Piano Moving is a difficult task requiring strength and precision. They are delicate instruments prone to damage from mishandling and must be moved carefully to prevent injury to movers or structural damage to staircases.
Gather a team of strong, muscle-bound people with experience lifting heavy objects. Use ramps to get the piano into the truck or van. Contact Mountain Piano Moving Company now!
Preparation
As most homeowners know, pianos are heavy and dangerous to lift without the proper tools and equipment. While hiring piano movers is always recommended, for those who are determined to move their own cherished instruments, it’s important to take the time to properly prepare. Doing so will reduce the chances of expletives, injuries, and regrets down the road.
Fortunately, many of the necessary supplies are fairly easy to come by and are often available at local hardware stores. Thick blankets and stretch wrap work well as padding, and durable straps are vital to safely lifting the piano. Depending on the piano’s size, it may also be helpful to purchase a dolly for rolling the instrument. A ramp is also a necessity when it comes to getting the piano onto a truck.
When preparing to lift the piano, it’s best to have multiple people on hand. The best number is at least four people. This ensures that everyone has support and can handle the weight of the instrument. It’s also a good idea to wear appropriate clothing and shoes with solid traction. Finally, it’s a good idea to secure any pets or children away from the moving process to prevent them from being harmed.
One of the biggest challenges of piano moving is navigating stairs. Professional movers have rehearsed strategies for tackling stairs and know how to manage the weight of the piano on steps. For a DIY move, it’s best to have someone on each side of the piano and use furniture straps to distribute the weight evenly among helpers.
Once the piano has been loaded into the truck, ratchet straps and additional moving blankets can be used to secure it firmly. This extra layer of security will ensure a safe journey to its new home. Once the piano is unloaded at its new location, it’s essential to wait a few weeks before tuning it. This will allow the piano to acclimate to its new environment and keep it sounding great.
Despite its size and weight, the piano can be moved in a relatively short amount of time with proper preparation and help from an experienced team. By following the tips in this guide, you can save money on moving costs and protect your precious instrument from potential damage.
Equipment
Unlike the other heavy furniture you might have in your home, pianos require a specific set of tools to maneuver and transport them. These tools help protect the piano from damage and make the process easier for movers. Professional piano movers have all this equipment, but you may not want to invest in it yourself unless you plan to move more than one piano.
Regardless of whether you are moving an upright or grand piano, the first step in the process is always planning and preparation. This includes assessing and measuring all the spaces you will need to navigate during the move, such as doorways and staircases. It is also important to disassemble any parts of the piano that you can, such as the legs and music rack. This will reduce the weight of the piano and make it easier to move through tight spaces.
The next step is assembling your team of helpers and getting the necessary supplies. It is recommended to have at least four people for a standard move, but more may be needed depending on the size of your piano and the complexity of the move. Ideally, you should enlist helpers who have experience lifting and moving heavy items. It is also helpful if they are in relatively good physical shape. They should wear comfortable clothing and shoes with good traction.
You will need a variety of other supplies to protect your piano during the move. These include sturdy moving dollies, piano straps, and thick quilted furniture pads to protect the piano and floors. You will also need plywood planks to create ramps on stairs if you are moving an upright piano up or down the stairs.
If you are planning a long distance move, consider investing in a motorized dolly. These devices help to balance the piano automatically during transportation, reducing the strain on your movers and increasing efficiency. They are also useful for navigating uneven terrain or long distances. They are available for rent from many local moving companies, as well as online. They are a great option for both professional and DIY piano movers.
Transporting
Upright pianos and baby grand pianos are incredibly heavy works of art. Their hefty weight, complicated structure, and delicate nature make moving them a challenge that can easily become dangerous for DIY movers who try to tackle the job on their own. Because of their hefty weight, it is crucial that you prepare for the move by ensuring your team has sufficient manpower and proper equipment. Choosing a specialty moving company is your best bet for success, as these professionals have the tools necessary to safely transport your piano.
Before the piano moves, it should be properly cleaned and secured to prevent damage during the relocation process. This includes removing and packing any removable parts, such as music stands and sheets. In addition, you should clear out the area surrounding the piano and remove any obstacles that might interfere with its path to the truck. If necessary, you should also measure doorways, hallways, and staircases to ensure the piano will fit through them. This will help avoid any unforeseen delays or costly damages during the move.
In terms of equipment, you’ll want to make sure you have a piano dolly and sufficient supplies on hand to protect the instrument during transportation. A piano dolly has four wheels and extra bearings for smoother movement on floors, and it’s a great way to reduce the risk of damaging your new home’s flooring or tripping over the instrument during the relocation process.
The right moving blankets are also a must, as they will protect the surface of the piano from scratches or dents throughout the move. Ideally, you should have enough moving blankets to cover the entire body of the piano and enough tape to secure them in place. You’ll also want to have a piano skid board on hand, as this is a necessity for moving any type of piano.
Once the piano reaches its destination, the movers will unload it and carefully disassemble it (if necessary). It is recommended that you wait a few weeks before tuning your piano post-move, as changing environments can have a significant impact on its sound.
Installation
Moving is hard work, and it’s even more difficult when you have a large, heavy object to move. Pianos are extremely heavy and require specialized equipment to transport. They also have delicate surfaces and sensitive mechanisms that can be easily damaged during a move. Because of the dangers involved, it’s important to have all hands on deck when moving a piano. Rally a group of friends or neighbors to assist you with the move. More hands make the job lighter and faster. Also, be sure to utilize proper lifting techniques, as a misjudgment of a piano’s weight can lead to serious injury.
Before you begin your move, be sure to clear the pathway leading from your door to the piano. Remove furniture, boxes, and other items that could get in the way or block the wheels of the dolly. This will reduce the risk of the piano slipping or getting stuck and prevent the furniture from being damaged during transit. You may also want to check local regulations regarding the use of moving equipment and if you need a permit for your move.
Next, carefully disassemble the piano, utilizing proper tools to avoid damage to the instrument and its components. Be sure to protect the smaller parts with quality padding and blankets. This is especially important for upright pianos, which are prone to being knocked over and whose strings can sustain severe damage during the move. Once the piano is disassembled, it should be transported on a piano board or skid, which will allow you to navigate narrow passageways and tight corners safely.
Once you reach the destination, it’s time to reassemble and place your piano. Before doing so, however, be sure to take measurements of the new space to ensure that your piano will fit. Once you’ve done so, slowly and carefully guide the piano into its new home, avoiding any unnecessary bumps or scrapes.
Once the piano is in its final position, be sure to unplug it and wrap it with blankets to protect it from moisture and cold air. It’s also a good idea to have your piano professionally tuned, as the vibrations of the move can cause the strings and other components to shift, throwing it out of tune.