When moving a piano, it’s important to consider the weight and size of the instrument. Upright pianos can weigh between 300 and 600 pounds, while grand pianos can weigh between 600 and 1,200 pounds or more. Because of their weight and size, it can be challenging to move a piano without causing damage to the piano or to the people moving it.

How to Move a Piano

Here are some additional tips to consider when moving a piano:

Make sure to have enough people to safely move the piano. It’s best to have at least 4 people for an upright piano and at least 6 people for a grand piano.

Wear the proper safety gear. This includes gloves to protect your hands, as well as sturdy shoes with non-slip soles to prevent slips and falls.

Use furniture dollies that have hard rubber wheels. These types of wheels are less likely to damage floors and will provide better traction on smooth surfaces.

If you need to move the piano up or down stairs, use a piano board. This is a long, flat board that can support the weight of the piano. Make sure to use piano moving straps to secure the piano to the board before moving it.

If you need to move the piano through tight spaces, such as doorways or stairwells, measure the space carefully and make sure the piano will fit. It may be necessary to remove doors or other obstacles to get the piano through.

Always lift with your legs, not your back, to avoid injury.

Use furniture pads and moving blankets to protect the piano’s finish during the move.

What Equipment Do I Need to Move a Piano?

When moving a piano, it’s important to have the right equipment to ensure the safety of the piano and the people moving it.

Furniture dollies are essential when moving a piano. They allow you to easily roll the piano across flat surfaces, reducing the amount of lifting and carrying you need to do. They are typically made of hard rubber and are designed to be durable and strong enough to support the weight of a piano.

The furniture blanket is thick and padded and can be used to protect the piano’s finish during transport. It is placed over the piano and then secured with moving straps. This will help protect the piano from scratches and dings during transport.

Moving straps are used to secure the piano to the dollies or piano board during transport. They will help keep the piano stable and prevent it from shifting during transport.

A piano board is a long, flat board that can be used to slide a piano up or down stairs. It’s a flat surface that distributes the weight of the piano and allows the movers to slide it easily.

Gloves are important to protect your hands while moving the piano.

Non-slip shoes will help prevent slips and falls while moving the heavy piano.

The measuring tape is used to measure the piano and the spaces it needs to pass through. It’s important to ensure that the piano will fit through doorways, staircases, and elevators before attempting to move it.

Tools like screwdrivers, wrenches, etc. may be necessary if the piano needs to be disassembled before being moved.

How Do I Prepare to Move My Piano?

Hire professional piano movers: If you have an upright or grand piano, it’s best to hire professional piano movers who have the experience and equipment to move it safely. They will also have insurance to cover any damages that might occur during the move.

Measure the piano and spaces: Measure the dimensions of the piano and the doorways, staircases, and elevators that the piano will need to pass through. Make sure the piano will fit through all of these spaces before you begin moving it.

Disassemble the piano: If possible, disassemble the piano before moving it. Remove the piano lid and any other removable parts, such as the music rack. Secure any loose parts with tape or straps to prevent them from moving during transport.

Clean the piano: Clean the piano to remove any dust or debris. This will make it easier to protect the piano during transport and also help ensure that it’s in good condition when it’s set up in its new location.

Gather moving supplies: Gather any necessary moving supplies such as furniture dollies, furniture blankets, moving straps, and a piano board.

Prepare your new location: Make sure that your new location is ready for your piano. Clear a space for the piano and make sure the flooring is protected.

Notify the movers about any special considerations: Inform the movers about any difficult access points or tight corners, or if the piano will be placed in a location that requires special attention, like a room with a low ceiling.

Review the piano insurance coverage: In case of unexpected damage, make sure that you have adequate insurance coverage. Your mover should have liability insurance, also you can check if your homeowner’s insurance policy covers moving damages or if you need to get additional coverage

Overall, preparing to move a piano is a process that requires careful planning and attention to detail. By taking the time to properly prepare, you can help ensure that the move goes smoothly and that your piano arrives at its new location in good condition.

Read More:

• Donner DEP-20 Review
• Casio PX-860 Review
• Roland FA-08 Review

What is the Best Procedure for Actually Moving My Piano?

The best procedure for actually moving a piano will depend on the type of piano you have, as well as the location of your new home and the specific moving conditions. However, here is a general procedure for moving a piano:

Gather the necessary equipment: Make sure you have all of the necessary equipment, such as furniture dollies, a furniture blanket, moving straps, and a piano board.

Prepare the piano: Remove the piano lid and any other removable parts, such as the music rack. Secure any loose parts with tape or straps to prevent them from moving during transport.

Secure the piano: Place the furniture blanket over the piano and secure it in place with moving straps. This will help protect the piano from scratches and dings during transport.

Move the piano: Use the furniture dollies to move the piano. If you need to go up or down stairs, use the piano board to slide the piano up or down the steps. Make sure to have enough people to maneuver the piano safely and keep the balance at all times.

Transport the piano: Carefully load the piano into a moving truck and secure it to the truck’s walls to prevent any shifting. Be sure to transport it with the upright pianos standing and grand pianos on their side.

Reassemble the piano: Once the piano is in its new location, reassemble any removable parts and tune it if necessary.

It’s important to note that if you have an upright or grand piano, it’s best to hire professional piano movers who have the experience and equipment to move it safely, rather than doing it by yourself.

Also, you should be aware of the weather condition when moving the piano, If it’s hot, try to avoid moving during the heat of the day and keep the piano covered to protect it from sun damage. Rain, snow, or high humidity can also be detrimental to the piano, so you should take that into account when planning the moving day.

Conclusion

Moving a piano is a difficult and time-consuming task that requires proper planning and equipment. It is important to have enough people to move the piano safely, wear the proper safety gear, and use furniture dollies, furniture blankets, moving straps, and a piano board.

It is essential to measure the piano and the spaces it needs to pass through, disassemble the piano if possible, clean the piano and prepare the new location for the piano.

It’s important to remember that piano moving is not a task that should be taken lightly. Upright and grand pianos are heavy and large, with delicate inner mechanics, thus it’s best to hire professional piano movers who have the experience and equipment to move it safely and avoid damage during the move.

They also have insurance coverage in case of unexpected damages.

By following the steps outlined above, you can help ensure that your piano is moved safely and arrives at its new location in good condition. Remember to gather all necessary equipment, measure the piano and the spaces it needs to pass through, disassemble the piano if possible, prepare the new location, and review the insurance coverage before moving.