Whether you’ve sold your piano or are moving to a new home, moving it is always a tricky job. Before the movers arrive, you need to perform some simple prep work. Keeping your piano safe and reducing your costs are the main reasons why you should prep a piano before moving, and here are five tips to help you do just that.
Clear the clutter
Even if you play your piano on a daily basis, they typically become a showcase for family photographs, knickknacks, houseplants and other forms of clutter. The first step in prepping your piano for a move should be to remove all the clutter so your movers don’t have to deal with it. It also helps you get a better idea of the condition of your piano so you can account for any damage that might happen during the move.
Perform a check for damage
One of the main reasons why you should prep a piano for moving is that it helps you get a clear picture of the instrument’s condition. This is important because you need to know exactly where the piano is scratched or chipped prior to moving. In addition to writing up a written condition report, be sure to take photos of the instrument. It’s helpful to have a visual record on hand if you need to make a claim to an insurance company if movers damage the piano.
Get an estimate for the move
It’s always a smart idea to get an estimate of what it will cost to move your piano prior to moving day. Pianos are very heavy instruments, and their internal components require a very special level of care whether you’re moving down the block or across the country.
Costs vary widely depending on the type of piano you have. A grand piano generally will cost more than a baby grand or an upright. Talk to your moving company and get an estimate, and if the movers are taking care of the rest of the items in your house, be sure to ask for an itemized estimate to give you a full accounting of expenses.
Clear a path
Pianos are big and bulky, and movers will need plenty of clearance when it comes time to move them. Keep the other furniture and objects in your home safe by clearing a path that leads to your door. If you have hardwood flooring in your home, protect it with plastic mats or rugs to prevent the piano from scratching it.
Secure the instrument
The final step in prepping your piano for a move involves securing the cover and top. Make sure the cover is locked and the top is secured so it doesn’t open in the middle of your move. Lock the keyboard cover or lid, or strap them shut if they don’t have a lock.
Moving a piano, no matter the style, is a delicate business, which is why you should do your part to prep your piano before moving. Contact Furniture Master Moving Services Inc. to learn more about the level of care required to move your piano and other prized possessions.