When it comes to moving a piano, there’s no easy way to get the job done right. Piano relocation is a delicate and arduous process that requires careful planning and action. In fact, several moving and storage companies throughout the country focus solely on providing this service.

When it comes to piano moving in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C., the professional movers at 495 Movers have the expertise needed to handle the project quickly and efficiently.

Whether your planning to tackle your piano on your own or you’d like to hire a reliable moving company, it’s crucial to understand everything involved with the piano relocation process.

Preparing to Move Your Piano

Pianos come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. They also feature far-reaching price tags and can cost up to $100,000. For many homeowners, their piano is likely the most valuable item in their home.

With something so treasured at risk during a move, it’s essential to have a carefully-laid plan in place to help you better manage the process. After all, piano moving is certainly not the same as throwing a box of towels onto a truck. 

There are several steps you should take and things to consider before you start:

  • Purchasing the Right Types of Materials: There are two different types of pianos, an upright piano, and a grand piano. Depending on which variety you need to move, you’ll need to purchase items such as plenty of moving blankets, packing tape, a dolly, and possibly a piano skid.

  • Find Trustworthy Helpers: Whether you ask friends or family, or you decide to hire a trusted local or long-distance moving company, you’ll need at least four people to handle a piano move. This number will cover all sides of the piano. For grand pianos, you’ll likely need more help.

  • Measure Stairways, Hallways, and Doors: An intricate part of the piano moving process is navigating tight spaces within your home. In creating a well thought out plan, you’ll need to know how much room you have to work with.

Understanding the Piano Moving Process

Once you’ve laid the groundwork and are ready to start, the hard part can begin: moving the piano. Whether you’ve chosen to work with a licensed moving company or you’ve enlisted some friends, you’ll need to know exactly how the moving experience should be handled.

Moving Upright Pianos

After you’ve completely covered your upright piano with moving blankets and taped them down, you’ll be ready to relocate the instrument. You’ll hoist the piano onto a dolly and slowly walk it through your home before loading it onto your moving truck.

It’s crucial to remember that when lifting a piano, you should always bend at the knees to avoid potential back injuries.

Moving Grand Pianos

The first step you should take when moving a grand piano is to remove all the legs with a screwdriver. From there, each piece should be carefully wrapped in moving blankets to avoid scratches and damage.

After you’ve prepped the piano, you’ll carefully tilt it onto a piano skid and secure it to the board. From there, you will push the board with the attached piano out to your moving truck.

Should You Hire Professional Movers to Move a Piano?

There is so much room for damage and problems when moving a piano from one location to another. That’s why the professional movers at 495 Movers highly suggest hiring a top-rated local or long-distance moving team to help make your move a success.

When you work with a qualified moving company, they’ll have the knowledge and experience needed to ensure everything is handled appropriately. They can even assist you in completing painstaking international piano moves.

Your piano is not just any household belonging; it deserves an added level of care and consideration during the moving process. 

If you’d like to learn more about what’s involved with the piano moving process, give our relocation specialists a call today, or fill out our online form for a free consultation.