How to Move a Piano by Yourself
Moving a piano yourself takes a lot of preparation as the task is tedious and demanding, which is why there are dedicated professional piano moving companies. That said, if you don’t have the time or budget to hire piano movers, you can move most pianos yourself, with some additional help.
First, get a team of helpers together. We recommend three to five people. Try to find people who have experience in moving pianos or other big and bulky furniture. You’ll also want to measure all entrances and pathways you’ll be moving the piano through. Make sure there is enough room and change pathways as needed to safely place your piano.
Next, you’ll want to get the right moving supplies to protect your piano during the move. Moving blankets can protect baby grand and upright pianos from scratches and other damage that can happen during transit. You will also want a dolly or hand truck to assist in moving the heavy instrument. A piano board, or skid board, may be used to move the piano with ease on and off a truck. That said, you’ll want straps to help hold the piano in place while the vehicle is moving.
Now it’s time to actually move your piano. A baby grand and an upright piano each require different attention. For a grand piano, lower and secure the top lid, then disassemble the pedals and legs, if possible. Prepare the pedals and legs in their own moving blankets. Gently move the piano onto the skid board and strap the piano onto the board. While pushing the piano board, or moving the piano on the dolly, be sure to have helpers keeping the piano from tipping or falling. When you get the grand piano to its final location, assemble any pieces you disassembled and tune the piano again.