How To Remove a Piano

Removing a piano from any space can be a challenging task. Whether you’re moving to a new home, redecorating, or simply decluttering, safely transporting a piano requires careful planning, the right tools, and physical strength. Pianos are not only heavy but also delicate instruments, so it’s essential to handle them with care. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the detailed steps to safely and efficiently remove a piano from any space.

Step 1: Assess the Piano and the Space

1.1 Measure the Piano:
Before you start, measure the dimensions of the piano. This includes its height, width, and depth. Common types of pianos include:

• Upright Piano: Typically around 48-60 inches tall.
• Baby Grand Piano: Usually around 4.5 to 5 feet wide.
• Grand Piano: Can range from 5.5 to 9 feet in length.

1.2 Measure the Exit Path:
Measure all doorways, hallways, stairwells, and elevators the piano will need to pass through. Ensure that the piano can fit through these spaces without any issues.

1.3 Identify Potential Obstacles:
Look for obstacles like narrow hallways, sharp turns, low ceilings, or fragile flooring. Take note of any obstacles that could make the removal process more difficult and plan accordingly.

Step 2: Gather the Necessary Equipment

To safely move a piano, you’ll need the following tools and equipment:

• Piano Dolly: A specialized dolly designed to support the weight and size of a piano.
• Furniture Sliders: These will help to move the piano across carpeted or hardwood floors without causing damage.
• Moving Straps: Heavy-duty straps will help distribute the weight more evenly and make lifting easier.
• Padding and Blankets: To protect the piano from scratches and dents during the move.
• Tape and Plastic Wrap: Secure any loose parts, like the lid or keys, to prevent them from moving during transportation.
• Screwdriver: If necessary, to remove parts like the piano legs or pedals.
• Helpers: A piano is incredibly heavy, so recruit at least 3-4 strong individuals to help with the move.

Step 3: Prepare the Piano for Moving

3.1 Protect the Piano:
Wrap the entire piano with moving blankets or padding. Secure the blankets with moving tape or plastic wrap, ensuring that the padding stays in place.

3.2 Secure Moving Parts:
Lock the keyboard lid to protect the keys. If the lid doesn’t have a lock, use tape to secure it shut. If you’re moving a grand or baby grand piano, you may need to remove the legs. Carefully unscrew the legs and wrap them separately in blankets.

3.3 Prepare the Space:
Clear the pathway from the piano to the exit. Remove any furniture, rugs, or other items that could obstruct the move. Ensure that the path is clean and dry to prevent slipping.

Step 4: Moving the Piano

4.1 Lifting the Piano onto the Dolly:
If you’re moving an upright piano, position the dolly in front of the piano. Lift the piano carefully onto the dolly, ensuring it’s centered and balanced. For grand or baby grand pianos, tilt the piano onto one side to position the dolly underneath.

4.2 Maneuvering Through Tight Spaces:
Take your time when moving through doorways and narrow passages. Use furniture sliders under the dolly if moving across carpet or delicate floors. If stairs are involved, you’ll need to position the piano at an angle that allows it to be safely lowered or raised one step at a time. Be patient and communicate clearly with your helpers.

4.3 Loading the Piano into a Truck:
If the piano needs to be transported in a vehicle, use a loading ramp to get it into the truck. Once inside, secure the piano to prevent it from moving during transport. Use straps to fasten the piano to the truck’s sidewalls and place additional padding around it for added protection.

Step 5: Unloading and Placement

5.1 Unloading the Piano:
Once at the destination, carefully reverse the loading process. Use the dolly to move the piano into its new space, again being mindful of tight spots and potential obstacles.

5.2 Reassembly:
If you removed any parts, like legs or pedals, reattach them once the piano is in place. Remove the padding and blankets, and check the piano for any damage.

5.3 Final Positioning:
Place the piano in its desired location, making sure it’s stable and level. Use furniture sliders to fine-tune the positioning without damaging the floor.

Step 6: Post-Move Piano Care

After moving, it’s important to let the piano acclimate to its new environment. Pianos are sensitive to temperature and humidity changes, so wait a few weeks before tuning it. Inspect the piano for any damage that might have occurred during the move, and consult a professional if needed.

Conclusion

Removing a piano from any space is no small feat, but with the right planning, tools, and help, it can be done safely and efficiently. Remember that pianos are not just large pieces of furniture—they’re delicate instruments that require careful handling. If at any point you feel unsure or overwhelmed, consider hiring professional movers who specialize in piano removal. Their expertise can save you time, effort, and potentially costly damage.