6 Easy Steps on How to Pack and Move a Piano

No two pianos are the same, and neither are the homes they inhabit. The three common types of pianos are Grand, Upright, and Electronic piano. An electronic piano is generally the easiest to move. Depending on the size of the piano, two to three individuals are needed to carry and load it onto a moving carrier.

Piano's have an odd shape and are large in size, which makes it difficult to move. In this blog, we have listed a few steps on how to move one with relative ease.

Step 1: Take The Measurements

Take a measuring tape, pencil and paper, and start making notes. Determine the musical instrument's width, length, and height. Then map out a moving route. Measure all the doorways, hallways, staircases, and any other pathways you'll need to use both at your current and new address.

Step 2: Schedule Your Move

Moving your piano will take extra time and effort. To guarantee that everything goes properly, you should plan a separate moving day exclusively for your piano.

In any case, be sure that everyone who is assisting you is accessible at the same time/day and has appropriate notice.

Step 3: Hire a Suitable Truck

Moving a large instrument like a piano requires an extra pair of hands to lift and move through the steep stairs or get it upstairs.

It is similarly essential to find an appropriate-sized moving carrier or truck to carry it to a new location safely. Choose a box-type truck to move your piano securely.

Step 4: Get The Right Equipment & Supplies

Once you have all the measurements and timing down, you'll need the right tools and supplies, such as:

Work gloves
Piano dolly
Moving straps
Moving blankets
Packing tape
Ratchets & Screwdrivers
Piano skid board
Stair ramp
Moving blankets & Furniture pads

Step 5: Disassembly & Reassembly

Moving An Upright Piano

Upright pianos are smaller than grand pianos and can weigh between 135 to 400 kilograms. In order to move them, here's what you'll need to do:

Use bubble wraps to cover piano keys and pedals.
Close the piano's lid and cover it with an old towel or a foam packing sheet. Use tape to hold the foam or cloth in place.
Wrap the piano with moving blankets and secure it with tape. Ensure that the sides, back, and front of the piano are all covered with blankets.
Make sure that the handles at the rear are easily accessible unless you're using a piano board.
Lift the piano onto a dolly to tape down blankets on the bottom.
Ratchet or moving straps can be used to further secure the moving blankets.
You may require at least two individuals on either side of the piano to lift it and a third person to slide the dolly below.
Take your time and lead the piano through the passages and corners of the house with caution.
Ratchet straps should be used to secure the piano in the vehicle.
For greater control, put a person in front of the piano when unloading it from the truck.

Moving a Grand Piano

You'll need a piano board to move a grand piano and at least two people to help.
Put a blanket over the interior and under the wing/piano lid. Any wood-on-wood or lacquer-on-lacquer contact needs to be buffered by a protective cloth or blanket.
Take down the music rack and wrap it with a moving blanket and secure it with tape.
Remove the lid and completely cover it with moving blankets. Tape many times across the breadth of the blanket-covered lid to keep the blankets from slipping off.
A grand piano has two separate sides: a flat side and a curved side. The first leg to be removed is on the curved side of the piano.
Remove the piano's legs using a screwdriver. Assemble your team to tip the piano on its side and keep it from tumbling over.
Drape moves blankets over the grand piano's body, totally enveloping it. To keep the blankets in place, wrap tape across its breadth.
Consider covering the piano with a plastic moving wrap to ensure the blankets stay in place.
Gently place the piano on the board with care. Have multiple team members to assist you in lifting.
Guide the piano through the home and onto the moving truck with someone on either side of it.
Use ratchet straps to secure the piano to the truck.
Wrap a moving blanket around each of the remaining disassembled legs. Put all of the screws in a bag and tape it to one of the piano legs.
Carry the furniture legs, music rack, and bench to the moving truck.
Place moving blankets on the floor of the van's boot before placing the piano on top.

Step 6: Securing your Piano in Transit

Check that all pathways are clear. Keep your moving truck nearby and easy to reach.

You may either lay the piano down or lean it upright against the truck wall. Make sure everything is tight and secured, use ratchets if required. Name and keep a record of all the individual pieces, so nothing goes lost.

Pro-Tip:

Hire a professional moving company, as they can take care of the entire moving procedure, including packing, loading and transporting securely to your new location on your behalf. We have numerous movers here at AssureShift who specialise in such niche requests. You can compare them online and hire them in minutes, or better yet, just tell us your requirements, and we will suggest you the best ones based on them.