How to Move a Piano

When it comes to moving a piano, planning ahead is key.

• Map out your moving path in both the existing location as well as the new. Clear any obstructions out of the path. Make sure doors are open or taken off the door jambs if you need extra room.
• Measure your piano as well as the door frames, staircases and hallways you will be moving it through. This will also help you determine what size moving truck you will need to get the job done.
• Protect floors in all locations where the piano will pass through.
• Make sure pets and children are not nearby when moving the piano.
• If you're moving a piano up or down a staircase, be sure to use a ramp.
• Ask for help. If you aren't using professional movers, recruit help from friends or family members. Pianos are extremely heavy and awkward to move. Try to enlist the help of at least four to five people. You will need help lifting the piano and someone to help guide you as move the piano out of the house and into the truck.

Tip: When moving heavy items like a piano, always wear proper closed toe shoes and use safety gear, such as gloves and back support belts.

It's important to make sure you have the right moving supplies and equipment when moving a piano. Not only will moving blankets protect your piano, but they will also prevent walls from being dented or scuffed.

Here are the supplies you'll need to move a piano:

• Moving blankets
• Dolly and/or hand trucks
• Lifting straps
• Tie down straps
• Packing tape
• Work gloves

Depending on the piano type, you may need extra supplies like bungee cords. Using a moving truck will help protect the piano.

When moving an upright piano, you'll want to make sure the pedals and keys are well-protected.

• Begin by wrapping the lid over the keyboard and securing it with packing tape so it will stay closed throughout the move.
• Wrap the pedals with plastic stretch wrap, making sure to secure them with tape.
• Next, using moving blankets, wrap all sides of the piano and secure them with tape.
• Now that the piano is wrapped and protected, you can begin moving the piano. Be sure someone is on each side of the piano.
• Lift the piano safely and place it on the dolly or hand truck (depending on the piano's size), using lifting straps.
• Roll it onto the moving truck and secure it safely into the moving truck, using straps to tie it down.

Tip: When loading a moving truck with more items, the piano should always be loaded first, into the back of the truck, to keep it protected.

Your method will depend on the type of piano you're moving. While upright pianos weigh between 500 to 600 pounds, grands range in weight between 600 to 1500 pounds. Whether you're moving an upright or a grand piano, always be sure to wrap the piano with moving blankets or padding to protect it from scratches or any other damage.

When planning how to move a grand piano, it's important to know that they have to be diassembled in order to be moved. Moving a grand piano is more time-consuming than moving an upright piano.
Ask helpers to assist you in putting the piano back together in its new location.

• First, lower and secure the top lid. Then, using a screwdriver, begin to disassemble the piano legs and pedals.
• Now, with your helpers holding the piano, remove all the legs.
• Wrap the lid, keys and all sides of the piano with moving blankets and secure them with packing tape.
• Wrap all legs and pedals separately with moving blankets and tape.
  You can load the legs and pedals on a hand truck to make moving easier and more efficient.
• Be sure someone is on each side of the piano before you begin moving it. Lift it simultaneously, using lifting straps, and place it on the dollies. You may need more than one depending on the piano's size.
• Roll it onto the moving truck. Secure it safely by placing it against the back wall of the truck and using tie down straps.

When trying to move a piano out of narrow doorways or into smaller areas, like pickup trucks or around tight corners, you may have to turn it on its side. This will not harm or damage the piano but should be done with care. Pianos should not be on their side long, so if this is your only way to move the piano, be sure to unload it and stand it upright as soon as possible.

Here's how to move a piano on its side:

• Assess doorways and stairwells, adding moving blankets or soft materials around them to prevent the piano from getting damaged as you move it. Next, move anything that may be an obstacle out of the way.
• When you're moving around any tight corners, communicate with your helpers about the direction you're turning.
• Cover the piano with moving blankets secured with packing tape or lifting straps.
• Wrap all legs and pedals separately with moving blankets and tape.
  You can load the legs and pedals on a hand truck to make moving easier and more efficient.
• Next, with one person on each side of the piano, lift the piano on its side and slide it onto the dolly. Make sure everyone is still holding their side of the piano as you secure it to the dolly with tie down straps.
• As you begin to load the piano into the truck, be sure to balance the dolly correctly onto the moving ramp and roll the piano to the back wall of the truck, securing it safely with straps.

• Once you have moved your piano to its new location, you should be prepared to tune it. Keys can shift during a move and the sound may be a little off at first. While you can tune it right away, it's recommended to wait about a month to do so.

• Be sure to wipe the piano down with a cloth to remove any dust, lint or other residue from moving blankets that could've settled into and on the piano during the move.

• When moving a grand piano or upright piano, take your time. Pianos are heavy items and care should be taken when moving them in and out of rooms and trucks.

• If you're moving a piano up or down stairs, use a metal ramp when you can to make the job easier.

• While it's not the most secure way to move a piano, if you're trying to determine how to move a piano in a pickup truck, here are some recommendations. Using a ramp, with all helpers standing on either side of the piano, roll the piano safely onto the truck. Secure it tightly to the backside of the truck with tie down straps.