Pianos are probably among the most valuable, delicate, and heaviest items to move. Whether you’re transferring the piano to a different space within your current home or relocating it to a new place, moving a piano can be risky for both the piano and yourself.

The process entails disassembling, packing, and transporting the piano – but it’s easier said than done. You need proper preparations and planning as well as the right tools and techniques. This is particularly true if you’re moving the musical instrument across very tight spaces or between different floors.

You might wonder: is there’s an easier way to move a piano? Yes, there is, but the safest and easiest way entails some cost. Hiring professional movers is the best way to deal with piano moves.

Easiest Way to Move the Piano: Hire Professionals

If your piano is oddly shaped, antique, or heavy, you should consider enlisting the help of professional piano movers. Pianos can weigh anywhere from around 500 pounds to a ton. With experienced contractors, you are assured that your piano is well-protected and given utmost care. They assume the risk and the challenge associated with the project.

Piano moves are considered a highly technical project that requires expertise. In fact, there are moving companies that specialize exclusively in piano moving.

Piano moving contractors are experienced with the process and are familiar with the steps involved. They come equipped with packing supplies and tools as well as specialized piano moving features. Likewise, they have equipment like a forklift, skates, roller skids, air bearings, truck dollies, etc. Most movers also have a fleet of trucks where the piano can be loaded.

Disassemble the Piano for an Easy Move

Once they arrive, they will do a quick survey of your place and plan the best route. They’ll check and measure the halls and doorways, making sure that they are wide enough for the piano to pass through. If there are any bottlenecks where passing through is impossible, they will consider other options such as through the backdoor or windows. Don’t worry as they have the equipment to handle these approaches.

Typically, they will disassemble the piano before packing to make it easier to move. Aside from the fact that pianos are more fragile when they are assembled, it will also significantly reduce the weight of each load. Detaching the lid, lyre, base, and other parts before moving can make the work more manageable. While this process might be more time-consuming, taking the piano apart is still the most efficient technique.

After the musical instrument is disassembled and packed, the movers will carefully move the piano across the room and loaded into the truck. Since grand and upright pianos differ in sizes and dimensions, the approach and equipment used during the moving process may differ.

Easy DIY Piano Move

If you opt to move the piano by yourself, be sure you have a few extra hands to help. They’re not only awkward but also very heavy. Weighing anywhere between 200 lbs to a ton, you’ll need every help available.

Ideally, you need to have at least four people to assist you throughout the move. The top half of the upright piano carries all the weight while their feet can be fragile. You need people to help with both of these parts. If you don’t have the budget for movers, you can ask friends and family. Just be sure that they are physically able for the job.

Having the right equipment can help make the move easier and safer. You can rent or borrow heavy-duty straps so you have a more secure hold. A furniture dolly can also help support the weight of the piano.

Protect the piano by purchasing padding or moving blankets. This proves useful as you move the piano through the halls and doors. Without proper protection, your piano can sustain scrapes and scratches. Also, it can damage or cause cracks on the walls.

Lastly, the piano should be tuned after any move. Whether it is just across the room or to a different place, the internal mechanics can become damaged during the relocation. Although pianos seem pretty solid, they have delicate inner workings that are sensitive to bumps and movements.