Moving a piano is not an easy task—even for the most experienced and professional movers. First, pianos are very delicate, expensive, and valuable to their owners. Besides, they are not only bulky, but they also have an odd shape, and very heavy. Because of this, it’s always a good thing to hire experienced movers to assist you in moving your piano—this can be worth your time and money.
However, if you choose to do a DIY piano move, you will need some extra muscle for the job to be successful. In addition, you will need to prepare adequately for the job to be a success. Failing to make all the necessary preparations risks damaging the piano. Besides, you can hurt yourself in the process. However, this shouldn’t deter you from moving your piano.
The following are 5 pro tips to help you in relocating your piano.
1. Get the right tools
You will need these tools if you want to move a piano safely. Acquiring heavy-duty straps will help to provide a better grip on the piano. Also, you will need a strong furniture dolly, one that can support the full weight of the piano. You can also use the straps to secure the piano to the moving dolly, as well as in the moving truck.
In the event you are not sure of which tools to use, consult a professional moving company—they can advise you on the right tools to use depending on the model of piano you want to move. Lastly, you will need to buy or rent moving blankets or padding. These help to protect the piano from damages like scrapes and cracks, among other possible damages.
2. Protect the keyboard
This is another crucial step when moving a keyboard—you’ll need to close and lock the keyboard cover. This prevents the piano from opening while moving it. Please note that piano keys are very fragile—thus, they should be protected.
In case the keyboard lid doesn’t lock, ensure that you close the cover when wrapping the piano. Never use tape or rope to keep the cover closed—this risks damaging the piano’s wooden surface.
3. Cover the piano
You can use padding and blankets to cover the piano. Ensure that you protect the corners with padding, and use packing tape to secure the blanket. Be careful as you tape the blanket—the piano’s surface shouldn’t come into contact with the tape. Besides, ensure the padding and blanket that you use are thick enough to protect the piano in case of bumps.
4. Exercise extra caution when lifting the piano
The professional movers from Torex, Toronto piano moving company warn you against lifting your piano by its legs—whether you are placing it on the dolly, into the moving truck, or any other location. Piano legs are very fragile, and they can easily break. Besides, always ensure the piano is in an upright position when moving it. Placing the piano on its side isn’t good for its inner components.
Here are the important steps of moving a piano:
- Place two people at both ends of the piano. Then, place the heavy-duty moving straps under the bottom of the piano—make sure there’s a strap at each end.
- Now, with one person holding a piece of each strap, you’ll have four people helping you—each providing support to the four corners. Carefully lift the piano and place it on the dolly.
- Secure the piano using the straps—and make sure the legs sit flat on the dolly.
- In case your piano has casters, lock them in place (if that’s possible) or make sure you’ve secured the piano.
5. Securing the piano in the truck
You should place the piano at the back of the truck—next to the back wall that separates the cargo space from the interior cabin. The piano will be one of the items that you pack first and the last you unload.
Most professional movers suggest that you use wood planks to ensure the floor is level for the piano in case the moving truck doesn’t have a level space. Wood planks help to relieve pressure off the piano legs and casters since they will strain to stay level when moving the piano.
Tips to secure the piano on the moving truck
- Carefully lift the piano from the dolly and place it on the planks
- Secure the piano to the truck’s wall using the straps
- Make sure you’ve secured the piano, and it cannot tip or move around while on the move
Bottom Line
Please note that apart from being heavy, pianos have an awkward shape. Upright pianos carry most of their weight in their top half, which makes their legs very fragile. Therefore, you will need a few people, at least four to assist you with the move.
You can request friends or family to help if you’ve not hired professional piano movers to help you with the job. Don’t forget to provide some refreshments or take them out for a treat to appreciate their effort and time.
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