Little Rock Moving Blog - Tips, Tricks, and Insider Info
February 09, 2024

The Best Way to Move a Piano Without a Moving Company

moving a pianoBy Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group 

It’s really no big surprise that moving a piano is one of the more problematic and most intricate tasks that people take on during a relocation. Considering that pianos can weigh hundreds, or thousands of pounds, it isn’t a shock that many (if not the majority) individuals make a choice to hire a professional moving company in Little Rock to perform the heavy lifting for them (quite literally).
 

Working with professional movers in Little Rock is always the recommended option; but you may be able to move a piano without their help, only if you have the right equipment, and a sufficient number of helpers. Should you decide to go the DIY route, here are the basics you need to know:

What to Do Prior to Relocating the Piano

Relocating a piano requires plenty of prep work. Below are a few of the major items to plan before you commence moving one:

  1. Find the correct moving supplies and materials. For example, you must have many moving blankets on hand to protect the piano throughout the relocation. You’ll want a dolly rated for handling the piano's weight. If you have a grand piano, you may additionally need to rent a piano skid board from a local moving company. (Don't be surprised if you wind up spending hundreds of dollars to get one!)
  2. Assemble a team. At least, you ought to have 4 strong, capable people available to assist you with the move. It is more ideal if you can find pals or family members who have experience moving awkward things. Make certain to have a supply of pizza available for "motivation!"
  3. Measure the appropriate doorways, stairways, and hallways. It is very significant to measure the passageway through which your piano will need to travel prior to the actual move. You don't want to get your piano wedged in a tricky spot, and take the risk of damaging it as you make an effort to get it unstuck!

What to Do As you Move the Piano

There are a few essential things you need to remember through the actual move. These include the following:

  1. Wrap the piano keys, pedals, lid, and body up tightly with suitable materials (e.g., bubble wrap, foam packing sheets, blankets, and so on).
  2. Arrange your moving team ready to lift the piano. Make certain everyone lifts together, on cue. Another person (or two) must be prepared to position the dolly underneath the piano.
  3. Only when the piano is securely on the dolly, slowly move it out of your home and into the moving van. Be cautious going through doorways, navigating around corners and going down stairs. (If possible, utilize a ramp when moving your piano up or down a staircase.)
  4. When you unload the piano on the moving truck, make sure at a minimum one person is in front of the piano, and has control of it during the lift to remove the dolly.

What to Do After Moving the Piano

For those who had to disassemble the piano to move it (for instance, by removing the legs), then ask your moving crew to to assist you to reassemble it once it has been successfully relocated. Wipe the piano down with a soft cloth or feather duster to eliminate all gathered dust and maybe wipe down its outside with a mild solution of soap and water. (It's wise to leave the interior to a professional piano cleaning company.)

As you can see, moving a piano without the assistance of a professional moving company in Little Rock takes much organization, coordination, and hard work. The suggestions above are only the tip of the iceberg!

If you feel that it would be best to leave a move of this significance to professional movers in Little Rock, call our team of friendly experts at the A-1 Freeman Moving Group today to go over the details.

 

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