A Complete Guide on How to Move a Piano (the Right Way!)

One in 3,788 households has a piano.

That’s a small portion of the population. But those who own the instrument tend to take pride in their pianos. As such, they treat them with care, especially when it’s time to move. 

Perhaps you’re one of those few households with a set of ivories, and you’re packing up for greener pastures. You know you have a delicate piece of equipment on your hands. And that’s why you need to know how to move a piano before you attempt to do it yourself. 

Here’s what you need to know before you hire that moving truck.

1. Take Measurements

Perhaps you’re moving your piano from one home to another. Or maybe you’re bringing home a piano for the first time. 

Either way, the first step in moving a piano is measuring the space into which it will go. That includes the doorways, staircases and hallways you’ll have to navigate to get the instrument to where it belongs. The big question is, will it fit? 

If you’re simply thinking of bringing a piano into your home, you can get a head start on this step. Research the different types of pianos and their sizes to figure out which ones would fit into your space. That’ll make moving it into your home so much simpler. 

2. Get the Equipment

You can’t just carry a piano into your home. Instead, you will need to get some moving equipment specific to your extra-large instrument. 

If you have an upright piano, you will need piano dollies to wheel it into place. A larger grand piano will require you to have a piano board. Both pieces of equipment will require straps and pads to further protect your instrument, although the latter will require you to have even more of these supplies on hand.  

3. Secure a Large-Enough Truck

Next, you have to settle on the right-sized truck to carry your piano from point A to point B. 

This will be simple to determine if you’re only moving the instrument. But if you’re carting all of your stuff from one property to another, you will need to do some more measuring and calculating. 

Most moving websites will have online tools to create a quote for your move or pair you with the right truck. These resources can help you choose a vehicle that will fit everything. 

4. Double-Check That the Path’s Clear

Now that you’ve laid all of the groundwork for your piano’s big move, it’s time to get things rolling — quite literally. 

Before you load your instrument onto the dolly, though, trace your path once more. Make sure even the smallest of obstructions is out of your way. You might want to pull up area rugs and other seemingly small bumps in the road that could stall your dolly. 

5. Go Slowly — and Don’t Skip the Dolly

Some piano owners might think that they don’t need a dolly because their instrument sits on casters. This isn’t the case, though. 

Your piano can, indeed, shift and move on its own wheels. But relying on them to roll from your house and into the moving truck is a big ask.

They can’t get over carpets or divots in the floor as a heavy-duty dolly can. Piano owners who have simply pushed their instrument this way have ended up with huge scratches on their floors or carpet tears — the last thing you want to deal with on moving day. 

On that note, be sure that you push your dolly slowly as you move your piano through the house. Hastening a delicate process can lead to injuries, damage to your property or even damage to your instrument. Move with intention, but be careful, too. 

5. Load the Piano Into the Truck First

Your piano requires space and security in the moving truck, a lot more than other boxes full of your belongings. 

So, be sure that when you load it onto the truck, it goes first. That way, you can provide the instrument with ample space. You will have room to secure it in place with straps and ropes so that it doesn’t move as you drive to your new home. 

6. Re-Tune Your Piano Upon Arrival

Even with a well-designed plan to move your piano, it has been jostled around a bit. As such, it probably needs to be re-tuned. 

So, once you have finished moving, have someone come and retune your instrument. Experts suggest that you wait a month before you have someone in, just to make sure the instrument has settled and stopped adjusting to its new environment. 

7. Don’t Underestimate the Job

Now, the above steps may make it seem simple to move your piano. In theory, it is — you just have to load it onto a dolly and push it in and out of a truck. 

The reality is that moving a piano is extremely difficult. You have a delicate instrument that’s also incredibly heavy. Some weigh upwards of 1,000 pounds. 

So, be honest with yourself before you decide to do the job all on your own. Can you and your partner or friends actually handle moving the piano? If not, then look into piano movers in Texas and beyond to help you move your prized instrument. 

Knowing How to Move a Piano is Just the Beginning

You’ve read up on how to move a piano. Now, it’s time to decide, can you handle the job? 

If you decide against moving your instrument on your own, you’re in luck. We are experts in moving pianos and the rest of your belongings, too. Click here to start planning your move with a free quote.