A piano is a delicate object. Besides, it’s large and heavy, making it especially tricky to move. Pianos tend to cost small fortune money-wise, and if you’re the one playing it, you know the emotional value it has as well. To pack and move your piano safely, it’s best to hire professional movers specializing in this particular task. Next Stop Movers Raleigh will provide you with a dedicated team to handle the operation swiftly and with ease. However, if you decide to handle the packing and moving of your piano singlehandedly, there is a way to do it safely, and we will share it with you. You should be aware that the DIY transfer of a piano involves certain risks as well. That’s why your utter focus and attention are required, along with a team of friends or close ones willing to assist you. So, let’s dive into it.
What will you need to pack and move your piano safely?
First and foremost, preparing and transferring your piano safely calls for some serious deliberation. Depending on the type of piano you have, this elegant instrument can weigh up to 1000 pounds. Moving a piano is an art within itself, much like playing it. So, do consider hiring pro piano movers Raleigh NC for the best outcome of your moving project. Besides, not all moving companies have the capacity to move a piano. The handling of this instrument requires adequate specialization and an honed skill set to ensure its safe relocation. And so, shall you enlist expert help, you’ll also benefit from their specialized equipment and tools for the job.
However, if you decide to go the DIY route, assess the risks mindfully. Even a minor scratch, dent, or wear will significantly lower the value of your valuable instrument. So, if you’re up for the risks and willing to put in the effort into moving your piano without mishaps, make sure you assemble a team of people you trust, and who are capable of helping you with some serious heavy lifting. Further, here’s what you’ll need:
- Tools and equipment
- Space and route planning
- Piano disassembling guide
Gather quality packing materials
Once you decide to pack and move your sensitive and cumbersome instrument without pro help, you’ll need to ensure you have everything you need to keep it off harm’s way on the road. Apart from the necessary equipment for the move, you’ll need to gather quality packing supplies as well. Even if you skip enlisting specialty moving services, you can still benefit from expert packing services Raleigh NC. Preparing your piano and packing it the right way is half the success of the entire moving operation. The pro packers will supply you with the best packing materials and will handle each piece of your precious instrument with adequate techniques necessary for its optimal protection.
The right tools and equipment for your piano moving project
Once you secure all the packing supplies for wrapping up your piano, you’ll need to gather the following things:
- Screwdrivers. Although smaller pianos can be moved without disassembling, this doesn’t mean you should take on the risk. Similar to most items, if you intend to pack and move your piano safely, you should handle smaller pieces individually. While transferring your instrument to another room is less of a risky operation, moving your piano to a different location will be much safer if you disintegrated it into smaller pieces. First, you’ll lighten the load. Further, you’ll solve the space issue. Thus, have adequate screwdrivers on hand, to correspond to the different sizes and shapes of screws holding the pieces together.
- Moving blankets. These will provide padding and protection from scratches and damages to the delicate finish of your instrument.
- Stretch wrap. Secure the padding by using this, rather than tape. Both duct tape and packing tape are durable and sticky, which can damage the polished surface of your piano.
- A dolly. Most movers specializing in piano moving will be able to help you with supplying this. A piano dolly has four wheels, so you’ll be able to move your upright piano with this.
- Skid board. This is larger in size, and it’s ideal for moving a grand piano.
- Straps. You’ll need these to secure your instrument on the dolly or skid board, and prevent it from falling off.
Ensure your piano moving is on-key by diligently planning the action
To prepare and move your piano safely, you’ll need to consider all parts of the task in detail. Whether you’re moving your instrument to storage, or to your new home, you’ll need to get it out of the door. Therefore, use duct tape to take measurements, and ensure it will fit with no issues. Besides, make sure you have ample space with no obstructions to work safely and effectively. If you’re concerned about the safety of your doorframes or walls in narrow hallways, make sure you protect them with some padding. Consider if you need to move your piano upstairs or down and work out an effective strategy with your team ahead of time. Also, plan the route and move other furniture and bulky items off the way, to prevent them from getting damaged in the process. Thoughtful planning will enable you to pack and move your piano securely.
Pack and move your piano safely with these pro tips
Packing and moving a piano in a safe way is not a walk in the park. You’ll need to ensure you have the right tools for the job, and work slowly but steadily towards the finish line. Besides, here are some expert tips to take note of, and make the transfer of your beautiful instrument as harmonious as the tunes it produces.
- Disassemble the piano. This step isn’t necessary if you’re moving it across the room. However, if you need to take it out of the house and put it on the road, it’s best to invest your tie here, and ensure the optimal safety of your instrument.
- Remove the lead of your piano. Grand and baby grand pianos come with a lead. To pack and move your piano safely, you’ll need to remove it. Hence, with the screwdriver in hand, remove the screws holding it to the body of your instrument. Make sure you place the screws in a plastic bag and label it clearly to make it easy for yourself when you reassemble the piano later on. Wrap the lid in moving blankets and secure them with shrink wrap, to keep them protected from damages during the transfer.
- Remove the lyre. This is the next part of your piano you should remove after the lid. Similarly, the lyre is attached to the piano with screws, and it’s connected to the pedals. Once you remove it, place the screws in a separate, clearly labeled plastic bag.
- Remove the pedals. Most pianos have 3 pedals. Once you remove these, keep them separately wrapped in protective packing materials, to keep them safe from damages.
In conclusion, the aforementioned tips will help you pack and move your piano safely and with ease. Good luck.
