Moving an Upright Or Spinet Piano
Piano moving is not a simple task. Pianos are heavy, expensive and most of the time have sentimental value. Hiring a moving company for your piano move is probably your best option but some people move themselves. There are a few things you can do to make moving your piano easier on your friends and on your back.
The main tool you will need is a four wheel dolly with non marring casters. You will use this tool for placing under your piano so you can easily roll it around. You will also need moving pads, some shrink wrap and ratchet straps. Buying or renting these tools and supplies will ensure your piano move is done right. You should also look into using a back support brace while moving this heavy item. Two strong people can move a piano if there are no stairs involved. If you have stairs you will need 3-5 people depending on their strength and the weight of your piano. Moving a piano on stairs is not a simple feat, I recommend hiring a moving company for this task.
The first step is padding and shrink wrapping your piano. Use at least two moving pads to cover the front and sides. Shrink wrap the pads into place so they will stay where they need to while shifting your piano around during the move. You may need to use additional shrink wrap on the legs if your piano is a spinet. Make sure you do not pad over the handles that are built into the back of the piano, you will need to hold onto these while you are moving it.
Next you need to place the four wheel dolly underneath the piano. Lift one end of the piano and place a pad under under the side edge. Doing so will protect the piano while you're putting the dolly under it. From the end opposite the side with the pad, tilt the piano up enough for someone to slide the four wheel dolly underneath. If you do not want to tilt your piano, two strong people can lift the piano straight up and onto the four wheel dolly. Make sure that the four wheel dolly is in the center of the piano and that it feels balanced before you move it.
Using straps to hold the four wheel dolly into place is recommended for safety especially if you have never moved a piano before. Strapping will help you control the movements of the piano without having your dolly shift around on bumps you might go over. Do not over-tighten your straps and make sure that the ratchets and hooks are in the back or in a place where the metal will not press into the pads too much.
Once the piano is padded, wrapped and the dolly is strapped on, you can start moving it. Have at least one person on each end at all times and keep your hands on the piano at all times. When you come to a threshold or bump you need to move over, the person walking backwards over the bump first needs to lift the first two wheels of the dolly over the bump. You do this by holding the built in handle in the back of the piano and holding the edge in the front. Lift with control and take it nice and easy. You should be able to clear the bump and set the wheels down with little strain. The last two wheels will clear the bump even easier then the first when the person walking forwards lifts the piano just enough to clear the bump.
Now that you have the piano out of your home you can roll it up your ramp into your moving truck or trailer. I prefer using cargo trailers because they have a lower deck, this means your ramp is not as steep as a bobtail moving truck. Once you get it inside, remove the dolly in the reverse order of how it was put underneath. Place the piano with its back against the wall of your vehicle and strap it down. I like to use three straps; one strap lower down, one in the middle and one near the top.
Moving a piano is not as hard as some people fear if done properly. Take your time, use your head and make sure you have the tools and strength for the job. Good luck on your piano moving adventure!
Rachel Ragland has written multiple articles for Infinity Moving. They are Austin Movers servicing the metro area and surrounding cities.http://www.infinitymovingtx.com
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