The Best Way to Move a Piano Without a Moving Company
By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group
Working with professional movers in Atlanta is always the suggested choice; but you may be able to move a piano without their support, given you have the correct equipment, and plenty of helpers. In the event you decide to go the DIY route, below are the guidelines you ought to be aware of:
What to Do Prior to Relocating the Piano
Relocating a piano calls for some serious preparations. Below are some of the main things to plan before you commence moving one:
- Gather the right moving supplies and materials. For example, you should have many moving blankets on hand to protect the piano during the relocation. You'll need a dolly rated for handling the piano's weight. If you have a grand piano, you will additionally need to rent a piano skid board from a local moving company. (Do not be shocked if you wind up shelling out hundreds of dollars to get one!)
- Create a team. At least, you need to have 4 strong, able-bodied people on hand to help you with the move. It's even better if you can recruit pals or family members who have experience moving awkward things. Make sure to have a supply of pizza there for "motivation!"
- Measure the appropriate doorways, stairways, and hallways. It’s critically important to measure the passageway through which your piano will be transported prior to the actual move. You certainly won’t want to get your piano wedged in an awkward spot, and chance damaging it when you attempt to get it unstuck!
What to Do While Moving the Piano
There you will find some key items you don’t want to forget through the actual move. These include the following:
- Wrap the piano keys, pedals, lid, and body up tightly with proper materials (e.g., bubble wrap, foam packing sheets, blankets, and so on).
- Get the moving crew in position to lift the piano. Make sure they all lifts in unison, on cue. Another person (or two) must be set to slip the dolly beneath the piano.
- After the piano is securely on the dolly, in a controlled manner maneuver it out of your house and onto the moving truck. Be careful going through doorways, rounding corners and going down staircases. (If possible, utilize a ramp when moving your piano up or down stairs.)
- When you unload the piano on the moving truck, be sure at a minimum one person is in front of the piano, and can control it during the lift to take out the dolly.
What to Do After Moving the Piano
If you had to disassemble the piano to move it (for example, by removing the legs), then ask your moving crew to to aid in reassembling it after it's been safely relocated. Wipe the piano down with a soft cloth or feather duster to get rid of any accumulated dust and maybe wipe down its exterior with a mild solution of soap and water. (It is best to leave the inside to a professional piano cleaning company.)
As you can see, moving a piano without the help of a professional moving company in Atlanta takes lots of preparation, coordination, and hard work. The suggestions listed here are only the tip of the iceberg!
If you decide that it may be advisable to leave a move of this degree to professional movers in Atlanta, call our team of friendly experts at the A-1 Freeman Moving Group today to discuss the details.
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