How to Move a Piano Without a Moving Company
By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group
Employing professional movers in Dallas is most always the recommended course of action; but you could be able to move a piano without their assistance, provided you have the correct equipment, and plenty of helpers. If you decide to go the Do-it-Yourself route, following are the fundamentals you ought to be aware of:
What to Do Before Relocating the Piano
Relocating a piano requires some serious preparations. Below are a few of the foremost things to plan before you start moving one:
- Find the right moving supplies and materials. For example, you need to have plenty of moving blankets available to protect the piano through the move. You will need a dolly capable of handling the piano's weight. For a grand piano, you'll in addition need to rent a piano skid board from a local moving company. (Do not be shocked if you wind up spending hundreds of dollars to rent one!)
- Form a team. At least, you should have 4 strong, able-bodied people available to help you with the move. It is ideal if you can find buddies or family members who have experience moving heavy items. Make sure to have plenty of pizza available for "motivation!"
- Measure the appropriate doorways, stairways, and hallways. It is critically important to measure the spaces through which your piano will need to travel prior to the actual move. You certainly won’t want to get your piano stuck in an awkward position, and chance damaging it as you attempt to get it out!
What to Do As you Move the Piano
Below you will find some key items you don’t want to forget through the actual move. These include the following:
- Wrap the piano keys, pedals, lid, and body up tightly with suitable materials (e.g., bubble wrap, foam packing sheets, blankets, etc.).
- Get your moving crew set to lift the piano. Be sure they all lifts at the same time, on cue. Another person (or two) needs to be ready to slip the dolly beneath the piano.
- Once the piano is securely on the dolly, in a controlled manner maneuver it out of your home and into the moving van. Be careful maneuvering through doorways, going around corners and going down staircases. (When possible, use a ramp when moving your piano up or down a staircase.)
- When you unload the piano on the truck, be sure at least one person is in front of the piano, and can control it during the lift to free up the dolly.
What to Do After Moving the Piano
If you had to take apart the piano to move it (for example, by removing the legs), then ask your moving team to help you reassemble it after it's been carefully relocated. Wipe the piano down with a soft cloth or feather duster to get rid of any amassed dust and think about wiping down the exterior with a mild solution of soap and water. (It is best to leave the inside to a professional piano cleaning company.)
Obviously, moving a piano devoid of the aid of a professional moving company in Dallas takes much planning, coordination, and hard work. The tips listed here are only the tip of the iceberg!
If you reach the conclusion that it would be better to leave a move of this degree to professional movers in Dallas, call our team of friendly experts at the A-1 Freeman Moving Group today to talk about the particulars.
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