Quick Answer
Moving a piano requires specialist equipment and expertise. You should never attempt to move a piano without professional help — pianos are extremely heavy (an upright piano typically weighs 200–300kg; a grand piano 300–600kg), fragile, and awkward to manoeuvre. Always use a removal company with specialist piano moving experience.
Why Pianos Require Specialist Movers
Pianos are among the most challenging items to move. They are extremely heavy, with a high centre of gravity that makes them prone to tipping. The internal mechanism is delicate and can be damaged by vibration, sudden movements, or changes in temperature and humidity. The external casing is easily scratched or dented. Moving a piano without specialist equipment and training risks serious injury to the movers and significant damage to the instrument.
What Specialist Piano Movers Do
A specialist piano mover will assess the piano and the access at both properties before the move. They will use specialist equipment — including piano boards, skids, and straps — to move the piano safely. Upright pianos are typically moved on a piano board; grand pianos are partially dismantled (the legs and pedal lyre are removed) before being moved on a specialist board. The piano is wrapped in protective blankets and secured in the removal vehicle to prevent movement during transit.
Tuning After the Move
Pianos should always be tuned after a move. The vibration and movement of transit, combined with changes in temperature and humidity, will affect the tuning. Allow the piano to acclimatise to its new environment for at least two weeks before having it tuned — this gives the wood time to adjust to the new humidity level.
Insurance for Piano Moves
Make sure your removal company's Goods in Transit insurance covers your piano for its full replacement value. If your piano is particularly valuable, consider arranging specialist musical instrument insurance. Daley & Co can arrange specialist cover for high-value instruments.
Related Questions
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