How to Move a Piano Like a Pro

Learning How to Move a Piano Appropriately Is Extremely Important

You have to be extremely careful about moving abroad this delicate object. Standard pianos usually consist of around 10,000 different parts and usually weigh around 1,000 pounds. When moving overseas, your musical instrument will have to traverse a great distance, and it is absolutely necessary to have it properly dismantled and secured for transportation. Therefore, it is always highly recommended to have a professional international moving company do the relocation for you.

Relocating Equipment Will Be Needed, Especially if You Have to Descend Stairs

What equipment do you need to move a piano? Moving a piano by yourself is impossible without the help of adequate relocation equipment. Here are the items that you will require:

• Four-wheel dolly – This tool is ideal for relocating heavier objects such as the pianos. It will completely remove the heavy lifting from the process and instead introduce pushing.
• Lifting straps – Straps are another useful tool that allows you to lift heavier objects. However, you will need the assistance of another person when using this tool.
• Ramps – After placing the musical instrument on the dolly, you’ll have to push it to the truck. Therefore, it is necessary to place ramps across any doorstep or stairs in your home that might be in the way in order to avoid heavy lifting.

Keep in mind that these tools don’t have to be purchased. You can contact your local storage facilities and ask them to borrow everything you require.

When Moving a Piano, You Need to Have Relocating Supplies and a Clear Path

When preparing this musical instrument for relocation, you’ll have to approach the issue with the same care as if you were packing fragile items. Protective equipment such as relocating blankets and plastic wrap are relocating essentials that you’ll have to acquire in order to secure and prevent the object from breaking. Also, make sure to clear the path to the truck along which you’ll have to push the loaded dolly. Any sort of obstruction like a table, a chair, or a flower pot can cause serious problems.

You’ll Most Likely Require Assistance From Your Friends

How do you move a piano easily? To begin with, it’s never an easy task to move anything heavy. However, with the help of your friends, it’s certainly much easier. Descending stairs is especially dangerous when relocating sturdy objects, but overall, the risks of injuries are much lower when there are people to help. Therefore, stay in contact with your friends, and call them once you have decided to begin relocating this grand instrument from your home.

The Help of Professional Movers Is Invaluable in This Situation

When moving abroad alone, it is best to contact professional movers, especially if you are relocating out for the first time. They will make sure that everything is secure for transportation by providing packing services and adequate storage services, which are necessary when relocating across the world. Therefore, before asking yourself, “How much does it cost to move a standing piano?” better ask this – “Am I able to relocate this instrument by myself?”.

Moving an Upright Piano and Moving a Grand Piano Are Two Slightly Different Procedures

Naturally, first determine which of the two pianos you possess in your home. Both will require to be handled with the utmost care when relocating, but the grand is a bit more complicated. Let us see what has to be done:

• How do you move an upright piano? Before starting to do anything (this applies to both types,) you’ll have to get the right amount of relocating blankets and bubble wrap. When it comes to how to move an upright piano, begin with covering the lid of the keyboard and fixing it with tape so as not to open during transportation. Then, cover each pedal separately with as much plastic wrap as required. Once you have performed this, it is time to cover the entire object with relocating blankets and fix everything with tape. Proceed to lift the instrument with straps and place it onto the dolly.
• If you are wondering how to move a grand piano, you’ll have to perform an additional few steps in order to secure it for transport. Begin with lowering the lid and securing it with tape so as not to open during transport. Then, proceed to dismantle the legs and the pedals. Legs and pedals should be covered with bubble wrap and stored in a separate crate. Finally, take relocating blankets and cover the body of the instrument. Of course, you should make sure everything is tightly secured with plastic tape. Many people use skid boards with their four-wheeled dollies when relocating the main body. Since this board is upholstered with some fabric, it provides additional stability when placing an object on top of it.

Here is a useful video on how to dismantle the legs.

There Is No Reason to Leave Your Beloved Musical Instrument Behind When Relocating

Whether you are relocating to Argentina or Scotland, there is no reason to leave such a precious possession behind. Musical instruments can provide much comfort when adjusting to your new home and alleviate the infamous relocation stress and anxiety. It is up to you to decide how to approach the relocation of this object. As you have been able to read, it is possible to do it without professional movers, but it entails certain risks both for your and the instrument’s well-being.