Moving a piano is no small feat. Whether you’re relocating to a new home or rearranging your living room, this delicate and heavy instrument demands care and precision. A misstep can result in costly damages to the piano, your property, or even injuries. With the right techniques and preparation, however, you can tackle this task successfully. Here is an in-depth piano moving guide from our moving company to help you navigate the process like a pro.
Why Moving a Piano Requires Special Care
Pianos are intricate musical instruments composed of thousands of parts. They’re not only valuable but also incredibly heavy, with upright pianos weighing 300-800 pounds and grand pianos tipping the scales at over 1,000 pounds.
Their bulk and irregular shape make them challenging to handle, and their delicate components, such as strings, keys, and internal mechanisms, are highly susceptible to damage. Thus, moving a piano safely requires planning, specialized equipment, and often a team of strong individuals.
Common Risks When Moving a Piano
- Physical Injuries: Improper lifting can cause back strain, muscle injuries, or worse.
- Piano Damage: Internal components can be jostled or broken, affecting sound quality.
- Property Damage: Walls, floors, and doorframes are at risk of scratches or dents.
Preparing for a Piano Move
Preparation is key when it comes to safely moving a piano. Before you begin, take the time to assess the situation and gather the right tools.
Assess the Move
- Measure the Piano and Pathways: Take precise measurements of your piano and the doorways, hallways, and staircases it will need to pass through.
- Plan the Route: Identify any potential obstacles, such as tight corners, uneven flooring, or low ceilings, and develop strategies to navigate them.
- Enlist Help: Pianos are too heavy to move alone. Recruit at least three or four strong, capable individuals to assist.
Gather Essential Equipment
To make the process smoother and safer, you’ll need the following tools:
- Piano Dollies: These heavy-duty wheeled platforms make transporting the piano easier.
- Furniture Straps: These provide extra leverage and help secure the piano during the move.
- Moving Blankets: Use these to protect the piano from scratches and dings.
- Tape and Plastic Wrap: Wrap and secure the piano’s components to prevent damage.
- Work Gloves: Ensure everyone involved has gloves for a better grip and hand protection.
Step-by-Step Guide to Moving a Piano
Now that you’ve prepared adequately, it’s time to move the piano. Follow these expert tips for a smooth transition.
Step 1: Secure the Piano
Start by securing the piano to prevent any moving parts from shifting during transport. Close and lock the keyboard lid to protect the keys. If it doesn’t lock, use tape to keep it shut. Wrap the piano in moving blankets and secure them with tape or straps to avoid scratches.
Step 2: Lift with Care
When lifting the piano, always keep it upright. Tilting it can damage its delicate internal components. Use proper lifting techniques:
- Bend at your knees, not your back.
- Keep the weight evenly distributed among movers.
- Move slowly and communicate clearly with your team.
Step 3: Use a Piano Dolly
For upright pianos, carefully tilt the instrument back slightly and slide a piano dolly underneath. Secure the piano to the dolly with straps. For grand pianos, remove the legs and pedal box to make transportation easier. Place the body on a padded board and use a dolly for the legs and other parts.
Step 4: Navigate Obstacles
- Stairs: Use a ramp or moving boards to glide the piano up or down stairs. Always keep one person below to stabilize the weight and prevent accidents.
- Tight Spaces: Take it slow and use padding to protect walls and the piano.
- Doorways: If the piano doesn’t fit through the doorway upright, consider tilting it slightly, but never lay it flat.
Step 5: Load the Piano into a Truck
Once the piano is safely out of the house, load it into a moving truck. Use a ramp to roll the piano up into the truck bed. Place it against the truck’s back wall to minimize movement during transport. Use straps to secure the piano tightly to prevent shifting while driving.
Tips for Moving Different Types of Pianos
Upright Pianos
Upright pianos are more compact than grand pianos, but they’re still heavy and cumbersome. Use the following tips:
- Always move the piano from its back, not the front legs.
- Ensure the dolly is positioned centrally under the piano’s weight.
- Avoid placing pressure on the keys or decorative elements.
Grand Pianos
Moving a grand piano is even more challenging due to its size and shape. Follow these additional precautions:
- Disassemble the piano by removing the legs, pedals, and lid.
- Use padding for all detached parts to prevent scratches.
- Always have a minimum of four people to lift and maneuver the piano body.
Should You Hire Professional Piano Movers?
While DIY piano moving is possible, hiring professional piano movers can save you time, effort, and potential headaches. Here’s why:
- Expertise: Professionals have the experience and tools to move pianos safely and efficiently.
- Insurance Coverage: Reputable movers offer insurance to cover potential damages.
- Stress-Free Experience: You can focus on other aspects of your move while experts handle the heavy lifting.
If your piano is exceptionally valuable, large, or needs to be moved across challenging terrain, it’s worth investing in professional help.
After the Move: Piano Maintenance Tips
Once your piano is safely in its new location, follow these steps to ensure it remains in excellent condition:
Reassemble with Care
If you disassembled the piano, carefully reattach all parts. Double-check that screws, pedals, and legs are secure.
Allow Time to Acclimate
Pianos are sensitive to temperature and humidity changes. Let your piano sit for a few days before tuning it. This allows it to acclimate to its new environment and stabilize.
Schedule a Tuning
The move likely jostled the piano’s internal components, causing it to go out of tune. Hire a professional tuner to restore its sound quality.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Pianos
Can I Move a Piano by Myself?
Moving a piano alone is not advisable. The risk of injury and damage is too high. Always enlist help from friends or professionals.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire Professional Piano Movers?
The cost depends on factors like the piano’s size, the distance of the move, and the difficulty of the terrain. On average, professional piano moving services range from $200 to $500 for local moves and higher for long-distance relocations.
What Should I Do If My Piano Gets Damaged During the Move?
If you hired professional movers, report the damage immediately to file an insurance claim. For DIY moves, consult a piano technician for repairs.
Conclusion
Moving a piano is a complex task that requires careful planning, the right tools, and teamwork. By following this comprehensive Piano Moving Guide, you can protect your valuable instrument and avoid unnecessary stress. Whether you choose to handle the move yourself or hire professionals, remember to prioritize safety and proper handling techniques.
With the right approach, your piano will be ready to fill your new space with beautiful music, undamaged and perfectly tuned.
Need a Moving Company in Salt Lake City, UT?
Welcome to Furniture Master Moving Services Inc.! We are a 5-star family-owned and -operated moving company that specializes in piano and gun safe moving services. We have over 45 years of experience in moving oversized items from point A to point B. Furniture Master Moving Services Inc. believes pride, integrity, and kindness is the only way to do business with the community in Salt Lake City, UT. In addition to our oversized furniture moving services, we also provide loading and unloading of U-Hauls and much more. Contact us or give us a call today to speak with Leroy about your moving service needs.