How to Move a Piano 🎹

How to Move a Piano

Moving a piano is not for the faint-hearted — it’s a delicate dance between sheer muscle and meticulous care.

At Packhorse Moving, we understand that while strength is vital, it’s the precision that ensures the instrument reaches its new home without a scratch or dent.

Here’s a guide to moving your piano safely, highlighting the importance of both power and finesse.

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Understand the Challenge

Pianos, whether upright or grand, are not just heavy but uniquely shaped, making them tricky to maneuver.

They can weigh anywhere from 300 pounds (for uprights) to over 1,400 pounds (for grand pianos).

But it’s not just about the weight — pianos are finely tuned instruments with sensitive inner mechanisms.

Mishandling can lead to costly repairs or loss of musical quality.

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Preparation is Key

Before anything is lifted, thorough preparation is essential.

Here’s what to do:

• Measure doorways and hallways: Ensure there’s enough clearance for the piano to pass through. This step prevents last-minute surprises when the piano gets stuck.

  
  

• Disassemble if necessary: For larger pianos, removing the legs and other detachable parts can ease the moving process and reduce the risk of damage​.

  
  

• Gather your tools: Heavy-duty moving straps, a dolly, and plenty of moving blankets are essential for protecting the piano’s exterior and facilitating movement​.

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The Path of Precision

Mapping out the route from your piano’s current location to the moving truck is critical.

Whether you’re navigating staircases, narrow doorways, or elevators, each move needs to be pre-planned.

Every person involved should know their role in the process​.

It’s also important to ensure the piano is secured on a skid board or piano board during transit.

This minimizes the risk of it tipping or shifting​.

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Lifting with Care

You’ll need a team of at least three to four people to handle most pianos — more if it’s a grand.

Strength alone won’t get the job done; careful coordination is crucial.

The piano should always remain upright to avoid internal damage​.

Use proper lifting techniques with moving straps and avoid tipping the piano too far in any direction.

If stairs are involved, the piano must be supported from all sides to distribute the weight evenly​.

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Protection During Transit

Once the piano is in the truck, ensure it’s positioned at the back, up against the wall.

Secure it with heavy-duty straps to prevent any movement during the drive.

Non-slip blankets or padding should cover every inch of the piano, safeguarding its finish from accidental bumps​.

And don’t forget: tune your piano after the move, as the change in humidity and vibrations during transport can affect its sound​.

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When in Doubt, Hire the Pros

Moving a piano is no easy feat, and without the right equipment or experience, it’s easy to cause damage to the instrument or, worse, injure yourself.

At Packhorse Moving, our team is trained to handle delicate items like pianos, combining muscle with precision to ensure a smooth move.

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The key to a successful piano move lies in balancing strength with care.

At Packhorse Moving, we pride ourselves on moving complex items like pianos with both power and precision.

Don’t leave such a valuable item to chance — let us help you orchestrate a flawless move.

Looking to move more specialty items?

Stay tuned for the next part of our "How to Move..." series!