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Published on Jan 7, 2025
•6 min read
By Murphy Jackson,Guest Author
Moving a piano long-distance is no small feat and requires meticulous planning, expertise, and the right equipment. Whether you have an upright or grand piano, ensuring its safe relocation is a top priority.
In this guide, we will explore the essential steps involved in moving a piano long-distance, the factors that influence the cost of the move, and why entrusting this task to professional long-distance piano movers, like Muscleman Elite, is the wisest choice.
From assessing the piano’s weight and dimensions to discussing the delicate process of laying down a piano for transport, we’ll provide you with valuable insights to make your long-distance piano move a harmonious and secure experience.
Moving a piano long-distance calls for precise planning, specialized equipment, and skilled expertise. The process begins with a thorough assessment of the piano’s size, shape, type, and the travel path –considering doorways, staircases, narrow hallways, and the layout of the final destination. Once evaluated, the piano can be prepared for the move.
Muscleman Elite’s expert long-distance crew will then wrap the piano in protective blankets and secure them with padding to ensure safety during travel. If your piano has a keyboard lid, we’ll lock it down to prevent it from opening while on the road. We also pay special attention to the legs and pedals of the piano, sometimes even removing them to ensure no damage occurs during the move.
Once the piano route is planned and it has been fully cushioned, a specialized piano dolly is then used to transfer the piano to the moving truck. Once in the truck, the piano is securely fastened, ensuring stability throughout the journey.
The cost of moving a piano can depend on several factors including the type of piano, the distance of the move, the travel path in the old and new destinations, and any additional services such as storage in between locations.
At Muscleman Elite, we provide transparent pricing based on these variables, offering a detailed quote to eliminate any unexpected crescendos in your budget. Plus, we work much more efficiently than most moving companies, which typically results in a lower cost for the long-distance piano moving services.
While it’s technically possible to move a piano without professional movers, you could risk damaging one of your most prized possessions, or even yourself. The risks involved – injury to oneself or others, damages to the piano, or damage to the home – can be substantial. Not only are pianos extremely heavy, but also intricately balanced and sensitive to movement. Using careless methods to move the piano could result in issues with tuning.
Professional long-distance piano movers, like Muscleman Elite, hit the right note by combining proper equipment, strength, and experience to ensure your piano’s safety.
Oftentimes, it can take anywhere from two to four people to move a piano. However, the type of piano, the moving path, and the equipment used can affect this number. For example, a small standing piano can often be lifted by two trained and experienced individuals. Muscleman Elite evaluates these needs based on your specific piano and circumstances, ensuring a seamless and safe move.
Whether it’s a small upright piano or a full grand piano, most pianos can fit in a standard moving truck. At Muscleman Elite, we measure each piano before moving it to ensure we know exactly how it will fit through the moving path and in the moving truck.
Baby grand pianos, grand pianos, concert grands, and symphony grands should all be measured from the front to the furthest spot on the back (depth). All upright pianos should be measured from the bottom to the top (height).
The average weight of an upright piano can vary widely depending on the make, model, and size of the piano. Generally, upright pianos can weigh anywhere from 300 to 500 pounds for smaller models. Larger uprights, like the full-size studio or professional upright pianos, can weigh between 500 to 800 pounds. The most substantial upright pianos, such as the full upright or cabinet grand pianos, can tip the scales at 800 pounds or more.
These weights reflect the substantial construction needed for the soundboards and other components necessary to produce their rich sound. When moving such a heavy and delicate instrument, it’s essential to engage professional movers who are experienced in handling the weight and intricacies of pianos.
Moving a piano is a delicate task due to its weight, size, and internal mechanics. Generally, pianos are designed to stand upright, and laying them down should be handled with caution.
For upright pianos, while they are often transported on their side on a piano dolly or in a moving truck, they should be secured upright if at all possible. If an upright piano must be laid on its side for moving, it should be for the shortest time possible, and it should be properly protected and secured to prevent damage.
Upright pianos are often transported on their side on the piano dolly and moved upright in the moving truck. Proper cushioning and truck arrangements can help to keep the piano upright during travels.
Grand pianos are a different matter. They are always transported on their sides, with the legs and pedal lyre removed, and the top securely closed. They are then placed on a special skid called a piano board and wrapped in moving pads.
It’s always best to rely on experienced, professional movers who understand the intricacies of the instruments and how to move it correctly. Our team of long-distance piano movers are skilled in assessing the safest way to transport a piano, using the right equipment and techniques to minimize the risk of damage.
Muscleman Elite doesn’t just move your piano; they transport your cherished memories and melodies with the utmost care. They’re not merely movers; they’re caretakers of your piano’s legacy. With Muscleman Elite, you get:
At Muscleman Elite, we understand that pianos are more than just instruments. They are masterpieces of fine craftsmanship with thousands of small, delicate, and fragile calibrated components. No matter the difficulty of your piano move, we work hard to customize a plan to get the job done with the most care and efficiency.
Our dedicated team at Muscleman Elite doesn’t miss a beat. We employ state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure your piano’s utmost safety during transport. With our commitment to excellence, we prioritize securing every aspect of your piano’s well-being, providing you with peace of mind throughout the entire long-distance move. Get started today with a free quote from our long-distance piano movers!