Quite often people think that all it takes is muscles to move a piano. In my experience of moving, a piece of musical instrument has more to do with safety than weightlifting. However, careful and attentive you are, there are some things only professionals can do. Simply put, if you plan to move a piano, it is best to take some professional advice or hire movers to do your job. Because moving a piano will bring a mammoth of challenges and you have to be prepared. So, here are some piano moving steps that will help you move your piano safely.
Start by taking measurements
If you are convinced that you can move the piano all by yourself, make sure you start by taking the measurements of the piano. You have to carefully measure the dimensions of the piano and decide the path you will move the piano on. Also, make sure that you take the hallways, doors, and stairs into consideration before transporting the piano to the moving truck. After all, you don’t want to get stuck in the middle of the moving process.
In addition to this, it is also necessary to note that the logistics will vary based on the weight and size of your piano. Say, you have a grand piano weighing over 1,000 lbs, the dimensions of this piano are different than an upright piano. In fact, both these pianos have different packing and moving needs too. So, you have to make sure that you know what type of piano you have and then measure and weigh it before you begin packing.
Gather the packing and moving supplies
Moving a piano safely is similar to getting an infant ready for a move. You have to protect the piano from dents, scratches and most vitally any harmful substance that could ruin the musical health of the piano. This is why you will need the right packing material to keep the health of the piano safe and sound. Not only this, but you will also need a few moving equipment to carry the piano from a flight of stairs or down the pavement. And these are some of the piano moving supplies you need to purchase right away.
- Soft blankets
- Plastic wraps
- Heavy-duty tape
- Four-wheel dolly
- Gloves
- Dense cloth
- Straps
- Ramp
- A pair of scissors
If you already have the supplies mentioned in the list here, you are good to go. But, if you are missing the above-mentioned items run to the store and get all the items for a smooth and safe piano move.
Clear the path for your piano’s exit
Imagine a heavy piano on a four-wheeler trolly being pulled by two men holding on to moving straps. Now, imagine the same piano stumbling down a flight of stairs because you were not careful enough to move the obstructions from the moving path. I am sure as a musician you don’t want your piano to suffer that fate. This is why it is vital to remove all the tiny, big and not-so-important obstructions from the moving path.
Not only this but also ensure that you keep things like potted plants, children and pets out of the way. After all, you don’t want the potted plant tripping you up. So, while you clean the path keep everything obstructive out of your sight, and also make sure that you move your piano without wrecking the walls on the sides. For the same, you have to cover all the corners of your piano with soft blankets, towels, or extra padded protection.
Wrap the piano
Soon after taking all the precautions, start wrapping the piano. The process of wrapping for both grand and upright piano is quite different. A grand piano requires disassembling while an upright piano can be moved as it is. So, here’s how you will move and wrap both the pianos.
Upright piano
Finally, it’s time to wear working gloves and wrap the piano. Start with the lid over the keyboard and secure it with tape to make sure it doesn’t open and fall down. Next, wrap the pedals using a plastic wrap and secure it with tape. Last but not least, take the wrap the front and back of the piano with the help of soft blankets, plastic wrap or some cloth. Secure the entire wrapping with tape and then add a protective layer of padding to ensure complete safety.
Grand piano
Packing and moving a grand piano is quite different from an upright piano. So, make sure that you disassemble the piano before the move. Begin by disassembling the piano’s leg and pedals. Now, tape the lid above the keyboards and then start wrapping each part separately with plastic paper and soft blanket padding. Secure the wrapping with tape from all sides and then make sure you lift the piano carefully and place it right above a four-wheel trolley.
Once your piano is thoroughly protected and ready to move, take the help of the professionals to lift it up or to move it inside the moving truck/van. For instance, if you live in Brooklyn, you will find a bunch of cheap movers in Brooklyn. You can hire them and even ask for their help in reassembling the piano, once you reach your final destination.