Common Mistakes to Avoid When Relocating Your Piano

Moving a piano is no small feat. Pianos are both delicate and heavy, often requiring specialized handling to prevent damage. Whether you’re moving a piano across the room, across town, or to an entirely new city, there are several potential missteps to avoid. Ensuring that each detail is considered can save you from costly repairs and help preserve the instrument’s quality and sound. Let’s dive into the common mistakes to avoid when moving a piano.
1. Underestimating the Piano’s Weight and Size
One of the biggest mistakes people make is underestimating just how heavy and large a piano can be. Even a small upright can weigh hundreds of pounds, while larger grand pianos can easily top 1,000 pounds. Moving a piano is not the same as moving regular furniture, and without a proper understanding of its size and weight, you might find yourself in over your head.
- Solution: Check the dimensions and weight of your specific piano model and recruit help accordingly. It’s often wise to hire professional movers with piano-moving experience. Professionals will have the right tools and knowledge to handle the job efficiently.
2. Using Inadequate Equipment
Attempting to move a piano without the right equipment can be disastrous. Moving a piano safely requires specialized tools, including heavy-duty moving straps, dollies specifically designed for large objects, and plenty of padding.
- Solution: Rent or invest in the necessary equipment, such as piano dollies and skid boards. Moving blankets or padding are essential to protect the piano’s exterior from scratches and dents.
3. Neglecting to Protect Surrounding Areas
In the chaos of moving a piano, it’s easy to overlook the need to protect your floors, walls, and doorways. Pianos are often cumbersome to maneuver, and their sharp corners can leave unsightly scratches or gouges in the flooring and walls.
- Solution: Lay down protective materials like blankets, cardboard, or thick pads along floors, walls, and doorways. Take measurements to ensure that the piano will fit through each doorway or hallway without issue.
4. Forgetting to Secure the Keyboard Lid
Leaving the keyboard lid unlocked is a common and easily avoidable mistake. If left unsecured, the lid could open during the move, putting the keys at risk of damage. Plus, a loose lid could hurt movers’ fingers or hands if it falls open unexpectedly.
- Solution: Lock the keyboard lid before starting the move. If your piano doesn’t have a lock, secure the lid with a moving strap or tape to keep it closed throughout the process.
5. Attempting to Move a Grand Piano Without Disassembling It
Grand pianos are especially challenging to move. Many people mistakenly assume they can be moved as a single piece, but the legs and pedals should be detached to make the process safer and easier.
- Solution: Carefully remove the legs, pedals, and any other detachable parts. Place these pieces in padded coverings, and transport them separately to reduce the risk of damage.
6. Attempting to Move a Piano Solo
The sheer weight of a piano makes it a difficult job for one person. Many think they can handle it with just a friend or two, only to end up risking injury or damaging the piano.
- Solution: Assemble a team of at least three to four people, depending on the piano’s size. Ideally, bring in professional movers who are experienced in relocating heavy, delicate items like pianos.
7. DIY Moving for Long Distances
While moving a piano within the same home or across the street might be manageable, moving it long distances requires different considerations. The piano will need to be loaded and secured into a moving vehicle, protected from environmental changes, and carefully unloaded upon arrival.
- Solution: For long-distance moves, hire a professional moving company with piano experience. They can provide the necessary vehicle, climate control, and precautions to ensure your piano’s safety.
8. Ignoring Temperature and Humidity Factors
Pianos are sensitive to shifts in temperature and humidity, which can affect the wood, strings, and sound. Moving a piano to a location with significant climate differences could impact its tuning and structural integrity.
- Solution: For long-distance moves, choose a climate-controlled moving option. Upon arrival, allow your piano to acclimate to its new environment before tuning.
9. Failing to Protect the Piano’s Finish
The polished finish on many pianos is one of their most beautiful aspects, but it’s also vulnerable to scratches and scuffs during a move. Without adequate padding, you may accidentally damage the piano’s surface.
- Solution: Cover the entire piano with moving blankets or another non-abrasive padding material. Wrap the edges and corners securely to prevent them from bumping into walls or other surfaces.
10. Not Scheduling a Professional Tuning After the Move
Pianos need to be tuned regularly, but it’s especially important after moving. The moving process itself, coupled with environmental changes, can cause the strings to shift slightly, impacting sound quality.
- Solution: Schedule a professional tuning session a few weeks after the move once the piano has settled. This will ensure that it sounds its best in its new home.
11. Ignoring Stairways and Steps
Navigating stairs with a piano is one of the most challenging aspects of relocation. Attempting to maneuver a piano up or down stairs without a plan can result in injuries or damage to the piano and property.
- Solution: Use ramps or equipment designed for moving pianos on stairs or call a professional mover. Professional movers are trained in stair navigation and can avoid common pitfalls that amateurs may face.
12. Choosing the Wrong Moving Vehicle
Choosing a vehicle without enough space or proper suspension can be detrimental to the piano’s safety during transit. A piano needs to be securely fastened and protected from jolts and sudden stops.
- Solution: Choose a moving vehicle with sufficient space to accommodate the piano’s size. For long-distance moves, select a vehicle with climate control to minimize exposure to temperature and humidity changes.
13. Overlooking Pre- and Post-Move Inspections
Without a detailed inspection, it’s difficult to know if any damage occurred during the move. Conducting a pre- and post-move inspection allows you to identify any issues that may need immediate attention.
- Solution: Document the condition of your piano with photos before the move, focusing on the finish, legs, pedals, and interior parts. After the move, compare with your original photos to spot any differences.
14. Neglecting to Plan for the New Location
Where you place your piano matters for both sound quality and maintenance. Many people overlook this step and end up placing their pianos in spots with too much sun exposure, temperature fluctuation, or poor acoustics.
- Solution: Choose a location away from windows, vents, and exterior walls to protect the piano from humidity and temperature shifts. Placing a piano in a central area often improves acoustics, ensuring you get the best sound.
15. Not Considering Insurance Options
Moving a piano is a big investment, so it’s important to protect it. Many moving companies offer insurance for valuable items like pianos, but some people opt out to save money, only to face costly repairs after damage.
- Solution: Look into insurance options specifically for your piano. It can cover any damage that might occur during the move and give you peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Moving a piano is an involved process that requires planning, patience, and sometimes professional help. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure a smooth relocation and keep your piano in excellent condition. For many, hiring a professional mover who specializes in pianos is the best option—especially when navigating tight spaces, stairs, or long distances.
Take the time to protect your investment, and soon your piano will be adding beauty and music to your new space, safe and sound.