Moving a piano is a multistage process and the first step is the most important. In this article, you will learn how to prepare a piano for moving. Whether you’re moving to a new home or just rearranging furniture, securely packing a delicate instrument is a step that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Determine if the piano will fit through passageways.
Before you begin, you’ll need to know the dimensions of the piano. Compare this to the measurements of the doors, hallways, staircases and elevators where the instrument will pass through. This information will help you determine the best approach for moving the piano without damaging it and your property.
Pianos come in various types and sizes. The two most common ones are the upright and grand pianos. Upright pianos typically measure around 58 inches wide, 25 inches deep, and 48 inches tall. Grand pianos can span from about 4.5 to 9 feet long.
In some cases, the piano will be too large to fit through doors and hallways, and you’ll need to lift it out through a window. In this case, you’ll need a moving company offering hoisting services
Wrap the piano securely.
The piano relies on acoustic principles to produce sound. Any damage to its strings, soundboard and pedal can affect its resonance and tonal qualities permanently. The best way to avoid damage is by wrapping the piano securely.
Follow these steps to ensure the piano is ready for transit:
- Gather packing materials. You will need moving blankets, bubble wrap, packing tape, and straps or ropes to secure the piano.
- Protect the keyboard of the piano. Close the lid and secure it with packing tape. Be careful not to use tape that could damage the piano’s finish.
- Wrap the piano pedals with bubble wrap or moving blankets. Use packing tape to secure the wrapping in place. You’ll want to make sure the pedals are fully covered and protected.
- Use packing tape or straps to secure the wrapped pedals to the piano body. This prevents the pedal from moving and dislodging during transport.
- Wrap the piano. Starting from one end, carefully wrap the entire piano with moving blankets. The piano should be fully covered, including the sides, top, and bottom. Use multiple moving blankets as needed to provide adequate protection.
- Secure the moving blankets in place using packing tape. Be sure to tape around the edges and corners of the piano to prevent the blankets from shifting during the move.
- Double-check the entire piano and make necessary adjustments or additions if you notice areas that are not fully protected.
- If the piano is being moved in a truck or a van, use straps or ropes to secure it in place. Anchor the piano securely to the vehicle’s structure to prevent it from shifting or sliding during transport.
- Label the piano. It’s a good idea to use a label or marker to indicate that the item is fragile and should be handled with care.
Remember to consult professional piano movers if you’re uncertain about any step, or if the piano is highly delicate and valuable.
Secure your piano with insurance.
Aside from physically protecting the piano, you should also protect it with insurance. If you’ve hired a moving company, find out if the policy will adequately cover the piano. A reputable piano moving company will offer additional insurance for high-value instruments.
Otherwise, consider purchasing your own insurance policy.
When choosing a moving insurance policy for your piano, consider the following:
- Evaluate your existing insurance policy. You may already have coverage for personal property including high-value instruments.
- Understand the coverage options. Look for protection against damage, loss, theft, and risks during the move. Additionally, consider getting coverage for any repairs or tuning that may be needed after the move.
- Review the policy terms and conditions. Pay attention to specific requirements or conditions that must be met to ensure coverage like proper packaging or notification of pre-existing damage.
Take into account the value of your piano when selecting insurance coverage. If your piano is particularly valuable, such as a high-end grand piano or a vintage instrument, you may want to choose a policy with higher coverage, or consider specialized insurance for musical instruments.
Hire professional movers to handle your piano.
Piano moving services are not typically offered by standard moving companies. The intricate piano design demands specialized care, from disassembly (if needed) to proper packaging, loading, and unloading. Moreover, piano movers often have insurance specifically tailored to cover these valuable instruments, adding an extra layer of protection for your prized possession during transit.
If you’d like the best care for your prized instruments, get in touch with The Padded Wagon team. Our expert team regularly handles luxury items, fine art, antiques and delicate instruments. Call us at 212-222-4880 or book your move at paddedwagon.com/book-online.