To move a piano, you’ll need a minimum of four strong friends. Be sure they are in good shape and wear sturdy shoes with adequate traction.
To get a grand piano onto a dolly it is best for the movers to start lifting from a squatting position. This will help to prevent back strain. Contact Mountain Piano Moving Company now!
Moving a piano requires special equipment such as dollies, straps and padding to protect the instrument. It is also essential to have the proper supplies for the move and plan ahead of time for the pathway that the piano will travel through your home including doorways, hallways, staircases, and other tight spots. You will also want to remove any decorations from the piano such as house plants, family photos and anything else that could get scratched or damaged during the move.
A specialized piano dolly is necessary to safely and effectively transport the instrument, and these can be purchased from many places such as online or in home improvement stores. It is recommended to have a minimum of two people to help lift and maneuver the dolly and keep it from tipping over. Using the proper lifting techniques (bend at the knees, and keep your back straight) and guiding the piano carefully through doorways or hallways will minimize damage.
Furniture blankets (or mover pads) provide extra cushion and protection for your piano while it is being transported. These blankets are thick and durable and come in a variety of sizes to meet your specific needs. They are often available at truck rental companies and furniture stores. You will also need what is called a Hump Strap which is a long piece of four-ply burlap that wraps around the middle section of your piano to form a protective barrier and secure it during transit.
Lastly you will need some heavy-duty tape to secure the wrap to your piano. If you want to add some extra security you can also tape around the keys and feet of the piano. If you have a large piano you may need to use a ramp to load it onto the truck.
It is a good idea to have the keys and strings removed from the piano before you start your move. This will reduce the risk of damage and make it much easier to transport. You should also consider removing the legs if possible to make it easier to maneuver through doorways or narrow staircases.
Equipment
When it comes to moving a piano, proper preparation and the right equipment are critical. The task is often Herculean, and it’s not one that should be tackled by amateurs. Professional movers have all the equipment needed for safe and efficient transportation. The equipment includes specialized dollies, ramps, and other tools that help ensure the safety of the piano and the movers.
A specialized dolly is essential for navigating stairs or surfaces that are difficult to roll over. Unlike standard warehouse and delivery dollies, these specialized dollies are designed to support the weight and shape of a piano. A stair-climbing dolly is also helpful for moving a piano up and down flights of stairs.
Additional moving equipment includes furniture blankets to protect the piano from dents and scratches during transport, heavy-duty straps to secure the piano in place during transit, and ratchet straps for fastening the piano to the dolly. Lastly, heavy-duty gloves are recommended to provide a better grip and protection from splinters or sharp edges. In addition to these supplies, a tarp and moving truck are recommended to provide protection from rain or snow during the move.
For the most efficient move, it’s important to have at least four people to help. The team should be composed of individuals who are familiar with lifting and handling heavy items. Additionally, movers should wear comfortable clothes and sneakers with good traction to reduce the risk of injury.
Depending on the type of piano, other specialty equipment may be needed. For example, a grand piano skid board is a flat padded board that supports the piano during transportation. They are a necessity for transporting grand pianos because they can’t fit through doorways with their legs extended. Grand piano skid boards cost about $200 each.
Regardless of whether the piano is being transported long-distance or locally, getting it on and off the dolly and into the truck will require a ramp. This is a piece of equipment that can easily be rented from a local home improvement store. Once the piano is in the truck, it should be secured firmly with ratchet straps and furniture blankets.
Getting Started
The most important step in moving a piano is gathering the necessary supplies. You will need multiple moving blankets to protect the instrument from scratches and dents. You will also need stretch wrap to keep the blankets securely wrapped around the piano. Lastly, you will need a dolly that can hold the weight of the piano.
It is crucial to have at least four people present for a successful move, with two of them on lifting duty. This will allow you to maneuver the piano more easily, particularly in tight spaces or if there is an uneven staircase. Having multiple people on hand will also help if someone becomes exhausted or injured during the move.
Once you have your team assembled, start by measuring the dimensions of all areas that the piano will need to pass through, including doorways, hallways and staircases. It is recommended that you remove any doors, furniture or other obstacles that may interfere with the piano’s path ahead of time.
When you are ready to lift the piano, have everyone start from a squatting position so that their legs do most of the work and to prevent back injuries. Once the piano is lifted, have one person support it from each side while the other moves it onto the dolly. Ensure that the dolly is squarely centered on the piano and secure with furniture straps and ropes to prevent it from sliding.
As the piano is being wheeled to the truck, have spotters look out for any cracks or splits in the pavement that could cause damage to the instrument or throw off its tuning. If you encounter a problem, pause the movement and assess the situation. If you need to, have your team re-plan the route or use a different method of transporting the piano.
Be sure to clear a large pathway in front of the truck. This will ensure that the piano does not get stuck on any stairs or in narrow doorways. If you have children or pets, it is best to close them off in another room or have someone supervise them during the move.
Safety
As one of the most cherished household possessions, pianos must be handled with care. Their weight and delicate components pose serious hazards for those inexperienced in moving such a large, bulky item. However, a few simple safety measures can greatly mitigate these dangers and ensure a safe relocation for both the piano and its movers.
Prior to the move, it’s important to prepare the piano for transport by closing and locking the keyboard lid. This will prevent the keys from accidentally becoming damaged during the move. Additionally, the piano should be fully covered with quality furniture blankets or specialized piano moving blankets and pads to protect against scratches or other surface damage.
Using these pads is especially important for areas where the piano will come in contact with stairways and other obstacles that can be challenging to navigate. In these cases, a team of movers with specialized equipment or the use of ramps can significantly reduce the risk of a hazardous situation occurring.
It’s also a good idea to remove any removable parts, such as music stands or the piano bench, before starting to move the instrument. Leaving them in place can add to the overall weight and stress of the piano, making it more difficult to maneuver and increasing the likelihood of accidental damage. This is particularly true for the piano’s legs, which are designed to withstand vertical loads but can become stressed by lateral movements during transportation.
Finally, it’s a smart idea to avoid wrapping the piano in plastic, which can prevent air circulation and cause moisture accumulation. Instead, use breathable fabric-based padding and cushioning materials to ensure that the piano’s sensitive material remains protected from heat, moisture, and other environmental stresses during the move.
It’s also a good idea to plan the move out at a time when traffic is minimal, as this will minimize external stressors and create a more controlled environment for the piano’s transportation. Additionally, having open lines of communication between the moving company and any individuals assisting with the move will help eliminate misunderstandings and facilitate a more efficient relocation process.