The Dos and Don'ts of Piano Moving and Why DIY Isn't Included

Posted on 22/05/2025

The Dos and Don'ts of Piano Moving and Why DIY Isn't Included

Relocating a piano is a task that often gets underestimated. With their grand presence and musical charm, pianos are substantial, intricate, and delicate instruments. Mishandling them can result in costly damages to the instrument, your property, or even worse, personal injuries. In this comprehensive article, we explore the dos and don'ts of piano moving and delve into the critical reasons why DIY piano relocation is not advisable.

Understanding the Complexity of Piano Moving

Pianos are not only heavy and cumbersome. They are also finely tuned machines composed of thousands of moving parts. The sheer weight--sometimes exceeding 1,200 pounds for grand pianos--combined with their awkward shape, creates unique challenges that distinguish piano moving from typical household moving.

Let's examine why safe piano moving requires careful planning, the right equipment, and expert handling.

The Risks of Moving a Piano

• Physical Injuries: Pianos are unwieldy. Improper lifting techniques or underestimating their weight can lead to back injuries, crushed fingers, or pulled muscles.
• Instrument Damage: Internal mechanisms, intricate strings, and fragile wood casings are all at risk. Even slight impacts can impact its sound or require professional repairs.
• Property Damage: Floors, staircases, and door frames are at risk of scrapes, scratches, and dents during mishandling.
• Financial Cost: Repairs to valuable pianos can be exorbitant, not to mention the replacement cost in case of total destruction.

Piano moving is not a simple "pick up and place" job--it's a highly specialized service.

Piano Moving Dos: What You Should Do

If you're committed to ensuring your instrument's safety, here are the correct steps and best practices for moving a piano:

Do Hire Professional Piano Movers

• Choose a moving company that specializes in moving pianos, not just household goods.
• Check for insurance, certifications, and experience with both upright and grand pianos.
• Seek out reviews and testimonials from other piano owners.

Professional piano movers have the training, equipment, and expertise for instrument relocation you simply can't replicate with a DIY approach.

Do Plan Ahead

• Measure doorways, stairs, and hallways before attempting to move the piano. Map out the entire route, including where corners, landings, or uneven surfaces create potential hazards.
• Clear all obstacles, rugs, furniture, and wall hangings in advance to create a safe pathway.
• Notify building management if you live in an apartment or condo--there may be regulations or guidelines for large moves.

Do Use Proper Equipment

• Professional-grade moving dollies, piano boards, heavy-duty straps, padding, and ramps are essential for safe transport.
• Staircases may require specialized tools and additional manpower.
• Cushion the instrument with protective quilted blankets to shield the exterior finish.

Do Secure the Piano Properly

• For grand pianos, remove the legs, lyre, and pedals and transport the piano on its side, secured to a piano skid board.
• For upright pianos, ensure that all moving parts are locked or immobilized, and the keys are covered.
• Always secure the piano within the moving truck to prevent it from shifting or toppling during transit.

Do Tune Your Piano After the Move

• Pianos are sensitive to changes in temperature, humidity, and movement. Always schedule a piano tuning appointment after it reaches its final destination.
• Allow the instrument to acclimate to its new environment for a few weeks before tuning for the best results.

Piano Moving Don'ts: Mistakes to Avoid

The wrong approach can result in damage or even disaster. Avoid these common pitfalls in piano relocation:

Don't Attempt a DIY Piano Move

• Even if you recruit a group of strong friends, lacking professional experience and equipment puts both people and the instrument at risk.
• Most home insurance policies will not cover damages caused by self-moved pianos.
• The money "saved" by not hiring experts is quickly lost through possible costly repairs or injuries.

Don't Rely on Regular Moving Equipment

• Standard household moving dollies, ropes, or tarps are not designed to support the disproportionate weight and size of a piano.
• Improper equipment increases the likelihood of dropping, tipping, or bumping the instrument.

Don't Move the Piano Without Measuring

• Forcing a piano through tight spaces or around corners can scrape, chip, or jam the instrument and surrounding surfaces.
• It's much easier to disassemble or rotate a piano as needed before starting the move.

Don't Rush the Process

• Piano relocation should never happen in a hurry. Rushed handling inevitably leads to mistakes, bumps, and dropped instruments.
• Allocate enough time for careful movement, protection, and secure placement at every stage.

Don't Neglect Communication

• If you interact with a professional mover, communicate clearly about the piano type, size, layout challenges, and location distances.
• Surprise obstacles on moving day can cause delays or unexpected problems.

Why DIY Piano Moving Isn't Included in the Dos

It cannot be overstated: moving a piano yourself is fraught with hazards and should always be avoided. Here's why:

1. Pianos Are Exceptionally Heavy and Unbalanced

Even small upright pianos can weigh several hundred pounds, with grand pianos surpassing half a ton. The weight is not evenly distributed--most is in the cast iron harp and strings, often to one side. Regular dollies and lifting techniques don't account for this, increasing the chance of tipping or damage.

2. Unique, Fragile Internal Mechanisms

Behind the piano's elegant exterior lie thousands of parts: hammers, keys, strings, soundboard, and delicate action mechanisms. One jolt, improper tilt, or accidental impact can upset the intricate craftsmanship--potentially resulting in a costly repair or requiring complete restoration.

3. Risk of Property Damage

A falling or lost-control piano can gouge hardwood floors, break tiles, punch holes in drywall, or dent stair railings. These damages often far exceed the cost of professional piano moving services.

4. Increased Likelihood of Injury

Shifting hundreds of pounds of unwieldy weight up or down stairs, through sharp turns, or over thresholds poses serious injury risks. Crushing injuries to hands or feet, back strains, or even worse accidents are not uncommon with amateur piano movers.

5. Insurance and Liability Issues

Most moving insurance, whether for rental trucks or home policies, specifically excludes coverage for damages incurred through DIY piano moving. Professional moving companies offer specialty insurance in case of unforeseen events.

6. Emotional and Sentimental Value

Many pianos are cherished family heirlooms. Trusting their care to friends or amateurs can risk not just monetary loss, but also the loss of irreplaceable sentimental value.

What Sets Professional Piano Movers Apart?

There's a good reason why specialized piano moving companies exist. Here are the unique advantages they offer:

• Expertise and Experience: Professional movers regularly handle all types of pianos--uprights, baby grands, concert grands--and have an intimate understanding of their construction and vulnerabilities.
• Custom Equipment: Skid boards, hydraulic lifts, piano dollies, ramps, and padded wrappers are tailored for safe lifting and transport.
• Trained Moving Teams: Coordinated teams know how to communicate, maneuver, and secure pianos efficiently and safely.
• Specialized Insurance: In the rare event something goes wrong, your instrument is protected by professional insurance policies.
• Logistical Planning: Professionals can move pianos through complex layouts, multi-story buildings, and challenging outdoor or weather conditions.
• Time Efficiency: What might take untrained movers all day (or longer), professionals accomplish quickly and with fewer mishaps.

Frequently Asked Questions About Piano Moving

Can I move a piano with a group of strong friends?

Physically lifting a piano is only a small part of the process. Without the right expertise and equipment, even a strong group risks dropping or damaging the instrument. Professional piano movers are trained for the job. DIY attempts are ill-advised.

How much does it cost to move a piano?

The cost of piano moving depends on factors like distance, type of piano, stairs, and accessibility. For residential local moves, expect costs starting from $200 and up, with long-distance moves costing more. It's a small investment compared to repair or replacement costs of a damaged piano.

Will my piano need tuning after it's moved?

Yes. The act of moving and environmental changes will likely affect your piano's tuning. It's recommended to allow the piano time to acclimate to its new home, then schedule a professional tuning.

Conclusion: Protect Your Piano and Your Safety

The dos and don'ts of piano moving are clear: always rely on qualified professional moving services for relocating your instrument. The risks posed to your piano, property, and personal wellbeing far outweigh the perceived benefits of a DIY piano move.

Whether your piano is an upright, baby grand, or concert grand, treat it with the respect its craftsmanship deserves by enlisting experienced hands. Safety, expertise, and peace of mind are always worth the investment when it comes to piano relocation.

In summary, when it comes to moving your piano: Do hire professionals and plan carefully; Don't risk a DIY disaster.