Piano

Weight a Minute: How Much Does My Piano Weigh?

Posted by Gordon Bolton
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The United States Census data reported that about 8.4% of Americans moved in 2021. Whether relocating across town or to a new state, moving to a new home can be a huge, physically demanding undertaking. This process means packing all your belongings, transporting them to your new location, and unpacking and organizing them again. 

While you can handle the smaller items, other things, like pianos, can be more complex and heavier. When moving this musical instrument, you must consider its weight and size. This step is especially crucial if you’re unsure whether to do it yourself or hire professional piano movers. 

If you’re planning to move your beloved musical instrument, ensuring its safety is important. This article provides the typical weight of a piano to help you prepare accordingly and teach you how to properly move it. 

What Is a Piano’s Weight?

Pianos come in different sizes and can weigh anywhere from 300 to 1200 pounds. A piano’s weight comes from the nearly 12,000 components, including the lid, rim, prop stick, pedals, and interior strings. Since these features cannot be disassembled during a move, the piano must be moved as a whole.

To provide a more detailed understanding of piano weights, it’s important to consider the different styles. An upright piano typically weighs between 300 to 500 pounds, while a baby grand piano weighs around 500 to 650 pounds. Grand pianos are the heaviest, weighing between 700 to 1200 pounds.

An Essential Note to Remember

You can evaluate a piano’s weight by considering more than its appearance. You should determine the musical instrument’s brand and specific details and check the manufacturer’s booklet if possible. Never guess solely based on its appearance, as it usually won’t give you or the piano movers an accurate answer. 

How to Effectively Move a Piano Yourself

Remember that pianos are very heavy as well as difficult to maneuver. Calling professional movers is your best bet to move them safely. However, if you choose to move your beloved instrument, doing so is still possible. Here are three ways to move effectively move your piano.

1. Call for Help 

Even if you feel capable, professional movers don’t recommend moving the piano alone because its size and weight can cause severe injuries. You should also know that it is unlikely you can handle the task without some extra hands. You can move the piano steadily and with minimal strain by calling two or three physically capable people to assist you. 

2. Get the Right Supplies

When moving your piano, you’ll need several moving blankets to cushion and prevent scratches and damage. Thick towels or blankets can be used for the legs, piano bench, and any other smaller parts. Ensure that the towels and blankets are wrapped tightly and secured with packing tape.

An upright piano can be safely maneuvered to its new home with a heavy-duty dolly. A baby grand or grand piano will need to be moved using a piano board.

3. Measure before Moving It

You can ensure your musical instrument passes smoothly through your home by measuring all hallways, doorways, and staircases. Plan your route and protect your floors and baseboards with towels if needed.

What Should I Do to Move a Piano on the Stairs?

If your piano will need to be moved up or down multiple stairs, it is highly recommended that you hire professional piano movers. While you can do it with enough assistance, it requires extra tools, preparation, and skills. 

Transporting Your Beloved Piano Safely

While being excited about moving day can be tempting, remember that some items, like pianos, are heavier and more physically demanding. You can protect your beloved musical instrument during the relocation by using the proper materials, planning, and hiring professional piano movers when needed.

If you need professional piano movers in San Antonio, let Piano Movers of Texas help! Our company prides itself on having friendly, well-trained staff to safely move your piano to its desired destination. Hire us now!

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