How to Move a Piano Safely: Everything You Need to Know
Moving a piano is one of the most challenging household tasks. Here's what you need to know to do it safely.
Why Pianos Are Uniquely Challenging
Upright pianos typically weigh 150–250kg. Grand pianos can weigh up to 500kg. They're awkwardly shaped, have delicate internal mechanisms, and can be damaged by even small knocks. Moving a piano without specialist equipment and experience is both dangerous and risky for the instrument.
Upright Pianos: The Basics
An upright piano requires a minimum of 3–4 experienced movers, a proper piano board (heavy-duty flat trolley), moving straps, and blankets. Stairs add significant complexity and may require additional personnel or a specialist crane.
Grand Pianos: A Different Challenge
Grand pianos must be disassembled — the lid removed, the legs unscrewed, and the body laid on its side on a grand piano board. This requires specialist knowledge of how the piano is constructed.
Getting Through Doors and Stairs
Many pianos were originally placed in rooms when the house was first built and removing them requires careful measurement, sometimes removal of door frames, and occasionally specialist hoisting. Always measure doorways before your move day.
After the Move: Tuning
Any piano that has been moved will need retuning. This is normal — the change in temperature, humidity, and physical movement all affect string tension. Budget for a tuner visit 4–6 weeks after the move to allow the piano to acclimatise.
Use Specialists
We strongly recommend using a removal company experienced in piano moves rather than attempting it yourself or using a general mover without piano experience. The cost of specialist movers is far less than repairing a damaged instrument.
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