Tips on How to Properly Move Your Piano

Moving a piano is not like moving a couch or a dining table. Pianos are heavy, awkward, delicate, and expensive. One wrong move can damage the instrument, the floor, or worse, cause serious injury. Whether you are moving across town or just repositioning a piano within your home, doing it the right way matters.

This guide walks through practical tips to help you understand what’s involved in properly moving a piano and how to avoid common mistakes.

Understand What Type of Piano You Have

Before you move anything, identify the type of piano you own. Upright pianos, baby grands, and grand pianos all require different approaches.

Upright pianos are tall and narrow, with most of the weight concentrated at the top. Baby grands and grands are wider and heavier, with delicate legs and pedals that must be removed before transport. Knowing the type helps you plan the right tools, number of people, and level of care needed.

If you are unsure, take a few photos and look up the model. This small step can prevent big mistakes later.

Measure Everything in Advance

One of the most common moving problems is discovering too late that the piano does not fit through a doorway, hallway, or stairwell. Measure the piano’s height, width, and depth. Then measure all doorways, corners, elevators, and staircases along the moving path.

Do not assume standard door sizes will work. Older homes and apartments often have narrow or uneven entrances. Measure twice and plan the route before lifting anything.

Also check ceiling height if you are moving a grand piano or tipping an upright.

Gather the Right Equipment

Trying to move a piano without proper equipment is risky. At a minimum, you will need:

• Heavy-duty furniture straps
• A piano dolly or skid board
• Thick moving blankets
• Non-slip gloves
• Protective floor coverings

A standard furniture dolly is often not enough. Piano dollies are wider and designed to distribute weight evenly. Moving blankets protect both the piano’s finish and nearby walls.

Avoid using thin ropes or cheap straps. If something snaps under pressure, injuries can happen fast.

Never Move a Piano Alone

Even small upright pianos can weigh several hundred pounds. Grand pianos can weigh over 1,000 pounds. Always have at least two to four strong helpers, depending on the size and layout.

Assign clear roles. One person should lead and give directions. Another should spot obstacles and watch for balance issues. Communication matters more than strength when handling something this heavy.

If at any point it feels unsafe, stop and reassess.

Secure the Keyboard and Lid

Before moving, lock the keyboard lid if the piano has one. If it does not lock, secure it gently with padded straps or tape over a blanket. Never tape directly onto the piano’s finish.

Close and pad the top lid as well. Even slight movement during transport can cause scratches, cracks, or internal damage if parts shift.

Remove any loose items such as music sheets, lamps, or decorative objects from the piano.

Moving an Upright Piano Safely

When moving an upright piano, keep it upright at all times. Tilting it too far back can stress internal components and throw off balance.

Wrap the entire piano in moving blankets, paying extra attention to corners and legs. Secure the blankets with straps.

Use a piano dolly and slide the piano onto it slowly. Keep hands away from pinch points, especially under the base. Move slowly and evenly, especially when going over thresholds or ramps.

When navigating stairs, this is where many accidents happen. If possible, avoid stairs entirely. If stairs are unavoidable, consider hiring professionals.

Moving a Grand or Baby Grand Piano

Grand pianos require partial disassembly. The legs, pedals, and sometimes the lid must be removed. Each piece should be wrapped and labeled.

Once disassembled, the piano body is placed on its side on a padded skid board. This step is critical and should be done carefully to avoid damaging the soundboard.

Because of the complexity and risk involved, moving a grand piano without experience is not recommended. One wrong angle can cause thousands of dollars in damage.

Protect Floors and Walls

Pianos can easily gouge hardwood floors, crack tiles, and dent walls. Lay down protective coverings along the moving path.

Corner guards or extra padding on walls can help in tight hallways. Move slowly and stop if the piano starts to tilt or scrape.

It is easier to pause and adjust than to repair damage afterward.

Transporting the Piano

If you are using a truck, the piano should be loaded last and unloaded first. Secure it against a solid wall of the truck, never in the middle.

Use heavy-duty straps to prevent shifting during transit. The piano should not be able to move at all once secured.

Avoid stacking items on top of the piano. Even with padding, weight can damage the structure or finish.

Let the Piano Acclimate After the Move

Once the piano reaches its new location, let it sit for at least a few days before tuning. Changes in temperature and humidity affect the wood and strings.

Place the piano away from direct sunlight, heating vents, and exterior doors. These environmental factors can cause warping and tuning issues over time.

After a week or two, schedule a professional tuning to restore sound quality.

Know When to Hire Professionals

There is no shame in calling professional piano movers. In many cases, it is the safest and most cost-effective option.

If your move involves stairs, tight turns, long distances, or a grand piano, professionals have the experience and equipment to handle it safely. The cost of hiring movers is often far less than repairing a damaged piano or home.

Final Thoughts

Moving a piano is a serious task that requires planning, patience, and the right tools. Rushing or cutting corners can lead to injury or costly damage.

If you choose to move it yourself, prepare thoroughly and never underestimate the weight and balance challenges involved. When in doubt, hire experts who do this work every day.

Your piano is not just furniture. It is a finely tuned instrument that deserves careful handling, so it can continue to sound and look its best in its new home.