News

Most people plan to move with the help of friends and family. They may opt for a rental truck for larger items but, unless they are incapable, they attempt to move their furniture and fixtures on their own. However, moving a piano is an entirely different ask that may come as a surprise to many. Before listing the benefits of hiring a professional piano mover, let’s discuss how one would move a piano below.

How to Move a Piano the Right Way

It may come as a surprise to some people, but moving a piano is not a straightforward task. The average piano weighs between 300 and 500 pounds, so transporting one is not for the faint of heart. There are specific steps one needs to follow to take on the monumental task. Read on for more information.

Getting Prepared

Much of the task of moving a piano is adequate preparation. Having the right materials and help before the move sets a person in the right direction for transporting their piano safely.

Get Moving Materials

There are a few supplies and some essential materials one needs to get together before starting the move. First, several moving blankets are required to protect the piano as it is transported. In addition to this, one will need to have several rolls of tape and a dolly that can handle the heavy load of a piano.

Grand pianos require a little more finesse than an upright piano. The shape and size of a grand piano make it challenging to maneuver, so movers should get a piano skid and straps to hold it in place. Piano skids can be relatively expensive, ranging anywhere from $150 to $300.

Find Helpers

Pianos are not only heavy, but they are awkwardly shaped, and their weight distribution is not intuitive. A person who wants to transport a piano must enlist the help of two to four people to assist in their move.

Measure and Protect

Pianos are an awkward shape, especially grand pianos. Individuals should measure the hallways, doorways, and staircases of the places through which they will transport it. Additionally, it is critical to remove any swinging doors that may damage the piano or get in the way while moving. Protecting the floors from damage is another crucial step to take before moving it.

Move the Piano

Moving a grand piano and an upright piano are slightly different. However, both kinds of pianos should be covered in protective blankets that are securely taped in place. Below is a guide to moving both types of pianos.

Upright Piano

Upright pianos must have their keys and pedals adequately protected from damage to preserve the playability of the instrument. After the piano is adequately protected by the blankets, it is ready to be hoisted onto the piano skid. Be sure that there is a person on each side of the instrument to maneuver it safely. From here, the piano can be transported into a moving truck. Individuals must go slow and take proper precautions, especially if it needs to be moved up or down flights of stairs.

Grand Piano

The main difference between transporting an upright and grand piano is that a grand piano’s lid must be secured, and its legs must be removed before moving. These are necessary steps because the grand piano’s shape is irregular, making it difficult to maneuver. Additionally, the pedals should be removed and transported separately.

Once the piano has been moved, it is recommended to have it tuned.

You can also check out our long-distance piano move checklist to learn how to get your piano prepped for its journey!

Why Use a Professional Piano Mover

For those who think that the directions above sound daunting, they’re not alone. Moving a piano is a stressful task. There are several benefits to hiring a professional piano mover, including the following.

Prevent Major Injury

As state above, pianos are extremely heavy. Their weight and awkward shape make for incredibly difficult DIY piano moves. Professional piano movers are trained in how to lift, carry, and transport these instruments safely. Letting them do the work prevents the owner of the piano from injuring themselves during the move and gives them peace of mind that the piano is in good hands.

It’s Cost-Effective

With the cost of a piano skid, straps, and blankets, moving a piano quickly becomes expensive. Additionally, any damages sustained during the move can add a substantial amount to the overall cost of the project. Professional piano moving services typically cost between $150 and $250, making them about the same price as the piano skid alone.

It Prevents Damage

Regardless of whether it’s an upright or grand piano, the instrument is an awkward shape and size to maneuver. This makes it easy for them to sustain damage, especially when a person attempts to move it themselves. Damages are costly, and can potentially ruin the piano all together.

Professional piano movers know exactly how to move the instrument without damaging it. They have the manpower and the tools necessary to safely and securely transport the piano through difficult areas, such as flights of stairs. Additionally, piano movers carry liability insurance that covers the cost of repairing or replacing the piano in the unlikely event that it sustains damage.

It Saves Time

Preparing to move a piano takes a lot of time and effort. Additionally, those who are not accustomed to moving such a delicate and heavy instrument find it takes hours to lift and transport the piano. Professional piano movers work efficiently in a team, often taking a fraction of the time that the average group of people would take to move it.

The Bottom Line

A person who elects to move a piano themselves often believes they are saving themselves money. In reality, the opposite is true. The supplies needed to move a piano are not cheap, and the actual move is stressful and dangerous.

Pianos are a complex and incredibly heavy object that the average person is not likely to be able to handle on their own. Professional piano movers are specially trained and fully equipped to handle the task of moving a piano safely.