How to Move a Piano Safely: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Move a Piano Safely and Efficiently

Moving a piano is one of the most challenging tasks in any household relocation. Whether you’re moving an upright or a grand piano, the process requires careful planning, the right tools, and a team of helpers—or ideally, professional movers. This guide covers every step of the piano moving process, from preparation and disassembly to loading, transport, and reassembly, ensuring your piano arrives safely at its new home.

Preparation: Measure and Plan

Before you begin moving your piano, thorough preparation is essential. Start by measuring the piano itself, as well as any doorways, hallways, staircases, and elevators it will need to pass through. Also, measure the truck or van you plan to use for transport and the space where you intend to place the piano in your new home.

• Measure the piano’s height, width, and depth.
• Check the dimensions of all passageways, including doors, halls, stairs, and elevators.
• Ensure the piano fits through the necessary spaces. You may need to move the piano on its side to fit through some areas, but do this carefully and avoid leaving it on its side for long periods.
• Double-check the dimensions of the vehicle you plan to use. A truck rental company can recommend the best vehicle for your needs.

Clear a Path

Chart a course and clear the path for moving the piano. Map out the route you will take, then remove any obstacles. Open or remove doors, move furniture out of the way, and keep pets and children away from the area to ensure a safe and smooth move.

Moving an Upright Piano

Follow these steps to move a spinet, console, studio, or upright vertical piano:

1. Disassemble and Wrap the Piano

• Remove any removable parts, such as the music rack, and wrap them separately.
• Wrap the piano lid in moving blankets and secure it with packing tape or a bungee cord.
• Tilt the piano on its side and disassemble the pedals and remove the legs with a screwdriver. Wrap these pieces separately.
• Place all screws and small parts in a labeled bag and tape it to one of the legs to avoid losing them.
• Wrap the entire piano, including the keys, in blankets. Loop packing tape around the piano a few times to hold the blankets in place, or wrap the piano a second time with plastic wrap.

2. Position Piano on a Skid Board

• Gently tilt the piano back to its original position while sliding the skid board underneath it.
• Alternatively, slide lifting straps under the piano as you tilt it back, then hoist it onto the board.
• Move slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the piano.

3. Transfer to the Truck

• Once the piano is secured on the skid board, roll and maneuver it through the house and onto the truck.
• Keep one person on each side of the instrument at all times.
• Secure the piano to the back wall of the truck using ratchet straps.
• Pack the music rack, legs, pedals, and bench separately.

4. Move to Your New Home

• Drive the truck slowly and carefully to your destination, avoiding curves and dips in the road to prevent the piano from shifting.
• Once safely at your new home and on a level surface, unload the piano using the dolly.
• Use lifting straps to carry the piano to its new location.
• Take the same precautions for clearing pathways and removing obstacles as you did when moving the piano out of your old home.

Moving a Grand Piano

Moving a grand piano requires additional steps due to its size and weight. Here’s how to do it safely:

1. Disassemble and Wrap the Piano

• Remove the legs and pedal lyre, and wrap them separately.
• Place all screws and small parts in a labeled bag and tape it to the wrapped piano.
• Wrap the entire piano, including the keys, in moving blankets and secure with packing tape or plastic wrap.

2. Position Piano on a Skid Board

• Slide the skid board underneath the piano and secure it with straps.
• Move slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the piano.

3. Transfer to the Truck

• Roll the piano onto the truck using the skid board and dolly.
• Secure the piano to the back wall of the truck with ratchet straps.
• Pack the legs, pedal lyre, and bench separately.

4. Move to Your New Home

• Drive carefully to your destination, avoiding sharp turns and dips.
• Unload the piano using the dolly and move it to its new location.
• Reassemble the piano and tune it if necessary.

Moving a Piano Down a Flight of Stairs

Moving a piano down a flight of stairs is particularly challenging. You will need a hand truck or dolly and a metal ramp or heavy-duty plywood planks. If you cannot find a prefabricated ramp that will cover the length of your stairs, you can construct your own using planks (minimally 2 feet by 8 feet). Secure the piano on a dolly and slowly roll it down the ramp. We recommend hiring a professional if you need to move a piano upstairs or downstairs.

Professional Piano Movers

If you are unsure about moving your piano yourself, consider hiring professional piano movers. Certified piano moving service providers have specialized tools and training, meaning they are less likely to injure themselves or damage the instrument. Specialty services can add convenience but may increase your final bill.

FAQs

Can I move a piano by myself?

No, moving a piano by yourself is not recommended due to its weight and size. Always have at least two people to help, or hire professional movers.

How much does it cost to move a piano?

The cost to move a piano varies depending on the distance, type of piano, and whether you hire professionals. On average, expect to pay between $100 and $500 for local moves and more for long-distance moves.

Should I tune my piano after moving it?

Yes, it’s a good idea to have your piano tuned after moving it, as changes in temperature and humidity can affect its tuning.

Can I move a piano in extreme weather?

It’s best to avoid moving a piano during extreme weather. Try to keep your piano inside a climate-controlled space before and after the move to prevent damage.

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