How to Move a Piano

2 removalists moving piano onto truckAre you lucky enough to own a beautiful upright or grand piano? Whether you’re a musician yourself or an heirloom, this is a particularly precious object that you certainly don’t want to damage during your move.

Moving a piano is a delicate operation: this instrument is heavy, bulky, and particularly fragile. The task is all the more challenging in a city apartment, especially if you don’t live on the first floor.

But don’t panic. With good preparation and adapted material, everything is possible. Here are our tips for moving your piano in the best conditions.

Guide to Moving a Piano

To move a piano, it is necessary to bring along a few people. You must be able to ensure everyone’s safety and provide suitable equipment. In the event of an accident, you could pay for it very dearly. Be sure to really weigh the pros and cons before making your decision.

It is strongly recommended to use a professional moving company. They are equipped with specific equipment and adapted to transport heavy objects while avoiding damaging them. They also know the proper lifting and transport techniques for moving a piano. 

In addition, whether you hire a removal company or transport the piano yourself, it is advisable to take out extra insurance depending on the value of the piano. Check with insurance companies to find out what damages are covered and the various guarantees you can benefit from.

What is a Piano Made of?

Depending on the type of piano to be moved, the lightest instruments weigh at least 150kgs and the heaviest weigh more than 500kgs and are about 10 feet long. To transport it, it is necessary to take specific precautions and to be well organized.

The piano is made up of several fragile parts:

  • The keyboard – composed of the keys
  • The mechanism – the system that allows the hammer to tap the string when a key is pressed and to return to its place without a hitch
  • The pedalboard – called a lyre on a grand piano and composed of two, three, or four pedals
  • The acoustic part – the strings, the soundboard
  • The structure – it must support the tension of the ropes, allow the solid assembly of all the parts and protect them from damage

The Secret to a Good Piano Move: Preparation

grand piano

To ensure the safe and optimal transport of your piano, it is preferable to be very precise in the management of travel:

  • Carefully take measurements and evaluate the difficult passages to manage them well
  • Find the precise weight of the piano (on the Internet, at the dealer, etc…) to properly estimate the load
  • Find people with great physical strength to move it (minimum 3 or 4 people)
  • Attach the piano securely and fix the moving parts (music stand, pedals, cover, etc…)
  • Protect and cover the piano, especially if it is lacquered and therefore very easy to scratch
  • Protect the keys so that they are not damaged during transport
  • Provide transport equipment: non-slip gloves, transport straps, mobile tray, etc…

Prepare the Site

Make a neat area around the piano area. Try to remove anything that might get in the way of the piano as far as the exit. The purpose of these precautions is to avoid encountering obstacles in your transportation that could make you tired and stressed out.

Warn your neighbours if possible or leave a note in the elevator, asking them not to plan a move at the same time as you, for example.

Instructions for Moving a Piano

moving a pianoThe piano must be transported with the help of carrying straps to avoid hands dropping under the weight. On flat surfaces, the piano should be placed on a cart to minimize the risk to the piano and the carriers.

When using protective covers, it is important to cover all parts of the piano. You have to fit and maintain the covers to prevent damage and scratches. Secure the piano securely in the vehicle and make sure that no objects can bump into it during transport.

If the piano cannot fit in a hallway or narrow space, there are other solutions. Some pianos can be partially disassembled. For others, the use of a crane is recommended. That is perfectly mastered by professional movers. 

If it is necessary to use this type of equipment, some narrow streets will have to be blocked during the time it takes to load the piano. Remember to ask for permission from the local authorities and warn your neighbours.

Setting the Piano Up in the New Home

Whether you go through a moving company or not, it is best to leave the piano at rest for two weeks. Have it professionally re-tuned once you are settled in your new home.

Make sure that:

  • The floor of the room where the instrument is to be played is protected
  • The temperature and humidity levels are adequate
  • Exposure to sunlight is moderate.

What are the Advantages of Hiring a Piano Removal Specialist?

piano falling through floor

Using a moving company has several advantages. It takes care of:

  • The necessary equipment
  • The number of people to move the piano
  • Authorizations for special vehicles
  • Liability insurance in case of damage to the piano or to the moving environment
  • Transportation
  • Set-up

You will also avoid injury to yourself or someone else. The time saved on preparations and transportation will allow you to arrange the new location of your instrument in the best possible way.

How Much Does a Piano Transfer Cost?

The price of moving a piano is based on several criteria:

  • The disassembly and reassembly of the different parts (if necessary and if possible)
  • The volume of the piano (depends on the type of instrument)
  • The weight of the piano (depends on the type of instrument)
  • Access to housing (number of floors, stairwells, equipment and vehicles required, number of people to be mobilized, etc.).
  • The distance to be covered (transportation route between the two dwellings)
  • Administrative costs in case of a move abroad

Get in touch with Reliable Sydney Removalists for more information.