How do you move an upright piano?

Moving an upright piano can be a daunting task. It’s a heavy and delicate instrument that requires careful handling to prevent damage to both the piano and the surroundings. Whether you’re moving to a new house or rearranging your furniture, it’s important to know the proper techniques for moving an upright piano.

Table of Contents

• Step 1: Gather the necessary equipment
• Step 2: Prepare the piano
• Step 3: Secure the piano
• Step 4: Move the piano
• Step 5: Set up the piano in its new location
• Key takeaways
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Step 1: Gather the necessary equipment

Before you begin the moving process, gather all the necessary equipment to ensure a smooth and safe piano move. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Heavy-duty furniture straps
• Piano dolly or a set of sturdy moving dollies
• Piano skid board or a thick blanket
• Packing materials (such as moving blankets or bubble wrap)
• Protective gloves
• Tape

Having the right equipment will make the moving process much easier and reduce the risk of damage to your piano.

Step 2: Prepare the piano

Before moving the piano, it’s important to prepare it properly to protect it from scratches and other damage. Follow these steps:

• Cover the piano with a thick blanket or moving blanket to protect the surface.
• Secure the cover with tape to ensure it doesn’t slip during the move.
• Remove any loose or detachable parts, such as the piano bench or pedals, and pack them separately.
• Close and lock the piano lid to prevent it from opening during the move.

By taking these precautions, you’ll minimize the risk of damage to your piano during the moving process.

Step 3: Secure the piano

Once the piano is prepared, it’s time to secure it for the move. Follow these steps:

• Wrap the piano in additional moving blankets or bubble wrap to provide extra padding and protection.
• Use heavy-duty furniture straps to secure the blankets or bubble wrap around the piano.
• Ensure the piano is tightly secured to prevent it from shifting or falling during the move.

Securing the piano properly is crucial to prevent any damage and ensure a safe move.

Step 4: Move the piano

Now that the piano is properly prepared and secured, it’s time to move it. Follow these steps:

• Position the piano dolly or moving dollies next to the piano.
• With the help of a few strong individuals, carefully lift the piano onto the dolly or dollies.
• Ensure the piano is centered and balanced on the dolly.
• Use the straps or ropes to secure the piano to the dolly.
• Slowly and carefully push the piano on the dolly to its new location.

Remember to take your time and move slowly to prevent any accidents or damage to the piano or your surroundings.

Step 5: Set up the piano in its new location

Once the piano is in its new location, follow these steps to set it up properly:

• Remove the straps or ropes securing the piano to the dolly.
• Carefully lift the piano off the dolly and place it in its desired position.
• Remove the protective coverings and unwrap the piano.
• Reattach any loose or detachable parts, such as the piano bench or pedals, that were packed separately.
• Tune the piano if necessary to ensure it sounds its best in its new location.

By following these steps, you’ll successfully move your upright piano to its new location without any damage.

Key takeaways

• Gather the necessary equipment before moving the piano.
• Prepare the piano by covering it with a blanket, removing loose parts, and closing the lid.
• Secure the piano with additional blankets or bubble wrap and furniture straps.
• Use a piano dolly or moving dollies to transport the piano.
• Set up the piano in its new location, removing the coverings and reattaching any loose parts.

FAQs

1. Can I move an upright piano by myself?

Moving an upright piano by yourself is not recommended. Upright pianos are heavy and require several people to move them safely. It’s best to hire professional piano movers who have the experience and equipment to handle the job.

2. How much does it cost to move an upright piano?

The cost of moving an upright piano can vary depending on factors such as the distance of the move, the complexity of the move, and the piano mover’s rates. It’s best to contact a few piano moving companies for quotes to get an accurate estimate of the cost.

3. How often should I tune my upright piano after moving it?

After moving an upright piano, it’s recommended to wait at least two weeks before tuning it. This allows the piano to acclimate to its new environment. Once the piano has settled, you can schedule a tuning with a professional piano tuner.

Conclusion

Moving an upright piano doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By following the proper techniques and taking the necessary precautions, you can safely move your piano to its new location without any damage. Remember to gather the right equipment, prepare the piano, secure it properly, and take your time during the move. If you’re unsure or want to ensure the safety of your piano, it’s always best to hire professional piano movers. With the right approach, you can enjoy your piano in its new setting.