Pianos are musical instruments capable of eliciting deep emotions. On the other hand, they serve as essential décor pieces that highlight the focal point of every home. It’s no wonder why people are so connected to it and don’t want to sell or give it out even when relocating long distances.
But, as much as they offer musical, aesthetic, and atmospheric pleasure, moving a piano is an arduous work because these musical instruments can weigh as much as 500pounds.
For an average American man whose maximum weight limit is 175pounds and women at 125pounds, lifting an instrument with a weight twice as much as theirs may be life threatening. Hence, many US residents, especially those in Chicago, rely on expert piano movers Chicago offers to do the task. Nevertheless, a DIY approach is not impossible if you know how to safely move a piano.
1. Get Piano Moving Kits
To successfully transport these large home fixtures without hitches, you’ll need to first get your moving kits ordered. The most essential ones to consider include:
- Screwdriver: it is a handy tool for dismantling purposes.
- Furniture pads: These are also called blankets and will help you protect the instrument from scratch, dents, and dust.
- Stretch wrap: They are extra protective layers used after covering your equipment with the furniture pads.
- Piano dollies or skid boards: They help with the heavy lifting chore.
- Stair ramp: useful for hauling your large equipment down a flight of stairs.
- Straps: They are rope-like devices that secure the instrument during transit.
- Plastic tape: It is an adhesive gear that holds the furniture pad nicely.
- Work gloves: It is a protective gear that also promotes proper grip.
2. How to Move an Upright Piano
Since you know the essential kits you’ll need to wrap and transport your large musical gear, let’s learn the proper techniques on how to transport an upright piano.
2.1. Take its Measurement
You can’t get right into the move phase when you haven’t figured out how to get the piano out of your house. So, to avoid the last-minute stress of getting the hefty equipment out the door and into the van, you’ll need to measure its depth, length, and width. While at it, measure every door and pathway leading outdoors. This way, you know whether you have to adjust easily to haul the instrument outdoors.
2.2. Free Walking Space
Maneuverability will also depend on the path you’ve mapped out to haul your musical gear. When you leave pathways cluttered, you don’t only hinder movement, making it difficult to lift hefty pianos. You also give way to home accidents.
By now, you know how heavy a piano is. So, ensure that the paths leading outdoors are clutter-free so easy mobility and maneuverability.
2.3. Remove Every Accessory on It
In simple words, disassemble it.
Whether you’re moving long-distance or locally, transporting a piano in its fully assembled form is not recommended. This is because these accessories increase the piano’s weight and make it difficult to lift without getting injured. To dismantle its accessories, you want to remove the lid, lyre, and pedals.
a. Removing the Lid
The dismantling process will include:
- Loosen the screws with a screwdriver
- Place small screws in a ziplock bag to prevent loss and label the bag
- Cover the lid with the furniture pad to prevent harm to its surface
- Use a plastic wrap over it for extra protection
b. Removing the Lyre
The lyre is a balancing structure connected to the pedal, which helps the piano stand. To remove it:
- Loosen screws on it
- Place screws securely in a plastic bag
- Wrap the lyre with the blanket and secure it with tape.
c. Removing the Pedals
Your piano will most likely come with three pedals. So, when you remove them like in the other processes above, wrap them separately so they won’t come in contact with each other and leave scratch marks.
2.4. Wrap It Up
After removing your piano accessories, the task doesn’t end there. You’ll need to cover its surface so it doesn’t spot scratch marks or damage due to contact with something sharp.
So, since you’ve removed the pedals, lyre, and lid, the only thing left to cover is the body. Like the other process, use the furniture pad as a protective layer and secure it with a tap. Then, use the stretch wrap to hold the blanket tightly so they don’t come off for any reason.
2.5. Lifting It on the Skid Board or Dolly
Since pianos are heavy, it means you can’t possibly lift them yourself if you’re considering a DIY option. A Moving company will find this task easy because they are experts and have had years of practice. But, you’ll want to get two or three more people to aid you.
All you need do is mount each person at the different ends of the piano, then push and pull it until it sits perfectly on the dolly. Be sure to use straps to secure it on the dolly before hauling it to the moving van.
2.6. Using the Stairs Ramp
If you have to lift the piano over a staircase, you’ll want to use a stair ramp for this task. The ramp helps you push your large musical equipment down the stairs without damaging the flooring.
2.7. Secure It in the Truck
Before anything, make sure to fix the piano first inside the truck. Why? It weighs more than every other item you own. So, stick to the rule of heavy items first before lighter ones. Once placed in the truck, use the straps to keep it in place.
3. Piano Moving Advice
With the supplies on hand and the piano moving process, you’re 80% positive of a successful move. But, the last thing you want is to end up with injuries after the move. For this reason, you’ll need to take safety precautions during the preparation process.
a. Avoid Heavy-lifting Tasks Without the Right Kits
Heavy lifting supplies are more important than you think. They take the bulk of the stress, strain, and pain away. To avoid injuries., make sure you use them.
b. Don’t Use the Piano Rollers
If your piano comes with a roller or caster, avoid using them, especially on the hardwood floor since they can damage it.
c. Don’t Move Too Fast
You also want to skip on fast movements since you might trip and fall while at it.
A piano, no matter how small it may seem, weighs a ton. Consider getting professionals so you won’t have to learn how to easily move a piano and also avoid injuries. If you prefer the DIY option, thread safely to be on the safe side.
