Complete Steps for Moving a Piano Yourself
Moving day is quickly approaching, and you have one major concern hovering in your mind: How will you move the piano by yourself?
Fortunately, learning how to move an upright piano or grand piano yourself is possible—but it does require preparation and care. Check out our guide to learn more.
What Makes Moving a Piano Difficult?
You are perfectly justified in your concern about learning how to move a piano yourself. Here are a few reasons why:
- A piano is not a piece of furniture: Unlike a couch or mattress, a piano isn’t a piece of furniture—it’s an instrument that requires special care.
- Moving a piano requires special equipment: Professional piano movers use skid boards and piano dolls to move a piano safely.
- Pianos are extremely heavy: As you already know, a piano is probably the heaviest belonging you’ll move.
- Pianos are awkwardly shaped: Pianos are awkwardly shaped and have uneven weight distribution, making them all the more difficult to move.
Moving Upright Pianos vs. Grand Pianos
Each type of piano requires a specific technique for moving. Here are some tips on moving a piano yourself:
Upright Pianos
Upright pianos are smaller than grand pianos and have piano casters (wheels), making them easier to move than grand pianos. But if you’re moving it up a flight of stairs or through narrow hallways, it will still be difficult.
Grand Pianos
Grand pianos are too big to fit through a standard doorway, meaning they need the legs removed to pass through a door. They also need to be strapped shut to avoid damage to the piano lid.
How Much Do Pianos Weigh?
The weight of a piano depends on the style and model. Some grand pianos weigh up to 1,400 pounds, while others weigh as little as 500 pounds. The average upright piano weighs 300-800 pounds.
How to Move a Piano
What You’ll Need
- Moving blankets
- Moving tape (to secure blankets)
- Moving dolly
- Piano skid board (for a grand piano)
- Straps
- Screwdriver
- At least four people
How to Prep Before You Move Your Piano
- Clear doorways and hallways
- Pull out the moving van ramp
- Measure doorways, staircases, etc.
- Open all doors
- Protect floors and doorways (with bumpers or towels)
Moving an Upright Piano, Step by Step
- Cover the piano with a moving blanket.
- Tape the blanket to secure it in place.
- Have each person move to a corner of the piano, then lift to hoist it onto the dolly. (Remember to bend knees to avoid back injury.)
- Carefully push the piano out to the moving van, with each helper remaining on their corner to assist
Moving a Grand Piano, Step by Step
- Lower the lid of the piano.
- Use a screwdriver to remove the piano legs and pedals (and have a helper in place to prevent the piano from falling to the ground).
- Use a strap to secure the piano lid.
- Cover the piano in moving blankets and secure them with tape.
- Lift the piano onto the skid board.
- Secure the piano with straps.
- Push the board to the moving van, with a helper on each corner to assist.
Securing a Piano Inside a Moving Truck
- Use ratchet tie-downs to secure the piano to the rub rails inside the truck.
- Place furniture pads between the piano and the side of the truck.
- Make sure heavy boxes and other furniture are secured and kept away from the piano.
Of course, once you arrive at your new home, it will be time to reverse the process and move the piano inside again. At this point, you will place the piano on the dolly or skid board, carefully push it into the house, then reassemble the legs as needed.
What to Do After You Move a Piano
Your piano has made it to its new home-congratulations! The piano may have gathered some dust and debris in the process, so be sure to take care of your piano by washing it with a damp cloth. Then let it settle for up to a month before scheduling a professional piano tuning. This will ensure the piano stays in great shape and is properly in tune for years to come.