Top 8 Common Mistakes When Moving a Piano and How the Right Equipment Can Help

Moving a piano might seem simple at first. However, it can quickly become a big challenge. Pianos are heavy. They are also delicate and complex when moving around. If you’ve ever tried moving one, you know it’s complicated. It is not like picking up a small piece of furniture. I remember the first time I helped move a piano. It was a big upright piano. It seemed like a great idea until we tried to get it down the stairs. I never realized how heavy and awkward it could be! Luckily, I learned from that experience. Now I know precisely what to avoid when moving a piano.

In this blog, I’ll talk about the top eight mistakes people make when moving a piano and how having the right equipment can make all the difference.

8 Common Mistakes When Moving a Piano and Their Solutions

Mistake #1: Not Having Enough Help

I remember the first time I helped someone move a piano. We thought we could do it with just two people; big mistake! A piano is heavy, and trying to lift it with only two people makes the job harder and riskier. It can lead to back injuries or even dropping the piano.

The Solution: Get More Help

Moving a piano requires at least four people. More people mean less strain on each person, and the piano is less likely to be dropped. It’s always better to have more hands on deck. If you don't have enough friends or family, consider hiring professionals with piano moving experience.

Mistake #2: Not Using the Right Moving Equipment

When I helped with that first piano move, we didn't use the right equipment. We used old, worn-out furniture, dollies, and a few blankets. We ended up scratching the piano and bruising our hands. If you don’t have the right equipment, you’re more likely to cause damage.

The Solution: Use a Piano Dolly and Moving Straps

A dolly for piano is a special cart for heavy items like pianos. It has large wheels that make it easier to roll the piano without putting too much pressure on it. Moving straps are also helpful. These straps can lift the piano by distributing the weight more evenly, making it easier and safer to carry. If you don’t have access to these tools, renting them from a moving company is a great option.

Mistake #3: Not Protecting the Piano with Blankets or Pads

I’ve seen people try to move pianos without covering them with anything. They think the piano is tough enough to handle a bump or scratch. But pianos have delicate parts, and a single scratch can ruin the finish. I learned that the hard way when I accidentally scratched a friend's piano during a move.

The Solution: Use Moving Blankets or Pads

To protect the piano, wrap it in thick moving blankets or pads. This protects the wood from scratches and prevents damage to the keyboard and pedals. It’s essential to cover every part of the piano, even the pedals and the lid. If you have a grand piano, also protect the lid, which can be easily damaged.

Mistake #4: Not Measuring Doorways and Hallways

One of my biggest mistakes during a piano move was not checking if the piano would fit through the door. We struggled for what felt like hours, trying to squeeze the piano through a too small doorway. Eventually, we had to take the piano apart to get it through. It was frustrating and time-consuming.

The Solution: Measure Everything Before Moving the Piano

Before you move a piano, measure its height, width, and depth. Also, measure the doorways, hallways, and any other areas the piano will pass through. If the space is too narrow, you might need to take the piano apart or find another route to get it to its new location.

Mistake #5: Lifting the Piano the Wrong Way

When I was younger, I thought lifting a piano was just about using strength. So, I lifted the piano without paying attention to how I was lifting it. I quickly learned that the wrong lifting technique can cause back pain. I hurt my back once trying to lift a piano by myself, and it took weeks to heal.

The Solution: Use Proper Lifting Techniques

When lifting, prioritize using your legs rather than your back. Bend your knees, maintain a straight back, and let your legs bear the weight. If you lack confidence in your lifting abilities, seek assistance or consider hiring professionals for heavy lifting tasks. Avoid attempting to lift the piano in one motion; instead, move it gradually with the support of others.

Mistake #6: Forgetting to Secure the Piano in the Moving Truck

One of my worst piano-moving experiences involved a truck. We didn’t secure the piano properly, and halfway to the new home, the piano shifted and made a loud bang. Thankfully, it didn’t cause severe damage, but it scared us and could have ruined the piano. That day, I learned my lesson: always secure the piano in the truck.

The Solution: Strap the Piano in Place

Use moving straps to secure the piano in the moving truck. Ensure it’s tightly fastened so it doesn’t shift around during the drive. You don’t want it rolling or sliding, which can cause scratches, dents, or other damage. You can also use a ramp to roll the piano in and out of the truck to reduce the risk of dropping it.

Mistake #7: Trying to Move the Piano Without Proper Training

Not everyone knows how to move a piano correctly. The first time I tried, I had no idea what I was doing. I didn’t see the piano’s balance points, so I put all the weight on the wrong side. I was lucky it didn’t break.

The Solution: Hire Professionals or Do Research

If you're unsure how to move a piano, it’s always best to hire professional movers with experience with pianos. They know exactly how to lift and transport a piano safely. If you're determined to do it yourself, do much research or watch tutorials on how to move a piano correctly.

Mistake #8: Not Preparing the New Space

After all the hard work of moving the piano, the last thing you want is to struggle to get it into the new space. I once helped move a piano into a new home, only to find the room too small for the piano. We had to move it around several times, which made the process even more exhausting.

The Solution: Prepare the New Space Ahead of Time

Before moving the piano, measure the new space and make sure there is enough room for it. Clear the area of any obstacles, like furniture or decorations, so the piano can fit easily. If necessary, plan where you want the piano to go before the move starts to avoid any last-minute problems.

Final Thoughts

Moving a piano can be difficult, but with the right equipment and proper planning, it doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. The mistakes I’ve shared in this blog are things I’ve learned from, and I hope this helps you avoid the same challenges. Remember to measure your spaces, have enough help, use the correct lifting techniques, and protect your piano and surroundings. Using proper tools, like a piano dolly, lifting straps, and padded covers, will make your move safer and more efficient.