Pianos aren’t just heavy—they’re awkwardly shaped, top-heavy, and contain intricate parts that can be easily damaged. Without the right equipment and experience, even a short move can lead to costly repairs or worse, a completely ruined instrument.
It’s safe to say that moving a piano is no small task.
Many people underestimate the challenges that come with relocating such a delicate (yet bulky!) instrument. Whether you’re moving an upright piano or a baby grand, the risks of injury and damage are high.
While we’ll provide an overview of the process, the safest and most efficient way to move a grand piano or an upright piano is to hire professional movers who specialize in handling these delicate instruments. Let’s take a closer look at the challenges of piano moving and why calling in the experts is the smartest decision.
Why Is Moving a Piano So Difficult?
Pianos weigh anywhere from a few hundred to over 1,000 pounds, depending on the size and type. But weight isn’t the only challenge.
Unlike other heavy furniture, a piano isn’t something you can simply lift and carry. These instruments are top-heavy, awkwardly shaped, and packed with delicate components—strings, hammers, and a fragile soundboard—that can be damaged with even the slightest misstep.
One wrong move can lead to serious damage to the piano—or worse, injury to the people attempting to move it. Tight corners, stairs, and uneven flooring add even more complexity. The combination of weight, fragility, and bulkiness makes moving a piano a unique challenge that requires careful planning and precise handling.
Without the right equipment, attempting to move a piano can quickly turn into a disaster. Proper maneuvering, specialized lifting techniques, and heavy-duty support are all essential to keeping both the piano and the movers safe. Even with multiple people, safely relocating a piano is far more complicated than simply picking it up and carrying it out the door.
So, what does it actually take to move a piano? While we strongly recommend hiring professionals, here’s an overview of the process to highlight just how much effort, skill, and caution are required.
How To Move a Piano
Moving a piano safely isn’t just about manpower—it requires careful planning and proper equipment to prevent damage to the piano and keep everyone involved safe. Without the proper tools, even a simple move across the room can lead to costly repairs or injuries.
What You’ll Need
- Moving straps – These help secure the piano and distribute its weight evenly, reducing the risk of dropping or shifting during transport.
- Work gloves – A good grip is crucial when handling such a heavy and delicate item. Gloves provide better control while protecting hands from splinters and strain.
- Heavy-duty furniture dollies – Especially important for moving an upright piano, a sturdy dolly helps navigate tight spaces without excessive lifting.
- High-quality moving blankets – Wrapping the piano properly prevents scratches, dents, and internal damage during transit.
- A ramp – Lifting a piano into a moving truck is nearly impossible without a secure ramp for controlled loading and unloading.
- A partner – No matter the piano’s weight or size, we advise you to never attempt to move a piano without help!
How to Move an Upright Piano
- Measure doorways and pathways – Before moving an upright piano, measure all doorways, hallways, and stairwells to ensure there’s enough clearance. (The last thing you want is to get stuck in a tight space mid-move.)
- Secure the keyboard lid – The lid can easily swing open during transport, potentially damaging the keys. Use packing tape or stretch wrap to keep it firmly shut.
- Wrap the piano – To avoid damaging the piano’s surface, cover it completely with high-quality moving blankets. Secure the blankets with straps or tape to keep them in place.
- Use moving straps and a dolly – Never attempt to lift the piano without assistance. Carefully tilt and place it onto a heavy-duty furniture dolly, using moving straps to distribute weight evenly.
- Navigate obstacles with extreme caution – Stairs, ramps, and tight corners add another layer of difficulty. Pianos should always remain upright—tilting too far can throw off their delicate internal mechanisms.
- Load it into the moving truck – Use a sturdy ramp to guide the piano into the truck, ensuring it stays upright and secure. Once inside, fasten it with additional straps to prevent shifting during transport.
How to Move a Grand Piano or Baby Grand Piano
- Wrap and Secure the Piano – The body of the piano should be wrapped in high-quality moving blankets to protect its polished surface.
- Disassemble Key Components – Unlike upright pianos, grand pianos need to be partially disassembled for safe transport. Remove the legs and pedals to prevent breakage during the move.
- Tilt Onto a Dolly – Grand pianos cannot simply be lifted and carried. Instead, tilt the body of the piano onto a heavy-duty dolly.
- Carefully Load the Piano into the Moving Truck – A sturdy ramp is necessary to safely guide the piano into the truck. The disassembled parts should be wrapped separately and secured properly to prevent any movement during transport.
- Reassemble the Piano at Its New Location – Once moved, the legs and pedals must be carefully reattached, ensuring they are properly secured to avoid instability.
What to Do After Moving a Piano
While it may be tempting to sit down and start playing right away, it’s best to give your piano some time to settle.
Pianos are highly sensitive instruments, and even minor changes in their environment (such as humidity and temperature) can make the piano sound off-key.
For the best results, wait at least two to three weeks after the move before scheduling a professional tuning. This allows the piano to adjust to its new environment.
Why You Should Hire Professional Movers Instead
There’s no way around it—moving a piano is tough. Hiring professional piano movers is the safest and smartest option.
Avoid Injury and Damage
Pianos are extremely heavy, and their weight is unevenly distributed. Without the right technique, you risk back injuries, crushed fingers, or dropping the piano entirely. Professionals reduce the risk by using proper lifting methods and safety gear.
Pianos Need Special Handling
Unlike regular furniture, pianos have delicate internal parts that can be easily damaged. Moving an upright piano or a baby grand piano incorrectly can throw it out of tune, damage the frame, or even break the soundboard. Professional movers know how to protect every part of the piano.
The Right Equipment for the Job
Professional moving companies have heavy-duty moving straps, padded blankets, and specialized dollies to transport a piano safely. They also know how to load it securely into the moving truck so it doesn’t shift during the drive.
Costly Mistakes Can Be Avoided
Repairing or replacing a damaged piano is expensive. One wrong move could cost you thousands in repairs. Hiring professional piano movers ensures your instrument stays safe and arrives in perfect condition.
Make Your Move Stress-Free
At the end of the day, moving a piano isn’t worth the risk. Let professionals handle it so you can focus on settling into your new space.
The Smart Way To Move a Piano
Moving a piano isn’t like moving a couch—these instruments are heavy, delicate, and tricky to transport. Pianos weigh hundreds (sometimes thousands) of pounds, and one wrong move can cause serious damage to the piano—or worse, injury to you.
Instead of risking costly mistakes, hire professional piano movers who have the right equipment, experience, and expertise to move your piano safely and efficiently.
Let the experts handle it! Contact Cento Family Moving & Storage today for reliable, stress-free piano moving services.
