How To Successfully Transport a Piano and Other Large Musical Instruments
Relocating large musical instruments, such as pianos, can be a big challenge when moving house. They are unusually shaped, bulky yet fragile items and require specialist knowledge and an understanding of the process required to transport them reliably and safely.
Experts should carry out the process from careful planning stages to providing the right equipment and a professional team for moving pianos successfully and securely.
What Are the Extra Considerations When Moving A Piano?
From a small upright piano to a large grand piano, every instrument has its own set of challenges to overcome for an effective move. A grand piano can weigh over half a tonne and up to 2.8m, with the largest in the world measuring at 5.3m. It is a precise task to ensure it doesn’t get damaged when moving.
Pianos are also as delicate to move as they are large. The importance of handling them with care to ensure the strings stay upright and their wooden frames intact is paramount. The transport team should be trained experts in moving such heavy yet delicate items safely whilst overseeing the safety of the team.
The Importance of Planning
Prior to a move, a transport plan is put in place. This is crucial to making the relocation as simple as possible, alleviating the challenges before the day. All measurements at both locations, from the piano’s location to its new home, need to be taken: the piano dimensions, corridors, any tight spaces, door frames, stairwells and the entire route through to the truck, with all obstacles removed or avoided.
If a piano does not have wheels, a dolly will need to be provided to move it across floors. Are there any stairs, and will they cause a problem? As a piano can rarely be taken apart, this needs to be carefully worked out. Hiring the correct access equipment is key to the final plan.
It is important to choose a transport company whose vehicles are converted to transport fragile item removals, such as being equipped with air conditioning. Even the humidity of a truck can affect the piano’s fragile parts.
Insuring the piano will also allow for some peace of mind. Whether through the owner’s insurance or the removal company’s insurance, it is important to get adequate coverage. If the piano is of significant value, specialised moving insurance could be a more suitable option.
Every measure taken ensures a plan is put in place, which means on the day, the whole team is fully prepared with the correct equipment to avoid expensive mistakes.
What Are The Crucial Tools Required for Moving Pianos
There are some specialist tools which are vital for moving pianos. Not only do they improve the efficiency and safety of the moving team, but they also protect the surroundings, as well as the piano.
Padding will protect the piano and surroundings, and safety straps are used to secure the instrument when in transit.
Standard piano dollies or strong furniture sliders will help move across flat floors, preventing scratches and marks and keeping the piano stable.
Ramps can be used carefully to go up and down stairs, and occasionally lifting equipment will need to be used if access is a bigger challenge.
All equipment is available to hire from most DIY (hardware) stores and removal companies. However, it is crucial the user has knowledge and experience in using the equipment and that the equipment is high quality, safe to use, and insured.
Carrying Out the Job
After preparing the piano for relocation, such as removing the legs or casters, if possible, and wrapping the piano in heavy padding, the team, with full hand protection, will fasten securing straps under the piano to ensure it stays upright, level and balanced. It is then steadily lifted onto a dolly and rolled safely to the vehicle. With two people on each side, the piano is guided through the designated route, ensuring it doesn’t roll over uneven surfaces, such as cracks or bumps in the road or driveway.
Whilst transporting the piano in the truck, straps will be used to secure it, and the tough padding will protect the surfaces. Lifting devices may also be required to shift the piano on and off the vehicle.
The process is reversed at the new location, and the moving crew carefully unloads and delivers the piano to its new spot.
Post-Move Piano Placement and Care
Once at its new location, the piano will take a while to adjust to the temperature and humidity. The piano must be placed in a dry area with no dampness or moisture in the air and on a flat surface.
After carefully cleaning the piano to remove any dirt and dust from transport, the components of the piano, the strings and wood, need to settle. Waiting a few days before playing and leaving the piano 2-3 weeks before tuning with a professional piano tuner will allow for the best sound quality and for it to be played at its full potential.
Conclusion
Moving a piano is tricky and heavy and, if done incorrectly, could irreversibly damage the delicate instrument. All procedures must be completed before moving to maintain the quality of the piano’s performance.
Planning the route and measuring is key to the moving day. Following the steps of booking a suitable trucking company, fully wrapping the piano in padding, using dollies and straps in transit, and safely loading and unloading the piano whilst using the necessary equipment, the piano will be smoothly relocated.
Successfully appointing a professional removals company that specialises in transporting fine and fragile items will ensure nothing is left to chance and the correct team is employed for the job. At Adlam Transport, our team of friendly expert movers has an impeccable track record in managing the relocation of fragile, valuable and heavy items, such as pianos and other large musical instruments. Get in touch to arrange the safe transportation of your beloved piano to its new home.