Tips for Moving a Piano

Moving a piano is a daunting task and requires all hands on deck. You’ll need to rent or purchase furniture dollys, heavy-duty straps, and padding.  Start by measuring all places the piano will travel, including doorways, hallways, and staircases. You’ll also need to clear the pathway of any obstacles and furniture. Visit https://pianomoverscharleston.com/ for more information.

piano movers

A piano is a large, heavy piece of furniture that requires special tools and specialized training to move. Hiring a professional may cost more than doing it yourself, but the peace of mind that comes with knowing your piano will be safe in transit is worth the investment.

Depending on its size, you will need at least three people to move an upright piano and possibly more. Enlist friends and family members who are in good physical shape and who have experience moving heavy items. Offer food and drinks to help them stay motivated throughout the move. You should also purchase some supplies to ensure the job is done properly. These include a piano dolly, straps, and a ramp supporting the piano’s weight.

Before moving the piano, measure every doorway, staircase, and hallway it will pass through. It will prevent you from spending time and money enlisting help, buying supplies, and lifting the piano to discover that it can’t fit through a doorway. Removing doors from their hinges may be necessary to give the piano enough room to maneuver.

Once the piano has been moved onto the dolly, have two people on each end of the instrument start by lifting from a squatting position. It will reduce back strain and stress. Have the other two people support and guide the piano only once it is raised enough to clear the height of the dolly. After the piano is centered on the doll, tie it in place with moving straps.

After the piano arrives, it must be covered in furniture blankets to protect it from any bumps during transport. It would be best if you also taped the lid shut so it doesn’t open during the move. Lastly, wrap the pedals in a separate furniture blanket and secure them with tape or shrink wrap. Once everything is ready, the piano can be loaded into the truck. If you need help preparing a piano for moving or have any other questions about driving a piano safely, contact a local piano store for more information.

Pianos are heavy, and moving them requires serious human resources. It would be best if you never attempted to move one alone or with little assistance, as you are taking a huge risk of injury and potentially damaging the instrument. Whether you are hiring a professional or taking the DIY route, make a plan and get all the necessary supplies together. You will need a large furniture dolly, straps to secure the piano to the doll and the truck or van, and padding and moving blankets to protect the piano during transit. You should also purchase a mattress pad for the bottom of the piano, which will help prevent scratches and scrapes during the move.

You must have a team of at least four people to help with the move. Ideally, it would be best to recruit friends or family members who have experience lifting heavy objects and are in relatively good shape. Ensure all individuals wear appropriate clothing, including footwear with good traction. It is also a good idea to have someone at the top and bottom of the stairs to guide the piano as it is moved up or down.

Once the piano has been transported to its new home, you must take a few weeks to let it settle in. It will give the strings and wood time to acclimate to its new environment, so the piano isn’t out of tune when you play it. It is also good to schedule a tuning appointment after the piano has settled, as the inner mechanics can shift during a move.

Before moving the piano, map all rooms it will pass through and measure both the piano and the skid board. It will help you determine the size of truck or van you need and ensure that your piano will fit through any doorways, staircases, and hallways. Also, remove any items that could bump into the piano or be impeded by it during the move.

Storage is an option if you’re not ready to use your piano or have inherited one from a loved one and want to preserve it. Many companies offer professional storage services that can protect your instrument from extreme heat, cold, and humidity. They can also provide secure on-site security to keep your piano safe. You’ll want to choose a location that can comfortably accommodate the size of your piano. Depending on your piano’s shape, you might need to pad the legs and corners of the instrument to prevent damage during moving and storage.

The best place to store a piano is in an air-conditioned space with stable flooring. It will help keep the instrument safe from moisture and make it easier to move around during storage. If you must put your piano in a garage, ensure it’s on furniture sliders or protective mats to avoid scratching the floors. It’s also a good idea to pad the legs and sides of the instrument with blankets, or you can wrap it in shrink wrap to protect it from fingerprints and dust.

Consider your storage unit’s temperature and humidity levels. These can be different from those of your home, so it’s important to acclimate your piano to the new environment before moving day arrives. To do this, you can gradually change the temperature in your house over a few weeks and then slowly introduce your piano to the new conditions.

Finally, it’s important to remember that moving and storing a piano is challenging, even with careful preparation. It’s a large, heavy instrument that can be easily damaged during transition. To minimize the risk of damage, it’s a good idea to speak with a piano moving company who can help with the change. These companies can provide expert advice and guidance to help you prepare your piano for moving and storage to protect it from extreme weather conditions during transportation and storage.

Pianos accumulate dust, especially when they aren’t in use. This dust can cause the keys to become stiff or sticky and affect the sound of the piano. Regular cleaning can prevent this and keep the instrument in good condition. Dusting the piano before and after moving is important to avoid damaging the finish. A feather duster or a soft cloth should clean the piano’s surface. Care should be taken when dusting the keys since they can easily scratch.

It is also recommended to remove the lid and move any items that are on top of it. It will help the movers see the keyboard’s full length and avoid damage. Then, the piano’s legs and pedal extensions should be removed and covered separately. It will make the piano lighter and easier to move. Then, the movers should cover the entire piano with blankets and tape the edges to protect it from damage.

Once the piano has been moved into a new home, it is a good idea to have it tuned. It will help the piano to regain its original sound and feel. Hiring a professional piano tuner for this task is recommended. They will check the condition of the piano and will make necessary adjustments. It will help the piano maintain its quality and prolong its lifespan.

When choosing a piano mover, choosing a company with a proven track record of success is important. They should have extensive experience in the field and offer a wide range of services. In addition, the company should be insured and licensed to operate in your state. The best way to find a reliable piano mover is to compare quotes from several companies. It will ensure that you get the best price for your move.

Pianos are heavy and prone to accidents during transportation. They are difficult to maneuver and require special equipment. It is important to inform the piano movers of any obstacles, stairs, or tight corners they may encounter on the route to your new home. It will prevent them from becoming frustrated and possibly injuring themselves or the piano.