How To Move A Piano When Moving House

If you're moving house, it's important to plan how you'll pack and transport specialist items like your piano. Moving a piano may seem overwhelming, especially given its value, but it doesn’t have to be as difficult as it seems. With the right equipment and careful planning, transporting your piano can be a much smoother and less stressful process than you might expect.

Pianos need to be moved with great care, even if you're just relocating it across the room, as improper handling can damage both the floors and the piano's wheels. Moving a piano, particularly a grand piano, without proper planning and precautions can also be dangerous, so it's important to approach the task with caution.

To move any type of piano, it's highly recommended to hire movers and packers who specialize in piano relocations. However, if this isn't a viable option, we've put together a step-by-step guide to assist you in moving your piano safely and efficiently.

A Guide on Moving A Piano

We’ve outlined 4 simple steps to help you move your piano during your home move. These steps include:

Many removal companies will offer a piano moving service which will make it easier for you and some even specialise in piano removals. Alternatively, you could get help from friends and family.

Ensure you've created an easy-access route to the piano for yourself or the removal company.

Lock your piano lid shut and secure it with protective covers.

Use a moving dolly and with the help of your friends and family - or a removal company - carefully move your piano.

Continue reading for a detailed breakdown of all 4 steps, including how to properly pack your piano and the best methods for moving it, especially if you need to manoeuvre it downstairs.

1. Get Help With Moving Your Piano

Pianos are incredibly heavy and contain intricate components like keys, hammers, and strings, all of which are vulnerable to damage. Additionally, it’s easy to damage your floors, and attempting to move the piano without professional help can be dangerous. Many experts recommend using a removal company, particularly when moving a grand piano.

Whether you're moving a grand or an upright piano, it’s highly advised to consult a professional removal company. Many moving companies offer specialized piano removal services, carried out by experienced and skilled team members who are trained to handle such delicate and heavy items.

However, if you’re on a budget, it is still possible to move your piano without hiring a removal company. Gather at least four friends or family members to assist you with the move. They should be of average strength and free of back issues. It’s recommended to have two people on either side of the piano to ensure the weight is evenly distributed and manageable.

2. Create an Easy Access Route

Before attempting to move your piano, it’s crucial to create an easy access route, whether you're doing it yourself or working with a removal company. Taking measurements of your piano is essential, as it will help you determine exactly what you're working with.

Be on the lookout for potential obstacles, such as narrow doorways or tight hallways, that could make it difficult to get your piano through, both in your current home and in your new one. If you’re hiring a professional removal company, discuss these issues in advance so they can plan accordingly. They may need to remove doors or even door frames to create more space.

Ensure that there are no wet or slippery surfaces that could pose a safety risk during the move. Additionally, declutter your home before moving to remove any obstacles that could hinder the process.

3. Packing Your Piano

If you're using a removal company that specializes in moving pianos, they will supply the necessary equipment and offer expert packing tips to ensure the process goes smoothly. However, if you're moving the piano yourself, you'll need to gather your own packing materials and equipment ahead of time.

Piano cover (if you have one)

Measuring tape

Packing tape

Moving Ramp

Non-Stick Gloves

Protective covers or blankets/old bed sheets

Moving van

Moving cords

How To Pack A Piano

Move objects out of the way and lock the piano lid shut if possible

Cover the top in non-slip blankets to protect the piano’s finish (if you have a piano cover, cover it with this first)

Use tape to secure the blankets in place, being careful not to damage the finish on the piano

Put moving blankets underneath one end of the piano, and then place a moving dolly close to the opposite end

4. Moving Your Piano

Once you're fully prepared, you'll then need to start moving your piano. This is especially difficult if you need to move your piano downstairs and we recommend that you follow these 5 steps:

Step 1:

Your movers (or friends and family) need to be on both ends of the piano, with three people on the dolly end of the piano, and one person in the middle to guide it. They will lift the piano, while the dolly is placed under and the piano is secured.

Step 2:

Using the wheels of the dolly, you can now slide the piano across the floor and out of the room.

Step 3:

Reposition your movers so at least two or three of them are positioned on stairs to help guide the dolly’s wheels and prevent the piano from falling down the stairs.

Step 4:

Bring the dolly to the edge of the top step and push the piano down to lift the front wheels of the dolly closest to the step

Step 5:

Movers on both sides of the piano need to hold on to it tightly while you roll the back wheels of the dolly to the top step. Then, gently push the back of the piano upwards so the front of the wheels of the dolly rests on the next step below. Repeat these steps until you have the piano all the way downstairs.

REMEMBER!

Don’t rush anything

Stop if someone needs to quickly rest or readjust

Put safety first at all times

Save On Your Removal Costs

Now that you're ready to move house, why not compare professional removal companies with Omni Removals? We'll not only connect you with up to 6 partners to help you choose a removals company, but we'll also save you money along the way. We can connect you with many fantastic movers and packers in London and across the UK.