How to Move a Piano Without a Moving Company

By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group 

Working with professional movers in El Paso is always the recommended choice; however you could be able to move the piano without their support, provided you have the correct equipment, and a sufficient number of helpers. If you chose to go the Do-it-Yourself route, following are the basics you should know:

What to Do Prior to Moving the Piano

Moving a piano necessitates some serious prep work. Below are a few of the foremost tasks to arrange before you commence moving one:

1. Get the proper moving supplies and materials. For instance, you must have plenty of moving blankets on hand to protect the piano through the move. You will need a dolly sufficient for handling the piano's weight. For a grand piano, you'll also need to rent a piano skid board from a local moving company. (Do not be shocked if you end up spending hundreds of dollars to rent one!)
2. Form a team. At the bare minimum, you should have four strong, able-bodied people there to help you with the move. It is ideal when you can recruit friends or family members who have experience moving awkward items. Be sure to have a supply of pizza on hand for "motivation!"
3. Measure the appropriate passages. It’s extremely important to measure the passageway through which your piano will need to fit prior to the actual move. You do not want to get your piano stuck in a tricky position, and chance damaging it when you attempt to get it moved!

What to Do While Moving the Piano

Listed here you will find a few key items you don’t want to forget during the actual move. These include the following:

1. Wrap the piano keys, pedals, lid, and body up tightly with suitable materials (e.g., bubble wrap, foam packing sheets, blankets, and so on).
2. Assemble your moving team ready to lift the piano. Be sure they all lifts together, on cue. Another person (or two) must be ready to position the dolly under the piano.
3. After the piano is securely on the dolly, in a controlled manner guide it out of your residence and onto the moving van. Take extra care maneuvering through doorways, rounding corners and going down staircases. (When possible, use a ramp when moving your piano up or down stairs.)
4. When you unload the piano on the truck, be sure at a minimum one person is in front of the piano, and is able to control it during the lift to take out the dolly.

What to Do After Moving the Piano

For those who had to disassemble the piano to move it (for instance, by removing the legs), then ask your moving team to help you reassemble it after it has been successfully relocated. Wipe the piano down with a soft cloth or feather duster to get rid of all gathered dust and consider wiping down the outside with a mild solution of soap and water. (It is best to leave the interior to a professional piano cleaning company.)

Obviously, moving a piano devoid of the aid of a professional moving company in El Paso requires much organization, coordination, and hard work. The suggestions listed here are only the tip of the iceberg!

If you reach the conclusion that it would be best to leave a move of this magnitude to professional movers in El Paso, reach out to our team of friendly experts at the A-1 Freeman Moving Group today to go over the details.