Moving a piano is no small task. It’s a delicate process that requires careful planning, the right tools, knowledge, and execution. Professional piano movers have it!
Pianos are not just heavy — they’re also intricate and valuable. With lots of small moving parts, a mishap can lead to costly repairs or even irreparable damage.
Whether you’re a piano owner or a professional piano mover, knowing the right steps can make all the difference. It’s not just about strength, but also about strategy…there’s a bit of an art to it.
In this article, we’ll share essential tips for moving a piano. We’ll cover everything from understanding the instrument’s specific needs to hiring a professional piano mover and why DIY-ing it isn’t the best idea.
By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to move a piano safely and efficiently. Let’s dive in.
Understanding Your Piano’s Needs
Before you start planning the move, it’s crucial to understand your piano’s specific needs. Piano types vary, each with its own moving requirements.
For instance, an upright piano is typically easier to move than a grand or baby grand piano. The latter types usually require disassembly, which adds complexity to the move. Understanding these differences will help you plan the move more effectively and avoid potential pitfalls.
The Importance of Proper Planning
Planning is key when it comes to piano moving. This is not a task you can rush or do without careful thought.
From assessing the piano’s size and weight to mapping out the path of movement, every detail matters. A well-planned move minimizes the risk of damage to the piano and ensures a smoother, safer process.
Hiring Professional Piano Movers vs. DIY
When it comes to moving a piano, you have two main options: hire a professional piano mover or do it yourself. Each option has its pros and cons.
Professional piano movers have the experience, skills, and equipment necessary to move a piano safely. They understand the intricacies of different piano types and know how to navigate various challenges. Finding the right mover is simple when you use uShip. Our marketplace approach allows you to receive multiple free quotes from carriers who do this every day. There, you can see feedback from others who have used these companies for exactly the same service you need—moving a big, heavy piano.
What’s more is your carrier will take care of all the packaging for you — blanket wrapping coupled with expertise in handling and securing means your treasured ivorys will make it from A to B in great shape. It’s why we have the best damage rates in the industry (under 1.3%).
On the other hand, a DIY move can save you money (if you already own all the equipment you need to make the move yourself), but it requires physical strength, careful planning, and preparation. It also carries a higher risk of damage to the piano or injury to the movers. These things can weigh over 1,000 lbs.
The easiest way to find the right piano mover for you? In a word, uShip. Whether it’s an across-town move or a cross-country move, uShip makes the entire process simple and stress-free. The best part — it’s free to see what kind of quotes you could get on the marketplace.
Piano Moving Preparation
Moving a piano is not a task to be taken lightly (pun intended). Start by assessing the piano’s size, weight, and the path you’ll need in and out. Measure doorways, staircases, and elevators to ensure the piano will fit. Also, consider the piano’s placement in the new location. Doorways and stairs are often the most difficult part of the move. Consider every angle before you begin to DIY.
Next, prepare the piano itself. Secure the lid, wrap the instrument in moving pads, remove any detachable parts, and secure them. Keep a detailed inventory of the piano’s condition before and after the move.
Or don’t. When you use uShip, your work is simply to point to where the piano is and where it’s going. That’s it.
If any further disassembly is needed, and you’re doing the move yourself, it can’t be stressed enough how delicate and intricate pianos are. With that, it’s worth considering hiring a professional mover to handle your piano transport. They are adeptly skilled in what it takes to make sure your instrument arrives the way it should.
Essential Piano Moving Equipment
Moving a piano requires specific equipment to ensure safety and prevent damage. This is not a job for your standard moving boxes and packing tape.
You’ll need items like piano dollies, skid boards, ramps, and moving pads. These tools help distribute the weight of the piano and protect it from scratches and dents.
Remember, using the right equipment is crucial for a successful piano move. If you’re going to DIY the move, you’ll need to either rent or buy the equipment for the move. Yet another reason to hire professional piano movers on uShip.
Step-by-Step Guide to Moving Different Types of Pianos
Moving a piano is not a one-size-fits-all process. Different types of pianos require different handling techniques. For instance, upright pianos and grand pianos have different shapes and weights. This affects how they should be moved.
Let’s break down the process for each type of piano.
Upright Pianos
Upright pianos are heavy but compact. They are easier to maneuver than grand pianos.
First, wrap the piano in moving pads to protect it. If the legs are removable, take them off. Then, using a piano dolly or skid board, move it endways, not sideways.
Piano moving hack: you can wax the bottom of the skid board to help it slide over stairs and other obstacles more easily. It reduces friction and makes you feel cool … like you’re about to hop on a surfboard or something.
If stairs are involved, you’ll need a few people to help control the instrument OR to push it up to where it’s going. It’s hard work that can be dangerous if you aren’t careful. In some cases, you may need a crane to get the instrument to its new home.
Grand and Baby Grand Pianos
Grand pianos are more complex to move. They are heavier and have a more delicate shape.
First, remove the piano lid and wrap it separately. Then, remove the legs and secure the piano on a skid board (usually on its side) with at least two straps and plenty of padding.
As mentioned with standup pianos, you may need a crane to get grand pianos where they need to go. Sometimes, there isn’t another option.
Remember, each piano is unique. Always consider its specific needs when planning the move, and have more hands available than you think you might need.
Securing the Piano During Transport
Once the piano is in the moving truck, it’s crucial to secure it properly. This prevents it from shifting during transport, which could cause damage.
Use heavy-duty straps to secure the piano to the truck’s wall. Also, place it against a flat surface, not at an angle, to ensure stability during the move.
uShip users don’t have to worry about any of this. In fact, their only worry is to point to where the piano is. The carrier takes it from there.
Post-Move: Inspection, Tuning, and Acclimation
It’s important to inspect for and document any damage you see and address it with your transporter. If any issues arise at any point in the process, reach out to uShip. If you used the platform to find your transporter, we’ll help you resolve issues should they arise. It’s rare (our damage rates are the lowest in the game), but we’re always here for you.
After the move, your piano will need time to adjust to its new environment. This is especially true if the humidity and temperature levels are different.
During this acclimation period, it’s recommended to get your piano tuned. Moving can cause shifts in calibration, and tuning helps restore the piano’s sound quality.
One Final Note
Remember, safety should always be your top priority. Take the time to ensure that your piano is secure and ready for use in its new home.
If this sounds like too much to take on yourself (it is, believe me), it costs nothing to see how uShip can help. Start your free listing today to see rates from piano movers and see how easy it is. It’s always free to list, and there’s no obligation to book.
