How to Move a Piano

Moving a piano requires a lot of careful handling. Though they may be large and heavy, pianos are delicate instruments and even a relatively small scratch can lower their value. Many homeowners are hesitant to move a piano on their own for this very reason. But while professional movers make the job simpler and less stressful, they’re not the only option. With the right tools and equipment, many people can manage on their own. This short guide will walk you through the process, explaining how to move a piano and what supplies you’ll need, as well as some advice on hiring a moving company.

Gather Supplies

Start by making sure you have everything you need to protect and secure your piano. Keep in mind that, depending on the type of instrument you own, you may not need everything on this list.

Moving Blankets
Plastic Stretch Wrap
Furniture Dolly
Ratchet Straps
Cardboard Sheets
Tape Measure

If you own a grand piano, you’ll also require:

Screwdriver
Plastic Zip Bag
Moving Boxes
Packing Tape
Packing Peanuts
Marker
Piano Skid Board

Most of these can be found at your local hardware store, however, piano skid boards are a specialty item that you’ll probably have to purchase online. If you’re not familiar with piano skid boards, they’re a wooden furniture platform that ensures your piano’s weight is evenly distributed during transport. There are also heavy pads to prevent scuffs and scratches and a reinforced, bolted lip, known as an end cap, that holds the instrument firmly in place and keeps it from shifting.

Finally, in addition to gathering the right supplies, you’ll also need at least four people (possibly more) to help you lift and move the instrument. Upright pianos typically weigh between 500 and 800 pounds, while a grand piano can weigh up to 1,300, making them impossible to handle on your own.

Plan Your Route

Pianos can be cumbersome, especially when they’re strapped to a dolly. To avoid getting trapped in tight corners, measure the doorways and hallways in your home to make sure they have sufficient clearance. Often the shortest path is not the best one.

How to Move an Upright Piano

There are two types of pianos: upright and grand. In an upright piano, the strings are arranged vertically, while in a grand piano they’re arranged horizontally. This makes upright pianos lighter, more compact, and easier to transport. To move an upright piano:

Cover It with Moving Blankets. Blankets provide padding and protect against scratches.
Secure the Blankets with Plastic Stretch Wrap. This holds the blankets in place, ensuring your piano remains protected throughout the move.
Lift the Piano onto the Dolly. Position one person at each corner and lift with your knees.
Secure the Instrument. Use the ratchet straps to attach the piano to the dolly. Place cardboard sheets over edges and corners, to prevent the straps from digging into the frame.
Wheel the Piano to the Truck. Have at least one person in front guiding the piano while the rest of you push. Go slow. The faster you move, the more likely you are to cause an accident.
Load the Piano onto the Truck. Place the instrument in the front of the truck, where there’s less movement. For extra cushioning, place some cardboard sheets between the piano and the truck wall before using the ratchet straps to fix in place. Use the rub rails or D-rigs as anchor points.

Once the piano is secured, don’t place any heavy boxes or furniture near it unless they’ve been properly secured as well. Pianos are delicate instruments and even a minor impact can upset their internal mechanisms.

How to Move a Grand Piano

Grand pianos are larger, heavier, and more complex than their upright counterparts. Moving them requires a bit more time and effort, but can be done safely with the right team and the right tools. To move a grand piano:

Lower the Lid. Besides protecting its inner workings, lowering the lid also helps preserve the piano’s structural integrity.
Remove the Legs and Pedals. Ask your team to hold the piano while you unscrew the legs. Place each component in a moving box filled with packing peanuts for cushioning. Then tape the boxes shut and label the boxes clearly.
Strap the Piano Lid. Use a ratchet strap to hold the lid in place so it won’t come open while you’ve moving it. To avoid damage, place cardboard sheets over the edges of the piano to prevent the strap from coming into direct contact with it.
Cover the Instrument with Moving Blankets. Wrap the entire frame in moving blankets and secure them with plastic wrap.
Lift the Piano onto the Piano Skid. Turn the piano sideways and gently place it on the skid, flat end down, then secure it with ratchet straps.
Place the Piano onto the Dolly. Raise the open end of the skid off the floor (the one without the end cap) and slide the dolly underneath.
Wheel the Piano Out to the Truck. Carefully move the piano through your house, with one person guiding while the rest push.
Load the Piano onto the Truck. Roll the piano up the ramp and secure it to the front of the truck with ratchet straps.

The disassembled pedals and legs should be placed nearby and secured as well. Don’t put anything on top of the piano either, to protect it from vibrations.

Setting Up Your Piano

Once you arrive at your new home, set up your piano by following the steps above in reverse order. Start by measuring your doors and hallways, then clear a path through your home. Next:

Unhook the piano and load it onto the dolly.
Secure the piano to the dolly and wheel it into your home.
Remove the ratchet straps and take off the plastic wrap and moving blankets.
If you have a grand piano, reattach the legs and pedals.
Position your piano in its intended location.

After you’ve finished setting up your instrument, you’ll probably want to hire a piano tuner. Moving a piano exposes it to vibrations, temperatures, and humidity that can affect its internal mechanisms and cause it to go out of tune. Most experts recommend waiting a few weeks before having it tuned, to give the instrument’s wooden components time to acclimatize to their new surroundings.

When to Ask for Professional Help

While it’s possible to move a piano on your own, it’s not always advisable. Sometimes the risks outweigh the benefits. If you don’t know whether to hire movers, ask yourself:

How Valuable Is My Piano? Even minor cosmetic damage can significantly reduce the value of your instrument.
How Far Am I Moving? Relocating long distances (i.e. over 50 miles) significantly increases the risk of accidental damage.
Do I Need to Move My Piano Upstairs or Downstairs? Carrying a piano between floors compounds the risk to yourself, your team, and your instrument.
Am I Strong Enough? While no one can lift a piano on their own, you and your team should each be able to lift more than 50 pounds before attempting to move one.

Keep in mind that pianos are precision devices. Even a small impact can seriously compromise their function. Due to a piano’s size and weight, these impacts can damage your walls, floors, and carpets as well. If you don’t feel confident handling such a heavy and delicate object, call an experienced moving company to oversee the process.

Allied Moving Services

Allied has been one America’s most trusted movers since 1928. Our relocation teams simplify every aspect of your move from planning to packing to shipping, storage, and final delivery. We can even help with specialty items, such as pianos, pool tables, and pinball machines. No matter how far you’re going, Allied has the tools, skills, and knowledge to get you there safely. Contact us today for a free quote!