DIY or Pro? The Right Way to Move a Piano

Posted on 22/06/2025

DIY or Pro? The Right Way to Move a Piano

Moving a piano is no small feat. These instruments aren't just large and heavy--they're delicate, expensive, and often hold sentimental value. If you're planning a move, you're probably wondering: Should you move a piano yourself, or hire a professional? In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the pros and cons of both DIY piano moving and hiring professional piano movers, provide expert tips, and help you make the best decision for your situation.

Why Pianos Are Challenging to Move

Before deciding on the best way to move a piano, it's helpful to understand why it's such a unique challenge. Pianos are a fascinating combination of bulk and delicacy:

• Size and Weight: Even small upright pianos can weigh around 300-400 pounds. Grand pianos can exceed 1,000 pounds!
• Irregular Shape: Pianos can be awkward to grip and maneuver, with legs, pedals, and lids that can be easily damaged.
• Complex Internal Mechanism: A piano's action contains thousands of moving parts, all finely tuned and sensitive to impact.
• Sentimental and Monetary Value: Many pianos are family heirlooms or high-value instruments.

Should You Move a Piano Yourself?

Thinking of moving your piano yourself? While it might be tempting to save money and take charge, there are several factors to consider before you grab a dolly:

Pros of DIY Piano Moving

• Save Money: Avoid paying professional service fees.
• Convenience: Move on your own schedule and avoid waiting for availability.
• Personal Oversight: You can ensure every precaution is taken based on your preferences.

Cons of DIY Piano Moving

• Risk of Injury: Pianos are heavy! Incorrect lifting techniques can lead to back injuries, crushed fingers, or worse.
• Potential Damage: Pianos are easy to scratch, dent, or even break during a move.
• Lack of Equipment: Proper moving pads, boards, and straps are essential. Most homeowners lack these specialized tools.
• Liability: If someone helps and gets hurt, you could be liable.

When a DIY Move Might Be Feasible

There are a few scenarios where a DIY piano move might be practical:

• The piano is a lightweight spinet or console (not a grand or upright larger than 48")
• You're moving it a short distance, like across the same room or to a nearby house
• You have several strong, able-bodied helpers
• There are very few (or no) stairs, sharp turns, or narrow doorways
• You have access to proper moving equipment (dollies, straps, blankets, ramps)

How to Move a Piano Yourself: Step-by-Step

1. Gather Your Supplies

• Heavy-duty moving straps
• Piano dolly or skid board
• Moving blankets/pads to protect the finish
• Sturdy work gloves
• Furniture sliders (especially for hardwood floors)
• Measuring tape to ensure passage clearance

2. Measure Doorways & Pathways

Before you start, ensure the piano will fit through all doorways, hallways, elevators, and staircases. Don't forget to measure tight corners!

3. Prepare the Piano

• Close and lock the piano lid to protect the keys.
• Remove any detachable parts, like music stands or legs on grand pianos.
• Wrap the piano in moving blankets and secure them with tape or stretch wrap.

4. Gather Enough Helpers

Never try to move a piano by yourself. A minimum of 3-4 strong people is usually needed, more for larger instruments.

5. Lift Carefully & Use Proper Technique

• Lift with your legs, not your back!
• Keep your back straight and communicate clearly during the move.
• Never tilt a piano more than necessary, especially grand pianos, as you risk damaging internal components.

6. Move Slowly and Deliberately

• Take your time, especially near stairs or thresholds.
• Use a piano dolly or skid board, not just a regular furniture dolly.
• If moving up or down stairs, make sure everyone is ready and has a firm grip.

7. Secure During Transit

• If using a truck, load the piano first and strap it to the side to prevent sliding.
• Never lay a piano flat--this can cause serious internal damage.
• Protect legs and pedals with padding.

8. Unload with Care

Repeat all steps in reverse. Take extra care with uneven ground and doorways. Once in its new home, allow the piano to adjust to its new environment for several weeks before tuning.

When to Hire Professional Piano Movers

Sometimes, the smartest move is to invest in professional piano moving services. Here's why you should consider going pro:

Benefits of Professional Piano Movers

• Experience and Training: Movers know how to maneuver pianos through tight spots and stairs without injury or damage.
• Specialized Equipment: Protections like padded cradles, ramps, hoists, and climate-controlled trucks.
• Insurance and Liability: Your piano and property are protected if something goes wrong.
• Efficient and Safe: The job gets done quickly and securely, giving you peace of mind.

When You Should Hire the Pros

• The piano is a grand, baby grand, upright larger than 48", or antique
• You need to negotiate stairs, tight corners, or elevators
• The piano must be moved over a long distance
• You lack enough strong helpers or proper tools
• You're concerned about risk to your health or your home's structure

How Professional Piano Movers Work

Wondering exactly how expert piano movers keep your instrument safe? Here's a peek behind the scenes:

• Assessment: Movers measure your piano and all passageways, identifying possible hazards.
• Piano Disassembly: Grand pianos often have legs and pedals removed for safe transport.
• Padding and Wrapping: The entire instrument is padded and wrapped in heavy-duty blankets and shrink wrap.
• Specialized Transportation: Movers use custom-skid boards, piano dollies, and ramps designed specifically for pianos.
• Expert Handling: Trained teams lift and move the piano using practiced techniques to prevent jarring and vibration.
• Insurance Coverage: Reputable movers are insured against damage and injury.
• Post-move Placement: Your piano is carefully set in its new position, ready for a period of acclimatization before tuning.

Cost of Moving a Piano: DIY vs. Professional

Price is sometimes the deciding factor between do-it-yourself and hiring professional movers. Here's a quick comparison:

DIY Piano Moving Costs

• Moving blankets/pads: $40-$70
• Piano dolly rental: $30-$50 per day
• Straps, gloves, sliders: $20-$50
• Truck rental (if needed): $50-$150 per day plus gas
• Possible costs for help--pizza and drinks for your friends!
• Total: $100-$350 (not including potential medical expenses or repairs if things go wrong)

Professional Piano Moving Costs

• Short-distance upright piano move: $150-$350
• Grand piano (local move): $350-$600
• Long distance or complex moves: $500-$2,500+
• Insurance is usually included, protecting your investment

While the cost is higher, most people find that professional piano movers are worth every penny for peace of mind.

What to Look for in a Piano Moving Company

If you decide to hire piano relocation experts, here are a few tips to ensure you choose the right company:

• Check Reviews: Look for consistently positive experiences from customers.
• Verify Insurance: Ask for proof of liability and cargo insurance.
• Specialization: Ensure the company regularly moves pianos--not just general household goods.
• Transparent Pricing: Get a detailed estimate in writing, including any stairs, long carries, or special requirements.
• Ask About Crew: A reputable mover should send a team--not just two people in a van.

Final Tips for a Smooth Piano Move

• Plan your move during mild weather when possible. Extreme heat and cold can affect tuning and finish.
• After the move, let the piano rest for 2-3 weeks before scheduling a professional tuning.
• Check the new space for humidity and temperature control--a constant environment is best.
• Place upright pianos against an interior wall to avoid temperature swings.
• Inspect the piano for any damage as soon as it arrives.

Conclusion: DIY or Pro? The Right Way to Move Your Piano

No matter which route you choose--DIY or hiring professional piano movers--the most important factor is safety. Protect your health, your helpers, your home, and--most importantly--your cherished piano.

If your piano move involves stairs, a grand piano, or anything but simple conditions, hire the experts. It will save you time, protect your investment, and bring peace of mind. For local, ground-floor upright moves, very careful DIY can work, but it's rarely worth the risk of injury or costly damage.

When it comes to moving a piano the right way, preparation and caution are your best tools--whether you do it yourself or leave it to the pros. May your piano continue to fill your new home with beautiful music for years to come!