Tips for How to Move a Piano

Do you have a piano you need to move? Moving a piano can be a harrowing task. You’ll need to use certain strategies for moving it effectively. If you don’t, you’ll risk hurting yourself or damaging your piano. You’ll need a lot of human resources and preparation.

Considering a piano can range anywhere from 300 to 2,000 lbs, every move needs to precise and carefully calculated. Let’s face it, moving something so heavy can difficult but here are some helpful tips for how to move a piano. 

Assemble Your Supplies

The first thing you’ll need to do is plan it out. You’ll need to get together all the supplies you need, which person is doing what, and what safety precautions you’ll need to take. Here is a list of supplies you may need.

• Moving truck
• Hand cart or dolly
• Moving blankets
• Multiple rolls of duct tape
• Piano skid board
• Piano Dolly
• Straps
• Pads
• Eye Protection
• Manpower

Depending on what piano you are moving, you may need more supplies than listed. Although expensive, it is recommended to purchase the appropriate size Piano skid board to move your piano with care.

A piano skid board is a dolly that’s extra long to accommodate a piano to move your piano with a skid board, just make sure you have straps. 

Enlist in Manpower

Make sure you call on as many volunteers as you can assemble. 4-5 people are recommended to move a piano. If you are moving a heavy grand piano, 5-7 people is a good number of people.

People you can call on our friends, family members, co-workers or neighbours. Make sure your volunteers are wearing appropriate clothing such as long trousers and closed-toed sneakers that have good traction. 

Wearing the right clothing will prevent gashes or cuts during the moving process.

Do Some Measuring

Before you move, make sure to measure any of the places in your home or building the piano will pass through. This will include, doorways, hallways, staircases, or rooms. 

Don’t forget to measure ceiling heights as well. Before the move makes sure doors are open, and there are no obstructions in the way or anything you and your volunteers can trip on.

Make sure to also cover any sharp edges with tape or pads to ensure that your piano won’t get scratched. The last thing you want is to chip or ding your expensive instrument or worse, damage any of the mechanisms of the piano.

Moving an Upright Piano

When moving an upright Piano, you’ll want to make sure the piano pedals and keys are protected. You can do this by covering them with blankets or pads and using tape to secure them.

It may be tempted to use the castors that are attached to the piano to move it, but these castors are designed for small moves and can get damaged during a long haul.

Once you have your upright piano wrapped up and secured, it’s time to lift it onto the dolly. This is where you’ll need your crew to take each corner of the piano and lift it onto the dolly.

Make sure your crew is using correct posture to lift the piano properly. Bend at the knees and keep your back straight without arching. Doing this will ensure there are no back injuries.

Moving a Grand Piano

A grand piano is larger, heavier, and will require a bit more work. You may have to disassemble the legs and piano pedals. You’ll also want to make sure the lid is properly closed and secured. 

Make sure to wrap the legs and pedals and place them in a blanket, so they don’t get damaged. Once this is done, grab your dolly or piano skid board and put it in place next to the piano.

Make sure to have your helpers handy here at this point. Have 3-5 people help with lifting the piano, and have 1-3 people help with spotting the piano in case it falls. Once you have your piano moved into your new space, reassemble all pedals and legs to your piano.

A big move is hard on an instrument like a piano. It is recommended that when the piano is settled and the piano is moved, that you give your piano a full check-up. Consider re-tuning your piano. You can do this yourself or hire a professional to do it for you.

Other Helpful Tips For How to Move a Piano

When moving a piano its always good to know as many tips as you can, here are some other helpful tips that you can keep in mind.

Have Insurance

Sometimes the move might not go as well as expected and your piano may end up damaged. Having insurance on your instruments can save you thousands on out-of-pocket expenses in case damage occurs during your move.

Use Protective Gear

It’s always a good idea to use protective gear. Make sure to have safety glasses and gloves handy. Always wear closed-toed shoes—stainless steel shoes if you have them. It’s also not a bad idea to wear a helmet and back brace to prevent injuries.

Safety should always come first, so make sure you take the proper precautions before you move your piano.

Slow and Steady Wins The Race

Make sure you take your time when moving the piano. It may seem tempting to move as fast as you can, but the faster you move, the more mistakes you can make. 

Take your time and take breaks if you need to. Always try to stay a step ahead, especially when rounding corners or coming up or downstairs. If things get too difficult, it’s always ok to put the piano down and rethink the situation.

Consider a Professional

If moving a piano isn’t your forte, consider hiring a professional to move your piano. Our professional movers can assist you with all of your moving needs and give you the expectations and reassurance you deserve. 

If you have questions about moving your piano, contact us, and we can help you with any of your questions. We hope this article on tips for how to move a piano helped you!