When you own a piano, you know that one day you might need to move it along with you. It does not matter whether you play it regularly or just keep it as a showpiece. You know you cannot afford to leave it behind. Getting it damaged during transit is the last thing you want. You cannot just think of rolling it from one place to another without damaging it.Here are some tips to guide you as to how to move a piano safely:
Have knowledge about your Instrument
Piano certainly demands for one of the most complicated moves. A basic piano consists of 230 strings and about 10,000 moving parts. Thus, tuning a piano needs focus. There are two major types on acoustic pianos in the market:
· Grand Pianos
These are commonly seen in classical amphitheaters. With a large, harp-shaped soundboard, these normally roll on caster wheels. Normal-sized pianos pianos might weigh more than 1,200 pounds. Baby grand pianos are of a smaller frame with the same shape. Their weight is almost half as much.
· Upright pianos
These pianos are with a smaller frame. They are usually more portable and mainly seen in clubs, studios and homes that prefer smaller and slender pianos. Portable is a relative term here, since even a small spinet piano can weigh more than 400 pounds.
An upright piano has a compact shape that can fit through most door openings. A professional team of movers can easily move the instrument. On the contrary, moving a grand piano demands lifting of the instrument through a large window, preferably using a crane.
Consult with professional piano movers
It is always a smart decision to hire actual professional piano movers to do the task of relocating these specialty items. In case you decide to perform I on your own with the help of your friends, at least make sure to consult with a professional piano mover beforehand.
Make the travelling path safe
Make sure that the piano’s traveling path is clear before initiating the move. You need to be extra cautious if the path involves stairs. Cover the piano in non-slip blankets, folding the edges beneath the instrument and covering them with moving cords to protect its finish.
Make sure to know about every detail of piano’s path that leads to the loading into the truck. Discuss every possibility of damage before starting the moving process. This step needs to be repeated once the piano arrives at your new place. Make sure not to leave the piano lid unlocked as a careless bump might cost the safety of the ivory keys.
Apply Proper moving technique
Try not to stress the entire weight of the instrument in one specific direction. Avoid tipping the instrument over the stairs as it put pressure on the piano’s midsection and permanently distort its frame. Before packing the piano, put packing desiccants inside the piano. It is a safety measure to protect the piano from a humid environment. Humid can distort the wood. Make sure to do the packing properly before the loading process. Moving can cause several damages that might not even be apparent.
Use special furniture straps
Avoid the use of typical cargo straps for the piano while securing it. Spend a bit more on buying or renting heavy-duty furniture straps as they are more reliable and can bear the instrument’s weight efficiently during transit.
The first step should be to cover the piano’s legs before placing it on the moving dolly. With the help of a tape, measure the dimensions of the instrument to assure that it will comfortably fit through the doorways. In case the piano gets stuck up at any angle anywhere, it might cause little scratches.
Focus on the piano legs
The piano legs are generally fragile as compared to the rest of the body. So, remove the grand piano’s legs first before moving to prevent the breakage of the legs. It also assures that it shall fit vertically through doorways.
Be cautious while packing
Try packing the piano and other specialty items first. Put the piano at the back of the moving truck against the wall. Make sure that the weight is uniformly balanced inside the truck. If the level is not plain, you can place some wooden planks on the floor to make it even.
After-moving steps
Remember a successful move cannot guarantee that the piano is still tuned. Differences in humidity and atmospheric pressure might detune the instrument. After the moving is finished, make sure to tune the piano. In fact, tune a few times in the first year after moving.
Wear light comfortable clothes
It might seem frivolous but your moving outfit matters. While handling of cumbersome items like a piano, avoid wearing baggy pants or expensive clothes as it might get damaged or dirty. Clothes have a tendency to get caught on the instrument while the shifting process. The shoes you wear should be slip-proof.
Moving Electric Pianos
Electric pianos are quite popular these days. Moving these pianos is comparatively more hassle-free. Its tiny mechanical parts make it easier to displace. Even tuning these instruments after the move is a lot convenient, as compared to its acoustic versions.
Having said that, it does not imply that you should take any less care while moving these pianos. The same above steps need to be applied to ensure its smooth move. After all, it is no less fragile than any other delicate pieces items. Its keys lie under the risk of getting loose during transit. Another problem area is its hardware. Unwelcomed tumbles and bumps can cause substantial damage to the hardware. So, hard travel cases are provided in case of these pianos.
Only when you are prepared 100% for a safe piano move, should you take a sigh of relief. Get all the arrangements done ahead of the moving day. Remember the safety of your piano is in your hands!
