Here, in Route 66 Moving and Storage, we are known for being positive and cheerful people. We prefer affirmations over negative statements, because it allows us to increase productivity and achieve our goals.

This time, however, we are going to change our habit and we will start the article with the things you don't have to do when planning on moving your piano. The intention is to promote good practices and reduce risks.

So, this is indeed a positive approach!

Don’ts

 

1.DON’T MOVE THE PIANO BY YOURSELF

These musical instruments are extremely heavy, but fragile at the same time; even Spinets, the smallest pianos in the market, are nearly 3' tall and 4'10” long, and weigh between 200-300 pounds, while the Fazioli F308, the largest piano available, weighs around 1257 lb.

Moving large pieces like these requires not only the help of several people –3 people for an upright piano and 10 people for a grand, but also requires expertise and the right tools and equipment to move them safely.

Risk is even greater when there are stairs involved and you have to carry the piano all the way to the moving truck. In this case, getting the help of expert piano movers is the only option.

2. DON'T WEAR BAGGY CLOTHES, NEITHER LONG JEWELRY

If for some reason you have to move your piano by yourself (with the help of other people), don’t wear anything that can get caught on the instrument while it’s being carried. Be sure that all the people helping are not wearing excessively baggy clothing, as well as long jewelry such as necklaces or bracelets that could get caught in tight spaces.

During the process wear only slip-proof shoes; remember that a wrong step can cause a serious accident.

3. DON'T LEAVE THE LID UNLOCKED

This is another important tip on how to move a piano properly, because locking the lid prevents damages on the instrument’s ivory keys while it's in transit.

4. DON'T PACK THE PIANO THE LAST

Roll the piano right up against the wall, in the very back of the moving truck. If the interior of the truck is not level, use wood planks underneath the piano to balance the weight evenly.

5. DON’T TUNE THE INSTRUMENT IMMEDIATELY

After you move into your new home, we recommend waiting at least a month before tuning the piano. The key is to give the instrument time to settle into its current environment, and get used to the humidity level of the place. Experts advise to tune the piano four times in the first year after moving, and then once or twice a year after the instrument accommodates to its new environment.

Do's

 

1. HIRE PROFESSIONAL PIANO MOVERS

Consider hiring a professional piano moving service. They know how to move different types of pianos, and they have both, experience and the right tools to move it safely and efficiently regardless if the move is a local or long distance. They have the proper gadgets to detach the legs of a grand piano, and also the tools and materials to protect the instrument during the entire process.

2. CLEAR THE PATH OF FURNITURE AND OTHER OBJECTS

Move all the objects including furniture and rugs out of the piano’s traveling path, as you roll it toward the exit door. Be sure children are supervised and far from the exit path.

3. COVER THE PIANO

To protect the piano's finish, make sure it is covered with non-slip blankets. The edges has to be folded beneath the instrument and secured with moving cords.

Remember to place packing desiccants inside the piano before packing it up.

4. SECURE THE PIANO IN THE MOVING TRUCK

To secure the piano in the truck or moving van, use heavy-duty furniture straps that can reliably hold the instrument’s weight during transit. Typical cargo straps are not designed to secure huge items like pianos. Remember to place the instrument in the back of the truck next to the wall.

This preventive measure lowers the risk of immediate damage, as well as damage that will be visible in the near future.  

5. KNOW EXACTLY WHERE YOU’D LIKE TO PLACE THE PIANO IN YOUR NEW HOME.

Pianos are heavy and very hard to move, that's why you need to choose the right place to set up the instrument before moving it into your new place. You can not change your mind as when you're trying to find the nicest spot for a potted plant or a lamp!

    As you can see, moving a piano presents multiple challenges and risks to people who don't have the required experience and equipment, so our best advice is definitely hiring professionals: the best West Coast piano movers!

Our experienced team knows how to move different sizes of pianos, no matter if it's a local or a long distance moving. We have the right tools and the proper gadgets to carry and protect your valuable instrument.

For more information and details, please give us a call.