Pianos have certainly become a classic possession that adds beauty to that one corner of your house. No matter if you use it much or not. But moving it spoils all the fun of having it for years. Piano moving is an arduous task requiring much preparation and manpower. As it requires special skills to move a piano, the packers and movers industry now offers specialized movers who will help you with moving your piano specifically.
These movers are known as piano movers, who ease your job of moving that heavy piano down the stairs, in an elevator, or into tight places. Also, as the pianos are heavy and difficult to move, there are high chances of getting injured while attempting to move them without expertise or the supervision of professional piano removals.
If you are confused about whether to carry out this complex process on your own or hire professional piano removalists for this task, here is a guide to help you in both cases.
In this article, we will provide you with the tips for:
1. How to prepare your piano before your professional movers walk in.
2. Things to keep in mind if you want to move your piano yourself.
1. Before the Piano Movers walk-in
Although professionals know how to prepare your piano for the move, still, if you feel that you cannot take any chance at all with your expensive possession, then here are some ways through which you can prepare your piano before the movers walk in.
The first step is to examine your piano. If you do not know what type of piano it is, then have a close look at it. Take note of its shape, style, and weight. Knowing all of it will help you move your piano smoothly.
- If you own a spinet piano, then no disassembling is required as it is the smallest type of piano. It is easy to move this type. But still, it is recommended to attempt moving it with four or five people.
- If you have an upright piano, then you may require a piano trolley. It is a standard-sized piano, which means it is bigger in length and width than the spinet piano. The professionals will have this, so you do not need to worry.
- The next type of piano is the most complex one. It is a grand piano that weighs 1,000 lbs. It has a very lengthy keyboard and requires extra attention while moving. It may also require disassembling.
- Once you figure out the type of piano you own, you can inform your piano movers. They can make the necessary preparations accordingly then.
- Other than these, there are some additional measures that you can take. As the piano has a delicate polish and finish, it can be scratched easily. Since it can be harmed while moving, you can take protective measures like using protective blankets that do not slip. You can tuck the blankets beneath the legs and bottom edges of the piano. But instead of doing it all by yourself, you can ask the movers and packers that you are hiring if they provide you with a wrapping facility as well. You can easily get it as some provide it as a complimentary service and some provide it as a premium service.
2. If you decide to move your piano yourself, take the following precautions:
If you want to conduct your move yourself, then you can follow these steps:
1. Before you move your piano
The first and foremost is to gather equipment for the move, such as the blankets, piano trolley, and straps to help you place your piano on the trolley. The blankets will help prevent knocks, bumps, and scratches. Choose blankets that are thick and non-slippery. You can also tape it up to prevent it from moving at all. Make sure that everything is covered well: the pedals, keys, and legs.
2. Find some helpers
After conducting packing, look for people who can help. At least four people are needed to move your piano, and even more, depending on the size and complexity of your piano. While asking people to help you with moving your piano, make sure that all of your friends are wearing proper shoes with a strong grip and comfortable clothes.
3. Measure your space
This is the most crucial step. Before you move the piano, measure the spaces through which you have to move it. If it does not fit the doorways, staircase, and hallway, then it may get damaged on the way. Make it a point that the doors are open. Also, if your floor has tiles that can be damaged, cover them up with protective material. Also, remove all the things that come your way.
4. Moving the Piano
Now that you have secured your piano, the next step is to move it safely. Make sure that each side has one person. Next, the step should be to make each person bend their knees to prevent injuries. Then place your piano on a moving dolly or hand truck so that you can easily move it to the moving truck.
But if the piano is huge, then you should hire professional removalists to safely move it. If you choose to do it yourself, then make sure that you lower the lid and secure it. Take a screwdriver to dismantle the legs and pedals if required. Make sure that everything is nicely wrapped in blankets and tapped properly. Also, arrange a piano board for your grand piano. Next, look for people to help you with placing the piano on board and then carefully moving it onto the truck.
After moving a piano
Once you have moved it, get its tuning done. The keys or the screws can get loosened up during the move. Thus, it is important to check its tuning after the transit. Also, clean it after you remove the blankets, as dust or lint can get into the piano.
All in all
You can safeguard your piano moving process in these stages:
· Initial stage
- Get the appropriate equipment
- Secure the keyboard
- Pack the piano
· Lifting the Piano
- Make two people stand on each side of the piano. Now, place the moving straps underneath the piano, with straps on each end.
- Make each person lift the piano with the strap. Take four people to help you, each on one corner. Now, lift it to the furniture dolly.
- Make sure that the piano legs are resting flat on the moving dolly.
If the piano has casters, if possible, lock up the casters or secure the piano nicely.
· Securing the Truck
Now, move your piano from the dolly to the planks.
- Move the piano to the truck walls with the help of straps.
- Confirm that the piano does not tip while the truck is moving or does not roll around.
· Moving in
While choosing the place for your piano in the house, make sure that it is kept against the wall. Prefer an inside wall.
- Protect it from the cold and damp.
· After the move
- Get the piano tuned after you move it.
So, these are some of the steps that you need to follow while moving your piano. But it is not easy to move a piano and it is advisable to look for professional piano movers to help you with this complex task.