Are you the type of traveler who enjoys moving from country to country? Do you also happen to own a piano? Even if you haven’t moved with a piano before, your intuition probably tells you that it’s not too easy. A piano is a delicate yet large and heavy instrument. It requires a special approach to packing, transportation, and installation.
No matter what type of piano you have, consider planning the move carefully. This way you can avoid worries associated with the process while ensuring the utter safety of your musical instrument.
In this article, you’ll learn how to plan for the move with a piano without too much hassle.
1. Purchase or Rent the right Equipment
Moving a piano safely is impossible without the right equipment. If you are moving it without professional assistance, you have to invest in heavy-duty straps to help you get a good hold of the piano. You should also rent a dolly to transport the instrument to the moving truck. You will need extra straps to secure the piano to the dolly and inside the truck.
If you aren’t sure which equipment you need or how to use it properly, you can get a consultation from a moving truck rental company. It may also have the necessary tools for rent.
Think about purchasing or borrowing padding to make sure the piano is duly wrapped during transportation. It can help avoid scrapes and cracks while the truck is moving.
2. Get As Much Help as You Can
You can’t move a piano on your own. You need at least three people to do the job. Two of them will be carrying the piano. The third person will be handling the equipment, showing the way, and monitoring the process.
So when you are planning a move with a piano, it’s better to call as many friends as possible. In some cases, you may even arrange for three people to carry the instrument. Since it’s rather heavy, extra assistance can help you avoid back problems.
Meanwhile, make sure that all your helpers are dressed comfortably. There should be any dangling pieces of clothing or accessories. They could become a hazard during the move.
3. Keep the Keyboard Safe
The first thing to consider when prepping the piano is the safety of its keyboard. You need to close and lock the lid properly. According to experts at Torex Moving, Toronto Moving Company, keys are extremely fragile and can easily be damaged during the move.
If the lid doesn’t lock, you have to secure it with straps and make sure it’s wrapped with padding. Avoid using duct tape to close the lid since it could damage the surface of the instrument.
If the space under the lid allows, you may want to consider inserting some padding inside and laying it over the keys for extra safety.
4. Wrap the Piano Properly
Using padding and/or blankets, you should wrap the piano, paying special attention to its corners. You can secure the padding with packing tape. However, make sure the tape doesn’t touch the piano itself.
Don’t hesitate to use the thickest blankets possible. Even though it will make the piano appear voluminous, sufficient padding is vital to its safety. Remember, the majority of bumps and cracks occurs while you are carrying the piano to the moving truck, not inside it. So do the wrapping before you lift the instrument.
5. Lift the Piano Carefully
The key to moving the piano without causing any damage to the instrument or the movers’ health is a balance. You should maintain balance at all times. That’s why all moves have to be synchronized. That’s where the extra helpers come in. They can give commands so all movers work simultaneously.
Remember, if you have to carry the piano down the stairs, it’s better to hire professional movers. You and your friends are unlikely to maintain the right balance and stay safe at the same time unless you have a piano-moving experience.
6. Place the Piano Inside the Truck
To ensure safe transportation, the piano shouldn’t have any room to move around the truck. So if you are moving the entire house, make sure that the instrument is the first thing you load. Then try to place as many boxes around it for proper support. You can also use bags with soft items, such as clothing to support the piano.
7. Prepare for Installation
Make sure the place you’ve prepared for the piano in your new home is spacious and clean enough to house it. It’s likely to be a while since you would have to move it again.
Don’t expect the instrument to start working perfectly immediately. It will need several weeks to settle in the new environment. Tune the piano about a month after moving in to ensure the best sound.
8. Hire Professional Movers
If you aren’t sure you can move the instrument safely, think about hiring experienced movers.
Moving a piano involves using special equipment. When choosing the moving company, it’s important to learn if such equipment is available. Meanwhile, you should find out if the movers have a piano-moving experience.
To be on the safe side, you can ask the company representative about the process. How will they prepare the piano for the move? How many people will be carrying the piano? Do they have special tools to keep it safe during transportation?
Final Thoughts
Remember, a piano is a highly delicate musical instrument that requires special care. Use the above tips to ensure a smooth move.
