
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!
CA
I’ve had my grand piano moved several times. It’s always been a job-related move, expenses paid by employer. I liked the service and I think it’s a good idea to hire professionals as they know how to disassemble and protect it. And they also take a lot of pictures beforehand to compare the condition after it is moved.
MellaMusic
CAThat’s awesome, thanks for letting me know! Did you notice any changes in the sound after the move? I just have a keyboard so I never have to deal with any of this haha
Best movers
Good tips! I am jealous. I hope you have an awesome time and continue to update on what’s going on!
Darren Kamila
The piano is really expensive and heavy stuff. The piano move not yourself work. The best solution for move piano is hired movers because movers are very well experienced and know them how to moving easy and safe. I am reading your blog and you share the ideas for moving a piano is absolutely useful. I am happy with your blog. Thanks!
Darren Kamila recently posted…Long Distance Move On A Budget
Harry Jack
Yeah, The piano is very expensive stuff, While moving this is really necessary to make sure about piano moving without damage. Great Article.
Harry Jack
Very Helpful blog. Piano moving is like very expensive stuff, it needs a well-experienced person. Thanks for your tips.
Shane Naranjo
Moving a piano is something really critical. I haven’t moved my piano in a long time because I don’t want to damage it or anything even with the heavy duty equipment.
Shane Naranjo recently posted…Mobile Crushing at Cement Plants in the Philippines
Sam Gibson
You make a great point about making sure to secure the piano when trying to move it. My sister has a piano that she’s giving to me. I’ll want to hire a professional to do it since I have a bad back and I don’t have the means to transport it.
MellaMusic
Sam GibsonDefinitely hire a mover more often than not! Good luck!
Sam Gibson
Thanks for these great tips on how to move a piano. My mother is hoping to move her old piano to a new location. She’s hoping to hire a professional who can do this for her.
Brittany Monroe
Moving pianos can be hard, never tilt them on their side. Many moving companies don’t know this, but will do this to hurry up with the move.
Karl Burcham
Thanks for sharing Information. The safety of a piano is first priority while moving it from one place to another. I got a ton of info on the transportation of the piano. I think taking professional help is the best option.
NYC Movers
Having a grand piano in your household makes things much harder during a move, unless you have the help of professional movers.
NYC Movers recently posted…Important Questions To Ask Your Movers
Olivia White
Today i just found this great site. The author cover the topic “HOW DO YOU MOVE A PIANO?” very nicely. My younger bro much greedy to learn how to make money by playing piano. I will share this great site with my bro and friends!
Thanks admin for providing so much valuable stuff here! I will bookmark your site and hopefully come again in future too…..
David
The blog is very informative , I like all tips
Piano removals london
Chuck Cable
Hi,
Great site. This post topic “how to move a piano” is very nice. Piano moving is like very expensive stuff,Thank for sharing.
Chuck Cable recently posted…Famous Trucker, J.B Hunt (1927 – 2006)
Happy Hiller
Thank you! I find your post really helpful!
rachel frampton
My family and I will be moving to a new town, but the thing is, we won’t be able to transport our furniture and piano on our own. Therefore, we’re currently looking for a moving truck that we may rent. I’m glad you shared this by the way; I’ll make sure to have my pain measured and the doors where it will come through. I’d also keep in mind to wrap it with dollies ad furniture wraps.
MellaMusic
rachel framptonBest of luck Rachel and have a great move! Hope you love your new town <3
Karen
Thanks for sharing Information. The safety of a piano is first priority while moving it from one place to another. I got a ton of info on the transportation of the piano. I think taking professional help is the best option.
ragstorichesmoving
The post is really helpful because piano is an very costly instrument so it mandatory to take it move with safe and securely thanks for sharing such a nice tips.
Stefan Robert
This is so tough to shift the piano. But you take a proper plan. I think it would be easy for you.
jamaima
Yeah its really very difficult to move piano , i have my father piano when we have to shift new home its very diffcult for us to move with this
Joy Marshall
The piano is one of the heavy stuff. Many people like that too. And when it comes to moving it, then it should move by calling good movers because the piano is too expensive. Piano movers know how to move it.