How to Move a Piano - According to Five College Movers

Moving a piano is nothing like moving a couch or a bookshelf. Pianos are heavy, awkwardly shaped, and surprisingly fragile. One wrong move can leave you with a cracked soundboard, broken legs, or even a serious injury.

That’s why it is important to have the right piano moving equipment. A solid plan makes the difference between a smooth move and a disaster. While professional piano moving services handle these jobs with experience and specialized tools, some people attempt it themselves. If you’re thinking about that route, you need to know the risks and what it takes.

Five College Movers specializes in piano moving. We have helped homeowners, musicians, and businesses safely move pianos of all shapes and sizes. If you are figuring out how to move a grand piano, the process requires precision, strength, and careful planning.

Upright pianos are the most common household pianos. Although they are heavy, you can move an upright piano yourself if you follow the right steps.

1. Secure the Keyboard Lid and Pedals: Close the lid to prevent it from slamming closed during transport. If possible, wrap the pedals to keep them from moving.
2. Wrap the Piano in Moving Blankets: Cover every exposed surface to prevent scratches. Use tape or straps to keep the blankets in place.
3. Use a Dolly for Transporting the Piano: Use a four-wheel dolly to facilitate movement across flat ground. Make sure the piano is positioned evenly on the dolly before rolling.
4. Lift Carefully When Necessary: If rolling isn’t an option, you need at least three to four people to lift the piano. Always lift from the bottom.
5. Move Slowly and Communicate: When navigating tight turns or doorways, have one person guide while the others lift.

Grand pianos require more preparation because of their size and shape. Baby grand piano movers typically follow these steps:

1. Remove the Legs, Pedals, and Lid: These parts make it awkward to transport pianos. Unscrew the legs to allow the piano to be transported more easily.
2. Use a Piano Skid Board: Skid boards are used to cradle the body of the piano. Wrap the piano in blankets before securing it to the board with heavy-duty straps.
3. Carefully Lift and Transport: Unlike an upright, a grand piano should be tilted onto its side (not back) for transport. Keep the weight evenly distributed to avoid tipping.

Moving a piano across a room might sound simple. However, even small bumps or tight spaces can turn into problems. Stairs are even trickier.

1. Use a Stair Ramp and Multiple Movers: A stair ramp for moving a piano makes it easier to slide heavy loads up or down.
2. Balance the Weight Carefully: The person on the lower end of the piano carries the most weight. You should, thus, switch positions when necessary to prevent fatigue.
3. Navigating Tight Corners and Doorways: Slow movements are key even when moving a piano upstairs. Do not force a piano through a tight space, as you can break the frame.

Some jobs are better left to professionals, and moving a piano is one of them. Even if you have strong friends willing to help, the risks of damage and injury are still high.

Piano movers in your area have the tools and training to handle these moves safely. They use equipment like skid boards, heavy-duty straps, and protective padding to keep the piano secure.

At first, hiring piano moving companies might seem expensive, but it’s worth considering the alternative. A botched move can leave you with damaged walls, scratched floors, or even someone getting hurt. Piano moving services reduce these risks and save time. Instead of spending an entire day struggling with a piano, they can complete the job in a fraction of the time.

When searching for piano movers in your area, look for companies that specifically advertise piano moving. Read reviews and check customer testimonials to help you find a reliable team.

To properly move a piano, watch out for the following mistakes:

• Not Using the Right Equipment: A dolly meant for furniture won’t properly support the weight. Additionally, regular straps won’t hold up under pressure. The easiest way to move a piano is to involve professional movers who use heavy-duty tools designed specifically for pianos.

• Moving With Too Few People: One or two people aren’t enough to safely move a piano. Even with a dolly, you need three or more people to control the weight and balance.

• Ignoring the Importance of Securing the Piano: Never transport a piano loose in a truck. It needs to be secured with straps and padding to prevent shifting.

You have safely transported your piano to its new place. What is next?

1. Let the Piano Settle: After moving, a piano needs time to adjust to its new environment. Wait at least 24 hours before playing to help the piano settle.
2. Schedule a Tuning: The best time to schedule tuning is a few weeks after a piano transport. This allows the instrument to fully adjust to its new surroundings.
3. Check for Damage After Transport: Listen for buzzing, muted notes, or any changes in tone. If the keys feel stiff or the pedals don’t work properly, call a technician to inspect the instrument.

Moving a piano requires skill, precision, and experience. At Five College Movers, we offer the following:

1. Expertise in Safe and Efficient Piano Moving: We understand the challenges involved in moving a piano. Our piano moving services adhere to strict safety procedures to ensure every move is done correctly.
2. Professional Equipment and Skilled Team: We use state-of-the-art equipment, including heavy-duty straps, skid boards, and reinforced dollies. Our crew is trained to handle everything from upright pianos to concert grands.
3. Local Piano Moving Services Tailored to Customer Needs: If you are looking for piano movers in your area, Five College Movers offers local services designed to fit different needs.