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Moving a piano is no simple task, and it’s a process that shouldn’t be taken lightly. To ensure the safety of the relocation process, you’ll need to be aware of its details and risks. Whether you’re planning a long-distance move or a short one, there are a few do’s and don’ts to consider when moving a piano.

The Do’s of Moving Your Piano

Know Your Instrument

Other than an automobile, a piano is one of the home’s biggest and most complicated mechanical devices. The average piano has over 10,000 moving parts and 230 strings, and that’s why they’re so tough to tune. The challenges don’t stop there, and moving a piano from one place to another requires great care and attention to detail. Where acoustic pianos are concerned, there are two main types:

• Grand pianos are the most common type. These instruments have harp-shaped soundboards and usually roll on casters. A grand piano may weigh upwards of 1200 pounds while a baby grand, with its similar shape, may weigh about 500-600 pounds.
• Upright pianos are smaller and more portable, so they’re common in homes that cannot accommodate grand pianos. A full-size upright piano may weigh 900 pounds, but its compact shape lets it fit through most doors.

No matter which type of piano you own, our experienced moving team can move your piano safely and efficiently.

Consult a Professional Mover Before Getting Started

Even if you’re on a tight budget, a piano mover’s quote may bring some important considerations to light. DIY moves are risky, simply because most homeowners and amateur musicians lack the supplies and equipment to do the job. Because we have all the right tools and skills, we’ll make your piano relocation easier and safer.

Move Furniture and Other Household Items

Before the movers arrive, consider moving your furniture and electronics out of the travel path. It’s much harder to move things after work begins, especially when stairs are involved. If the piano must be moved up or down a flight of stairs, a ramp provides a safe solution.

Know Where the Piano Should Go

Pianos are quite heavy and challenging to move, and that’s why it’s best to choose a place to set it up beforehand. After all, it’s much easier to move a lamp, a table, or a potted plant than it is to move a piano!

Pack Your Piano Properly

Once we’ve gotten your piano down the stairs and out of the house, there’s still a little work to do. Our transportation trucks all have loading ramps, which makes it easier to lift a piano and wheel it in. We’ll cover your piano in slip-resistant blankets, folding them under the instrument and securing them with packing cords.

Tune the Instrument Afterward

After we move your piano, we recommend having it professionally tuned. Though most moves go smoothly, differences in atmospheric pressure and humidity may detune an instrument. The experts recommend tuning a piano four times within the first year of relocation, and one or two times per year after acclimation has occurred.

The Don’ts of Piano Moving

Don’t Misjudge the Piano’s Size and Weight

One of the most serious mistakes instrument owners make is misjudging the weight and size of a piano. An upright model may weigh up to 800 pounds, while a smaller one may weigh 300 pounds or less. A piano’s weight determines the complexity and cost of the moving process, so proper measurements are crucial. No matter if you have a small upright or a concert grand piano, it’s best to leave the moving to the experts. We’ll come to your home or business, take measurements, and offer a quote based on the instrument’s weight and dimensions.

Don’t Rely on the Piano’s Casters

Most upright and grand pianos have built-in casters, which make the instruments easier to move. However, these small wheels are only intended for short moves; they’re not meant to be used in place of moving dollies. We have all the right tools and equipment to move your piano safely, smoothly, and efficiently.

Don’t Forget About the Lid

A piano’s lid must be secured before the instrument is transported. These lids are heavy pieces, and they may disturb a piano’s balance if they’re not secured during transport. Some instruments have locking lids, while others don’t. If your instrument has a lock, it’s best to use it. Not only should the lid be secured, but it should also be wrapped and padded to prevent accidental damage. When you hire us to move your piano, we’ll treat it as if it’s our own.

Reasons to Hire Piano Movers

Whether you’ve moving into a new home or putting your instrument in storage, it’s best not to attempt a DIY move. Here are a few reasons to count on us for safe, effective piano moving.

• These instruments are quite heavy. While this fact seems obvious, it bears repeating. Not only are pianos heavy and awkward to move, but each style presents unique challenges. Instead of doing the job yourself, consider letting our trained piano movers handle it.
• Most owners lack the tools for the job. Because pianos are so hard to lift, it’s important to have the right tools for the job. We’ll use crating and packing materials to prevent damage during transport, and we’ll bring a vehicle that’s big enough to hold your instrument.
• You’re busy. Moving can be stressful, even if you’re only going across town. From school enrollments to travel plans, there are numerous things to focus on. To save stress and aggravation, hire our crew of professional piano movers.
• Preventing damage. Whether your instrument is an heirloom or an art piece, you should not have to worry about damaging it during a move. Leave your delicate instrument in our capable hands.

After learning the do’s, don’ts, and benefits of piano moving, it’s time to get the job done. Call today to request a no-obligation consultation with one of our moving coordinators or use our online contact form to request a free estimate.