Did you know that the US has an internal migration rate of over 21%? We’re some of the world’s most mobile people, with many American adults saying they move at least 10 times in their lifetimes.
Perhaps you’re starting a new chapter in your life and you’re ready to pack all your belongings up.
But if you need to move a piano, then you don’t want to go into it blindly. Not only is this a pricey instrument, but it probably also holds some sentimental value to you too.
So to help you out, here are some tips on how to move a piano.
How to Move a Piano on Your Own
We highly recommend having a professional move your piano, rather than you attempt it on your own. It’s true that you might save a little money by DIYing it, but the chances of damage are much higher. When it comes to such a valuable possession like this, it’s worth it to spend a little more and have an expert transport it for you.
But in case that’s not an option, here are some tips.
Measure Everything First
Before you even think about moving that piano, first measure everything. Don’t be afraid to go overboard, as this is your precious piano after all.
Not only should you measure your piano, but also things like doorways, hallways, and any staircases you might run into on the way out. Do this at both your current home and your new one.
Get Moving Equipment
To ensure that your piano is as undamaged as possible in the move, you need some equipment. Some things to consider include:
- Plastic wrap
- Dense cloth
- Heavy-duty tape
- Dolly
- Moving straps
You’ll want to also get a good pair of work gloves so your hands don’t get damaged while handling the piano. Make sure you also have a ramp to wheel the piano up and down from the back of your truck. If you’re renting a truck, ask the rental company if they have one you can use.
Create a Clutter-Free Pathway
Remember those measurements you took earlier? Now’s the time to put them to good use. Determine the pathway you’ll take to get the piano in and out, and then do a dry run with an “imaginary piano.”
Think of all the places it could get stuck in. Get rid of anything that might get in the way or trip you up.
Protect Your Piano
You’ll want to wrap your piano up for maximum protection. Tape down the keyboard lid and wrap the pedals. Then, wrap up the entire piano.
If you’re wondering how to move a grand piano, the process is the same. However, you’ll have to disassemble the legs and pedals.
Do the Actual Moving
Don’t try to move your piano on your own, even if it’s an upright one. Get a team of preferably 4 people to help you load the piano safely onto the dolly, wheel it up the ramp, into the truck, and unload it. Push it all the way to the back and use moving straps on it.
Once you get to your destination, follow the same process in reverse to get it into your new home.
Hire a Mover That Specializes in Moving Pianos
Maybe you don’t want to go the DIY route and would rather have a professional handle your move. What’s great about doing this is that many will handle everything from start to finish, from packing all your belongings in your old house to unloading and unpacking them in the new!
However, you don’t want to just go with any mover. While they might be fantastic at their jobs, chances are, they’re only familiar with moving generic house items. They might not know about all the intricate parts of a piano and how to handle moving one.
Because of this, you’ll want to use an expert who specifically says they’ve worked with pianos before and are comfortable moving yours. Not only that, but you’ll want to vet them.
Here are some things you’ll want to look out for.
Years of Experience
A new mover can certainly be great at what they do. But you want to choose someone who’s had years of experience so they’re comfortable with it and it’s like second nature to them.
The more years of experience, the more knowledge and skill they’ll have when moving your piano. Also, long years in business signify that the local community trusts them, which is what’s enabled them to stay in business for so long.
The Right Equipment
It’s worth it to get in touch with the company you’re interested in to see what equipment they have. Moving a piano takes extra work, which means extra equipment as well.
Make sure they have tools like dollies, ramps, and special padding to keep your piano safe. If they don’t seem very forthcoming about what equipment they have, that might be a bad sign. It’s likely that not only do they not have the proper equipment, but also the proper knowledge to move your piano safely.
Storage Options
If your new place isn’t ready yet, then you might want to use a mover with storage options to consolidate all your moving logistics. A mover that has storage options is great, but make sure you pick the right one.
Considering your piano is made of wood, it’ll be very temperature sensitive. You’ll want to choose a mover who has a temperature-controlled storage unit available.
Know How to Move a Piano
Now you know how to move a piano when you need to relocate. By taking the proper precautions and also hiring expert and responsible movers, you’ll be able to have peace of mind when you move.
This entire process is already stressful enough, so don’t add to it by going in blindly. Make sure you remember the advice we’ve given you in this article so you can make it a smoother and less anxious process. Hiring a professional mover will definitely be money well spent!
Did you like this article on how to move a piano? Then pick up some other tips by reading our other blog posts now!
