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When you consider that the average piano weighs between 300 and over 1,000 pounds, you’ll know you have an arduous task ahead of you.

Anyone who knows how to move a piano or has had one relocated will tell you it isn’t easy. Sure, you most definitely need expert hands to carry out the task, but what’s mainly important are some seriously strong hands.

The truth is not everyone has a piano; in fact, only about 1 in 3,788 households have one. So, if you’re Alicia Keys and you have one in your home, let’s give you a rundown on how to move the eighty-eight.

Prep Phase

You definitely want to take time to prepare for the task ahead. From the moment the idea of moving a piano comes to mind before execution begins, you need to have some things sorted out.

So, how do you prepare yourself and your piano for the move?

• Know your piano

Of course, you know you’ve got one of the most pricey musical instruments, but do you know precisely what kind? Pianos usually fall into three categories: Grand, Upright, and Digital. 

Why do you need to know this? When speaking with professional piano movers, the type is most likely going to be the first question. The reason is that they have different structures and sizes, which can affect the ease of moving them.

Grand pianos are the largest, which will prove more difficult to move and require more hands. Upright pianos are less grand, as you can imagine. They have a lesser average size and are often much more easy to move.

Note:

Digital or electric pianos usually have a similar structure as upright pianos.

• Measure and plan

At this point, you want to ensure everything is in order and there will be no hiccups when the move starts. Here’s what you will do.

• Measure your piano’s exact length (wideness) and height with a tape rule.
• Also, measure the doors and every path the piano will pass through during the move, both at your current location and the new one.
• Ensure that your moving vehicle has enough room for the piano to fit in comfortably—you don’t want any damage.
• Clear any obstruction that could hinder or prevent easy movement while lifting the piano.
• If you aren’t using a pro mover, ask for help. Recruit a lot of hands—you’re going to need it.

• Gathering Supplies

The supplies needed to make moving a piano a success will differ depending on the type and size. But generally, here’s a list of the tools you’ll need to have ready.

• Moving blankets, plastic moving wrap
• Dolly, piano skid board, and hand trucks
• Tape rule
• Tie-down straps/piano straps/lifting straps
• Screwdriver
• Packing tape
• Gloves

Note:

Depending on the size of your Grand piano, you might need a bigger or smaller skid board for protection and an easier move.

Moving Phase: How to Move a Piano

All your tools are ready, and your extra-strong hands are set. Now, it’s time to learn how to move piano and how to pack a piano for moving.

Moving a Grand Piano

1. Firstly, you want to remove the lid, wrap it properly in a moving blanket until fully covered, and tape it.
2. Remove the music rack, wrap it in a separate moving blanket, and secure it with tape.
3. Once again, wrap the bench with a moving blanket, ensuring all corners are covered and taped.
4. Using a screwdriver, loosen the screws on the piano legs and ensure they are kept safely in a bag and taped.
5. Remove the piano legs and pedals. Then, wrap thoroughly with a blanket and tape. You can keep the screws in the same box as the legs.
6. Take a larger moving blanket and wrap it completely over and around the grand piano’s body. Then, secure it with tape.
7. You can add a plastic moving wrap to ensure the blankets stay in place alongside the tape.
8. Gently tilt the piano on each side and fix the lifting straps carefully. Ensure it is snug.
9. Lift the piano simultaneously on each side with the straps and carefully position it on the skid board or hand truck. 
10. Secure the piano properly on the board with tie-down straps or piano straps. Then, move the piano onto the moving vehicle.
11. Use straps to firmly attach the piano to the truck or vehicle to avoid movement.
12. Pack the legs, pedals, music straps, and bench separately from the piano’s body.

Note:

If there are staircases, you might want to use the lifting straps to pass the piano over the steps carefully onto the board waiting below.

Moving an Upright Piano

1. Protect the piano keys and pedals by covering them with a plastic wrap.
2. Close the lid, wrap with a moving blanket over every side, and secure with packing tape.
3. Using a larger moving blanket, wrap the piano thoroughly on every side. Then, use tape to secure every part of the blanket to keep the piano safe.
4. Get your team of helpers ready as you gently place the lifting straps to move the piano.
5. Carefully lift the piano simultaneously with one person guiding the dolly or hand truck underneath the piano.
6. Once stable on the dolly or hand truck, use tie-down straps to attach it firmly.
7. Slowly guide the piano through your home and navigate the corners carefully to avoid contact with the walls.
8. Once on the truck or moving vehicle, secure the piano snuggly with piano straps to prevent it from making movements during transport.

Note:

If you’re going to load the piano alongside other items during the move, ensure the piano goes in first and is well protected.

Settling In and Inspection Phase

With everything well and the move successful, it’s time to get your piano back into perfect condition. Even with the precise planning and execution, there has been a bit of jostling around, and as such, it might need a bit of re-tuning.

But that’s not all. Here’s what you should do once your piano has moved into its new home.

• Of course, the first step is to reassemble. Once again, get your team of helpful, strong hands together.
• Then, clean any dust and debris off the piano using a soft microfiber cloth. You don’t want to get scratches on it.
• Ensure that you clean the exterior by yourself and leave the interior cleaning to the professionals. At this point, you don’t need to cause any damage.
• Inspect the piano for any dent or damages. Check for wear or any out-of-the-ordinary differences.
• Plan a date to re-tune the piano — not too long after getting it to its new home.

Extra Tips on How to Move a Piano

In the course of learning how to move a piano, there are a few tips you might want to have at the back of your mind. They’ll either protect the piano during the move or make the relocation much easier.

• Don’t underestimate the task ahead, even if it’s a small-looking piano.
• Never rush the process of moving a piano. Exercise patience.
• Always request help when moving a piano with professionals, and use the right equipment.
• Protect your floor and walls in the path with cardboard or a moving blanket as you guide the piano through the home.
• Take extra care when moving over stairs. Use metal ramps or piano skids if you have to.
• You should actually consider hiring professional piano movers.
• Ensure you have insurance coverage for any potential damage, especially when using movers.
• Allow the piano to acclimate to the environment and humidity before playing or re-tuning.

Key Takeaway — How to Move a Piano

In terms of price and size, pianos are one of the most valuable and largest musical instruments. Like it or not, they are also the most difficult to move.

Knowing how to move a piano is simple; the problem is with the number of hands ready to make the task work.

Nevertheless, the basic steps for moving any piano is this:

• Get the right equipment
• Set aside any extending part and wrap the piano completely in a moving blanket
• Use a dolly or hand truck to transport it to the vehicle
• Reassemble and re-tune once in your new home

Good luck!