Packing and moving a large item like a piano requires careful handling, thorough packing materials and a lot of planning. Whether you’re moving a piano long-distance or simply placing a piano into a nearby storage facility, the process needs cautious execution and an understanding of moving large and heavy objects to ensure a safe move. With that in mind, we reveal our expert piano mover tips on how to move a grand piano, as well as how to pack a piano for moving and storage.
How to Pack a Piano for Shipping or Moving
Due to the weight of a piano, packing your piano securely is vital for safe transportation and storage. Here are some steps to follow to pack your piano thoroughly.
1. Remove the Piano Lid
Removing the piano lid means you can protect the rest of the piano safely. Once you’ve lifted the piano lid off, cover the rest of the piano, including the soundboard and keyboard, with padded moving blankets. Next, secure it with heavy-duty packing tape, ensuring it’s sealed correctly.
2. Wrap the Piano in Cardboard
Wrap the piano in sturdy cardboard crating, securing the underside with tape. This provides added protection to your piano, particularly if you were to accidentally knock your piano into a wall while navigating a flight of stairs or something else during transportation.
3. Secure the Legs
You’ll now need to tilt the piano onto its side to remove the legs. This is the most effective way to move your piano. Plus, you can give extra protection to the legs for moving. Ensure cardboard is wrapped all the way around the piano and sealed with tape. Once the legs are detached, wrap each one in bubble wrap and cardboard.
4. Protect the Piano Lid
All that’s left to do now is to protect your piano lid. You can use another soft, thick blanket and wrap it around. Extra cardboard will offer an added layer of protection from chips or knocks.
How to Move a Piano
Moving any type of bulky or large item, like a piano, requires careful coordination and planning. So, how do you move a piano without causing damage? And how can you secure the weight of a piano before moving it? Follow these top piano moving tips.
1. Measure Doors and Hallways
A professional piano removals company will understand how to move a piano expertly. However, if this isn’t within your budget, it’s a good idea to find as many extra helpers as possible. Grand pianos can weigh over 1000 pounds (approx. 450kg) so it’s not an item that can easily be moved. Once you’ve found extra helpers, you can measure doors and hallways to ensure your piano will fit through them. Move anything that may be blocking your pathway to your moving van. Any fixed items should be covered in a towel to prevent accidental damage.
2. Place Your Piano onto A Dolly
Hoist your piano onto a dolly – a platform with wheels – ready for transportation to your moving van. When lifting, make sure a person is holding onto each corner of the piano to support the weight. Once on the dolly, you can slowly move your piano to the truck.
How to Store a Piano
If you’re thinking of placing your piano into storage, here are the best ways to keep it safe from dust, dirt or damage.
1. Find A Good Storage Space
As a large item, a piano will need a good amount of space to be stored in. Additionally, it will need to be a clean, dry area with no moisture. If your piano comes into contact with water, it will affect its working condition. So, make sure you specifically lookout for a climate-controlled storage unit.
2. Make Sure It’s Clean
Before going into storage, your piano should be cleaned and polished. All the keys should be free from dust and dirt. Protect your piano by placing blankets and a plastic layer around it to prevent any external elements from coming into contact with it.
3. Ensure Nothing Is Placed On Top
If you’re storing your piano with other items, you’ll want to make sure nothing comes into contact with it. Resist the temptation to pile boxes or other items on top of the piano to reduce the risk of accidental damage.
Need Help with Moving and Storing a Piano?
Whether you need extra hands on deck or a moving van to take your piano into a storage facility, hire professional piano removals and storage experts to ensure your belongings are taken good care of. At Removals & Storage Experts, we’re here to keep your items safe and secure. What’s more, we can even help you with packing, so you don’t need to lift a finger. Get in touch now for a free quote.
