Moving a piano can be both expensive and time-consuming, especially if you’re doing it for the first
time.
These grandiose musical instruments are usually incredibly large (and heavy!), but are also quite delicate
and require special care during a move. In most cases, hiring professional piano movers is the best way
to go.
However, this doesn’t mean doing it yourself is completely impossible! With the right preparations and
equipment, it can certainly be done!
Let us guide you through the process of piano moving by providing you with some essential tips and
tricks to make everything feel a tad bit easier.

Take the Necessary Measurements

No matter if you’re moving a grand piano or an upright piano, the first thing you’ll need to know is its
size. Once you get to the moving part of the entire process, you don’t want to be met with some
unpleasant surprises. For example, what if your piano is too large to go through doors and other
passages in your home? In those cases, should you disassemble your instrument? Would it be cheaper
to hire hoisting services instead? You’ll have to do some additional research to handle your piano move
without damaging the instrument itself.

So, make sure you’ve taken all the necessary measurements before you set a moving date. This includes
measuring your doors, passages, stairways, and your piano. All of this will help you craft the optimal
plan to ensure everything works out in the best possible way.
Besides that, make sure you’ve also considered the measurements of the new location for your piano.

The moving process isn’t just about getting it out of your home, it also includes placing it in its new spot
properly.

Gather the Necessary Equipment

Moving a piano safely without the necessary equipment is a definite road to disaster. Depending on the
type and size of the musical instrument you’re moving, you’ll need some moving straps and a dolly, or
alternatively, a specialized piano moving board. Bear in mind that purchasing all of these items can end
up being a more expensive option than simply hiring a couple of professional piano movers who already
have the necessary equipment and skills to move your instrument as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Either way, make sure you don’t go into it without sufficient equipment. If you’re not sure what kind of
moving equipment is the best for your specific needs, do not hesitate to seek advice from a professional.
It will make ALL the difference, so do not underestimate the importance of having the right tools at your
disposal.

Ask for Help

It doesn’t matter whether you’re planning to involve professional moving services or not, the fact
remains that piano moving is never a one-man job. You’ll need all the help you can get. For that reason,
make sure you’ve found someone to help you before you even start taking the measurements. If you’re
counting on friends and family to help you tackle this difficult task, ensure their availability as early as
you can. Depending on how far you’ll be moving the piano, the move can take up anywhere between 3-
5 hours of your time (maybe even more!), so it’s not something you can schedule at the last minute.
This especially goes if you’re planning on hiring professionals to do the job for you. Scheduling in
advance is of the utmost importance!

Overall, never try to handle a piano move on your own. Depending on your specific circumstances, these
types of moves can get quite complex, especially if you have a large stairway in your home, or your
piano needs to be moved over a balcony.

Take Safety Precautions

The golden rule of any move will always be that safety comes first. Lifting and moving such a large object
opens the door to potential injuries and property damage – both of which are perfectly avoidable if you
know what you’re doing. Do your research and be careful.
Furthermore, if you’re not certain you can handle this by yourself, or you don’t know anyone who has
enough experience to make this task manageable, do not hesitate to contact the professionals.
Accidents and possible injuries are never worth the risk.

Protect the Piano

In most cases, your piano will be more than just an expensive instrument – it also has a sentimental
value, as it allows you to cultivate your passion for music in an incredibly intricate way. Unfortunately, it
often happens that these large, yet delicate instruments sustain damage during a move. The number
one reason for this is that people don’t know how to protect their pianos. You’ll need a lot of padding,
protective blankets, and huge amounts of tape.
Besides that, make sure the keys are locked and protected, as they can be damaged quite easily during
transport. If you’re disassembling your piano, make sure every component is cushioned and protected
well.

When in Doubt, Always Consider Hiring the Professionals

As much as you might be tempted to DIY your piano move, it’s rarely a good idea to do so. There are so
many different things that can go wrong during such a complex move. Hiring a moving company that specializes in piano moves is one of the best ways you can keep your precious instrument intact. Leaving
it in the hands of experienced and knowledgeable movers makes it all feel like a breeze.

Besides, in most cases, this route is cheaper than you may think! Professional moving companies are not
only insured in cases of property damage, but they also have the expertise to ensure the damage never
occurs in the first place. You also won’t need to invest your money into purchasing the right equipment.

We at JustMoveIt have made countless piano moves in New York City – our experience allows us to
tackle even the most complex relocation tasks you place in front of us! The best part? Our services are
among the most affordable in the entirety of NYC. Book a free quote today and see it with your own
eyes!