How to Move a Piano
More than just a piece of furniture, a piano is a something you hold near and dear to your heart. And whether you just need to have your piano sent out for a repair, or you’re changing residences—moving this delicate instrument often requires the skill of professionals who know how to move a piano the right way.
Pianos are prone to scratches, nicks and dents during a move—and even small upright pianos can weigh upwards of 350 pounds, with grand pianos often weighing in at well over 1,000 pounds, At North American Van Lines, our expert movers can get your piano to its destination, going above and beyond to make sure your move is safe and efficient.
While we offer full-service moving help, there are some simple things you can do before the movers arrive—that can save you time, money and effort down the road:
- Know ahead of time if the piano’s new destination is a good fit. Imagine moving your piano only to find out that the movers have to turn around because you don’t have enough space. Be sure that the room where you’ll be placing the piano is big enough by taking measurements ahead of time.
- Clear a path. Before the movers arrive, create an obstacle-free path leading from the piano to the door or wherever it’s headed. Clear out any clutter and point out any problem areas like narrow doorways, small steps, etc. That will help your movers pick the most effective path.
- Moving the piano upstairs? Know what the staircase can handle. Find out ahead of time about the age and design of any staircase the piano will be lifted onto and whether it can safely support the weight of a very heavy piano. It’s better to be safe than sorry by risking severe property damage and possible injury.
- Moving can be stressful; even for pianos! Pianos can get out of tune when they are moved. It's a good idea to have it re-tuned after it arrives at its new home.
A piano is unlike other large pieces of furniture, in that it’s a highly tuned instrument that does not take bumps lightly. It may be a wise decision to invest a little money and hire a professional to take care of it. North American Van Lines has more than 80 years of experience, plus highly-trained professionals, state-of-the-art equipment and nationwide and global resources. This means that you are working with a professional moving company that is experienced in relocation, ensuring minimized disruptions, efficient service and timely moves - all of which save you money.
