How Professional Movers Prepare Pianos for Long Distance Transport
When it comes time to move, transporting unique or delicate objects is the biggest obstacle to overcome. Pianos especially are notoriously difficult to move. They are awkwardly shaped and unwieldy, in addition to weighing a lot. Even the smaller upright pianos weigh at least 300 pounds, while the larger grand pianos can weigh anywhere from 600-1000 pounds.
In addition to being heavy, pianos also have very delicate inner workings. Any damage to the pins or parts is costly to repair and can negatively impact the longevity and value of the instrument.
For these reasons, it's always best to hire professional piano movers when it comes time to transport a piano, especially over long distances. Professionals are uniquely equipped to properly pack and transport the piano to its new location safely.
How do professionals go about moving a piano? Below are the steps most movers will follow:
1. Prepare the Piano
This step involves getting the piano ready to safely transport in a way that won't damage any of the parts. First the movers will remove the lyre of the piano which is the wooden post that the pedals connect to (click here more a more detailed diagram and explanation). They will also remove the piano's lid and the hinges that it attaches to. Each part will be wrapped carefully in blankets, and more blankets are placed on the piano board.
2. Remove the Legs
Piano legs are made to be removed. All but one of the front legs will be taken off and wrapped separately. The movers will then pivot the piano on its remaining leg and carefully lay it on the board. They will then remove the last leg.
3. Wrap it Up
In order to protect the instrument during transport movers will wrap it carefully in blankets and protective padding. Professionals will know not to wrap it too tight; it's important for air vents to be left so condensation doesn't gather under the wrappings and warp the instrument.
4. Strap it Down
The piano will be carefully secured to the board with a variety of straps and buckles. Special care will be taken to ensure the fastenings don't damage the piano's finish or structure. Refinishing or repairing a piano can get very expensive.
5. Load it Up
The final step involves the piano being loaded onto a special four-wheeled dolly. This will allow the movers to safely wheel the instrument into the truck for transportation where it will be properly secured to keep it from moving around. Any necessary additional padding will be added to the sides to secure the instrument. The separate pieces taken off at the beginning of the process will be carefully secured with the main part of the piano.
And just like that the piano is ready for transport! Most movers will also unload and reassemble your piano at its destination to ensure the entire process is completely properly from start to finish.
In addition to being heavy, pianos also have very delicate inner workings. Any damage to the pins or parts is costly to repair and can negatively impact the longevity and value of the instrument.
For these reasons, it's always best to hire professional piano movers when it comes time to transport a piano, especially over long distances. Professionals are uniquely equipped to properly pack and transport the piano to its new location safely.
How do professionals go about moving a piano? Below are the steps most movers will follow:
1. Prepare the Piano
This step involves getting the piano ready to safely transport in a way that won't damage any of the parts. First the movers will remove the lyre of the piano which is the wooden post that the pedals connect to (click here more a more detailed diagram and explanation). They will also remove the piano's lid and the hinges that it attaches to. Each part will be wrapped carefully in blankets, and more blankets are placed on the piano board.
2. Remove the Legs
Piano legs are made to be removed. All but one of the front legs will be taken off and wrapped separately. The movers will then pivot the piano on its remaining leg and carefully lay it on the board. They will then remove the last leg.
3. Wrap it Up
In order to protect the instrument during transport movers will wrap it carefully in blankets and protective padding. Professionals will know not to wrap it too tight; it's important for air vents to be left so condensation doesn't gather under the wrappings and warp the instrument.
4. Strap it Down
The piano will be carefully secured to the board with a variety of straps and buckles. Special care will be taken to ensure the fastenings don't damage the piano's finish or structure. Refinishing or repairing a piano can get very expensive.
5. Load it Up
The final step involves the piano being loaded onto a special four-wheeled dolly. This will allow the movers to safely wheel the instrument into the truck for transportation where it will be properly secured to keep it from moving around. Any necessary additional padding will be added to the sides to secure the instrument. The separate pieces taken off at the beginning of the process will be carefully secured with the main part of the piano.
And just like that the piano is ready for transport! Most movers will also unload and reassemble your piano at its destination to ensure the entire process is completely properly from start to finish.
