How Do You Move a Piano? – Guest Post

I’ve been in the process of an exhausting and never-ending move, taking my career from Detroit to Nashville. When Niki Tech brought me this idea for a post on how to move a piano, I thought it was a great idea. It fits with my life theme and it’s also useful information. If you want to know how to move a piano yourself, read below!

How to Move a Piano

It is natural to get attached to the musical instruments we play. They become an extension of our being and help us express our feeling melodiously. All of us take immense care of our instruments, ensuring that we never scratch them or cause them even the slightest harm. Some of us are even over-protective about them with a number of rules that everyone in the house must follow. This is probably why the idea of moving something as large as a piano can give us sleepless nights!

Depending on the type, pianos are extremely heavy. They are what people call “top-heavy” since most of the weight is on the top. But the thing is, it is not just the weight that factors in when we move the piano. Jerks and improper care can cause scratches and ruin the piano’s functionality. This means that there is a real risk of spoiling the aesthetics and the working of a piano if we don’t move it with care. 

In fact, some people have deemed piano moving such an arduous and near-impossible task that moving companies have created a niche altogether! Did you know that there are companies that specialize only in moving pianos? You could, of course, hire them. But, if you are looking at doing it yourself, there are numerous things that you must remember. 

Planning to Move a Piano

It all depends on how well you plan the move because the outcome will heavily depend on your planning. From gathering man force to ensuring that you have all the tools required, every step is crucial.

1. Call all your friends and family members who can help: When it comes to a piano, you can never have enough helping hands! 

2. Clear out the space around the piano: To be able to move it easily, everyone needs space. So, ensure that there is nothing around it that could be a potential hindrance. This includes your investmentslike tables, chairs, and lamps. If possible, clear the whole room out. 

3. Measure everything: Measure the piano, the doors it needs to come through and go through (in the new place) so that math does not let you down during the move. This will help you assess whether you should remove the legs of the piano (if possible) and how to carry the piano through the doors.

4. Protect and prepare your piano: You will need tools and equipment such as dollies and furniture straps. Remember to buy heavy duty equipment that can handle a piano. Using cheap or regular equipment may cause serious damage. Remove the wheels of the piano or strap them so that the piano does not move on its own accord during transport. Remove the legs as well, if you can. Get moving tape, heavy blankets, and protective covering and wrap your musical instrument as if it is an extra-fragile baby.  

5. Prepare yourself: You need to prep yourself physically and mentally. Brace yourself for stressful hours but dress appropriately. Wear something comfortable and do away with jewelry. Sneakers are a good choice for footwear.

6. Hire a moving truck: Regular or small vehicles are not recommended. Pickup trucks are okay if you have a small piano. If you are moving a grand piano, though, you have to hire a moving truck.

Moving a Piano – Get Moving Now!

If you have followed all the steps, you have prepared quite well. Now, rub your hands together because the task is only getting started!

1. Take as many friends as it takes and move the piano – slowly and steadily – out of the initial place and into the moving truck. Maintain balance at all times. Don’t twist or invert or slide the piano. Use a dolly on either side to balance it well and to load it on to the truck.

2. Secure the piano with straps so that it does not move at all during the transportation. Even if the wheels of the piano have locks, do not depend on them. Use the straps.

3. Whoever is driving the vehicle should remember to go slow and smooth without unnecessary jerks or brakes. 

Moving the Piano to Its Final Destination

Once you have reached the destination, you must follow all the applicable prep steps such as going slow, moving things out of the way, and using as many helping hands as possible to get the job done. 

Remove all the secure straps, blankets, and moving tape once you securely place the piano in its new home. You may also want to tune your piano once more and wipe it clean with a washcloth. After all, it has borne a lot of stress! 

Thank all your friends, return any equipment that you may have borrowed, and settle down. It is over! You have successfully moved your piano!

What if you are not up for it?

If all these steps are overwhelming and seem impossible, we advise that you look at hiring a professional moving service. Yes, it can get slightly expensive but you will be rid of the hassle of doing all this yourself and spending hours in anticipation and stress. Like we mentioned previously, there are moving companies that specialize in moving pianos and are quite trustworthy. 

Choose the most convenient option and go for it! Don’t forget to go through reviews, check testimonials, and maybe even get in touch with their previous clients to be sure of your choice. You are trusting them to take care of your piano and to deliver it safely. 

Don’t do it blindly! 

We hope this article got you prepped for the move and also gave you confidence that you can do it! It is all about being careful and realistic. All the best. Do let us know your experience while shifting your piano in Comments.  

Author Bio: I am a science enthusiast and love to write articles related to science, art, plants, environment, and dogs. I analyze every aspect for the content to give my readers the complete information. If not writing you will see me sipping my coffee and reading a book in the corner!