When you purchase an upright piano, it is essential to find a professional who can transport it safely. Unlike other large household items, a piano weighs more than 1,000 pounds and requires special handling to avoid damage. It’s best to hire a piano moving company that specializes in this type of work, and you can usually find one through online databases or by searching online. You can also ask for recommendations from friends who have recently moved and hired a company.
Professional piano movers use a specialized vehicle with straps and tie downs to secure the instrument during transportation. This protects the piano from shifting during transit and helps to ensure that it doesn’t fall off the dolly or get damaged. They will also wrap the piano in padded blankets to protect it from scratches or chips. Depending on the size of the piano, they may also have to disassemble it to fit into their vehicle.
Most piano movers offer flat rates, making it easy to budget your move upfront. They will typically include the cost of labor and equipment usage in their overall pricing. However, some may charge separately for labor, and this can be a big surprise come move day. It’s important to compare prices between companies before hiring a piano mover, and you should always be sure to read the fine print so that there are no surprises when it comes time to pay.
Before you begin the piano relocation process, gather a group of strong friends who are willing to help out with the project. Ideally, you want to have at least four people to move the piano efficiently. Two movers should focus on the heavy lifting while the others guide the piano to and from the truck or van. Having some extra hands will make the job much easier.
Once the piano has been transported to its new home, unload it carefully by removing the straps or rope that were securing it to the dolly. Once again, a stair ramp can be used if the residence has front or back porch steps. Position two movers at the front end of the piano and one at the back, then slowly guide it down the ramp. Once the piano is on the pavement, have spotters look out for cracks or gaps in the sidewalk or driveway that could cause it to shift.
Once the piano is in its final destination, have a couple of movers remove the dolly and stand it up against the wall. Have another mover hold the piano in a squatting position while you lift it off of the dolly. Then, with the help of the person holding the dolly, lower it into place. Once the piano is set up, remove the squatting position and stand it up straight. If you need to, add a leveling leg to ensure that the piano sits flat. Then enjoy your new piano! If you have any questions about relocating your piano, contact us today. We are experts in local and long distance piano moving. We can help you with any kind of piano, from a grand to a spinet.