So, you’re moving and the piano is coming with you. Now the question is, how are you going to get it out of the house?

Moving a piano is a little different than moving the rest of your furniture. It’s awkward to handle, and there’s a lot going on inside that you definitely don’t want to damage. And no, this is not the time to call a few friends and hope for the best. Let’s go over how it’s actually done.

First, This Is Not a DIY Move

We’ll say this right away: moving a piano is not a DIY job. And it’s not only because pianos are heavy.

A piano’s weight isn’t evenly distributed, so once you start lifting it, it may not feel or move the way you expect. And with something this heavy, losing control of it even for a second can be a problem.

There are also delicate parts inside the piano that can be damaged even when everything looks fine on the outside. So yes, this is one we recommend leaving to the pros.

But before you book your move, make sure you ask. Not every moving company moves them, so this is something you’ll want to confirm ahead of time. And depending on the type of piano you have, you may need to work with a specialized piano mover. 

How Do Movers Actually Move a Piano?

It really depends on the type of piano. An upright, a baby grand, and a grand don’t go out of the house the same way.

Moving an Upright Piano

With an upright piano, the crew can usually keep the piano upright. They’ll close and protect the keyboard, wrap the piano with moving blankets, and secure everything before moving it.

From there, they can lift it onto a piano dolly and move it through the house. Uprights may look easier to handle because they’re more compact, but they’re still very heavy and can be difficult to control.

Moving a Baby Grand or Grand Piano

A baby grand or grand piano are different, you can’t simply put one on a dolly and start rolling.

The crew will first protect the piano and remove parts like the legs and pedal assembly. They’ll wrap those pieces separately, then tip the body of the piano onto its side and onto a padded piano board (a strong, flat platform that helps movers support and control the piano while they move it.)

Once the piano is on the board, the crew will secure with straps so it stays supported while they move it. The board gives them a much safer way to handle the piano through the house and get it onto the truck.

A full grand follows basically the same process as a baby grand, but its larger size and weight usually mean more people, more room to work, and more planning before anyone starts moving it.

What About Stairs and Thresholds?

For stairs, the movers may use the piano board and straps to move the piano one step at a time, with people helping control the weight from both ends. The setup will depend on the piano, the staircase, and how much room they have to work.

For thresholds or small steps, they won’t just push the dolly over and hope it makes it. They’ll stop, lift the piano enough to clear the edge, and then keep moving.

Planning a Move? Let’s Talk 

See? We told you moving a piano wasn’t a DIY job. And if you have one coming with you, make sure to mention it when you request your estimate.

Eco Movers can move upright and some smaller pianos, but there are certain pianos we may not be able to move. Let us know what you have and we can confirm whether we can help.

And of course, we can help with the rest of your move too. Get your free moving estimate and tell us a little about your move.