Almost 40 million Americans move around summer. One of the primary concerns for most people is moving delicate items without damaging them. The piano stands out as one of the things that need extra care when moving.
A standard piano has several parts. When relocating a piano, you’ll need to take care of each piece to ensure that the instrument retains its optimal functionality. You might also need to move a piano in a way that doesn’t damage your interior walls or décor.
Pianos are oddly heavy and fragile. But what do you do when you want to move this valuable possession? Read on to discover the best way to move a piano without causing any damages.
Table of Contents
1. Take Measurements
Taking measurements should be the first step when relocating a piano. It would be best if you take accurate measurements of the piano and the path you’ll use. The measures should be inclusive of stairways, doorways, and hallways.
You’ll also need to have precise measurements of the new space. The last thing you want is realizing that the piano doesn’t fit in the space. Don’t assume that the size of your old home’s pathway is the same as the new place.
The size of a piano determines the logistics when moving. A grand piano and an upright piano have different moving needs. With accurate measurements, you’ll move a piano without causing any damages.
2. Have the Right Equipment
The right equipment can save you injuries, and protect the piano and the walls. Work gloves will prevent your hands from scathing. For the piano, the necessary items include straps, four-wheel dolly, moving pads, and stretch wrap.
Straps secure the piano when in a truck. The moving pads protect the keyboard, which prevents it from scratching walls. You can rent the equipment from local movers.
Note that different types of pianos might require different safety items. It would help if you had a piano board for the safe transportation of a grand piano. The board should be in the right size, with additional padding and strapping.
3. Get Help
Pianos are heavy, and moving one by yourself can be a challenge. The best way to move a piano is by hiring professional movers. These movers have the right workforce and resources to transport a piano and other valuables.
Movers know how to navigate the roads when moving delicate items such as pianos. Besides, they have the necessary equipment to maximize safety. You will save time and rest easy when you hire movers for your valuable items.
An average piano requires about four people to move it safely. If you’re not using professional movers, ask for help from friends or family. Moving a piano by yourself could potentially cause injuries and damages.
4. Clear Your Path
Remove any obstructions on the path you intend to pass when moving your piano. Ensure there are no pets or children playing on the pathways. You might not be able to have a clear view when carrying the piano.
Do away with things like vases or flower pots. You don’t want to destroy your other precious items as you move your piano. Double-check your path a few seconds before moving your piano from the original space.
As you clear the path, it would also be best to protect your home. You can use bumpers on your piano’s corners to prevent unsightly scratches.
5. Get the Right Truck
In the US, the number of truck drivers is about 3.5 million. There are innumerable commercial trucks on the roads. When sourcing for a moving vehicle, the options are inexhaustible.
It would help if you had a truck that has adequate space for your piano. Use your piano’s measurements to get the right-sized truck. If the truck isn’t big enough, your piano might end up having scratches.
Carry out due diligence before renting a truck. The truck company should have the necessary licenses to operate in your region. What’s more, you ought to confirm if the truck company has the required insurance for commercial vehicles.
6. Protect the Piano
Wrapping a piano protects it from damages when in transit. The process depends on the type of piano. You can move an upright piano as it is, but a grand piano requires disassembling.
If you want to know the best way to move a piano, understand the different parts. You might need to remove some of these parts for a successful move. For the grand piano, remove the legs and pedals and secure the top with tape.
Cover your piano with moving blankets and tighten it securely with tape. You ought to know how to reassemble the piano. A user manual can prove essential at this point.
For the upright piano, wrap the top and secure it with a tape. Use a cloth to cover your piano’s pedals. These measures ensure that your piano doesn’t open or close during transportation.
7. Lift Your Piano
Now that you’ve protected your piano, it’s time for the big move. A dolly will make it easier to secure the piano as you move it to the truck and the new location. You might need a ramp if you’re moving the piano on a staircase.
You ought to move the piano while in an upright position. Any other position can have negative implications on internal parts. Avoid lifting the piano by its legs due to their vulnerability.
Once you push the piano up the truck, secure it with the straps. You’re good to go! The process of getting the piano to the new place should follow the safety tips discussed.
When You Learn the Best Way to Move a Piano, You Don’t Have To Worry About Damages or Injuries
Pianos are heavy, yet valuable enough to necessitate special care when moving. The best way to move a piano is through professional movers. It will save you the time and hassle of getting the right equipment.
However, you can move your pianos safely. With the necessary equipment and vehicle, you can get your piano in the new location. Follow the tips to move your piano without incurring damages.
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