How To Move A Piano With Care?

How To Move A Piano With Care?

Jan 31, 2024

The piano is a delicate piece that is difficult to pack and move. It can be risky to lift a piano due to its awkward shape and uneven weight. This can lead to torn muscles, particularly in the legs, back and shoulders. You may also end up damaging your expensive and much-loved musical instrument.

There are commonly two types of pianos, Grand and Upright, and both need care and precision. The weight also ranges between 300 to 1000 pounds depending on their specific type. Therefore, it is always good to hire cheap removalists Perth depending on your instrument’s type, size and weight.

However, with proper planning and the right techniques, you can transport a piano that weighs between 300 and 800 pounds without causing any damage.

So, here is a complete guide to help you move a plush and delicate piano with care. Make sure you hire professionals if it weighs 1,000 pounds or more because these are exceptionally large and require special equipment.

Let’s Get Started!

1. Arrange Necessary Moving/Packing Supplies

Whether you are moving next to the street or across a new city, stock up on all the necessary supplies to ensure the safety of your piano.

• Moving blankets
• Bubble wrap
• Furniture pads
• Packing tape
• Screwdrivers
• Moving dollies to lift heavy objects
• Skid board for a grand piano
• Moving straps
• Stair Ramp

You can also use old bed sheets, thick towels and blankets to protect your grand and upright piano from scratches.

Tip: Look for rental dollies, skid boards and other moving equipment.

2. Seek for Help to Reduce Your Load

Since you are engaged in a DIY move, ask your friends, relatives and neighbours who are ready to assist you. It is recommended to enlist people who have experience moving heavy objects.

You can even schedule a date for packing and moving your delicate piece depending on their availability and ensure they wear comfortable clothes and shoes to avoid injuries.

There is another great option for delicate and heavy relocation processes. Hire an hourly moving labour, and they will do heavy lifting for you. However, you can also prefer hiring trained removalists in Perth for packing, lifting and transporting your heavy furniture and special items like pianos.

Tip: Do proper research and compare quotes to choose the movers wisely and within your estimated budget.

3. Measure Doorways and Staircases

Do not forget to measure your home’s doorways, hallways, and staircases. This will ensure that the bulky instrument will pass through the doors and stairs without causing any damage.

Firstly, measure the upright or grand piano and the skid board. In the next step, measure all the staircases and doorways.

Tip: Cover the sharp edges of your doorways with extra towels to protect your piano from getting scratched.

4. Pack and Move the Piano

Moving grand and upright pianos requires proper techniques. Here is a step-by-step guide for both types to help you move with the help of your friends.

Upright Piano:

• Protect the piano keys and pedals by covering them with bubble wrap.
• Close the lid and wrap it with a packing sheet. Secure the foam or old towel with packing tape.
• In this step, cover the upright piano in moving blankets to prevent it from scratches and secure it again with tape. Cover the front, sides and back of your instrument.
• Use ratchet or moving straps to further secure the blankets.
• When everyone shares the weight from each side, gently place the piano on the dolly.
• Make sure helpers are standing on both sides of your instrument. Let the third person slide the dolly.
• Do not bend your knees when lifting. This will prevent personal injury.
• Slowly and steadily, move the piano through your doorways. Remove all the clutter and child-proof the housewhen taking out heavy objects.
• Tie the piano down with ratchet straps.

Grand Piano:

• Make sure you wrap the bench in a moving blanket and tape it for extra protection.
• Dismantle the music rack, pack it in a separate blanket and secure it with tape.
• Take the lid off and pack it in blankets and sheets. Use multiple layers of sheets.
• If possible, remove the legs using a screwdriver. Let the helpers tilt the instrument on its side for easy dismantling.
• Pack each leg first with bubble wrap and moving blankets. Secure it with tape. Place the screws and other parts in a Ziploc bag and attach it to the legs.
• Wrap moving blankets around the body and cover it completely. Secure it with tape around its width.
• Use a plastic wrap to double-layer your piano to ensure blankets stay intact.
• Carefully place the instrument on the board. You can tilt the piano back and slip the board underneath it. Take all the safety precautions to prevent torn muscles and injuries that can lead to serious fractures.
• Place helpers on each side and guide it through your home – towards your moving vehicle.
• Tie the piano with ratchet straps when loading it onto the truck.

Tip: Use wooden planks to level the surface when loading your piano.

5. Protect Your Piano While in Transit

Make sure you secure the instrument to the truck walls using moving straps. This will prevent it from moving around while in transit.

However, it is always good to hire a fully-fledged removalists Perth for the utmost safety of your piano throughout the moving journey.

Tips to help you move a piano with care:

Wrapping Up

These are some of the best tips and tricks to help move an upright or grand piano with care and precision. You can arrange necessary supplies, measure the doorways, and wrap your instrument for a safe and sound move. Make sure you have the necessary equipment, such as a dolly, straps and board, to avoid damage or injury.