When it comes to moving, pianos present a unique situation. Despite their large size and heavy weight, pianos are also delicate and need a lot of care.
To ensure that it stays safe during the move, you need to do your research and make the proper preparations.
Here are a few tips you can use to prepare your piano for moving:
Weigh Between DIY or Hiring Piano Movers
One of the first questions you should ask yourself when relocating a piano is whether to do it yourself or use piano moving services.
After all, pianos can weigh anywhere from 400 to 1,200 pounds. You not only risk damaging the piano, but also injuring the people handling it.
Hence, you should carefully consider the pros and cons of both approaches.
If you prefer to go DIY, bear in mind that the number of things you need to prepare substantially increases.
Some of the things you need to do include getting the help of able-bodied peers and acquiring the equipment to move the piano (e.g. dolly, furniture blankets, piano skid board.) It takes a lot of work and effort, but it may help you save some cash.
Meanwhile, hiring piano movers will make you shell out money. However, you can feel more at ease since they often have the equipment, vehicle, and experience needed to accomplish the job.
From a safety standpoint, it’s clearly safer and more efficient to hire professionals.
If you’re thinking of hiring pros, there are piano movers in each state who you can turn to for assistance.
For example, if you’re moving in or out of Florida, there are excellent piano moving services in South Tampa that you can inquire about.
Learn Moving Guidelines Based on Piano Types
The type of piano you have is a significant factor to consider for the move. The way you handle it, the steps you take to prepare it, and the moving costs differ from one piano to another.
To elaborate further, here is a quick rundown of what you should do for each piano type:
- Upright — If you managed to get the help of able-bodied assistants and procure the proper equipment, moving a standard-sized upfront piano is achievable through DIY.
- Baby Grand — These pianos are extremely heavy and will need the right equipment to move them safely. You may also need to disassemble it, which requires help and skill. In this case, hiring piano movers is recommended.
- Grand — It is strongly recommended to hire experienced piano movers to relocate this beautiful behemoth. Grand pianos can weigh more than a thousand pounds. For you and your piano’s safety, it may be best to leave this to the pros.
Clear Your Items
Whether you go for DIY or hiring movers, the first step in preparing the piano is to clear any items placed on it. Pack away the picture frames, music sheets, flower vases, and several other knick-knacks displayed on the piano.
Make sure to check under the hood as well to ensure that there are no loose items that may rattle during the move.
Store all of these items in a box, which you can label piano. That way, the movers will know to put it near your instrument in your new place.
Prepare the Moving Routes
After storing away the items placed on the piano, you need to pave a clear path for the piano to move. Clear away any obstructions and pieces of furniture that are blocking its moving route.
Remember to remove the rugs as well, which are potential hazards for movers who might slip on them.
Speaking of routes, don’t forget to measure the width of the doors and hallways. Find out if the piano can fit through them.
If it does not, you may need to consider other points of exit or maneuver the piano in another way.
Meanwhile, if you have pets or children, make them stay in another part of the house. You don’t want to risk them getting caught up in the middle of the move and injuring themselves or anyone else.
Consider having them first stay with a friend or a neighbor as the movers roll the piano out on a dolly and onto the moving truck.
If you live in a busy apartment, make sure to inform your landlord—and perhaps even your neighbors—beforehand about moving the piano.
In this manner, they won’t be surprised or inconvenienced to suddenly find a big piano occupying the stairs, elevator, or hallway.
Lastly, apply all of the points above to your new place. By doing so, you help make sure that the moving process goes smoothly as possible.
Overall, moving pianos can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially when they have a lot of sentimental value.
To help ensure that they safely arrive in their new home, be smart and take the proper measures to ensure a smooth transition. If you can, hire a reliable piano moving service for a more comfortable and efficient moving process.