Moving a piano is a huge task that requires the right strategies to avoid hitting a sour note. Whether you’re relocating a grand or baby grand piano, the process can be complex and daunting.
Recruit a team of strong helpers, measure doorways and hallways, and use moving blankets for protection. Follow these steps or call Mountain Piano Moving Company to safely transport your piano without causing damage.
Preparation Is Key
Moving a piano is a complex task and can be dangerous for inexperienced movers. In addition to the heavyweight of the instrument, its delicate mechanisms require special care during transport.
The first step to a successful move is thorough preparation. This includes cleaning and eliminating dust and dirt from all surfaces, especially the keyboard. This prevents small particles from interfering with internal mechanisms and also helps to protect the piano from scratches during transport. If the piano has removable features, like a music stand or legs, be sure to remove and secure them before transporting. Finally, be sure to close and lock the keyboard lid.
Additional steps to prepare a piano for transportation include route planning and the use of proper equipment. A heavy-duty piano dolly and skid board are essential, facilitating safe horizontal transport and preventing excessive tilting that could damage the instrument’s internal components. Moving blankets and straps help distribute the instrument’s weight evenly, reducing shifting during transport and increasing protection against damages. Work gloves are recommended, as they offer a more secure grip and help protect hands from strain.
Finally, it’s important to have sufficient insurance coverage to cover potential damage during the moving process. Consult with your moving company to determine what options are available. Taking these precautions can ensure that your piano and other valuables reach their destination safely.
Packing
Pianos are large, heavy musical instruments that present unique logistical challenges during transport. A successful move requires careful disassembly, appropriate packing materials, and specific handling techniques for both upright and grand pianos. Proper preparation minimizes risks and maximizes efficiency.
Before beginning a piano move, start by carefully measuring the instrument and all doorways, hallways, and staircases through which you’ll need to maneuver the piano. If possible, remove furniture that could get in the way or nick the instrument. Having a clear path for the piano and the team helping to move it makes everything easier.
Once the route has been planned, recruit enough help to carefully lift the piano onto a furniture dolly. Uprights weigh between 226 and 362 kilos, so it usually takes at least four people to safely lift one. If you’re attempting to move a grand piano, professional movers usually remove the pedals first (and then swivel the body into a vertical position).
Once you have a plan in place, gather the right tools and equipment for the job. Dolly rentals are a good option, but don’t skimp on the proper lifting equipment. Also consider renting a truck and trailer if you need to transport the piano long distances. Finally, research local regulations and weather conditions to ensure your move will be safe and easy.
Lifting
Pianos are top-heavy, making them prone to unbalance during transport. Unless carefully loaded, they can roll or tip during the journey, potentially damaging the instrument and causing serious injury to the movers.
To avoid costly damage and injuries, hire professional piano movers. Unless you have plenty of experience, it’s better to save your back and let professionals handle the lift.
Ensure that the lid is locked to prevent it from opening during the move. Before lifting, use moving blankets to protect the piano’s finish. You can also wrap the instrument in bubble wrap to add extra protection.
Before moving day, map out the route the piano will take and measure doorways, staircases, and hallways to make sure the piano will fit through all of them without a problem. It’s also helpful to remove rugs, carpeting, and furniture that may block the way.
On moving day, enlist the help of at least four strong individuals to assist with the lift. Have them wear appropriate clothes and footwear, and remove any objects that might get in the way. Before beginning the lift, have a mover on each end of the instrument begin from a squatting position. This will reduce the amount of strain on their backs and help them safely secure the piano onto the dolly. After the piano is secured, have them work in tandem to lift the instrument.
Transporting
As with any large piece of furniture, moving a piano requires patience and care. It’s important that you recruit the help of several people, gather the proper tools, and carefully prepare for the move to ensure it goes smoothly. Trying to rush the process increases your risk of injury to yourself and damage to the piano.
Before you start moving, take a close look at the piano to determine its size and dimensions. Then, measure the doorways, hallways, and stairways along your route to ensure there’s enough clearance for the piano to pass through without causing damage. If necessary, remove rugs and other obstacles to make way for the piano.
Once you’re ready to begin the move, carefully guide the piano from one room to another. Avoid tilting or turning the piano too much, as this can damage the internal strings and frame. Always lift the piano from the bottom, distribute weight evenly, and work in a coordinated team effort to prevent damage and injuries.
When you get to the final destination, unload the piano from the truck with care. Then, reassemble the piano and ensure all components are in place before playing it. For best results, store the piano in a climate-controlled environment, as extreme temperatures and moisture can affect its sound and structure.