Steps

Day one:

• Check the piano visually for any concerns
• Note the piano’s position—don’t move it yourself
• Allow the instrument to rest
• Avoid playing loudly or extensively

First week:

• Keep the room at stable temperature
• Avoid direct sunlight on the piano
• Don’t place items on top yet
• Listen for any unusual sounds when playing gently

Scheduling Post-Move Tuning

Wait 2-4 weeks before tuning:

Why wait?

• The piano needs to adjust to new humidity levels
• Wood and strings must stabilise
• Temperature changes affect tuning
• Moving itself causes settling

After this period, arrange a professional tuning. The move will almost certainly have affected the tuning, even with the most careful transport. Learn more about how often you should tune your piano.

Long-Term Settling

Over the first few months:

• Monitor for any concerning sounds
• Check tuning stability (may need additional tunings in year one)
• Ensure the piano remains away from heat sources and draughts
• Consider a humidity control system if your new home has variable conditions

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Expert Tips from A1 Piano Removals

From our years of experience moving pianos throughout Gloucestershire and the West Midlands, here are our top preparation tips:

Timing Tips

1. Book early: Piano movers schedule weeks in advance, especially May-September
2. Morning moves: Cooler temperatures and better light make morning moves optimal
3. Avoid extreme weather: Very hot or very cold days stress the instrument
4. Allow enough time: Don’t schedule the piano move when you’re rushed

Access Tips

1. Measure everything: Assume nothing will fit without checking
2. Remove doors if needed: Hinges are easier to rehang than piano finishes to repair
3. Protect, protect, protect: Flooring, walls, and doorframes all need covering
4. Clear more than you think: Moving teams need working space

Communication Tips

1. Be honest about access: Underplaying challenges doesn’t help anyone
2. Share concerns: If your piano is particularly precious or fragile, say so
3. Ask questions: Good movers welcome questions about their process
4. Provide contact details: Ensure the team can reach you on moving day

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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.