Moving a piano is no easy task — it is a delicate art that requires precision, expertise, and a deep understanding of the instrument’s structure and fragility. Often, pianos are more than just furniture, with some being precious family heirlooms, so it is vital to conduct thorough research into how to move a piano successfully. Our comprehensive guide is here to help you safely move your instrument from one location to another. It has a step-by-step process and shows how to choose a professional piano removal company.

Types of Piano

Moving your piano differs from moving any other piece of furniture. You must know your piano type and structure to perform a safe move. Although they vary, pianos are categorised into three main types: grand, upright, and digital. Learning how to move your piano requires a solid understanding of its composition; to do this, you must know which category it falls under.

Grand Piano

The grand piano is the largest of the three, renowned for its craftsmanship and resonant sound.  A grand piano is typically a centrepiece in any room, characterised by a distinct horizontal shape. You can differentiate a grand piano from others due to how it plays. You can play it faster and with better control than other piano types. Its standard length ranges from 4 ½ feet to 9 ½ feet.

Upright Piano

An upright piano is a compact and versatile instrument predominantly found in homes, schools, and small performance venues. Unlike grand pianos, upright pianos feature a vertical frame and strings. Despite their smaller footprint, upright pianos still deliver a rich sound, making them ideal for practising and teaching. Upright pianos range from around 110 to 140cm in height and about 155cm in width.

Digital Piano

A digital piano is a modern electronic instrument that replicates the sound and feel of an acoustic piano but uses sampled sounds and electronic amplification to produce its sound. Digital pianos are smaller than grand and upright ones, with a standard height of 85cm and a width of 135cm.

Step-By-Step Guide to Moving Your Piano

Step 1: Assess the Piano Size

By now, you should know which piano type you own. It is time to accurately measure its size. The dimensions are crucial for planning the transportation process, and precise measurements are key. You must measure the height, length, and width of the entire piano body to determine the type of transport you will need to relocate your piano. At this point, measuring any door frames that the piano must pass through is important to best plan a route.

Step 2: Gather Essential Equipment

Now that you have an accurate piano size, it is crucial to focus on gathering the essential equipment. 
Key equipment and tools include:

• Piano moving dolly: A dolly is pivotal for transporting your piano safely and efficiently.
• Protective blankets and straps: These secure the piano to prevent any damage during the move
• Padding: To protect the piano and ensure it is secure during transportation
• Lifting straps: Used for lifting and carrying a piano, they are indispensable for ensuring a smooth and safe relocation.

Step 3: Secure the Keyboard Lid

Securing the keyboard lid is one of the most crucial steps in the moving process. Proper lid-locking techniques are essential to prevent damage to the keys during the move. During transit, vibrations can cause unexpected lid movements, putting your keys at risk. It is crucial to minimise these risks by securing the lid properly and choosing a vehicle suited to piano transportation.

 Lid locking techniques include:

• Lid cushioning: Foam or bubble wrap should be used to cushion the lid and protect against sudden movements
• Secure locking: If your keyboard has a built-in locking mechanism, you should use this before removal. If one is not available, consider using an alternative method, such as sturdy straps or a lock specifically designed for pianos.

Throughout the moving process, regularly check that the lid is securely fastened for maximum protection.

Step 4: Protect Piano Pedals

Piano pedals demand the utmost care and attention to remain safe during removal. Pedal detachment procedures should be followed to safeguard the pedals. 

1. Pedals should be carefully inspected for signs of wear and tear before removal.
2. Recommended pedal polishing materials should be used to clean the pedals. This will provide a clearer visual of the pedal’s condition and make the detachment process easier.
3. Carefully unfasten the pedal using a screwdriver. This must be carried out delicately to avoid damaging the mechanism.
4. Wrap each pedal individually in bubble wrap and secure with tape for added security.

Step 5: Correct Lifting Techniques

Proper body mechanics are essential when lifting heavy items such as pianos to avoid injury. Movers should keep a broad support base with feet shoulder-width apart and one foot slightly ahead. You must also bend at the hip and knees instead of the waist, keeping shoulders in line with the hips. 

Maintain a solid posture by keeping your back straight, chest out, and shoulders back. If you need to turn, you should move your feet rather than your torso. The weight of a piano should be evenly distributed from both ends, using legs to power the lift. Movers must communicate throughout the process to ensure they are on the same page. 

Moving a Grand Piano

There is a difference in how grand and upright pianos should be moved correctly. Grand pianos come with a top lid, so it is vital to lower it and use a lid-locking technique to secure it. The legs and pedals should be detached and secured separately in bubble wrap and tape. The keys and chords should then be wrapped with a sheet and fastened tightly with the straps. Then, the piano must be gently moved by a handful of movers across the room and into the removal vehicle.

Moving an Upright Piano

Due to its size and structure, moving an upright piano is much less strenuous than moving a grand piano. It is advisable to secure the keys and pedals, hoist the piano onto a piano-moving dolly, and ensure it is safely secured. Once the dolly is secure, the upright piano can easily be transported from the building to the removal vehicle.

Step 6: Secure the Piano in the Van

Once you have placed the piano in the removal van, it is essential to strap it down securely to prevent it from moving during transit. Securely pack the piano, leaving little room for movement in case there are any sharp turns or sudden jolts during transit. 

Step 7: Prepare the New Location

Before unloading the piano into its new home, it is essential to clear the pathway and prepare the floor to ensure it can withstand its weight without damage. Other furniture should be organised to give the movers an easy route to putting the piano in its desired location without any obstacles.

Step 8: Retune

After moving your piano, unloading it and reattaching its components, you must retune it to restore the sound quality that may have been impacted during the removal process. Retuning ensures that the sound and piano keys return to their original state. While some say you should retune immediately, others argue that pianos need up to a month to retune. Check the requirements for your piano.

Moving a Piano with a Professional Moving Company

Learning how to move a piano safely is essential before attempting any relocation. Pianos are extremely heavy, awkwardly shaped instruments, and attempting piano moving without preparation can lead to serious injury. Planning carefully and understanding safe handling techniques is a key part of any piano relocation or piano removal process.

Always Use Enough People to Help

Never attempt to move a piano alone. Even smaller upright pianos can weigh several hundred kilograms. Make sure you have enough people to help lift and guide the piano, and communicate clearly throughout the move to reduce the risk of accidents.

Use Safe and Correct Lifting Techniques

When considering how to move a piano, using the correct lifting method is essential.

Follow these safety tips:

• Keep feet shoulder-width apart for balance
• Bend at the knees, not the waist
• Keep your back straight while lifting
• Use leg strength rather than relying on your back or arms
• Avoid twisting your body while carrying the piano

Poor lifting technique is one of the most common causes of injury during piano transportation.

Wear Suitable Safety Equipment

Wear protective gloves to improve grip and reduce the chance of trapped fingers. Sturdy, non-slip footwear is also recommended, particularly when moving a piano across wooden floors, tiles, or staircases.

Secure the Piano Before Transport

Before moving the piano, ensure the keyboard lid is closed and secured. Use protective blankets, padding and strong straps to keep the piano stable during piano transportation. This helps protect both the instrument and the people moving it.

Plan the Route Before Moving the Piano

Clear hallways, doorways and staircases of obstacles before starting. Measure door frames and check tight corners or narrow spaces to make sure the piano can pass through safely. Good preparation makes the piano moving process much safer and reduces the risk of damage to property.

Hire Professional Piano Movers

Moving a piano without specialist knowledge can be dangerous. Professional piano movers, like Guardian Removals, have the training, specialist lifting equipment and insurance needed to move heavy instruments safely. Using experienced movers is often the safest option for piano removal or relocation.

Piano Mover Cost: What Affects the Price?

The piano mover cost can vary depending on several factors, as every piano, property and transport route is different. Professional piano movers usually provide tailored quotations rather than fixed prices because each job requires a unique approach.

Type and Size of Piano

The type of piano being moved is one of the biggest factors affecting piano moving rates. Grand pianos are usually more expensive to move because of their size, weight and delicate internal components. Upright pianos are often easier to handle, which can help reduce the overall cost of removing a piano.

Distance of the Move

Distance is another important factor when calculating piano moving rates. Local moves are typically quicker and more straightforward, while longer journeys require more fuel, travel time and logistical planning.

Property Access and Location

Access to the property can significantly influence piano mover cost. Challenges such as stairs, narrow hallways or properties without lift access can increase the time and specialist equipment needed for safe piano moving.

In cities such as Edinburgh, London and Manchester, older housing styles, apartment buildings and tight access routes can sometimes require extra planning to safely complete the relocation. These factors can also influence overall piano moving rates.

Tips for Piano Disposal: What are Your Options?

There are several options to consider when looking at piano disposal, especially if the instrument is damaged, no longer used, or too costly to repair. Choosing the right solution can help reduce the cost of removing a piano while ensuring the process is handled safely.

When Piano Disposal Might Be Necessary

Piano disposal is often considered when:

• The piano is beyond economical repair
• The instrument is no longer being used
• Moving the piano is more expensive than replacing or removing it
• The piano cannot be safely transported as part of a piano moving service

Professional piano movers can often assess whether disposal is the most practical option during an initial survey or quotation.

Donating or Selling a Piano

Before choosing disposal, consider whether the piano could be reused. Some schools, charities or music groups may accept working instruments. Selling the piano privately can also help offset the piano mover cost if you are planning to relocate rather than dispose of the instrument.

Responsible Recycling & Disposal

If the piano is no longer usable, recycling is often the most environmentally responsible approach. Professional removal companies can assist with piano removal and piano disposal by safely dismantling the instrument and recycling suitable materials.

Due to the complex construction of pianos, attempting DIY piano moving or disposal can be dangerous. Pianos contain high-tension strings, heavy frames and delicate mechanical parts that require specialist handling.

Use Professional Piano Movers for Safe Disposal

Using experienced professional piano movers is usually the safest and most efficient way to manage piano disposal. They have specialist equipment, training and insurance to complete heavy and delicate instrument removals safely.

Moving a Piano with a Professional Moving Company

Moving a piano is not a task that should be taken lightly. It is strongly recommended that you use a professional removal service. Most moving companies offer piano removal services tailored precisely to the delicate requirements of piano moving. 

Here is why you should recruit a professional piano moving company:

1. Expertise: Removal companies specialising in piano moving services have extensive knowledge of different types of pianos and their structures. They have years of experience moving pianos from one location to another and can carry out the process safely and efficiently.
2. Safety: Pianos are cumbersome instruments and should be handled by experts with care. Moving a piano when you are inexperienced can cause strain due to improper handling techniques. You are more likely to suffer an accident if you lift a piano with little experience.
3. Equipment: Removal companies are equipped with the necessary equipment to transport a piano safely. Using a removal company removes the pressure of purchasing the correct equipment and learning how to use it properly.
4. Movers Insurance: Your removal company will offer movers insurance in their quotation to cover you if anything happens to your piano.

Key Takeaways for Piano Moving

• Moving a piano is a complex task, so using professional piano movers is the safest way to complete piano moving safely and efficiently.
• Learning how to move a piano requires careful planning, enough people to help, and correct lifting techniques to avoid injury.
• The piano mover cost can vary depending on piano size, distance of travel and property access requirements.
• Piano moving rates are usually calculated based on the complexity of the move rather than fixed pricing.
• Larger instruments such as grand pianos can increase the cost of removing a piano because they require more specialist handling.
• If you are planning piano moving to Edinburgh or other UK locations, older buildings and tight access routes can sometimes make piano transportation more challenging.
• Safe transport piano methods include securing lids, protecting pedals and using padding and straps to reduce movement during travel.
• If a piano is no longer needed, piano disposal or recycling may be a practical alternative to moving or storing the instrument.
• Working with experienced piano movers helps ensure the piano is transported safely and reduces the risk of damage during removal.

Piano Moving FAQs

Is it worth hiring a piano moving company to move my piano?

Only professional movers should move your piano. To minimise any chance of damage, those who wish to relocate their piano safely should opt for using a removal company rather than completing the move themselves.

How much does it cost to move a piano?

The cost of piano moving can vary depending on factors such as the type and size of the piano, the distance of the move, the accessibility of the location, and any other additional services required. Request a free quote to determine the exact cost of a piano move.

What should I look for in a professional piano moving company?

It is vital to select a piano moving company that you trust. You should investigate the following:

• Experience: choose a company with a proven track record and testimonials of successful piano moves
• Equipment: Ensure the company uses specialist equipment such as straps and dollies.
• Insurance: Verify that the company is fully insured to protect against any damage or loss during the move.

Relocate Your Piano with Guardian Removals

At Guardian Removals, our experts have extensive knowledge and experience in relocating heavy instruments like pianos. We appreciate your piano’s value and strive to provide a safe, reliable, and secure service that ensures your piano reaches its new home in pristine condition. With decades of experience and a commitment to excellence, our dedicated team is here to support your piano relocation every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about our piano moving services.