When you are moving home, there are lots of big pieces of furniture to consider. A piano is perhaps one of the things you will worry about the most. It’s large, it’s heavy, and you certainly don’t want it to be damaged in transit. But you still need to move it – so follow this guide if you want to get it moved safely and in one piece.
Step one: Assess capabilities
If you don’t think you are going to be able to follow all of these steps by yourself, consider hiring a professional mover to do it for you. Even if you are able to package it up yourself, a company like PACK & SEND will be able to get it to the destination without any damage. Remember that it’s not just getting it wrapped up but also transporting it that you have to worry about.
Step two: Find recruits
If you do decide to take care of it yourself, you will need a spare pair of hands – or two, or three. Get some friends or family members to help you with the move. You will need to handle the weight of the piano as well as supporting the fragile legs and feet, so this is not a one-man job.
Step three: Stock up
You will want to get some heavy-duty straps to give you a better hold the piano, and a furniture dolly would also be a good idea for moving it around. You will need padding and blankets to protect the piano – and walls or doorframes – from any bumps and scrapes. Get these together before you begin.
Step four: The lid
Firstly, close the keyboard lid and lock it in place so that it cannot fly open during the move. This protects the hinges as well as the fragile keys. Always wrap the piano with a closed lid. If there is no lock, rely on the wrapping to keep it shut – don’t use tape as this can damage the wood and peel off veneers or stains.
Step five: Wrap it up
Wrap the blankets or padding around the piano and secure it with packing tape. You will want to make sure that the tape does not touch the piano, so wrap it all the way around. Pay special attention to the corners as these are particularly fragile and susceptible to knocks. Only proceed when you are sure that the piano is fully wrapped up.
Step six: Lift it
Never lift the piano by the legs, as these are not as firm as they look. Keep the piano upright: if you turn it sideways you may damage the inner mechanics, which are not held in place. You should place moving straps around the piano’s bottom, and lift it into the air or onto the furniture dolly with one person at each corner. Ensure it cannot roll off the furniture dolly if using one.
Step seven: Secure it
The piano should be right at the back of the truck, nearest to the cab, and you should consider creating a level flooring using wooden planks. Lock the casters in place if possible and pack around the piano so that it is not able to move during transit. Think carefully about what is placed around it – nothing should be able to fall on it or crush it with a heavier weight.
So there you have it – your piano is in the truck and ready to go! Make sure that you drive carefully if you are taking the wheel yourself, and be prepared to reverse this whole process at the other end.
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