Moving a piano from one place to another in New York City will be a different experience, depending on the size of the instrument and the size of its new home. One thing’s for certain: You’ll want to be sure to do it right the first time! Here’s how.
Do the Math
Before you can even think of moving any piano, you need to know what you’re dealing with, and that means doing the math. A measuring tape will be your best friend in this step.
Measure and record your piano’s dimensions. Then measure all of the hallways, staircases, doors, and other points through which your piano will be moved. This should be done at the current location and the next beforehand so that the move can be completed smoothly.
Of course, be sure to also measure the dimensions of your moving truck to ensure your piano will be able to fit inside.
Be Mindful of Weight
A piano’s weight can vary greatly. For example, going in size from smallest to largest, a piano can weigh anywhere from 200 to 1200 pounds! So even if you are moving a small upright piano, you’re still dealing with enough weight to cause serious physical and instrument damage if it isn’t moved in the right way.
Put Lots of Time Aside
The piano is a delicate instrument that will require a lot of time to arrive safely at its new location. That being said, it’s important to ensure that you have the time and the people you need. Generally speaking, moving a piano can easily consume a few hours or more, so it may require an entire day to complete, especially if it’s a grand piano.
Gather the Needed Moving Items
In order to prevent injury to those moving the piano and damage to the instrument itself, you’ll want to be sure you’ve purchased some essential items. These include enough blankets, pallet wraps, and packing tape to secure the size of the piano. You’ll also need work gloves with grips.
A piece of equipment that makes moving easier is the piano dolly. Moving straps are absolutely essential, along with screwdrivers and ratchets if the legs of the piano must be removed. A piano board will protect your instrument from dust and damage, and it is something you can make yourself if you’re so inclined.
Prepare the Piano for Moving
You’ll need to secure the piano completely before moving day.
The keys should be covered and padded. You can use layers of cloth that have been secured with tape. If it’s an upright piano, it may be possible to remove your piano’s legs.
Large pieces of cloth or moving blankets should be used to wrap all sides of the piano. Make sure that none of your piano’s lacquer is visible, but that its handles are accessible.
Use moving straps to lift the piano onto the dolly, wrapping the piano’s underside with cloth or blankets and securing it with tape. Don’t forget to make sure all blankets are tightly secured, and then cover pedals with cardboard or another type of padding, using tape to secure these as well.
To move a grand piano, place a moving blanket under its wing to protect its interior. Ensure the blanket extends beyond the edges so that there is no contact between the lid and top of the body.
If possible, remove the music stand and pedals. Cover the keys and secure them by closing the cover. You’ll also want to wrap and tape the individual legs.
Should You Do It Yourself?
If it seems like moving a piano is complex, that’s because it is! This is why we strongly suggest that you contact Samba Moving for professional piano moving help.
Our piano moving team is the best in New York City. From upright, studio, and spinets to baby grand pianos and concert grands, we’ve moved pianos of all sizes and ages within the city, across New York State, and nationwide.
Our white glove, licensed, and insured service includes transport in climate-controlled vehicles, custom crating, top-quality equipment, and more for a damage and worry-free piano move. Call to hire our professional piano movers: 212-756-1263.
