Do You Need a Piano Mover to Move a Piano?
Having a piano in your life is a big decision. It can be fun to learn a new instrument and pick up a new skill, or maybe you would like to teach your kids how to play. If you don’t have a piano, you will need to find one to purchase and figure out how to get it into the new area you would like. But if you already have a piano and you plan on moving, then it may be time to enlist someone to help to take some of the pressure off. But that brings up the question of whether you need to specifically hire a piano mover or if a moving company will be able to get the work done for you.
You do not need a piano mover to help move a piano. According to the professionals at Brawny Movers, a moving company in London, Ontario, if you have a small enough instrument and the moving company has the right tools and equipment, you can hire a traditional moving company to help you move it. However, some pianos are specialized or really big, and it can be hard for a regular moving company to move them. Choosing to hire a professional piano mover can help get the work done quickly and will keep the piano safe.
While a moving company may be able to do some of the work of moving a piano for you, it may be better to hire professionals to get it done right and to take some of the stress and pressure off moving this instrument. Let’s take a closer look at why hiring a professional piano mover is a smart decision.
Should I Hire a Piano Mover to Move My Piano?
Whether you are bringing a new piano into your current home or you are making a big move and would like to take a current piano with you, it is usually a good idea to hire the piano movers to get the work done. They will understand how to properly handle the piano, no matter the size or even the type of the piano, and can get it safely from one location to another.
While it is possible to hire a moving company to do this, you do risk damage to the piano if they don’t know what they are doing. Moving companies may have limited knowledge on how to move a piano, even if they technically have the right tools and equipment to get it done. If you don’t want to worry about the piano and want to know that it will be safe in transit, then hiring the specialists is often best.
Reasons to Choose a Professional Piano Mover
There are several reasons why you would want to specifically go with a professional piano mover, rather than trusting a moving company to get the work done for you. Some of these reasons include:
- You have a really big piano to move: The bigger the piano, the more that you will need to hire the professionals to get it done. They will have the knowledge to get the work done and maneuver the piano, no matter how big it is or how small the space.
- You have a specialized piano: A specialized piano can be a joy to have around, but if you don’t use caution with it, then you could end up breaking it. Rather than worrying about it, put that piano in the hands of someone who will take the best care of it.
- It is complicated to get out of the home. Sometimes you can just take the piano out the front door, and other times you will need to get it from a basement or the tenth floor of an apartment. Having professional piano movers come in and take care of the piano for you can save the hassle and will make sure the piano is safe, no matter the specifics of the move.
- You want someone with specific tools and equipment to get it done. Moving companies may or may not have the right tools for moving your piano. But you will know from the start that a piano mover will have everything to do the job right.
Safely Moving Your Piano
There are a lot of items that you may need to move into and out of your apartment and a lot of them you can either do on your own, or you can hire a professional to come in and get it done for you. But when it comes to a piano, things can get heavy and awkward in no time.
Hiring a professional piano mover is not always necessary, but it can take some of the hassle out of the process and will ensure that the piano is moved carefully without a lot of problems. Look at all of your options before making that big decision.
Understanding the Complexities of Piano Moving
Before deciding whether to move a piano yourself or hire professionals, it’s important to understand the various factors involved in piano moving. The following tables provide key information about different types of pianos, moving costs, necessary equipment, potential risks, and preparation steps.
Comparison of Piano Types and Moving Difficulty
| Piano Type | Average Weight | Difficulty Level | Special Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upright | 300-500 lbs | Moderate | Narrow profile, easier to maneuver through doorways |
| Baby Grand | 500-600 lbs | High | Requires disassembly of legs, careful handling of lid |
| Grand | 700-1200 lbs | Very High | Needs specialized equipment, may require crane for upper floors |
| Digital | 25-200 lbs | Low | Fragile electronics, but much lighter and easier to move |
| Player | 500-800 lbs | High | Contains delicate mechanical parts, requires extra care |
Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Professional Piano Moving
| Method | Average Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY | $200-$500 | Lower cost, flexible timing | Risk of injury, potential damage to piano |
| Professional Movers | $300-$1000+ | Expertise, proper equipment, insurance | Higher cost, scheduling constraints |
| Piano Specialists | $500-$2000+ | Specialized knowledge, highest safety for piano | Most expensive option |
Essential Equipment for Moving a Piano
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Piano dolly | Supports weight and allows easy rolling |
| Moving straps | Secure lifting and carrying |
| Padding/blankets | Protect piano surface from scratches |
| Packing tape | Secure padding and protect keys |
| Skid board | Helps slide piano across flat surfaces |
Common Risks in Piano Moving
| Risk | Consequence | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Physical injury | Back strain, crushed fingers/toes | Proper lifting techniques, adequate manpower |
| Damage to piano | Broken legs, cracked soundboard | Use of proper equipment, careful handling |
| Property damage | Scratched floors, damaged doorways | Use of floor protectors, careful measurements |
| Tuning issues | Piano goes out of tune | Gentle handling, climate control during move |
Checklist for Preparing a Piano for Moving
- Measure doorways and stairwells
- Clear a path for moving
- Close and lock piano lid
- Wrap piano in moving blankets
- Secure blankets with tape (avoid direct contact with piano surface)
- Remove and pack piano bench separately
- Take photos of piano condition before move