Moving a piano can be a daunting task, filled with anxiety and the potential for mishaps. Whether it’s an upright, a grand, or even a spinet, the sheer size, weight, and delicate nature of these instruments make moving them a considerable challenge. Many piano owners are emotionally attached to their instruments, which heightens the stress associated with moving them. This guide provides a complete overview of what you need to know to safely and effectively move your piano.
Understanding the Challenge of Moving a Piano
Pianos are not your typical piece of furniture, and moving them presents unique difficulties. Here’s why:
- Weight: Pianos are exceptionally heavy. Upright pianos can weigh anywhere from 300 to 900 pounds, while grand pianos can weigh significantly more. The weight is not always evenly distributed, making it difficult to handle.
- Size and Shape: Their large, bulky, and awkward dimensions make pianos hard to maneuver, particularly in tight spaces, around corners, and on stairs.
- Delicate Nature: Pianos are delicate musical instruments. They contain many intricate parts that can be easily damaged, such as the soundboard, keys, and internal mechanisms.
- Types of Pianos: Different types of pianos present different moving challenges:
- Spinet Pianos: These are the smallest and lightest, making them somewhat easier to move but still requiring care.
- Console Pianos: Slightly larger than spinets, they present a bit more of a challenge due to their increased weight.
- Upright Pianos: These are heavier than spinets and consoles, and often require specialized equipment and more manpower.
- Studio Pianos: These are larger and heavier upright pianos used in studios or schools, often requiring extra care and planning.
- Baby Grand Pianos: While shorter than full grand pianos, they are still exceptionally heavy and bulky, often requiring partial dismantling.
- Grand and Concert Grand Pianos: These are the largest and heaviest types, requiring specialized piano movers, dismantling, and extra care.
The Importance of Planning
Moving a piano is not a spur-of-the-moment undertaking. It requires careful planning and preparation. Without a well-thought-out plan, you risk:
- Injury: Improper lifting and handling techniques can lead to serious injuries, such as back strains, sprains, and other physical trauma.
- Property Damage: Pianos can easily damage walls, floors, staircases, and door frames if not moved carefully.
- Piano Damage: The piano itself can be severely damaged if dropped, bumped, or mishandled.
Should You Hire Professional Piano Movers?
Given the inherent challenges and risks, hiring professional piano movers is highly recommended. Here’s why:
- Expertise: Professional piano movers are trained and experienced in handling these delicate and heavy instruments. They understand the intricacies of piano construction and how to move them safely.
- Specialized Equipment: They possess the right tools and equipment, such as piano dollies, skid boards, moving straps, and protective blankets, essential for a successful move. They use four-wheeled dollies designed for the specific purpose of moving pianos, which are much more stable than standard warehouse dollies.
- Safety: Professional movers minimize the risk of injury to both people and property. They are trained in proper lifting and moving techniques, which are crucial when dealing with heavy, awkward items. They also have experience in moving pianos on stairs and navigating tight corners.
When to Consider Professional Help:
- Moving Up or Down Stairs: This is the most common scenario where professional movers are essential. Navigating stairs requires specialized techniques and equipment that average people don’t have.
- Tight Corners and Narrow Hallways: Moving a piano through tight spaces requires careful planning and maneuvering. Professionals are experienced in these types of moves.
- Long-Distance Moves: For long-distance moves, professional movers have the resources and expertise to ensure your piano arrives safely.
- Any Move You Are Not Comfortable Doing: If you have any doubts or concerns about moving the piano yourself, it is best to seek professional help.
How to Choose the Right Piano Mover
When hiring a piano mover, consider these factors:
- Experience: Choose a company with specific expertise in moving pianos. Ask how long they have been in business and if they have experience with the type of piano you have.
- Insurance: Make sure the company has adequate insurance to cover any damage that might occur during the move.
- Licensing: Verify that the company is properly licensed to operate.
- References and Reviews: Check online reviews and ask for references from previous customers.
- Estimates: Get detailed quotes from multiple companies. Compare the costs and services they provide. Be sure the quote takes into consideration stairs or other challenges.
- Equipment: Ask if they have the necessary equipment, such as piano dollies, straps, and blankets.
- Training: Inquire about the training of the movers who will handle your piano.
DIY Piano Moving: Proceed with Caution
While it is always best to hire professionals, some people may still choose to move their piano themselves. If you must move a piano yourself, proceed with extreme caution:
- Acknowledge the Risks: DIY piano moving is highly discouraged due to the high risk of injury and damage.
- Physical Injury: There’s a high risk of back injuries, strains, sprains, crushed fingers, or worse if the piano gets out of control.
- Property Damage: There’s a risk of damaging walls, floors, staircases, and door frames.
- Piano Damage: Dropping or mishandling the piano can cause severe damage, such as scratches, dents, or internal damage.
If You Must DIY, You MUST:
Gather the Right Equipment:
- Heavy-Duty Four-Wheel Dolly: You need a sturdy, four-wheeled dolly specifically designed for moving pianos, not a standard warehouse dolly.
- Moving Straps or Ratchet Straps: Use heavy-duty moving straps to secure the piano to the dolly and for lifting.
- Moving Blankets and Padding: Wrap the piano thoroughly in moving blankets to protect it from scratches and dents.
- Plywood Planks: Plywood can be used to span steps on stairs, or to protect floors.
- Tools: Screwdrivers and wrenches may be necessary to remove any detachable parts, such as legs, pedals, and music stands.
Preparing the Piano:
- Wrap the Piano: Wrap the piano completely in moving blankets and secure them tightly with stretch wrap or tape.
- Disassemble Parts: Remove any detachable parts, such as legs, pedals, and music stands if necessary.
- Secure the Keyboard Lid: Close and lock the keyboard lid.
Safe Lifting Techniques:
- Use Your Legs: Always lift with your legs, not your back, to avoid injury.
- Balance Point: If you need to tilt an upright piano, lift the treble end (high notes) to about a 45-degree angle, which is the point of balance.
- Avoid Lifting Both Ends: Do not attempt to lift both ends of the piano at once with two people.
Moving on the Dolly:
- Secure the Piano: Use heavy-duty ratchet straps to secure the piano to the dolly, going over the top of the piano and under the center of each dolly.
- Slow and Careful: Move the piano slowly and carefully, being patient and aware of your surroundings.
Stair Navigation
- Added Danger: Moving a piano up or down stairs is particularly dangerous and difficult.
- Plywood Planks: Use plywood planks to span the stairs and create a ramp.
- Never Attempt Alone: Never attempt to move a piano on stairs without experience and sufficient manpower.
Navigating Tight Corners
- Paper Template: Make a paper template of the piano to check if it will fit around tight corners.
- Move on Side: Upright pianos can be moved on their sides to navigate tight turns.
- Professionals: For challenging corners, always consult with a professional.
Long Distance DIY:
- Challenges: Long distance DIY piano moves involve a greater degree of risk and require additional consideration.
- Vehicle: Use a suitable vehicle, taking into consideration the weight and size of the piano.
- Secure Loading: Ensure secure loading, tie-downs, and protection from the elements.
Special Considerations
- Floor Load Capacity:
- Assess the Floor: Make sure the floor can support the weight of the piano.
- Typical Capacity: Most residential floors are designed to support 40-45 pounds per square foot.
- Older Homes: Older homes or those with damage may require assessment by a structural engineer.
- Unique Architectural Settings:
- Historic Homes: Moving pianos in historic homes or buildings with unique layouts may require specialized equipment or techniques.
- Tight Spaces: In areas with tight spaces, it may be necessary to dismantle part of the building to move the piano.
- Emotional Attachment:
- Acknowledge Feelings: Recognize the emotional connection many people have with their pianos.
- Handle with Care: Take extra steps to move the piano with great care, or seek help when it is difficult.
- Accept the Unexpected: Be prepared for potential damage, and allow for emotional processing if it occurs.
Alternatives to Moving
- Selling or Donating:
- Sell the Piano: Consider selling the piano as an alternative to moving it.
- Donate: Explore options to donate the piano to a school, charity, or other organization.
- Piano Storage:
- Climate-Controlled Storage: If you need to store your piano, use a climate-controlled environment to avoid damage from temperature and humidity.
- Costs: Be aware of the monthly costs of storing a piano.
What to Do After the Move
- Tuning and Cleaning:
- Tuning: Have the piano professionally tuned after a move, as the move may have loosened internal parts.
- Cleaning: Clean the piano thoroughly to remove any dust or debris that accumulated during the move.
- Inspection:
- Check for Damage: Inspect the piano carefully for any scratches, dents, or other damage.
- Report Damage: If you hired professional movers, report any damage immediately. If you moved it yourself, consult a technician for repair.
Conclusion
Moving a piano is a challenging task that requires careful planning, the right equipment, and, in most cases, the help of professional movers. Attempting to move a piano without the proper expertise can lead to injury and damage to the instrument or your home. Always prioritize safety and make informed decisions when moving your beloved instrument. If you’re considering a move, we recommend you contact professional piano movers and/or refer back to this guide to move your piano successfully.