Moving a grand piano is a complex and potentially hazardous task that requires specialized equipment, knowledge, and experience. If you are considering moving a grand piano, it is essential to hire a professional moving company with the proper qualifications and equipment.
Here are some considerations and general steps involved in moving a grand piano:
1. Preparation
- Measure the dimensions of the piano carefully.
- Clear the moving path of any obstacles or obstructions, including furniture, doors, and stairways.
- Protect the surrounding floors, walls, and doorways with moving blankets or cardboard to prevent damage.
2. Professional Expertise
- Hire a reputable and experienced piano moving company.
- Ensure that the movers have the proper equipment, such as piano boards, straps, and dollies.
- Choose a moving date that works for you and the moving company.
3. Piano Disassembly (if necessary)
- Depending on the size and design of the piano, some disassembly may be required. This can include removing the legs, pedals, and lid.
- Disassembling the piano should only be done by a skilled piano technician or professional piano mover.
4. Equipment
- Piano boards: These are specially designed boards used to slide the piano over smooth surfaces.
- Straps: Heavy-duty straps are used to secure the piano to the piano boards.
- Dollies: Specialized dollies may be used for moving the piano up or down stairs.
- Additional equipment may include ramps, pulleys, and protective blankets.
5. Moving
- The movers will place the piano on the piano boards and secure it with straps.
- The piano will then be carefully slid over the piano boards and through the prepared path, avoiding stairs if possible.
- If stairs must be negotiated, special lifting dollies may be used to move the piano up or down. This task requires extreme caution and may require additional movers.
- The piano will be loaded into the moving truck using a ramp or lift gate, and secured for transport.
6. Setting up
- At the new location, the piano will be carefully unloaded from the moving truck.
- The movers will place the piano in the desired location and reattach any previously removed components, such as legs, pedals, and the lid.
- The piano may require tuning or adjustment after being moved, which should be done by a qualified piano technician.
Safety Tips
- Grand pianos can weigh up to several thousand pounds. Moving them requires extreme caution to prevent damage to the piano, property, and injuries.
- Do not attempt to move a grand piano on your own. Hire professional movers who have experience in handling heavy and delicate items.
- Ensure that the moving path is clear, safe, and free of obstructions.
- Never attempt to lift a grand piano by its keys or lid, as this can damage the piano's delicate mechanisms.
- Only use the proper equipment, such as piano boards and dollies, to move the piano.
- If the move involves stairs, use specialized moving dollies and exercise extreme caution.
- Consider having a qualified piano technician present to oversee the move and ensure the safety of the instrument.