Upright pianos require a minimum of four non-disabled helpers, while grand pianos typically need six or more to lift, maneuver, and transport.
Plan your piano’s route from its current location to the truck. Clear the path of tripping hazards, plants, and furniture, and ensure doorways are wide enough to accommodate the piano. Contact Grand Piano Moving Charleston now!
A piano requires a team of strong, dedicated individuals to safely and successfully move it. Movers must be in good physical condition and wear comfortable clothing, especially shoes with traction. Choosing a day when the weather and traffic are favorable is also a good idea to reduce the risk of accidents or delays. Before the actual move, a walk-through is necessary to ensure that there are adequate spaces for maneuvering the piano through doorways and around corners. It is also a good idea to clear a path for the piano and remove any furniture that may be in its way.
Before the piano is moved, it should be padded and covered with blankets to protect it from scratches and dents during transport. It is also a good idea to use ratchet straps to secure the piano to the dolly and to prevent shifting during transport.
The legs and pedals of the piano should be removed, if possible, to facilitate easier movement. The keyboard lid should be closed and locked to avoid damaging the keys, and the music stand should be secured and padded. If the keyboard lyre is detachable, it should be removed and wrapped separately from the piano body.
Other supplies that should be on hand include moving straps, a piano board, and a dolly for safe transport. Moving straps distribute the piano’s weight evenly, reducing strain on the backs of the movers. The piano board provides a flat, stable surface for the piano during transport, and it is especially useful when navigating stairs or uneven surfaces. Ratchet straps help secure the piano to the dolly and to the walls of the truck, preventing it from shifting during transit.
It is also a good idea to purchase or rent furniture sliders and a ramp for loading the piano into the truck. A ramp provides a smooth incline for the piano to roll up, minimizing strain on the movers and ensuring a safe, controlled ascent. A basic toolkit, including screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches, can be helpful for disassembling and reassembling the piano.
Transport
When relocating your piano, you don’t want to take any chances with damage. Your prized musical instrument has sentimental value and monetary worth, so you need to hire professional movers with the right equipment and training. The best movers will offer clear quotes upfront so you know what to expect for your move. Then, you can avoid any unexpected charges and budget accordingly.
Before movers begin, they will wrap your piano in a blanket and secure it with ratchet straps. They will then lift the piano on a 4-wheel dolly to prevent shifting and falling during transport. Pianos are heavy, so this process requires two movers at minimum to ensure safety. They’ll then use ramps to provide a smooth and controlled ascent onto the truck.
A specialized piano dolly has larger, hard rubber wheels that can maneuver in tight spaces and won’t scratch hardwood or tile floors. These swiveling wheels also don’t mark carpets. Compared to standard dollies, these special ones make moving your piano much easier and less stressful.
Depending on the distance of your move, movers may charge an hourly rate or a flat fee. An hourly rate is more affordable for local moves, but a flat fee is the best option for long distances. Be sure to ask movers about additional fees that could be incurred, like fuel surcharges or oversized load charges.
Pianos come in different sizes, so it’s essential that you communicate the size and type of your instrument clearly to movers. This information will help them determine the amount of labor and tools needed to safely transport your piano. For example, a petite grand is four-and-a-half feet long and weighs over 500 pounds. This instrument won’t fit through a typical door without extensive disassembly and special equipment.
The most reliable movers will have years of experience moving pianos of all shapes and sizes. They’ll be able to handle the intricate parts of your piano and transport it with care to its new home. They’ll even reassemble the pedals, legs, and lid for a complete, stress-free relocation.
Unloading
Moving a piano requires more than just a truck and a strong crew. It requires professional expertise, specialized equipment, and great care to ensure a safe and successful move. Oz Moving has almost 30 years of experience moving all types of pianos, from compact uprights to concert grands. We carefully disassemble and reassemble the keys, pedals and legs; pack and secure the instrument both inside and out; load it and transport it with extreme caution; and unload it safely at its new home.
You can prepare for your moving day by securing loose parts and accessories prior to your service providers arriving. This will help make sure everything goes smoothly on moving day and allows you to address any specific concerns that your provider might have.
Gather your team of at least five people and gather all the supplies you will need for the move. This includes a piano board (also known as a piano skid board), moving blankets, straps, and a screwdriver.
Start by wrapping the entire piano in moving blankets, making sure to cover it completely and securely. You should also wrap the lid separately and secure it with a bungee cord or packing tape. It’s important to note that a grand piano can weigh up to 1200 pounds, so it is not a good idea for anyone without proper strength training to attempt to lift it.
Once the piano is completely covered in blankets and securely wrapped, place it on the piano skid board or dolly. It’s important to remember that you should only use a dolly designed for heavy items like a piano to prevent damage. If you don’t have one, you can rent a heavy-duty dolly from most companies that provide moving services.
Once you’ve loaded the piano on the skid board or dolly, secure it with ratchet straps to keep it from shifting during transit. Be sure to drive with extra caution and avoid sudden stops or turns as these could potentially cause damage to the instrument.
Upon reaching your destination, carefully unload the piano from the dolly or skid board. Once you’ve removed the piano from the truck, it is important to position it correctly in your home, taking into account factors such as room acoustics, temperature, and humidity.
Unpacking
Whether you have a grand or baby grand piano, moving it requires meticulous preparation to ensure its safety and integrity. This labor-intensive process is best left to professionals who have the training and experience to handle it without risking injury or damage to the instrument. If you’re considering hiring a moving company to transport your piano, check out the prices they charge for various services. The type of piano and the complexity of the move will have a significant impact on cost.
You should also consider any additional services like dismantling or crating, which can increase the overall cost of the move. If your piano is particularly fragile or delicate, you may have to pay extra to protect it. Lastly, you should consider the cost of insurance and liability coverage to protect yourself against unforeseen damages.
It’s important to have at least three able-bodied friends available to help you move your piano. This is due to the large size and weight of these instruments. You’ll also need a number of tools, including various sized screw drivers to disassemble parts of the piano. You’ll also need moving pads to cushion and protect the piano, stretch wrap to secure the moving pads, and ratchet straps to hold the piano in place. Lastly, you’ll need a piano skid to safely transport the instrument from your home to your truck.
Once your friends have gathered, you’ll need to prepare the piano for transportation. Start by locking the keyboard lid to prevent accidental keying. Next, remove any loose or detachable parts like music stands and decorative elements. Finally, secure any internal components to the piano using specialized padding materials.
After you’ve prepared the piano, lift it onto a sturdy piano dolly or four-wheel dolly with the help of your team. Make sure the dolly has a flat shelf to support the weight of the piano. If possible, have someone at both ends of the dolly guiding it and ensuring its stability as you wheel it from your home to your truck.
Depending on the type of piano and your location, the move may involve stairs or other obstacles. In these cases, you’ll need to clear a path and prepare your truck for the load. You may need to open or remove doors and/or move furniture to create the necessary clearance.