How to transport a piano

First things first - moving a piano of any size is a difficult process that involves strength and delicacy. It can also be dangerous lifting heavy objects incorrectly, so before you think about transporting a piano anywhere, learn how to lift one correctly.

It is also important to know what kind of piano you are lifting, not just how to lift a piano. Pianos vary greatly in weight and size. This especially important when lifting an upright piano onto the dolly. The smaller "studio" pianos usually weigh between 180 kg and 270 kg, whereas larger grand pianos can weigh up to half a tonne.

The number of people needed to move a piano depends on the above. However, you should try and recruit at least three or four people to lift a piano. It’s important to point out that heavier pianos, such as a concert grand piano, should always be moved by professionals.

You also need to use the equipment above to prepare your piano. This is arguably the most important part, as it will protect your piano from becoming scuffed or scraped. Wrap the piano in plastic covers and use tape to secure the plastic covers. You should also make other simple precautions, such as wearing appropriate clothing and clearing a path for the piano.

Moving an upright or spinet piano, which are the most common types found in homes, will involve a dolly, a ramp if transporting the piano into a van, and of course piano covers and straps.

Using a dolly that is at least half the length of the piano, you should position it slightly in front of the piano. With at least one person at each end of the piano, ensuring there is one person at the front to help balance the instrument onto the dolly, slowly, and with taking extra care to secure your grip, carefully lift the piano on to the dolly.

Roll the piano towards the exit and you’ll need a ramp to go up and down any stairs; you should have two of the movers at the lower level to help support the piano.

It is possible to use a piano ramp if you are just going up four or so steps. However, the only way to move a piano up a flight of stairs is by carrying it. Moving a piano upstairs or downstairs can be particularly difficult and needs a significant amount of skill and planning.

Moving a piano up and down stairs is the most dangerous part of transporting a piano. It should ideally be done by professionals and caution should be exercised at all times.

If you're transporting a piano from property to property, it is important to use a van or truck. Moving a piano into a truck involves specific skills and technique.

If your van has a ramp, this won’t be an issue, but be sure to have enough people wheeling it up the ramp that it can safely get up the ramp and onto the truck. This, again, shouldn’t be an issue as you have just used at least three movers to get the piano downstairs.

Place the piano into the van facing the back wall. It is highly recommended that you place a wooden plank under the piano, to ensure that the floor surface is even and to ease the trauma to the legs of the piano. The piano should be strapped into the truck so that it won’t shift around during the drive. Adjust the plastic covers as needed, so that none of the wood can touch the side of the van

Never leave the piano on its dolly on the van because it might break loose around in the truck and be damaged. Once you arrive at the destination and are safely parked, unbelt the upright piano from the van wall and remount it on the dolly upright

It’s likely that the piano will need tuning after arriving at the destination as transporting a piano is likely to significantly loosen the strings, even when done by removal professionals. However, pianos take time to acclimatise to new environments, therefore it is important you leave the piano 2 to 4 weeks before hiring a tuner.