Grand pianos are expensive instruments that are challenging to move. It’s necessary to take them apart to move them. And taking apart a grand piano requires more than one person. Your best option for moving a grand piano is to hire piano movers. If you’re not able to do that, then make sure you follow the correct procedure for moving a grand piano and load it into the truck first.
Gather the Necessary Supplies
Before attempting to move the grand piano, check that you have an abundance of supplies necessary for the process. You need a lot of moving blankets, several rolls of tape, a skid board, a screwdriver, and straps.
The moving blankets protect each part of the piano from scratches, nicks, and other damage. And the tape is used to secure the blankets. Don’t skimp on the tape. You want to use a good amount of tape to ensure the blanket doesn’t unwrap. Skid boards are special pieces of equipment used for transporting a grand piano. They come in various sizes, so make sure you buy the appropriate size for your piano.
Recruit at Least Four Strong People
You won’t be able to move a grand piano by yourself or even with two people. You need to recruit at least four strong helpers besides yourself to help you safely transport the instrument. They should have experience with moving heavy items. And they should be careful people who aren’t likely to accidentally drop the piano or bump it into something.
Disassemble the Piano
First, you need to secure the top lid and remove the piano legs and pedals. You’ll need to use a screwdriver to disassemble the piano legs and pedals. Your helpers should stand around the piano holding onto it while you remove the legs to prevent it from slamming into the floor.
Next, you need to wrap the legs, pedals, lid, keys, and sides of the piano in moving blankets. Secure the blankets with tape. Each piano leg and pedal should be in its moving blanket.
Carefully tilt the piano onto the piano board and strap it to the board. With your team members, slowly push the piano board to the moving truck for loading. After you have loaded the grand piano into your new home, have your team members immediately help you assemble it since it’s a task you can’t handle alone.
It’s Best to Hire Professionals for Moving a Grand Piano
Because grand pianos weight over 1,000 lbs, it’s strongly recommended that you hire a professional piano moving company to handle the task. The special equipment and handling techniques that piano moving companies have decreased the chances your piano will be damaged during the moving process.
If you have to carry the piano through narrow hallways or up steep stairs, then it’s even more important to hire a professional. It not only helps prevent damage to the piano but saves you from potential injury too.
However, if you have no choice but to move the grand piano yourself, just carefully follow the above process and make sure you only recruit trustworthy people to help you move.