E.E. Ward Moving & Storage

Safely moving a piano involves far more than just muscle; it is a delicate engineering task that requires a deep understanding of the instrument's internal mechanics. The safest way to transport a piano, whether it's an upright or a grand, focuses on managing the immense internal string tension and protecting its fragile acoustic components from shock, torque, and even environmental changes.

The hidden dangers: Why moving a piano is so difficult

Most people see a piano and think of its external weight, which is significant. An upright piano weight for moving can range from 300 to over 800 pounds, with some older models being even heavier. A baby grand piano might weigh 600 pounds, while a concert grand can exceed 1,200 pounds. But the true danger lies within the instrument, a fact that is often overlooked in DIY piano moving attempts.

The 'machine under tension': The 20-ton secret inside your piano

Successfully moving a piano isn't about brute-force lifting of heavy furniture; it's a delicate engineering task focused on managing the immense internal tension of its cast-iron frame and preserving the equilibrium of its fragile acoustic components. Inside every piano is a massive, cast-iron plate, often called a harp, that anchors hundreds of strings. Combined, these strings exert an incredible, constant force of 18 to 22 tons. This massive tension is what makes a piano a "machine under tension." A sudden jolt, an improper tilt, or a drop doesn't just risk a cosmetic scratch; it risks a catastrophic failure of this frame, which can essentially cause the instrument to implode. This is the single biggest risk factor during a move and the primary reason why specialized techniques are not just recommended, but essential for preventing irreversible damage.

Upright vs. grand piano moving difficulty: Two distinct challenges

While both types of pianos are heavy and delicate, the steps to move a console piano or a large upright are fundamentally different from the techniques for moving a grand piano. Understanding these differences is key to appreciating the complexity involved.

The upright piano's deception: A dangerously high center of gravity

An upright piano's seemingly stable, boxy shape is misleading. This design creates a dangerously high and shallow center of gravity, making it extremely top-heavy. The most common cause of catastrophic damage to an upright during a move is improper tilting. Tilting it too far backward or forward can cause it to topple with incredible force, posing a severe risk to the instrument, your home, and the people moving it. This is why you should never try loading an upright piano into a pickup truck without professional equipment and a proper ramp. When asking how many people to move an upright piano, the answer is a minimum of three to four strong, knowledgeable individuals—two to lift and two to spot and guide, especially when moving a piano down stairs. The question of "can two people move an upright piano?" is a dangerous one; while it might be possible for a small spinet piano on a completely flat surface, it is never a safe or recommended practice.

Why grand piano disassembly is a physics problem, not a size problem

Moving a grand piano is less about its sheer weight and more about applied physics. The process is not about simply trying to fit it through a narrow doorway. It is an intricate procedure of disassembly designed to lower its center of gravity and create a stable, transportable unit. The first step in disassembling a grand piano for moving is to carefully remove the lyre (the pedal assembly) and the front leg. Then, the piano is gently lowered onto a specialized piece of equipment called a piano skid board, or piano board. Once securely strapped to the board, the remaining two legs are removed. This process is crucial because it's not just about fitting through doors; it's about removing legs and the lyre to create a stable sled and prevent shearing force from destroying key support points where the legs attach to the body. For a grand piano, the legs are removed, and the instrument is balanced on its side for transport. This converts the awkward, three-legged shape into a single, stable mass that can be maneuvered with control.

Professional movers vs. DIY: A clear-eyed comparison

The choice between hiring a professional piano moving service and attempting it yourself often comes down to cost. However, a true assessment must weigh the upfront cost to move a piano against the potential cost of damage to the instrument, your property, and personal injury.

       Key decision factors                

           Safety of the instrument and movers            

Professional Movers: This is their primary advantage. Professional movers employ specialists with expert training to move intricate instruments like pianos properly and safely. They use commercial-grade equipment like a piano skid board, locking straps, and heavy-duty dollies designed to handle the unique weight distribution. They carry insurance to cover any potential damage.

DIY Moving: The risks of moving a piano yourself are substantial. Without proper technique, the risk of dropping the piano, causing personal injury, or damaging walls and floors is extremely high. Standard furniture dollies are not built for the top-heavy nature of a piano and can easily fail.

           Cost of services vs. risk of DIY            

Professional Movers: The cost to move an upright piano locally can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, depending on complexity. The cost to move a grand piano is higher due to the need for disassembly and more movers. However, this cost includes expertise, proper equipment, and insurance, making it an investment in peace of mind.

DIY Moving: The upfront cost appears lower—just renting a truck for piano moving and some equipment. But the potential financial downside is enormous. A simple mistake can lead to thousands in repairs for the piano, your floors, or even medical bills.

           Complexity of the move (stairs, tight spaces)            

Professional Movers: Experienced movers have proven techniques for navigating difficult situations. They know how to pivot a piano around a corner, handle steep staircases, and manage tight hallways without causing damage. This is where their experience is invaluable.

DIY Moving: This is where most DIY attempts fail. Moving a piano down stairs is one of the most dangerous moving tasks imaginable. It requires precise coordination, strength, and specialized equipment that most people do not possess.

           Type and value of the piano            

Professional Movers: For a valuable instrument, such as an heirloom grand piano or a high-end upright, hiring insured piano movers is non-negotiable. The risk of devaluing or destroying an expensive or sentimental piece is too great.

DIY Moving: This might be considered for a low-cost or free upright piano where the potential loss is purely financial and manageable. Even then, the risk of personal injury and property damage remains.

The professional process: A piano moving checklist

Understanding what professional piano movers do can help you prepare for your move or, if you're determined to try it yourself, understand the immense scope of the task. Here are the essential steps.

Step 1: How to prepare a piano for moving

Before any lifting occurs, meticulous preparation is key. This includes measuring the piano, all doorways, hallways, and stairwells along the path. The path must be completely cleared of furniture, rugs, and any other obstacles. Protecting floors is crucial; movers will lay down Masonite or Ram Board to prevent scratches or cracks, especially on hardwood floors. The piano itself is then prepped. The keyboard lid and main lid are locked or secured, and the entire instrument is wrapped in thick, padded moving blankets. Protecting piano keys during move is vital to prevent chipping.

Step 2: The art of the maneuver and proper equipment

This is where specialized technique replaces brute force. For an upright, a special upright piano moving dolly (often called a H-dolly) is placed under the instrument. It is never lifted by its legs, which are decorative and weak. Instead, movers use piano moving straps to perform a controlled tilt onto the dolly, always maintaining control of its high center of gravity. For a grand piano, the aforementioned disassembly onto a piano board is performed.

Step 3: Beyond the bumps: Transport and environmental factors

Securing a piano in a moving truck requires specific placement. It should be loaded first, against the front wall (the bulkhead), to minimize shifting. For a grand on a skid board, it is placed with its straight side flat against the truck wall. During truck transport, a grand piano is placed with its top against the truck wall, as this is the most protected area from other items shifting during the move. But the move isn't over. Unseen forces like drastic changes in humidity and temperature between locations can cause more long-term damage to the soundboard and action than a minor jolt. A professional piano moving company offering piano storage and moving solutions will use climate-controlled trucks for long-distance moves to mitigate this risk.

Do's and don'ts of moving a piano

To summarize, here are some critical points to remember.

       
• DO measure every single inch of the path your piano will travel.
       
• DO use at least 3-4 people for an upright and a team of specialists for a grand.
       
• DO protect your floors with something stronger than a simple blanket.
       
• DO plan to have your piano tuned after the move. Moving a piano will almost certainly untune it due to the physical stress and environmental changes. Wait about two to four weeks for the instrument to acclimate to its new home's humidity before calling a technician.
       
• DON'T ever lift a piano by its legs or use the keyboard as a grip point.
       
• DON'T use a standard furniture dolly. You need the best dolly for moving a piano, which is a specialized, low-profile piano dolly.
       
• DON'T lay an upright piano on its back or side. This can damage the delicate internal action components. A grand piano can go on its side, but only when professionally secured to a piano board.
       
• DON'T underestimate the weight or complexity. This is how accidents happen.
   

Making the right choice for your needs

There is no single "best" way to move a piano; the right choice depends entirely on your specific instrument, your budget, and your tolerance for risk.

For the heirloom owner

If you own a valuable or sentimental piano, especially a grand piano or a family heirloom, the decision is straightforward. Your priority is preservation. The cost of professional, insured piano movers is a small price to pay to ensure the safety of an irreplaceable instrument. You need a team that offers comprehensive piano moving insurance and has a long track record of handling high-value items.

For the budget-conscious DIYer

If you have a standard, second-hand upright piano with little monetary or sentimental value, the DIY path can seem tempting. Before you proceed, conduct an honest risk assessment. Are you prepared for the cost of repairing a large hole in your drywall or a deep gouge in your wood floor? A sensible middle ground is hiring movers for just a piano. This specialty service is often more affordable than a full-home move and eliminates the greatest risks.

For the institutional coordinator

If you manage moves for a school, church, or performance venue, your needs are different. You require efficiency, reliability, and above all, liability protection. You need a professional moving company that is fully insured, can work on a strict schedule to minimize disruption, and has the capacity to move multiple instruments. Your primary concern is a seamless, predictable, and professional service.

Ultimately, a piano is more than just furniture; it's a complex instrument that represents a significant investment and, often, a source of cherished memories. Since 1881, our family at E.E. Ward Moving & Storage has understood the unique care these instruments require. With 144 years of experience, we have honed the techniques and invested in the specialized equipment necessary to handle these delicate moves with the precision they deserve. For a move handled with the respect your instrument demands, contact the specialists at E.E. Ward Moving & Storage in Columbus, OH for a comprehensive consultation and a free quote.

‍