The process of relocating a piano can be pretty tricky. Before you attempt to do it yourself, you should think about hiring expert movers to handle this task. If you need to transport the piano down some stairs, into an elevator, or through tight spaces, make sure to get some help. Pianos are large, bulky, and expensive, not to mention the damage they may create to your home and your back. If you’re set on moving the piano yourself, follow these guidelines to ensure it’s done securely. After all, it’s imperative to protect your high-value items. Thus, here is how to relocate a piano!
Get some help
Remember that pianos are not only heavy but also bulky. Because upright pianos hold all of their weight in the upper half of their body and their legs and feet might be delicate, you’ll need a couple of additional hands to assist you. To relocate an upright piano correctly and securely, you’ll need at least four people. You can seek the help of friends and family. But make sure you thank them for their time and work, even if it’s only lunch or favor in exchange for their assistance.
Get the right tools
Heavy-duty straps, which you can rent or purchase, will provide you with a greater grip on the piano. You’ll also want a furniture dolly capable of supporting the piano’s weight. You can also use straps to keep the piano firmly on the dolly and in the truck. Not getting the right tools and equipment is one of the most common moving mistakes. After all, tools do half of the job!
If you’re unsure what you need, consult a moving truck rental company or a moving supply store. They’ll point you in the right direction and offer advice based on the sort of piano you’ll be relocating. To protect the piano from bumps, you’ll need to rent or buy cushioning or moving blankets. It will also prevent cracks and scratches on the walls of your instrument.
Keep the keyboard protected when you relocate a piano
Closing and locking the keyboard cover is the first step in relocating a piano. It will keep it from opening while you’re moving. The keys are delicate and must be kept safe. If the keyboard cover doesn’t lock, check to make sure it’s closed when you wrap it. If you use tape to hold the lid closed, you may damage the wood. So, take extra care if your keyboard is made from ivory or similar expensive materials.
Cover your piano with protective materials
Wrap your piano with moving blankets or cushioning. Make sure the corners are tight, and use packing tape to fasten the blanket. Avoid using tape directly on wood to avoid damage. The blanket or padding must be thick enough to protect your piano from any potential bumps.
Lifting your piano into position
Lifting the piano into position, whether on the furniture dolly, the truck, or elsewhere in the home, you must remember not to raise it by its legs. The legs are incredibly fragile. Also, maintain the upright stance of the piano. It is not great for the internal mechanics to lay it on its side.
Keep the truck floor level
The piano should be placed at the back wall of the moving truck, which divides the vehicle’s interior cabin from the cargo compartment. It will be one of the first items packed and one of the final items unloaded at the new address. Because most truck cargo compartments are not level, many piano movers recommend using wood planks to provide a level transport flooring. It relieves pressure on the casters and piano legs, which will have to work harder to balance during the relocation. If you’re going to use planks, place them along the rear wall.
Moving into your new place
Make sure you know where you’re going to put the piano before moving in, especially if you are switching house for a smaller space. It should be against a wall, preferably an interior wall, to keep away the cold and moisture. And then reverse the preceding steps. Again, if you need to navigate stairs, elevators, or confined spaces, hire an expert.
Tune your piano
Every time you move a piano, you will have to tune it. While pianos appear to be solid, their internal workings are sensitive to vibrations and shocks. A skilled tuner can have it sounding great again in no time.
Hiring professional movers
It’s essential to hire a reliable moving company. Do proper research, and you will lower the risk of being a victim of a moving scam. Don’t hire movers with bad or no reviews. Most moving companies offer plans that include moving valuable items or, in this case, instruments. They can handle this job as they are trained and already have all of the required equipment. Hiring movers can, believe it or not, save you money because you won’t be buying any expensive tools. Even though movers can be costly, especially when dealing with items like pianos, they are worth the expense. They will reduce the move time, you will be less stressed, and your piano will be much safer.
Another thing to keep in mind when hiring movers is insurance. When moving expensive items, it’s crucial to consider possible accidents. Even though accidents are rare, your piano might get damaged or even destroyed. Those rare occasions are when the insurance kicks in. Depending on your insurance plan, most, if not all, of the repair cost will be covered. In these types of situations, insurance is one of the smartest investments.
In conclusion
It is a complex and exhausting process, but if you have to relocate a piano, it can be done. It will take a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, and that’s why we recommend hiring professionals to handle the task. They will spare you of all the hard work, and your piano will be much safer in the hands of professionals!