How to Move a Piano When Moving House?

By musicinsurancecompany on August 22, 2024

Moving a piano is no small feat. Although it is not a Herculean task either, these instruments are weighty, and delicate, and often require specialized and technical handling. While it is possible to do it yourself, it is generally recommended to hire professional musical instrument movers. However, if you are determined to tackle the task on your own, here is a comprehensive guide for you.

Assessing the Situation

Before you dive in, consider the following pointers:

Size and type: Grand pianos are significantly heavier and more complex to move than upright ones. So, prepare yourself accordingly.
Distance of the move: Local relocations are generally less complex than long-distance ones. Hence, you should also count on distance when it comes to moving.
Stairways, narrow hallways, and other obstacles: These can significantly increase the difficulty of the move and make you end up hiring professional movers.
Your physical capabilities: Moving such a huge instrument is physically demanding and requires multiple people.
If you have doubts about your ability to handle the move, it is better to hire professionals. Also, whether you move it on your own or seek help from trained movers, make sure to get a piano insurance plan.

Gathering Your Equipment

You will need the following:

Moving blankets: To protect the gear from scratches.
Packing tape: To secure the blankets.
Dolly or skids: These are essential for moving such instruments.
Ratchet straps: To secure the gear to the dolly or skids.
Furniture sliders: To help move it across floors.
Strong helpers: You'll need at least four people to move equipment safely.

Preparing for the Transit

Close and secure the lid: This prevents damage to the keys and internal mechanisms.
Protect the keys and pedals: Cover them with moving blankets and secure them with tape.
Wrap the entire equipment: Cover it with moving blankets and secure them with tape. Corners and edges are more susceptible to damage, do be careful with them.
Disassemble if necessary: Some grand ones may require disassembling the legs and pedals. Get in touch with a professional if you are not sure about what needs to be done.

Moving the Piano

Clear the path: Ensure there is a clear path from the instrument to the door and the moving truck. Remove any obstacles.
Use a dolly or skids: These will make the move much easier.
Lift carefully: Use proper lifting techniques to avoid injuries.
Secure the equipment: Use ratchet straps to secure it to the dolly or skids.
Navigate obstacles: For stairs or narrow spaces, you may need to tilt the gear or even disassemble it (with professional help).

Loading the Piano

Secure it in the truck: Use ratchet straps to secure the instrument to the truck's floor or walls.
Fill any empty spaces: Use padding to prevent it from shifting during transport.

Unloading and Repositioning

Reverse the loading process: Carefully unload the equipment and place it on the dolly or skids.
Navigate the new location: Use the same care as when moving the piano out of the old house.
Level the piano: Ensure the gear is level to prevent damage.

Post-Move Care

Unpack carefully: Remove the moving blankets and inspect the instrument for damage.
Tune the instrument Moving equipment like a Piano is likely to affect its tuning.
Allow the piano to acclimate: Give the thing time to adjust to the new environment's temperature and humidity.

Hiring Professional Piano Movers

If you are unsure about your ability to move it safely, it is best to hire professionals. They have the experience, equipment, and insurance to handle the job. Also, do not forget to get your gear piano insurance beforehand.

Additional Tips

Take pictures of your device before moving it to document its condition.
Communicate with your movers about any specific instructions or concerns.
Be prepared for unexpected challenges. Moving an instrument is often unpredictable.
Remember: Moving any big musical equipment is a risky endeavor. If you're not confident in your ability to do it safely, hiring professionals is the best option.