How to Move a Piano Safely

Moving a piano is one of the most challenging tasks you'll face during a relocation. Whether you own an upright, baby grand, or concert grand piano, these magnificent instruments require special care, proper equipment, and careful planning to ensure they arrive at your new home safely and in tune.

At River Hills Moving, we've helped countless families successfully relocate their cherished pianos. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about moving a piano safely.

Why Piano Moving Is So Difficult

Before attempting to move a piano yourself, it's essential to understand what makes these instruments so challenging to relocate.

Weight and Construction

Pianos are deceptively heavy due to their internal cast-iron harp that holds the strings together. Here's what you can expect:

Spinet pianos: 300-400 pounds
Console pianos: 350-450 pounds
Studio uprights: 400-500 pounds
Full upright pianos: 500-800 pounds
Baby grand pianos: 500-600 pounds
Medium grand pianos: 600-800 pounds
Concert grand pianos: 900-1,500 pounds

Delicate Internal Mechanisms

Despite their weight, pianos contain intricate internal components that can be easily damaged during a move. The soundboard, strings, hammers, and action mechanisms are all sensitive to jarring movements, tilting, and environmental changes.

Awkward Shape and Size

Pianos aren't just heavy; they're bulky and difficult to maneuver through doorways, around corners, and up or down stairs. Their weight distribution varies by type: upright pianos carry most of the weight at the top and have relatively fragile legs.

Essential Equipment for Moving a Piano

Having the right tools is non-negotiable when moving a piano. Attempting to move one without proper equipment puts both your piano and your safety at risk.

Must-Have Equipment:

Piano Dolly: A specialized four-wheel dolly designed to support the weight and shape of a piano. Standard furniture dollies won't suffice.
Moving Blankets: Multiple thick, padded blankets to protect the piano's finish from scratches, dents, and impacts.
Ratchet Straps: Heavy-duty straps to secure the piano to the dolly and inside the moving truck.
Lifting Straps: Professional-grade lifting straps that distribute weight evenly and reduce strain on your back.
Furniture Sliders: To help maneuver the piano across floors without scratching.
Tape Measure: For measuring the piano, doorways, hallways, and staircases.
Tools: Screwdrivers and wrenches for disassembling piano legs and pedals (especially for grand pianos).
Protective Floor Covering: Cardboard or old rugs to create safe pathways and prevent floor damage.
Work Gloves: To improve grip and protect your hands.

Optional but Helpful:

Piano skid board (for stairs)

Corner protectors
Moving truck with a ramp
Hand truck
Additional padding materials

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Move a Piano Safely

Step 1: Measure Everything

Before you begin, take precise measurements of:

Your piano's height, width, and depth
All doorways in both your current and new home
Hallways and corridors
Stairways (including overhead clearance)
Elevator dimensions (if applicable)
The moving truck capacity

Measure doorways diagonally from corner to corner to determine if the piano can pass through at an angle. This step prevents frustrating situations where the piano becomes stuck or damaged from being forced through tight spaces.

Step 2: Gather Your Moving Team

Enlist help from at least four to five people depending on your piano's size. You'll need:

Two people to lift and support each end
One person to guide and steady the dolly
Extra helpers for navigating stairs or difficult passages

Choose helpers who are physically fit and have experience lifting heavy objects. Ensure everyone wears:

Closed-toe, sturdy shoes with good traction
Comfortable clothing that allows free movement
Work gloves for better grip

Step 3: Prepare Your Piano

For Upright Pianos:

Close and secure the keyboard lid with tape
Lock or secure the top lid
Wrap the pedals with moving blankets and secure with tape
Wrap the entire piano in multiple layers of moving blankets
Secure blankets with ratchet straps or moving rubber bands

For Grand Pianos:

Grand pianos require partial disassembly:

Close and lock the keyboard lid
Remove the music stand
Lower and secure the top lid
Have helpers support the piano while you remove the legs (one at a time)
Carefully lower the piano onto a piano board or padded surface
Wrap all components separately in moving blankets
Package legs and pedals securely

Step 4: Clear and Prepare Your Path

Before moving the piano:

Remove all obstacles from hallways and doorways
Take down doors if necessary to create more clearance
Lay down protective cardboard or rugs along the entire path
Secure floor coverings with tape to prevent slipping
Keep children and pets in a separate area for safety

Step 5: Lift the Piano onto the Dolly

This is one of the most critical and dangerous steps:

Position the piano dolly next to the piano
Have your team gather around the piano in position
Using proper lifting technique (bend your knees, keep your back straight, lift with your legs), everyone lifts in unison
One person slides the dolly underneath while others maintain the lift
Gently lower the piano onto the dolly
Immediately secure it with ratchet straps

Important Safety Reminder: Never attempt to tilt an upright piano backward or lay it on its side during this process, as this can damage the internal mechanisms.

Step 6: Navigate Through Your Home

Move slowly and deliberately:

Have one person guide from the front
Others should stabilize from the sides and rear
Take your time through doorways and hallways, avoiding sharp angles
For stairs, position one person at the top guiding and two or more steadying from below
Never rush, patience prevents accidents

Step 7: Load Into the Moving Truck

Use a ramp to roll the piano carefully into the truck
Position the piano against the back wall of the truck for stability
The piano should be one of the first items loaded
Secure it firmly with ratchet straps to prevent any movement during transit
Add extra blankets around it as cushioning
Never stack items on top of or against the piano

Step 8: Transport Carefully

During transportation:

Drive slowly and avoid sudden stops or sharp turns
Take the smoothest routes possible
Avoid potholes and rough roads
Allow extra time for careful driving

Step 9: Unload and Position in New Home

Follow the loading process in reverse:

Carefully wheel the piano down the ramp
Navigate to its designated location in your new home
Position upright pianos against an interior wall, away from:
- Direct sunlight
- Air vents or HVAC registers
- Windows and drafty areas
- Exterior walls (if possible)

Step 10: Reassemble and Let It Settle

For grand pianos, carefully reattach all legs and pedals with your team's assistance. For all pianos, allow four to six weeks for the piano to acclimate to its new environment before scheduling a tuning. Temperature and humidity changes affect the internal components and tuning stability.

Piano Moving Safety Tips

Protect Yourself:

Always lift with your legs, not your back
Communicate constantly with your team
Take breaks when needed, fatigue leads to accidents
Don't attempt to "save" a falling piano, let it go and get out of the way

Protect Your Piano:

Never drag a piano across floors
Keep the piano upright whenever possible
Avoid tilting beyond what's absolutely necessary
Don't use the legs or pedals as handles

Protect Your Property:

Watch for doorframes, walls, and corners
Use corner protectors on tight passages
Cover banisters and railings
Protect floors with proper coverings

When to Hire Professional Piano Movers

While this guide provides the steps for moving a piano yourself, there are situations where hiring professionals is the wiser choice:

You Should Hire Professionals If:

Your piano is a valuable antique or concert-quality instrument
You need to navigate multiple flights of stairs
Doorways are extremely tight or require removing windows
You're moving long-distance
You have health limitations or lack sufficient helpers
You're moving a full-size grand piano
Your piano needs storage during the move

Why Choose River Hills Moving for Your Piano Move

At River Hills Moving, piano relocation is one of our specialties. Our professional piano movers utilize custom equipment for top-tier safety, and our seasoned team has successfully moved pianos throughout the Texas Hill Country.

We understand that your piano isn't just furniture, it's a cherished instrument with both monetary and sentimental value. Our team treats every piano move with the care and expertise it deserves.

The Cost of Piano Moving: DIY vs. Professional

DIY Piano Moving Costs:

Equipment rental (dolly, straps, blankets): $100-200
Moving truck rental: $150-300
Helper costs (food, drinks, potential favors): $50-100
Risk of injury: Potentially thousands in medical bills
Risk of piano damage: Hundreds to thousands in repairs
Risk of property damage: Varies

Professional Piano Moving Costs:

Local move (under 50 miles): $200-500
Long-distance move: $500-1,500+
Includes: Equipment, expertise, insurance, peace of mind

When you factor in the risks and hidden costs of DIY moving, professional piano movers often provide better value while eliminating stress and danger.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving a Piano

How much does a piano weigh?

Piano weights range from 300 pounds for small uprights to over 1,500 pounds for concert grands. Most home pianos weigh between 400-800 pounds.

Can I move a piano on its side?

Upright pianos should remain upright during moves when possible. Grand pianos are actually transported on their side after proper disassembly, but this requires professional expertise.

How many people do I need to move a piano?

Minimum of four to five people for most pianos, with more required for grand pianos or difficult moves involving stairs.

Will moving damage my piano?

Properly moved pianos typically sustain minimal damage, though tuning is always required after a move due to environmental changes and internal shifting.

How soon can I play my piano after moving?

You can play it immediately, but wait 4-6 weeks before having it professionally tuned to allow it to adjust to the new environment.

Can I move a piano in a pickup truck?

Not recommended. Pianos need enclosed transportation to protect them from weather, road debris, and temperature fluctuations.

Ready to Move Your Piano?

Moving a piano is a complex task that requires preparation, equipment, and expertise. While it's possible to move a piano yourself following this guide, many homeowners find that hiring professional piano movers provides peace of mind and protects their valuable instrument from damage.

At River Hills Moving, we're here to help make your piano move stress-free. Our experienced team has successfully moved pianos of all types throughout the Texas Hill Country, and we'd be honored to help with yours.

Contact River Hills Moving today for a free quote on your piano move. Let us handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on making beautiful music in your new home.

‍