Although transporting your piano may seem like moving any large appliance, but it’s much a more complicated and delicate process. Not only are keyboards top-heavy, but they’re awkward to grip and move. Plus, they’re full of fragile parts that can become easily damaged while in transport. Below, are a few tips we recommend to help pack and move your piano, without the need of a professional moving service.
Before Your Move
1. Find the Right Moving Materials to Use
First, before you move anything, it’s essential that you have all the necessary materials to help make transporting your piano as secure and safe as possible. If you have a grand or upright piano, make sure you have moving blankets on hand to protect it as much as possible. You’ll also need tape or move wrap to secure the moving sheets in place. You should also invest in a dolly to support your piano’s massive weight as well.
Since grand pianos can be tougher to move because of their size and build, you may need additional materials. Aside from moving blankets, this Chicagoland moving company recommends using piano skid board (see this article on making your own) to make transporting it a little easier. All you have to do is secure your piano on the skid board with a few straps to cinch it into place.
2. Get Help
No one said you have to move on your own, and we don’t suggest it. You will need four people to help you move the piano, at the very least. Don’t be afraid to ask your friends, family, neighbors, or even the Craigslist community.
Moving Your Piano
3. Transporting an Upright Piano
To carry your upright piano, you want to first protect the pedals and keys from any damage during the move. You can do this by covering them with protective blankets. Next, drape the piano with additional sheets, including the front, sides, and back. Just make sure that you tape the blankets or use the moving wrap to secure them for the move.
Once you wrap the piano in a protective covering, move the piano onto the moving dolly to start the transportation process. Don’t forget to make sure you have someone on every side of your piano while hoisting it. To avoid as much injury as possible, make sure you tell your helpers to bend their knees to prevent damage to their backs. Once your piano is on the dolly, you can then start transporting it to your moving truck.
4. Transporting a Grand Piano
When moving a grand piano, the first thing you should do is lower and secure the top lid. If it is possible, remove the legs and pedals very carefully so that the piano does not hit the ground when you remove the legs. Then, wrap the lid, keys, and sides of the keyboard with blankets secured by tape. You should also wrap the legs and pedals in moving blankets as well.
Next, you can gently tilt the piano onto the piano board. Secure it to the board with straps. Make sure you have several people with you when pushing the piano board. The extra hands will prevent your grand piano from getting damaged or scratched. All that is left is to lift it onto the moving truck carefully.