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Upright pianos weigh anywhere between 300 and 800 pounds, so moving one requires multiple people and specific tools, including a dolly or piano board with heavy-duty strapping and heavy work gloves for each participant in the moving team. Before embarking on this move, ensure all doorways, staircases and floors are clear of obstructions before beginning your move.
Make sure that the piano will fit through each area you are moving it through by measuring each space carefully and padding with blankets before moving it on the dolly or piano board.
Lifting the Piano
Pianos are very heavy instruments that pose significant danger if lifted incorrectly, leading to potentially severe injuries. Therefore, moving one should only ever be done using an appropriately fitted dolly that fits its dimensions perfectly.
One person should lift and transport the piano while another uses a dolly to push underneath it, positioning its rubber grips so they are in contact with the bottom of the piano when its end is lowered to land back onto it on level surfaces or stairs. When the lifter lowers end of piano it will pop easily up onto dolly without issue on level surfaces or stairs.
Before moving a piano, always measure all of the doorways and staircases it will need to pass through. Otherwise, you might end up hiring helpers, purchasing supplies for lifting, only to discover it won’t fit. Doing this will save both time and money in the long run while preventing injury to you or your helpers.
Laying the Piano Down
No matter where or why you need to move an upright piano – from storage, through another room in your home, or across town to its new destination – knowing how to lay it flat requires planning and having enough helpers available. Although it takes some time and special supplies, with proper help it can be accomplished successfully.
Before beginning, ensure you and your movers are properly attired to prevent injuries to yourself and the instrument during movement. Long pants and sleeves should be worn so nothing catches on clothing during moving, along with shoes with sufficient gripping power when lifting it up.
Once your piano is protected with bubble wrap, it’s time to begin the actual relocation process. Two people should position themselves underneath its frame, using furniture dolly wheels underneath its bottom as support, with another person holding each end of its straps (a total team of four should help in moving). Slowly lift your piano onto its wheeled dolly.
Moving the Piano
No matter if it is an upright piano or grand, when moving one it is essential to plan ahead and prepare your team. Hiring professional movers may save time while also decreasing risk of damage to belongings and floors.
Before transporting, cover your piano in blankets to protect it from bumps and scrapes, then secure them using tape or bungee cords. Also remove its legs and pedals before shipping it.
As part of your planning, it’s advisable to measure all doorways, staircases, and hallways to make sure that the piano will fit through them. Also clear a pathway towards the exit by clearing away furniture or any items which might obstruct it. Finally use straps with ratchets so that tightening or tightening them won’t be an issue; these straps should also help prevent shifting during transport which reduces the chance of damage to the piano itself.
Relocating the Piano
Upright pianos are complex instruments that require special supplies for moving. Help from multiple people may also be needed in lifting and carrying it safely; individuals suffering from back, hip or leg issues should not assist. Professional piano movers should be considered if possible.
Plan ahead and compile a list of everything needed for the move, from supplies available at home improvement stores, furniture shops, or online retailers – from moving blankets and tape for wrapping the piano, to blankets that may help prevent scratches during transport.
Measure any spaces where your piano and board will need to pass. If there are any doubts, local movers should come and inspect its dimensions; doors may need to be taken off their hinges in certain areas for passage, while it is essential that a path be cleared clear from any obstacles which could prevent its move.
