Moving a piano is a big task. Pianos themselves are a big deal. If you own a piano, it probably holds significant value.. Pianos are important, valuable instruments that should be moved with utmost car. Understandably, you want to move your piano well and safely. To do so takes a lot of manpower and planning. The best advice we can offer is to hire professional movers with extensive experience moving pianos. Still want to attempt to movie a piano? Here is what you need to know to move an upright piano.

Pianos are heavy and bulky to move. Pianos have a cast iron harp inside, which makes up most of the weight. Upright pianos can weigh 300 lbs, whereas grand pianos upwards of 800 lbs.  Imagine having to move a piano up and down stairs, around corners, down narrow hallways, or through windows! If moved improperly, pianos can cause serious injury, and be seriously damaged as well. No wonder moving pianos is serious work. Since grand pianos are so heavy, we strongly recommend hiring professionals.

Moving an Upright Piano

1. Supplies

• Moving blankets. In a bind, thick towels will do.
• Tape for attaching blankets.
• Heavy duty dolly that can support the weight and dimensions of your piano. All four legs of the piano should sit flat on the dolly.
• Straps to secure piano to dolly and truck.

2. Manpower

You will need at least 4 strong, healthy, people. They should be reminded about how to safely move heavy items, and wear appropriate footwear with good traction. With an upright piano, each person could be lifting more than 80 lbs.

3. Measuring the Way

• Measure the piano’s dimensions and weight.
• Measure every space the piano has to move through- doorways, staircases and hallways. Make sure the piano fits. Don’t forget to factor in the additional width of blankets. If the piano does not fit, you will need to call in professional piano movers.
• Remove furniture, rugs, doors, and other items that might get in the way.
• If there are hard corners that could scratch the piano, attach towels or rubber bumpers.

4. Prepare the Upright Piano for Moving

Cover the piano with moving blankets, using tape to secure the padding. Remember that tape can damage the piano, so only use tape over the blankets. Take special care with the keyboard and pedals. The keyboard should be closed and secure.

5. Moving Upright Piano

When moving the piano to your truck, make sure there is at least one person on each side at all times. Do not lift the piano by the legs. This can break the legs. Carefully lift the piano by its body, and place the piano on the dolly. Be extra cautious when lifting the piano onto and off the truck. The piano should be the first thing you put into the moving truck so that it is furthest back, towards the cab. Remove the piano from the dolly. The piano should not be transported on a dolly. Use straps to secure the piano to the truck.

6.Tune Your Piano

Once the piano is in its new home, immediately schedule a tuner to tune the piano.

Hope this helps you on your way to moving your upright piano! As always, you can call us any time to talk about piano moving! (919) 596-2469