Piano Moving
Moving a piano can be a difficult task and we highly recommend you hire a professional to move it for you. Moving Explorer can refer you to professionals in your area with experience moving pianos and other cumbersome items. Moving a piano yourself can be dangerous both to the piano and to you. You also risk injuring anyone who is helping you move the piano to and from the moving truck.
Pianos come in four major body types and each type requires a different plan before they can be moved.
The spinet piano, typically the smallest design, is built in two sections. The first section has the front legs, which are bolted to the undercarriage. We do not recommend disassembling the piano, or the front legs, as it can be very difficult to reassemble. In addition, many spinet pianos are antiques and it can be harmful to the wood to remove the legs or detach the sections. Protect the piano with moving blankets (available at any moving supply company) and make sure not to stack heavy boxes on top of the piano.
The upright piano is a medium sized piano but can often be heavier than larger pianos because many upright pianos are constructed of heavy wood and hardware. The older the design, the heavier the piano will likely be. Make sure to completely cover the item with moving blankets once it is arranged in the truck bed.
The Baby Grand piano is larger than an upright but is often not as heavy. Before moving a baby grand, you must be sure to remove the “wing” and cover the top of the piano in cardboard sheets to protect the hardware and prevent scratching. It will often take upwards of four people to safely move a baby grand without damaging the wood or causing injury to movers. Many moving companies will remove the legs of a baby grand piano before loading it onto the truck. Make sure the piano is resting on moving blankets or other padding and take care when stacking boxes on top of the piano. As always the wood should be protected from scratching using blankets and other padding once it is securely arranged in the truck.
A grand piano is the largest and heaviest model. The preparation is similar to that used for the baby grand but you it is wise to have many hands to help move the piano.
Piano moving is not easy but there are moving companies that specialize in moving these instruments. Many movers have methods to avoid damaging the piano or injuring themselves while moving. It is sometimes necessary to have pianos hoisted from a window or balcony because the stairs are too weak or narrow to allow safe passage. You should always consult a professional piano mover before attempting to move the item yourself. Professional piano movers, carry liability coverage that will protect your piano in case of damage and will also protect you from damage to the inside of your home. If you choose to move your piano yourself, you will be responsible for any injury or damage to your building.
By submitting to our online moving service, we will provide you with information and pricing from several companies who perform piano moving in your area. Even if you choose to move your piano yourself, it is often wise to consult with professionals, to avoid making costly or dangerous mistakes
