For music players, instruments are like their babies. Besides being very expensive, years of playing a specific instrument built up a unique bond, making it an irreplaceable object for you and your art. And while some, like a violin, can be easier to transport even without the help of moving companies in Auburn, we can’t say the same about a piano.
Pianos are highly delicate but large items that need special care during transportation to prevent accidents, harm, or damage that can cause them to be out-of-tune. Here are some tips for achieving this.
5 Tips for Moving a Piano
1. Know the Type
Different types of pianos have different sizes and weights. Even with your strong build, moving a 1,200-pound grand piano might be too much for you to manage; however, moving an upright piano might be simpler.
For starters, decipher what type of piano you own and how much it weighs.
- Upright: With the necessary tools, you can theoretically move an upright piano—these typically weigh between 300 and 900 pounds.
- Baby Grand: Pianos with this type of action typically weigh between 600 and 700 pounds. Because of their acrylic finishes and the type of wood used to make baby grand pianos, the best course of action is usually to hire a moving service to avoid damage.
- Grand: Whether you’re going a long distance or not, you’ll need professional movers to transport your grand piano. Some can weigh up to 1,200 pounds!
2. Know the Dimensions and Measure the Space
It is not sufficient to just know if your piano is an upright or a grand—larger upright pianos can weigh almost as much as a baby grand.
Furthermore, before you plan the move, make sure to measure both the area you currently occupy and the space to which you plan to move the instrument. This includes stairwells, hallways, and doorways. To ensure the piano will not collide with walls or a banister, you must measure every place that will be in your way.
3. Get the Right Supplies
To avoid broken keys, pedals, legs, or strings, you can take some preventive measures to keep your piano safe when moving. After all, damage won’t just be upsetting, but it’ll be costly to replace and repair.
During a move, keep the following in mind to protect your piano:
- Firmly fasten the keyboard lid.
- Cover the pedals with bubble wrap.
- Use furniture straps to secure the piano to a dolly.
- Put moving blankets in between the straps and the piano.
4. Avoid Common Piano Moving Mistakes
Before you start moving your piano, there are several lessons you can learn from the people who came before you.
- Never attempt to handle it alone. Make sure you always have one or two extra helpers on hand.
- Stock up on piano moving supplies in advance.
- Measure everything, including staircases, doorways, hallways, and rooms.
5. Get Help from a Moving Company
Hiring professionals is always recommended to ensure your dear instrument doesn’t suffer any harm.
Hire the Best Moving Companies in Auburn to Transport Your Piano
Although moving a piano is not a simple task, following this guide will help you achieve it with the least amount of tears, pain, and regret. All it takes is having the right tools, careful planning, and the right help.
If you’d rather leave it to the professionals, reach out to Pink Zebra Moving and let us know what type of piano you’re interested in moving!