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How to Move a Piano

Written by Martha Lott Reviewed by Dave Sayce

1st Apr 2018 (Last updated on 4th Apr 2024) 5 minute read

If you're moving house, you'll need to start thinking about how you're going to pack and move specialist items, such as your piano. The thought of moving a piano may seem daunting, especially considering the value these items hold, but it doesn’t have to be a difficult task. With the right equipment and proper planning, moving your piano can be a far less stressful experience than you might imagine.

Pianos must be moved carefully - even across the room - as moving it incorrectly could damage floors as well as the piano's wheels. It is also dangerous to attempt to move a piano without planning and taking precautions, especially if it is a grand piano.

To move any type of piano, we would recommend getting help from movers and packers that specialise in piano moves. In the event this is not a feasible option, we have created a step-by-step guide to help you.

A Guide on Moving a Piano
1. Get Help With Moving Your Piano
2. Create an Easy Access Route
3. Packing Your Piano
4. Moving Your Piano
Save on Your Home Removal Costs

A Guide on Moving a Piano

We've put together 4 simple steps on how to move your piano during your home move. These include:

Many removal companies will offer a piano moving service which will make it easier for you and some even specialise in piano removals. Alternatively, you could get help from friends and family.
Ensure you've created an easy access route to the piano for yourself or the removal company.
Lock your piano lid shut and secure it with protective covers.
Use a moving dolly and with the help of your friends and family - or a removal company - carefully move your piano.

Continue reading for a detailed breakdown of all 4 steps, including how to pack your piano and the best method to move your piano, especially if you have to manoeuvre it downstairs.

1. Get Help With Moving Your Piano

Pianos are incredibly heavy and are made up of intricate keys, hammers and strings that are easily susceptible to damage. It's also easy to damage your floor and it could even be dangerous to attempt to move the piano without specialist help. In fact, many experts suggest that a removal company should absolutely be used to move a grand piano.

Whether you are moving a grand piano or an upright piano, it is highly recommended to consult a removal company. Many professional moving companies will have services that specialise in piano removals carried out by highly trained and skilled team members.

However, if you're on a budget, it can still be done without a removal company. Get together at least 4 of your friends or family to help you with moving your piano. They shouldn't suffer from any back problems and should be of average strength at a minimum. It's advised for 2 people to stand either side of the piano so the weight is evenly balanced.

2. Create an Easy Access Route

Before even attempting to move your piano, you must create an easy access route for either the removal company or for yourself if you're doing it without a professional. Taking measurement of the piano will help with this, so you know exactly what you're working with.

Look out for potential obstacles, such as narrow doorways that you will struggle to get your piano through, in both your current house and in your new house. If you are using a professional removal company, you need to discuss these issues with them beforehand so they can plan accordingly. They may need to remove doors or even door frames to make extra room.

There shouldn't be any wet or slippery surfaces that could cause danger during the move and you should have decluttered your house before moving, ensuring there are no obstacles that could affect your route, such as items on stairs and floors.

3. Packing Your Piano

If you're using a removal company's service that specialises in moving pianos, they will be able to provide the equipment and provide packing tips. If you're not using a removal company, you'll need to gather your packing materials and equipment in advance.

You will need:

Piano cover (if you have one)
Measuring tape
Packing tape
Moving ramp
Non-slip gloves
Protective covers or blankets/old bed sheets
Moving van
Moving cords

How to Pack a Piano:

Move objects out of the way and lock the piano lid shut if possible
Cover the top in non-slip blankets to protect the piano’s finish (if you have a piano cover, cover it with this first)
Use tape to secure the blankets in place, being careful not to damage the finish on the piano
Put moving blankets underneath one end of the piano, and then place a moving dolly close to the opposite end

4. Moving Your Piano

Once you're full prepared, you'll then need to start moving your piano. This is especially difficult if you need to move your piano downstairs and we recommend that you follow these 5 steps:

Step 1

Your movers (or friends and family) need to be on both ends of the piano, with three people on the dolly end of the piano, and one person in the middle to guide it. They will lift the piano, while the dolly is placed under and the piano is secured.

Step 2

Using the wheels of the dolly, you can now slide the piano across the floor and out of the room.

Step 3

Reposition your movers so at least two or three of them are positioned on stairs to help guide the dolly’s wheels and prevent the piano falling down the stairs.

Step 4

Bring the dolly to the edge of the top step and push the piano down to lift the front wheels of the dolly closest to the step

Step 5

Movers on both sides of the piano need to hold on to it tightly while you roll the back wheels of the dolly to the top step. Then, gently push the back of the piano upwards so the front of the wheels of the dolly rest on the next step below. Repeat these steps until you have the piano all the way downstairs.

Remember:

Don’t rush anything
Stop if someone needs to quickly rest or readjust
Put safety first at all times

Save on Your Home Removal Costs

Now that you're ready to move house, why not compare professional removal companies with Compare My Move? We'll not only connect you with up to 6 partners to help you choose a removals company, but we'll also save you money along the way. We can connect you with many fantastic movers and packers in London and across the UK.