|
|
|
|
What To Do With That Piano?
|
|
|
|
Moving a piano is a long, arduous, nail-biting experience. Even the lightest, smallest pianos weigh over 300 pounds! If you are relocating a piano, the best way to do it is with a professional piano mover. Some residential moving companies may also have piano moving experience and be able to move it with the rest of your furniture. What is not recommended, if you value your piano at all, is self-moving a piano. If you absolutely must, however, we’ve included a few tips below.
Professional Piano Movers
If you’ve already hired residential movers, it might be worth it to check and see if they are able to move your piano as well. If not, any piano dealer in town will be able to recommend a reputable piano mover. Once you’ve chosen someone, be sure to inquire about insurance for your piano. Even the smallest scratch to the paint can mean an expensive refinishing job.
When you hire a piano mover, you won’t need to do much to prepare it yourself. The movers will wrap it in heavy blankets and padding to ensure it isn’t damaged in transport. They will probably also secure the internal keys and moving parts as well. Piano movers will have all the necessary tools – a piano dolly, a piano board, weight belts to support their backs and a handcart sturdy enough to handle the piano’s weight. The only thing you need to do is be there to supervise and make sure the job is done right. When your piano arrives in its new location, make sure the movers put it somewhere it can acclimate well. That means keeping it away from heating ducts, windows, doors or any drafty areas.
Doing it Yourself
You will need at least four strong people to move a piano. Make sure they all have gloves and no back problems. Then follow these instructions:
- Make sure the lid is down and tightly secured.
- Wrap it with blankets and heavy padding so as to avoid scratching the finish. You may consider plastic wrapping as well, especially if you’re dealing with any moisture in the air outside.
- Look for obstacles in your path before you start moving. You should have someone who is not lifting there to help direct you.
- Place the piano on a heavy-duty dolly. If you don’t have one, you won’t be able to lift the piano any more than a few inches at a time. Don’t try to lift it more than a few inches off the ground either.
- If you’re rolling the piano, lift it over doorjambs or any small bumps. Even tiny bumps can dent your piano.
Related Articles:
|
|
|
|
|
|