Moving a piano is no easy task. Whether you’re the proud owner of an upright piano or a grand piano, the sheer weight of the piano combined with its delicate components makes it a challenging item to relocate. At Transit Moving Systems, we’ve helped many piano owners safely and securely move their cherished instruments.
If you’re determined to move your piano without the help of professional movers, you’ll need plenty of moving supplies, including moving blankets, straps, and a sturdy dolly.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll give you tips to move a piano properly, protect the piano from damage, and ensure that the piano arrives at its new place in your home unscathed. Read on to learn the best way to move pianos of any size, and discover why hiring experts might just be the safest route.
Understanding the Importance of Professional Moving a Piano Services
Moving a piano isn’t just about transporting a heavy piece of furniture; it’s about preserving a finely tuned instrument that holds both monetary and sentimental value. Pianos are heavy—an upright piano can weigh anywhere from 300 to 800 pounds, while a grand piano can exceed 1,200 pounds. The weight of the piano alone makes it a risky endeavor for untrained individuals.
Professional movers like Transit Moving Systems have the expertise and equipment to move pianos safely. We know how to disassemble the piano legs, wrap the piano with moving blankets or padding, and secure the piano onto a piano board or dolly. Our team understands that the last thing you want is damage to the piano or injury to yourself during the move.
Attempting to move a piano without professional help can result in costly repairs. The cost of moving a piano with experts is minimal compared to the potential expense of fixing a damaged instrument. Hiring professional movers ensures that the piano will pass through staircases and hallways without a scratch, keeping the piano in optimal condition.
But if you’re still eager to DIY this, here are some precautions and steps to take before you start:
Preparing for the Move: What Do You Need to Know
Before you start, assess the type of piano you have. There’s a significant difference between moving an upright piano and a grand piano. Upright and grand pianos require different approaches due to their size and shape. Knowing the type of piano will help you gather the necessary moving supplies and plan accordingly.
You’ll need at least four people to move an upright piano safely. Make sure that the piano is properly measured to ensure it will fit through doorways and around tight corners. You’ll need plenty of moving blankets to wrap the piano and protect its finish. Moving straps are essential for lifting and securing the piano, and a heavy-duty dolly will help transport the piano onto the moving truck.
Plan your moving path carefully. Clear any obstacles from the side of the piano’s route, including furniture and rugs. Check the staircases and hallways for width and height clearance. The last thing you want is to get stuck halfway through the move because the piano won’t fit.
Steps For Safely Moving a Piano
let’s quickly go over the 5 simple steps for safely moving a piano:
1. Wrap the Piano
Begin by wrapping the piano with moving blankets or padding. Secure the blankets with moving straps to keep them in place. This step is crucial to protect the piano from scratches and minor bumps during the move.
2. Position the Dolly
For an upright piano, carefully tilt the piano back and slide the dolly underneath. Make sure the weight of the piano is evenly distributed on the dolly. For a grand piano, you’ll need to disassemble the piano legs and place the body on a piano board before using the dolly.
3. Secure the Piano
Use straps to secure the piano to the dolly. This ensures that the piano won’t shift during transport. Make sure that the piano is stable before moving.
4. Navigate the Moving Path
Slowly guide the piano through your home. Communicate with your team to coordinate movements, especially when navigating tight spaces. Keep the piano upright and avoid tilting it on its side, as this can damage the internal components.
5. Load onto the Moving Truck
Carefully roll the piano up the loading ramp of the moving truck. Secure the piano inside the truck using additional straps. This will prevent the piano from moving during transit.
Protecting Your Piano During the Move
Protecting the piano is not just about wrapping it; it’s about ensuring it remains stable and secure throughout the move. Use high-quality moving blankets or padding to wrap the piano thoroughly. This provides a cushion against any impacts.
Secure the piano inside the moving truck by anchoring it to the truck’s walls. Avoid placing heavy items near the piano. The piano should have ample space around it to prevent other items from shifting into it during transit.
Consider the environmental conditions during the move. Extreme temperatures and humidity can affect the piano’s wood and tuning. If possible, use a climate-controlled moving truck, especially for long-distance moves.
After the Move: Setting Up Your Piano
Once your piano arrives at its new location, it’s time to set it up. Carefully unload the piano from the moving truck using the same precautions as when loading it. Move the piano to its designated place in your home, ensuring it’s away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Reassemble any parts that were removed, such as the piano legs for a grand piano. Wipe the piano down to remove any dust or debris. It’s advisable to have the piano tuned by a professional after the move, as the internal components may have shifted during transport.
Finally, inspect the piano for any signs of damage. If you hired professional movers like Transit Moving Systems, any issues should be covered by insurance. Enjoy your piano in its new home, knowing that you took the necessary steps to move it properly and safely.
Conclusion
Moving a piano is a complex task that requires careful planning, the right equipment, and a team of capable individuals. Whether you’re moving an upright and grand piano, the process is fraught with potential pitfalls. At Transit Moving Systems, we’re dedicated to ensuring that your piano is moved safely and securely. We understand that pianos are not just heavy items; they’re cherished instruments that deserve the utmost care.
Choosing a company that cares as much about your belongings as you do is crucial for any move.
