Piano moving adds to the stress of the already hectic removal. It is heavy and requires proper equipment to move around. Hiring good piano removalists is an absolute need when you have to move house. This is especially true for long-distance removals. Professional packers and movers have the right acumen to move your instrument around without damaging it.
Apart from this, there are additional services that complement piano removal. These may include arranging for temporary storage spaces in the new locality. It can come in handy when the new house is not ready to be moved in. This can also be useful if the new house is not clean and requires some renovation work before you can put your piano in place.
Piano removalists offer a niche service that is not always available with the basic ‘man with a van’ service. You need to clarify to your moving company about the exact requirements. They might want to see the heavy items including the piano as well. The weight is usually a factor in figuring out the final price.
Why You Need To Take Extra Caution When Moving Pianos
Piano moving is definitely up there with some of the most complicated things to move. If you are planning to move your piano without the help of a moving company, it is better to be aware of the risks involved. It is, anyway, always wise to be educated about the dangers involved with piano moving:
- Pianos and other musical instruments are usually very expensive. Any sort of damage results in heavy monetary loss.
- Musicians and other piano enthusiasts hold sentimental value for their instruments.
- Piano moving requires specialized equipment. People usually don’t know how to use this equipment.
- Repairing pianos is also a pain. They are expensive to maintain and preserve in good condition.
- Pianos are large in size and require large moving vans to move. The common person does not have access to these vehicles at hand.
Steps To Move Your Piano Safely
Whether you hire piano removalists or simply go down the other route, here are a few tips. Following a few basic steps can help you do it all more efficiently.
Step 1: Educate yourself
Understanding all about moving your piano is the first step. Go online and look for guides such as this one. You can also go on YouTube and search for professional moving pianos. Find out all the things that you need to do before you can begin the process. This includes researching the moving supplies that you will require. Find out the cost of these supplies and where you can get them.
If you want to hire packers and movers to do the job for you, here are a few tips:
- Find out the average price that piano removalists charge in your area.
- Look for good moving companies who offer this service.
- Make sure that the moving company is experienced and offers a good quality of service.
- Request an estimate and compare them with the pricing that other moving companies offer.
- Clarify any doubts and queries that you might have in advance. Speak with the moving company about the moving date.
Also, you need to have a rough idea about how much your piano weighs. It can be anywhere between 180 kilograms to 800 kilograms. You can find this out by talking to the moving company or simply by searching online about your piano’s model.
Once you feel confident, it is time to move on to the next step.
Step 2: Prepare for the move
If you are moving on your own, preparing beforehand can really make the piano removal much easier. Start by making a to-do list of everything that needs to be done. Firstly, set a moving date. Now, that you are aware of the supplies and equipment required, you can go out and purchase them. Equipment such as dollies can also be rented so consider taking that option as well.
Next, you should measure your doorways and hallways. Compare them to the dimensions of your piano. If you feel that moving the piano in a particular fashion will be difficult, look for alternatives. Many moving companies bring heavy furniture on the balcony and use ropes to bring it down in front of the house. This avoids moving and dragging the heavy items along hallways and tricky staircases.
If you don’t have that option, many movers and packers take the hinges of the doorways to make them wider. Finally, you can decide which orientation the piano needs to be in before you start moving it.
Step 3: Get help
When the moving day arrives, it is important that you have people around you to help you. You cannot move a piano alone – that’s for sure. At least 4 people are required. Talk to your friends and close ones beforehand and ask them for help. You should also invest in a few waistbands that gym-goers use. It helps take the strain off your back and waist and makes it easier to carry things around. Make sure that everyone involved is physically capable of moving such a heavy object.
Step 4: Get a dolly or a piano board
A dolly is wheeled equipment used to transport heavy items around. You might have seen one in a warehouse. Rent or borrow a dolly before you start moving. The dolly has to be capable of bearing the weight of the piano. Invest in a durable and strong dolly before anything else. If there are no staircases involved, a dolly is the best and the most efficient way to move a piano quickly.
For very large pianos, a piano board is a way to go. It already comes with slots to place the piano.
Step 5: Prep the piano
To make the piano ready for the move, these are some recommended points:
- Close and lock the keyboard so that the keys are not damaged during the move.
- Disassemble the legs of the piano, tie them all together, and keep them aside.
- Cover the entire piano with a furniture blanket or a large bedsheet. It is better to use a waterproof covering in case of any unprecedented event.
- Tightly tie the covering with ropes all around the instrument.
Step 6: Move the piano
Every mover should be positioned at each corner of the piano. Lift it up together and place it on the dolly. If the piano needs to be moved down a stairway, an extra person may be needed to give instructions and guide everyone else.
Once the piano is outside the house, move it carefully to the end of the moving truck. The floor of the truck should be padded. Place the piano gently and you are ready to go!
You can make the entire process much simpler by hiring professional piano removalists. Try to get them during the off-season because the prices are much lower. Consult people who have moved their pianos before as well.