Moving a piano is more challenging than you presume it to be. A piano is difficult to move, yet it is a valued possession in many homes. Due to its size, fragility, and value, many contemplate hiring professionals to move their pianos. Others decide to relocate pianos themselves, though. In either case, preparing a strategy to relocate your piano is crucial.
It may seem like moving 1 instrument, but did you know 1 piano has more than 9000 parts? Professional piano movers are most suited to move such delicate, heavy, and sophisticated equipment securely and without damage. You can do it yourself, but it requires some planning and a lot of assistance.
You can move most pianos with the aid of friends if hiring professional movers is out of your budget. However, if your grand piano weighs more than 1,000 pounds, we strongly advise hiring experts.
If you are planning to move a piano by yourself, this blog will teach you about prepping and planning to move a piano safely.
Planning and Prepping
If you plan to move a piano all by yourself, the first step is to plan and prep.
Measuring the old and new location
You need to measure a plan.
You must measure the doors, staircase, and rooms to ensure your piano can fit into the new place without obstacles. Map out your path in the best possible way for a stress-free move.
Remove any roadblocks that may be present. If you need more space, ensure the doors are open or removed from the door jambs.
The door frames, stairwells, and hallways you want to move the piano through should all be measured. This will also enable you to choose the appropriate moving truck size.
Ensure no pets, kids, or elders are around when you move the piano. Any Furniture that can obstruct should be removed.
Right Equipments
You must have the right equipment if you want to move your piano easily and without damage.
Remember, a piano may seem heavy and solid, but it is highly sensitive. If you are not hiring professionals, you will need help. You cannot lift the piano alone, so don’t even try to do that.
Here are the supplies you’ll need to move a piano:
- Plane Dolly
- Moving Blankets
- Moving ties
- Lifting Belt
- Gloves
- Bubble Wrap
- Piano Trolly
- Screwdriver
- Moving Truck
You may need a ramp if you have to carry your piano down and up the staircase.
The moving material also differs depending on the type of piano. If you are moving an upright piano, you will need a piano dolly. Still, if you are moving a grand piano, you will need a piano board or piano skid board.
It costs approximately $20 to $25 a day or $60 a week to rent a piano skid board from a moving supply company in your area. A standard piano skid board costs between $175 and $200. One costs nearly $600 for a large grand piano!
You should ensure that this board is the right size for your piano and whether it needs additional strapping and padding.
Assemble A Strong Team
Once you have all the supplies ready, ensure you make a good and strong team. You can tell your family or friends who are fit to carry heavy items.
Remember to wear closed shoes and safety gear when moving.
Booking The Moving Truck
Once you are done with all your planning, you need to book a moving truck in advance.
Ensure to book the right size moving truck for your move.
Moving The Piano
As I told you, there is a difference between moving an upright piano and grand piano.
Depending on the kind of piano you’re transporting, your technique will vary.
Let me explain to you the different steps involved in each move.
Moving Upright or Digital Piano
The first step involves you to pack the keys and pedals with bubble wrap.
Put the piano’s lid on and cover it with an old cloth. Use tape to hold the cloth in place.
Wrap the piano with moving blankets and tape them down once again. Ensure that the piano’s sides, back, and front are all covered with blankets. This blanket will protect your piano as well as your walls from denting.
Using moving ties, further secure the moving blankets.
Prepare for the lift. Lift the instrument using lifting straps. , ensure someone is on each side of the piano. Tell the third person to slide the dolly below the piano.
As you lift, bend your knees to prevent damage.
To prevent any damage, take more time traversing doorways and corners.
Carefully place the piano in the moving truck and secure it with straps.
Moving Grand Piano
Most of the steps are the same as when moving an upright piano. The procedure is more complicated, though.
You must disassemble the piano first. Once you reach the new location, you can tell your moving team to assemble it.
Begin by securing the lid. Take a screwdriver and dissemble the piano.
Tell your team to hold the piano and remove the legs.
Wrap the grand piano’s body in moving blankets, enclosing it. To hold the blankets in place, wrap tape multiple times around its width.
Consider wrapping the piano in bubble wrap to ensure the blankets stay there.
With moving blankets and tape, individually wrap each leg and pedal. You can load the legs and pedals onto a hand truck to move more quickly and easily.
Slowly lift the piano and put it on the dollies. You may need more than one, depending on the size of your piano.
Load it safely on the moving truck positioning it against the truck’s back wall. Secure it safely with straps.
You should turn a piano on its side to get it through tiny spaces like pickup trucks, small doors, and tight corners. Although the piano won’t be damaged, this should be done carefully. Ensure to unload the piano as soon as possible and set it upright because pianos should be on their sides for a short time.
After The Move
To restore a piano to top condition following a move, extra care must be taken, and it must begin the day of the move. If you have a grand piano, enlist the assistance of your family and friends to put it back together. At the very least, you will require their assistance in stabilizing the piano while you rejoin the legs and set it back upright.
It would help if you retuned it as soon as possible. To remove any dust accumulated during the move, wipe the piano with a soft, clean cloth or feather duster. Dust can damage your piano’s finish. You can use a wet wipe to do so.
It is best to hire professional piano removalists to relocate your piano. Yes Moves offer your affordable piano removalists services. With a vast network of trustworthy and trustable movers, Yes Movers offer you cheap, safe and a hassle-free move. You can sit back and relax, knowing your move is in safe hands.
FAQ
How much does it cost to move a piano?
The cost of moving a piano depends on two main factors. The size of the piano and the distance you are moving it. The costs might range from $300 to more than $1,250.
When deciding whether to use professional movers or do it yourself to move your piano, it’s crucial to take into account all associated costs. Packing, labour, vehicle rental, insurance, fuel, time, and setup are all expenses. Every circumstance will be unique.
How much does a piano weight?
There are two types of pianos: upright and grand. In the case of upright pianos, the strings run vertically and the instrument stands tall. Talking about grand and baby grand pianos, the strings run horizontally. Weight varies depending on the site and manufacturer.
Most pianos need two to three people to relocate the piano carefully with the right equipment. If you’re moving into a place with a lot of barriers or a tricky path to take, more personnel might be required.
What equipment you need to move a piano?
- Plane Dolly
- Moving Blankets
- Moving ties
- Lifting Belt
- Gloves
- Bubble Wrap
- Piano Trolly
- Screwdriver
- Moving Truck