On move day, your piano is likely to be the most difficult, expensive, and heaviest object to move. We all know how expensive and valuable pianos, particularly those massive grand pianos, are. The most common issue is how to move a grand piano without causing any damage to it, and avoid damaging your new floor and walls.
It’s critical to be ready and fully prepared if you’re determined to transport the piano by yourself. There are a lot of things to think about; you’ll need the right tools and equipment, and you’ll want to make sure you’ve planned everything out and that the piano fits into every step of the process.
To make it a little easier here’s some helpful advice on how to move a piano.
1) Ask for Manpower Support
Keep in mind that pianos are not only heavy but also have an awkward form to carry. Because uprights bear all of their weight in the upper half of the piano’s body and their legs and feet might be frail, you’ll need additional people to assist.
To move a piano properly and safely, you’ll need at least four or five persons. This is an excellent time to seek the help of friends and relatives.
2) Measure the New Space
Begin by determining the size of the piano. You must be certain of the exact dimensions of your upright piano. Then measure your new place, taking into account the entry and ways, to ensure that the piano will fit comfortably throughout the move.
Make sure to measure the following:
- Room
- Doorways
- Stairwells
- Hallways
- Corridors
Importantly, make sure there are no obstructions in the way of transporting the piano to its new home.
3) Collect All the Necessary Equipment
To move a piano safely, you’ll need a lot of things. Some of it is available for rent or purchase. The following items are included in the equipment:
- Heavy-duty work gloves
- Heavy-duty dolly
- Dolly straps
- Blankets
- Duct tape
- Piano skid board
- Weightlifting straps
4) Wrap the Piano
Wrap the piano with blankets or cushions. Use packing tape to secure the blanket and ensure the corners are protected. Avoid the tape to come into touch with the piano’s surface to avoid paint damage.
Make certain that the blanket or padding is thick enough to protect the piano from any potential bumps. The keys are fragile and must be kept safe. Make sure the keyboard lid is closed and locked. This will keep it from opening while you’re moving.
5) Lift the Piano to the Truck
It’s important to remember not to lift the piano by its legs when loading it onto the truck. Maintain the upright position of the piano since it’s bad for the inner mechanisms to lay it on its side.
- Place two people on each end of the piano, with one strap on each end, then place the moving straps under the piano’s bottom.
- Lift the piano onto the dolly with one person holding each end of each strap.
- Make sure the piano legs are flat on the dolly before securing it. If the piano has casters, make sure the piano is properly secured.
- The piano should be placed right at the back wall of the truck, which separates the inner cabin from the cargo space.
- Secure the piano to the truck wall using the straps.
6) Move the Piano to Its New Home
Unload the piano with 4 to 5 people using the same approach as when loading it onto the truck, and carefully move it to its new place. Clean the piano after it has been unwrapped. It is recommended that the piano be re-tuned in case it was compromised during the move.
Hire a Professional Mover
The procedure of moving a piano is so time-consuming and difficult that it has earned its sector in the moving industry. There are piano moving service companies specialized entirely in piano transportation all across the country.
The best way to move a piano safely and securely is to hire experienced and professional piano movers. Don’t take any chances; instead, entrust your piano’s move to the professionals. You’ll save time, effort, and money by not having to acquire or rent equipment or transportation.
