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Why You Shouldn't Move a Piano Yourself and How to Do It

With the help of a house removal firm, you can quickly move your piano at the time of removal. Here are some tips that make removing this kind of heavy object easy.

By Jack LewisPublished 3 years ago 5 min read

The piano is a wonderful musical instrument that has inspired generations of classical performers and opened the door to stunning inventiveness. If you wish to move one, it's different. Consider calling for assistance before attempting to move a piano yourself because it is a difficult job. Even if the removals service costs are not cheap for piano removals, it is strongly advised to engage a professional house removals Cardiff if you believe you won't be able to carry the piano by yourself.

Requirements for moving a piano

Stop what you're doing and hire a removal company if you have a grand piano. Removal specialists advise against amateurs experimenting with such. This article explains how to move an upright piano. To remove a piano, the following tools are required:

  • Tape
  • Plastic wrap
  • Dolly straps
  • Van ramp
  • Upper body strength of at least four people
  • Work gloves
  • Heavy duty dolly
  • Weightlifting straps
  • Cardboard pads

Tips for moving a grand piano

A grand piano can be moved in many different ways. This is one of the many effective and safe methods to accomplish it.

  • Place tissue paper at either end and wedge the keyboard cover shut.
  • If feasible, remove the keyboard cover and wrap it in a soft cloth for added security.
  • Carefully remove the lid hinge pins, then disengage the screws holding the pin-holding plate.
  • Lift the lid away from the piano without sliding or rubbing it against the instrument once nothing is left holding it in place. Set it aside and gently wrap it to prevent scratches during transit.
  • Locate the piano leg marked "number 1" and take it off. Place the piano carefully, so the board cover sits on a thick, supple tissue spread out on the floor to the side of leg 1.
  • While someone else takes the remaining legs off the grand piano, hold it in this position.
  • Separately padded all three legs.
  • Wrap moving blankets around the entire piano.
  • Continue putting the piano in the vehicle. You can utilize the lift if it is large enough and the instrument is on an upper story of the building. If not, it will take at least three movers to lift the piano down the steps.
  • Before setting the piano on top, cover the boot's floor with moving blankets.

Getting a baby grand piano moved

The same procedures as for a typical grand piano should be used. The size of the baby grand piano is the only distinction. This suggests that a third person may not be required for the task. However, if the property size makes the moving process difficult, hire another or two workers to finish the operation. When relocating such a pricey musical instrument, it is better to be cautious than sorry.

Moving a piano on a carpet

Things are far more challenging when there is a carpet underneath the piano. If you utilize any improper moving techniques, you run the risk of damaging the musical instrument. The piano's legs are made to support its substantial weight and keep it stable. If a piano doesn't have wheels, it shouldn't be moved without being disassembled beforehand.

The high weight of the instrument and the surface friction of the carpet will cause the legs to snap when you push a piano over the carpet. This is why we highly advise against moving the piano using this technique. We recommend the following instead:

  • Find a piece of plywood that is flat and large enough to fit under the piano so that all three legs may walk on it.
  • Call as many people as you need for assistance. Depending on the size of the piano, at least three people will likely be required.
  • Lift the piano's legs one at a time, then carefully slip the plywood under each one.
  • Ask your helpers to pull on the piano to lift some of its weight after all the legs are on the plywood.
  • You can move the piano by pushing it in the desired direction. Because people lift most weights, you will feel it to be significantly lighter.
  • Take pauses. Don't try to move the piano all at once if the distance is large. After all, you wouldn't want someone assisting you to become injured due to overuse.
  • Remove the plywood beneath each piano leg once it has been moved to its new place. Apply the same method you used to place the piano on top of the plywood.

If you can't tackle this tiresome work on your own, especially if you're going abroad, look for a professional "removal and packing service near me." The best time- and money-efficient alternative for moving your piano is frequently to enlist the aid of a moving company. Moving your home can move a lot more swiftly if you work with a reputed moving company.

Steps for carrying a piano downstairs

However, the real problem arises when a step or a flight of steps is in your way of getting to the van. Additionally, this is the actual excuse people provide for hiring experts.

Using the weightlifting straps, you can raise the piano and the dolly together and carry them down if there is just one step. You'll need to put the dolly away to add further steps. To prevent scratching the surface, place cardboard pads on all the stairs. Everyone should use lifting straps to hold the piano. Step by step, raise and lower.

Steps for carrying a piano upstairs

The same amount of lifting is required to carry a piano up a flight of stairs, but you'll find that it exhausts you much more. Use straps and cardboard pads in the same manner as the previous lifting method after removing the dolly. Just like when you take it downstairs, lift the piano one step at a time.

Conclusion

Get out of the way of the piano if it tips over because doing so could result in serious harm or even death. Don't forget to tune the piano again when the move is finished. Although it may appear sturdy, the internal mechanisms are quite sensitive.

Once the piano relocation process is complete, it's smart to hire a long-term storage facility where you can keep the musical instrument for however long you need. Removals Cardiff will deliver it to your special place and wait for you to put it there when you're ready.

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About the Creator

Jack Lewis

Business Manager at Bolt Removals

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