Top 10 Tips for Moving a Piano Safely

Pianos weigh between 300 and 1,400 pounds and cost between $5,000 and $20,000. One wrong move can lead to serious damage and injuries.
Transporting an instrument this big from one location to another requires skill, precision, and muscle, no matter how short the distance. That’s why you should call Piano Specialists of Arkansas for all your instrument moving and tuning needs.
This blog will act as your step-by-step guide to piano relocation. We’ll cover 10 piano moving tips (including safe methods for moving upright pianos), DIY techniques, and when to call the professionals.

Tip 1: Assess Your Piano and Space

Before you start asking yourself how to move a piano without damaging it, you need to determine which type you have and measure your space.

Understand Your Piano Type

Your instrument will fit into one of three categories:

• Upright: The smallest and least heavy out of the three. They weigh between 300-500 pounds.
• Baby Grand: Baby grands are smaller than a full grand. They weigh between 500 and 700 pounds.
• Grand: These are the largest and most challenging to move. They weigh between 700 and 1,400 pounds and require specialized tools to move safely.

Measure Doorways and Pathways

Measure your instrument’s height, width, and depth using measuring tape. Then, compare the dimensions to those of the doorways, hallways, and staircases on the route you plan to take.

Tip 2: Gather the Right Equipment

Why Proper Equipment Matters

Pianos are delicate instruments that require careful handling. Without the right equipment, they can easily sustain damage—or even cause damage to surrounding walls, floors, and furniture. Using specialized moving tools ensures safe transport, protecting both the piano and your space.

Essential Tools for Piano Moving

• Furniture Sliders: Great for moving heavy instruments across the floor without damage.
• Moving Blankets: Use these to protect surfaces from scratches and dings.
• Straps: Heavy-duty straps help stabilize the piano while it’s being transported.
• Dollies: Use a piano-specific dolly to handle the weight and size.

Tip 3: Enlist Help

Importance of Teamwork

When moving heavy instruments, you’ll need at least four strong people to help everyone balance their weight safely.
When To Hire Professionals

• You own a baby grand or a grand piano.
• There are stairs, narrow hallways, or challenging turns on your route.
• The weight or sentimental value makes DIY too risky.
• You don’t have the right equipment or enough people to help you.

Tip 4: Prepare the Piano for Moving

Secure Loose Parts

Remove detachable parts like music stands and bench cushions. Make sure you secure the lid, lock the keys, and immobilize the pedals so they don’t shift during the move.

Wrap the Piano Properly

Cover the piano with thick moving blankets, paying attention to vulnerable corners and edges. Then, use straps or residue-free tape to hold everything in place.

Tip 5: Lift and Transport Safely

Proper Lifting Techniques

One of the most important professional tips for moving a grand piano is something your dad probably told you as a kid: Lift with your legs, not your back!

Navigating Tight Spaces

Clear the route and plan for narrow hallways, corners, or stairs. Use ramps to climb the stairs, and adjust your angles slowly to avoid damaging anything.

Tip 6: Protect Your Floors and Walls

Floor Protection Options

To prevent scratches and scuffs, slide rugs or furniture sliders under your piano and place cardboard on your hardwood floors.

Avoiding Wall Damage

Use corner protectors or padding in tight spaces.

Tip 7: Secure the Piano in the Vehicle

Securing a capable vehicle might be difficult if you don’t move things often. Talk to friends and rental places to find one that meets these requirements.

Vehicle Requirements for Piano Moving

Use an enclosed truck, van, or trailer with a flat floor and tie downs. The wrong setup could lead to a damaged instrument or a road accident.

Tying Down the Piano

To minimize movement, place the side opposite the keys against a wall inside the vehicle. Then, use heavy-duty straps to tie the piano to the vehicle’s anchor points.

Tip 8: Handle Stairs With Caution

Stairs are a particularly challenging part of this whole process. Follow these tips to avoid damage and injuries.

Stair Navigation Tips

• Use spotters at the bottom and top of the stairs.
• Always keep the heavier side of your instruments facing downhill for better control.

Following the best practices for piano moving will make tackling stairs safer and reduce the risk of damage or injury.

When To Use Ramps

Ramps are good for tackling shorter staircases because they allow the piano to roll smoothly. Secure the ramp firmly, and use straps to keep the piano stable while moving up or down.

Tip 9: Reassemble and Tune the Piano

Whew! The hard part is over. Now, it’s time for the tedious part! If you’re not a skilled technician, we highly recommend hiring one to help you with this step.

Post-Move Setup

Place the piano against an interior wall away from sunlight and vents, and then, following the manufacturer’s instructions, reassemble the legs.

Importance of Tuning After Moving

You should let the wood and string tension adjust to the new environment for a few weeks before calling Piano Specialists of Arkansas to have it professionally tuned.

Tip 10: Learn from the Experts

Insights from Professionals

The Piano Technicians Guild (PTG) suggests regular tuning and servicing should be performed twice to four times yearly to preserve tone, pitch, and action. Manufacturers like Steinway and Yamaha recommend more frequent tuning in the first year or after environmental changes during relocation.

Preventing Future Moving Challenges

Protect your instruments from Arkansas’s humidity, temperature changes, and dust with secure, climate-controlled storage from Piano Specialists of Arkansas.

Make Your Move Stress-Free

Take a breath and ask yourself whether you really want to attempt to move a 1,400-pound, $20,000 piece of equipment all by yourself.

Don’t take that risk. Instead, let the experts at Piano Specialists of Arkansas handle it for you. Our team has the experience and tools for safe piano moving, tuning, and restoration. If you still feel nervous after reading these piano moving tips, call us at (501) 232-6449 or fill out our easy online form for a personalized quote today!