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5 Pro Tips for Staying Safe While Moving a Piano

Do you have to move your piano?

Whether it’s to an entirely new home or just to a different location, moving a piano is no easy feat. When we consider that moving, in general, is rated one of life’s most stressful events, it’s easy to see how moving a piano isn’t always a welcomed task.

Not only are pianos incredibly heavy, but moving a piano can also be a danger to yourself and the piano itself. While moving a piano requires serious strength at the time, it also requires extensive preparation.

Of course, many people will choose to hire professional help to assist in moving their piano. But, it is possible to move a piano yourself given the right circumstances.

If you want to learn how to move your piano in the safest and secure way possible, this one’s for you. Read on to discover five tips on moving a piano to keep yourself and the piano safe.

1. Gather Your Supplies

First things first, the best way to begin is by gathering the essential supplies.

It’s safe to say that the most important supply for moving a piano is a collection of large moving blankets. While you can use towels and comforters, it’s best to have moving specific blankets for this job. In order to ensure the blanket is properly affixed to the piano, you’re also going to want to have a few rolls of quality moving tape.

For the actual transportation of the piano itself, you’ll need to have a dolly or a piano skid board. A dolly is usually enough for an upright piano whereas a piano skid board might be more appropriate for a grand piano. With this, you’ll want straps and a screwdriver to help affix the piano.

2. Find Friends

Of course, it’s always tempting to hire a moving company to take care of all your needs. Not only does this mean you can focus your attention on other tasks, but it also helps to minimize the overall stress of moving.

Still, 45 percent of people choose to conduct their moving needs without the assistance of professional movers. In this event, these people typically choose to enlist the help of their friends and family.

In the event of moving a piano, the strategy is no different. Remember, moving a piano is a team effort. Once you have gathered your materials it’s time to locate your most willing friends and family.

The more people you have willing to help, the easier the job is going to be. In this scenario, you’re going to want to have at least four people. In addition to this group, it’s always beneficial to have spotters on standby.

3. Measure Your Route in Advance

If there’s one piece of advice that piano removalists would give you, it’s to map out your route before moving the piano.

If you’re serious about not damaging yourself or your piano, it’s imperative to measure your route in advance. This will help you to avoid causing harm to the piano itself and the different rooms throughout the route.

In addition to measuring the piano itself, you’re also going to want to take into consideration the following measurements:

  • Doorways
  • Hallways
  • Staircases
  • Vehicles

You want to know in advance how easy or how difficult the piano will be to maneuver throughout the home. Sharp corners of any walls should also be protected by towels or baby bumpers. While this does protect the wall, it, more importantly, protects the piano from being scratched.

Ensure that all doorways are open before moving and that furniture is pushed aside to make room. You’re also going to want to make certain that everything is removed from the floor and that pets are put into another room.

4. Slow and Steady

When it comes to the move itself, remember that blankets are your best friend.

You can begin by covering the piano keys and the piano pedals with your moving blanket. From here, you can cover the piano from top-to-bottom in blankets. While tape is helpful, you can also use straps for more large-scale blankets.

Once the piano is entirely protected, your team can hoist the piano onto the dolly or the piano skid board. Each member of the team should have a different side of the piano. For example, one person is holding the front of the piano while the other person is holding the back.

Remember to use traditional moving precautions when moving the piano. Bend your hips and knees to squat down to the piano. Once you have a firm grasp, keep the object close and straighten your legs.

Once the piano is on the moving instrument, you can slowly wheel the piano to the moving truck or to the desired location.

5. Dress Appropriately

When it comes to dressing appropriately for a move, let’s look to professional movers for inspiration.

In the trouser department, they’re typically wearing cropped pants or tight-bottomed jeans. When it comes to the upper body, they typically protect themselves with breathable materials and long sleeves.

While this is important, the most crucial takeaway in dressing appropriately has to do with footwear. Remember, pianos are incredibly heavy! This is why it’s absolutely essential to wear steel-toed boots during the move.

The Key to Moving a Piano

It’s safe to say that moving a piano isn’t for the faint of heart.

Even professional movers are sure to feel a slight twinge of intimidation when it comes to the relocation of a piano. Not only are you looking to avoid damaging the piano itself, but you also have to be careful not to hurt yourself or strain your body.

When it comes to moving a piano, it’s absolutely imperative to be as careful as possible. So, if you’re gearing up to relocate a piano, be sure to use to guide as inspiration.

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Jeff Campbell