How to move a piano

Piano moving equipment

At a minimum, you need a moving dolly, heavy-duty straps and padding, such as moving blankets or furniture pads. You’ll also need a ramp to get the piano into the truck and up and down any stairs.

Since pianos are bulky, heavy and delicate, they must be loaded and transported in a way that supports their weight and minimizes damage. Unlike most of your belongings, you can’t simply put your piano in a box or load it into a truck without significant planning and equipment.

» LEARN: How to pack a moving truck

How to move an upright piano

To move an upright piano, you need a dolly that can support the size and weight of the piano. A standard dolly should work, but some are only rated to hold 400 to 600 pounds. A heavy-duty furniture dolly can hold 800 to 1,000 pounds. Some of the bigger uprights can weigh up to 800 pounds — if this is the case for yours, make sure your dolly is rated accordingly.

You also need straps to place under the piano and hoist it on and off the dolly and into the back of the truck. Although it’s possible to use these straps without a shoulder harness or lifting belt, it’s not advisable except for the smallest pianos, like a spinet or console, which may only weigh around 200 pounds. For all others, rent or purchase a harness that lets you bear the weight of the piano on your shoulders without injuring yourself or risking a drop.

How to move a grand or baby grand piano

Before attempting to move a grand piano, you’ll need to disassemble and secure certain parts. Start by closing and locking all lids. Then, remove the legs using a screwdriver — someone should hold the piano’s body steady while you do this. Wrap the legs in moving blankets and set them aside.

Secure all piano parts, including lids and covers, before moving to prevent damage.

Once the legs are removed, carefully tilt the piano and place it onto a piano skid board — a padded dolly specifically designed for grand pianos. Secure the instrument using heavy-duty straps and a harness to prevent shifting during transport.

Grand pianos are significantly larger and heavier than uprights, often exceeding 1,000 pounds, and their shape makes them more difficult to maneuver. Using the right equipment and securing the piano properly reduces the risk of damage.

Step-by-step guide to moving a piano

When moving a piano on your own, the most important thing to remember is to take your time and plan carefully. Don’t attempt it at the last minute — you could end up hurting yourself or damaging the piano, floors, walls or door frames as you move it from one location to another.

1. Measure your spaces

Measure all doorways, staircases and hallways the piano will pass through. Don’t forget to measure the height of the moving truck as well. Ensure the new space can accommodate the piano before you begin moving.

2. Gather your equipment and helpers

At a minimum, you need a dolly or skid board, heavy-duty straps and padding. Two strong movers should handle the piano, with an extra person available to clear obstacles and assist as needed.

3. Prepare the piano

• Upright: Close and lock the keyboard lid, cover the piano with moving blankets, and secure it with tape. Slide straps underneath before lifting and placing it on the dolly.
• Grand or baby grand: Close and lock all lids. Remove the legs using a screwdriver, wrapping them in moving blankets. Have at least one person hold the piano’s body as you detach the legs. Secure it on the skid board before wrapping it in padding and strapping it down.

Never move a piano by its legs. Kate Hart, a relocations manager at Fantastic Removals, warns that “a piano's legs are vulnerable to breakage, and if you lift a piano by its legs, the weight balance can shift, causing them to snap.”

If your skid board doesn’t have sufficient padding, fold a furniture pad and place it underneath for added cushioning. Once it’s securely on the skid, wrap the piano in moving blankets, securing it with straps, bungee cords or tape. Never put tape directly on the piano, only on your packing material. Lastly, use two or three straps to secure the piano to the board, using the existing slots.

4. Clear the pathway

Make sure you have an unobstructed path directly to the truck. This includes moving all furniture out of the way, rolling up rugs and ensuring any ramps are in place and secured.

5. Load and unload the piano

Moving slowly and deliberately, wheel the piano to your loading location and up the ramp into the truck. Ideally, the piano should be loaded into your moving truck first and positioned as close to the back wall as possible. This is the most secure location and will reduce shifting during transit.

Remove the piano from the dolly and strap it to the floor or walls of the moving van. Ensuring it’s strapped down securely is especially important if you’re moving a long distance.

To move your piano into its new space, you’ll basically reverse these steps — don’t forget to clear a moving path ahead of time.

Expert tips for moving a piano

• Rent a piano board: Buying one is expensive, but some moving supply companies rent them.
• Avoid rolling pianos on carpets: Hart told us, “... pushing a piano over a carpeted floor will cause the legs to break because of the extreme weight of the instrument and the surface friction of the carpet.”
• Don’t rely on built-in wheels: Many pianos have casters, but these are only for positioning. Rolling them too far can damage the piano and flooring.
• Have at least two strong movers: An extra set of hands is helpful for positioning the dolly and clearing obstacles.
• Tune the piano after moving: Even short moves can knock the instrument out of tune.
• Choose climate-controlled storage if needed: To prevent warping, store pianos in a space between 68 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

» CALCULATE: How much do storage units cost?