Pianos aren’t as light as a couch or mattress set and can be dangerous to move. Enlist a team of friends and family who are in good shape and have experience moving heavy items.

Plan the route ahead of time and measure all areas that the piano will need to pass through, including doors, hallways, and staircases. Clear the pathway and remove any furniture that could get in the way. Click here to Learn More.

Pianos are massive and delicate musical instruments that require special care when moving. To ensure a successful relocation, movers need to follow a set of steps that range from disassembling and protecting the instrument to lifting, carrying, and placing it in its new location. To assist in this process, piano moving experts recommend starting with a thorough evaluation of the instrument and its surroundings. This step helps movers identify potential hazards and determine the necessary supplies to carry out a safe move.

A proper evaluation includes taking measurements of doorways, staircases, hallways, and other areas where the piano might be maneuvered. This will help movers determine whether the piano and its skid board will fit in the space without posing any safety risks for themselves or others involved in the move. Additionally, a clear path should be mapped out and obstacles removed before starting the relocation. This minimizes the risk of collisions between the piano and furniture during transportation, which can result in significant damage to both items.

If the piano is being transported over a long distance, the movers should also consider weather conditions and other factors that might affect travel time and route. This can significantly reduce external stressors and create a more controlled environment for the moving process, ensuring a safer, smoother relocation.

Professional movers can provide the right equipment for the job, including piano covers and furniture sliders, as well as furniture straps and blankets to protect the instrument from scratches and dents during transit. They can also offer a variety of ramps and threshold ramps to safely transition the piano over curbs, stairs, or uneven surfaces.

When hiring movers, it’s essential to choose an experienced and reliable company with a proven track record of handling various types of pianos. They should have extensive knowledge of the different piano types and their unique features, and use specialized tools to safely transport them. They should also offer competitive pricing and be licensed and insured.

Finally, a good piano mover should establish open communication with their clients and team members to ensure everyone understands the piano’s specifications and how best to transport it. This minimizes misunderstandings and fosters a positive, collaborative environment for the moving process.

Preparing for the Move

Pianos are wonderful musical instruments that inspire creativity and produce beautiful music. But, they can be hard to move from one home to another. Moving a piano requires special equipment and skill to avoid damage to the instrument and to the surrounding environment. Professional movers have the proper trucks and equipment to protect the piano during transportation. They also know how to properly pack a piano to prevent movement during the move, which can cause damage when hitting potholes or other road hazards.

To prepare the piano for the move, movers will close and secure the keyboard lid to protect the keys. They will also remove the pedals and legs to lighten the load. A team of at least four people will be needed to safely lift and transport the piano. Those helping to move the piano should be physically capable of handling its weight and have no existing injuries.

Once the piano is ready, the movers will cover it in protective blankets and padding. They will use ramps and skid plates to get the piano over stairs or other obstacles. Once they reach the truck or van, the movers will station the piano on its dolly and secure it to the truck using straps. The front of the upright piano goes against the wall of the truck, and the top of the grand piano is secured to the back of the vehicle.

To keep the piano safe during the trip, a specialized mattress may be used to protect it from jarring movements. The movers will also cinch the piano firmly to the truck with ratchet straps, which will minimize movement during the ride. Once the piano arrives at its new location, it will be carefully unloaded, unwrapped, and positioned in the right place. It is recommended that the piano be given a few weeks to acclimate before tuning it, as changes in temperature and humidity can affect its sound. Also, a regular maintenance program is a good idea to keep the piano in peak condition. This includes cleaning, regulating, and voicing, which help to keep the piano in tune.

Moving the Piano

The piano is a massive, heavy instrument that requires serious manpower to lift, move, and position. The task is so demanding that it has carved out its own niche in the moving industry, with companies all over the country dedicated to the delicate art of piano transport.

Piano movers possess specialized equipment like a piano board, ramps, dollies, and ratchet straps to safely transport the instrument. These specialized tools help to distribute the weight of the piano evenly, reducing strain on movers and minimizing the risk of damage. In addition, they use protective padding to shield the piano from damage during transport and to prevent contact with unforeseen road hazards like potholes and rough terrain.

To prepare for the move, it’s best to recruit a team of at least four people to help, with two individuals taking on the lifting duties and the other two acting as guides. Assign roles and make sure everyone is wearing appropriate attire for the job, including comfortable sneakers with good traction. In addition, make sure to clear out any obstructions or furniture in the path of the piano to ensure it can navigate all doors and staircases with ease.

Before lifting, the piano must be secured to its dolly using ratchet straps. Once the piano is securely strapped down, a padded piano board is used to rest the piano on, further distributing the weight and preventing sliding during transport. The movers then carefully roll the piano up a ramp into the truck, guiding it gently to avoid tipping during transit.

Once the piano is in the truck, a ratchet strap is used to secure it to the walls of the truck, preventing shifting and movement during transit. The keyboard lid should be locked if it has one, and the piano pedals should be covered with bubble wrap to prevent them from getting knocked loose during transport.

After a successful transportation, the piano is unloaded and set up at its new home. Any detachable parts, such as music stands or decorative elements, should be removed and packed separately to prevent them from being lost or damaged. Once the piano is in its final position, a ratchet strap is again used to prevent the instrument from sliding or tipping during setup.

Post-Moving Care

Pianos are more than just furniture, and they require special care during moving and storage. A reputable piano move company will help ensure that your instrument arrives at its new home in top condition.

A visual inspection of the piano should be performed to look for scratches and other damage to the exterior or interior of the piano. The legs and pedals should also be checked for any signs of damage. It is recommended that a professional piano technician conduct this inspection, as they are able to identify damage that may not be visible to the average person.

Once the piano has been inspected, it should be secured to prevent it from being moved or jostled during the moving process. Piano movers will use special straps and blankets to protect the instrument during the move. They will also take special care to secure the piano in a truck or van so that it is not damaged during transportation.

Local NYC Piano movers typically charge around $650 to move an upright piano. For large models, this can increase significantly. Upright pianos are typically a bit taller than studio grand pianos, and they can be quite heavy. They will need to be carefully maneuvered through doorways and up and down stairs. The specialized equipment used by Piano Movers can make this much easier, but it is important to plan ahead and have your home inspected by a professional for potential challenges.

Another type of piano that is sometimes difficult to move is the Digital Piano. This is a hybrid between a traditional piano and an electronic keyboard. They are becoming more popular, and they have specific requirements that must be met in order to move them safely.

Pianos are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, so they need time to acclimate to their new environment. It is best to store your piano in an area away from direct sunlight, heating vents and sources of moisture. It is also a good idea to have a climate and humidity control unit installed in the room where you plan to store your piano.