Moving an Upright Or Spinet Piano

[Isabella Kelly]

Piano moving is not a simple task. Pianos are heavy, expensive and
most of the time have sentimental value. Hiring a moving company for
your piano move is probably your best option but some people move
themselves. There are a few things you can do to make moving your
piano easier on your friends and on your back.
The main tool you will need is a four wheel dolly with non marring
casters. You will use this tool for placing under your piano so you
can easily roll it around. You will also need moving pads, some shrink
wrap and ratchet straps. Buying or renting these tools and supplies
will ensure your piano move is done right. You should also look into
using a back support brace while moving this heavy item. Two strong
people can move a piano if there are no stairs involved. If you have
stairs you will need 3-5 people depending on their strength and the
weight of your piano. Moving a piano on stairs is not a simple feat, I
recommend hiring a moving company for this task.
The first step is padding and shrink wrapping your piano. Use at least
two moving pads to cover the front and sides. Shrink wrap the pads
into place so they will stay where they need to while shifting your
piano around during the move. You may need to use additional shrink
wrap on the legs if your piano is a spinet. Make sure you do not pad
over the handles that are built into the back of the piano, you will
need to hold onto these while you are moving it.
Next you need to place the four wheel dolly underneath the piano. Lift
one end of the piano and place a pad under under the side edge. Doing
so will protect the piano while you're putting the dolly under it.
From the end opposite the side with the pad, tilt the piano up enough
for someone to slide the four wheel dolly underneath. If you do not
want to tilt your piano, two strong people can lift the piano straight
up and onto the four wheel dolly. Make sure that the four wheel dolly
is in the center of the piano and that it feels balanced before you
move it.
Using straps to hold the four wheel dolly into place is recommended
for safety especially if you have never moved a piano before.
Strapping will help you control the movements of the piano without
having your dolly shift around on bumps you might go over. Do not over-
tighten your straps and make sure that the ratchets and hooks are in
the back or in a place where the metal will not press into the pads
too much.
Once the piano is padded, wrapped and the dolly is strapped on, you
can start moving it. Have at least one person on each end at all times
and keep your hands on the piano at all times. When you come to a
threshold or bump you need to move over, the person walking backwards
over the bump first needs to lift the first two wheels of the dolly
over the bump. You do this by holding the built in handle in the back
of the piano and holding the edge in the front. Lift with control and
take it nice and easy. You should be able to clear the bump and set
the wheels down with little strain. The last two wheels will clear the
bump even easier then the first when the person walking forwards lifts
the piano just enough to clear the bump.
Now that you have the piano out of your home you can roll it up your
ramp into your moving truck or trailer. I prefer using cargo trailers
because they have a lower deck, this means your ramp is not as steep
as a bobtail moving truck. Once you get it inside, remove the dolly in
the reverse order of how it was put underneath. Place the piano with
its back against the wall of your vehicle and strap it down. I like to
use three straps; one strap lower down, one in the middle and one near
the top.
Moving a piano is not as hard as some people fear if done properly.
Take your time, use your head and make sure you have the tools and
strength for the job. Good luck on your piano moving adventure!

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