Mistakes People Make When Moving Pianos
If you have a piano in your home, transporting this instrument is sure to be one of the most challenging aspects of the move. It's just so easy to damage the piano -- or a few door frames and floors -- in the process! Rather than make mistakes yourself, learn from the mistakes of others. Here are four key mistakes to avoid when moving a piano:
Mistake #1: Failing to account for the piano's weight when renting a moving truck.
You want to be certain the moving truck you rent can accommodate the weight of your piano. Larger pianos can weigh as much as 1,000 pounds! Driving a truck that's overloaded can make braking difficult, increasing your risk of accidents. Luckily, you can typically find a piano's weight printed on the back of the instrument, or perhaps on the underside of the key cover. Once you know the weight, call a moving truck rental company and ask for a truck that can accommodate this weight -- along with the weight of your other items.
Mistake #2: Not strapping the piano to the dollies.
Using dollies to move the piano is the most effective way to get it from point A to point B without needing 15 people to help lift. Do not, however, forget to strap the piano to the dollies. Without straps, it could easily slip off the dolly on one side, crushing your foot or leading to dings in the side of the piano. Use strong nylon straps designed for heavy tension.
Mistake #3: Forgetting to measure.
Make sure you measure every doorway through which the piano will pass. If there won't be at least two inches of space on all sides of the piano, you may need to remove the door frame. This can be time-consuming, but it's better than having to later remove and repair the door frame.
Mistake #4: Not covering the piano.
You think you have a clear path. You think the piano will fit with no problems. You should still cover it! You never know when a bird overhead will decide to poop or when one of your helpers may stumble, bumping the piano into the wall. A cover will prevent so much surface damage.
Keep in mind that because moving a piano is so challenging, most people hire professional piano movers to do it. While this may seem expensive, it will protect your piano and prevent the need for costly repairs.