Piano Moving Takes Planning
A piano is not like a couch or a dresser. It is heavy, oddly balanced, and full of delicate parts that can be thrown off by a single wrong move. Whether you own a small upright or a full size grand, moving it takes more planning than most other furniture in your home. This guide walks you through what to expect, what to buy or rent, and when it makes more sense to call in help.
Know What You Are Dealing With
Before you lift a finger, figure out exactly what kind of piano you have. An upright piano usually weighs between 300 and 800 pounds and stands against a wall. It is tall and top heavy, which makes it easy to tip if it is not handled carefully. A baby grand weighs around 500 to 600 pounds and requires the legs to be removed before it can be moved. A full size grand or concert grand can weigh well over 1,000 pounds and needs a full team along with special equipment.
Take a few minutes to measure the piano and compare that to your doorways, hallways, and staircases. Pianos commonly get stuck in openings between 32 and 34 inches wide, so check every tight spot along the route before moving day.
Gather the Right Equipment
You cannot safely move a piano with regular moving supplies alone. At a minimum, you will need a piano dolly with four wheels, heavy duty moving blankets, ratchet straps, and a skid board if you are moving a grand piano. A stair dolly or hump straps are also worth renting if your move includes any staircases. If you are not sure which supplies your home will need, our guide on packing fragile items for moving covers many of the same wrapping and padding techniques that apply to pianos.
Preparing the Piano Before Moving Day
Close and lock the keyboard lid so it cannot swing open during the move. If your piano has a separate fallboard, tape or strap it shut. Wrap the entire piano in moving blankets, paying close attention to the corners, the music desk, and the pedals at the base. Secure the blankets with tape or stretch wrap so they stay in place while the piano is being lifted and carried.
Moving an Upright Piano
Two people should stand on either side of the piano while a third tilts it slightly so the dolly can slide underneath. Keep the piano centered on the dolly so the weight is even on all four wheels. Move slowly, and lift the dolly over any thresholds instead of rolling it over them, since even a small bump can cause the piano to shift.
Moving a Grand Piano
Grand pianos need to be tilted onto a skid board before they can be moved. The pedals are removed first, then one leg is taken off while two people carefully lower that corner of the piano toward the board. Once the piano is resting on its side on the skid, the remaining legs are removed and the piano is strapped securely in place. This step alone calls for at least four experienced people, since a piano tipping the wrong way can cause serious injury or permanent damage.
Handling Stairs and Tight Turns
Stairs are the most dangerous part of any piano move. Never try to roll a piano down stairs on a standard dolly. Use a stair dolly, or have your team carry the piano with hump straps so the weight rests on the shoulders and legs rather than the arms and back. Keep the piano tilted at the same angle as the stairs and always have a spotter at both the top and bottom of the staircase. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration's guidance on safe lifting is a useful reference here, since the same principles that protect workers from back injuries on the job apply just as much to a piano move at home.
How Many People Do You Actually Need
Plan on at least three people for an upright piano and four to five for a baby grand or full size grand. Every person on the team should know their role ahead of time. One common setup has two people supporting the piano itself, one managing the dolly, and one acting as a spotter who watches for obstacles and calls out warnings. Trying to save money by using fewer people is one of the most common causes of piano moving injuries and damage.
Should You Hire Professional Movers
A DIY piano move can work for a short, simple move with no stairs, but the risks add up quickly once you factor in narrow hallways, tight turns, or a long staircase. Professional movers bring piano dollies, skid boards, and years of hands on experience that are hard to replicate with a rented truck and a few friends. If you decide to hire help, take the time to check credentials first. Our article on how to vet and choose a reputable moving company walks through the questions to ask before you sign a contract. The American Trucking Associations Moving and Storage Conference also publishes a helpful guide on how to choose a mover that covers estimates, licensing, and common red flags to watch for.
Protecting Your Piano With the Right Coverage
Even with an experienced crew, accidents can happen. Before your move, confirm exactly what your mover's insurance covers and whether you need to purchase additional protection for a high value item like a piano. Our moving insurance guide breaks down the different coverage options in plain language so you know what you are actually paying for.
Consider Custom Crating for Long Distance Moves
If your piano is heading across the state or across the country, a custom wood crate can add an extra layer of protection against bumps, humidity, and rough handling in transit. Crating is especially worth considering for antique pianos or instruments with significant sentimental or resale value. Our custom crating services are built around exactly this kind of situation, where the item being moved is too valuable to leave to chance.
Let the Piano Settle Before Tuning
Once your piano arrives at its new home, resist the urge to tune it right away. Changes in temperature and humidity affect the strings and soundboard, so most technicians recommend waiting two to four weeks before scheduling a tuning. The Piano Technicians Guild's piano care resources are a good source for understanding how humidity and temperature affect your instrument long after moving day is over.
Get Help With Your Piano Move
A piano is often one of the most valuable and meaningful items in a home, and it deserves a move that matches that value. If you would rather leave the heavy lifting, the tight turns, and the stairs to a trained crew, request a free moving quote and we will walk you through exactly what your piano move will involve.
