One of the most challenging tasks one may have to undertake is moving a piano. But it doesn’t have to be as hard as you think.

One of the main reasons pianos are so challenging to move because they are so heavy. The average weight of a piano is 800 pounds. It’s no wonder moving one across the room can be quite a job!

But if you follow these easy tips and tricks, you will quickly learn how to move a piano while keeping it in perfect condition.


1. Know the weight of your piano

Since you are moving a piano, it is essential to know ahead of time its exact weight. After all, you would not want to get halfway through the process and realize your back or legs can’t take anymore!

How do I determine how heavy my piano is?

You can easily find out how much your piano weighs by looking at its shipping documents. Or, if you already own one, check underneath the keyboard area for a sticker with this information on it. This will tell you whether you can move the piano on your own or whether you need to call in a professional.

2. Plan your route

It is essential to move the piano in a way that includes sturdy, flat surfaces. Planning your route will help you avoid raising your risk of injury or damage to your expensive instrument. Also, move it to a room that has few obstacles.

How do I choose my route?

First, use common sense when choosing your path. For example, don’t move a piano from one end of the house to another while going through narrow hallways or doorways. Second, take note of the flooring and other features on your selected route. Take the time to think about these things now so you won’t have regrets later.

3. Find a safe place for the piano

As you are moving a piano across the room, you need to find an area that is sturdy and flat for it to rest on. This will keep your instrument from falling over and getting damaged or scratched.

What should I look for?

Look for areas like concrete floors, a reinforced cement floors, thick rugs, or non-carpeted floors. Avoid moving it near couches, tables, or other furniture items that may be moved as well. If possible, have at least six inches of clearance around all sides of the instrument so that no one can bump into it by accident. Remember also to put the casters (wheels) on before you place the piano in this area. If your stairs are carpeted, you can choose to roll your instrument on its side.


4. Get someone to help you lift the piano across the room

When you are moving a piano across the room, it is important to have more than one person. That way, if an injury does occur, your helper can immediately move in and offer assistance. If another pair of hands is not available to help you move your piano safely, consider hiring a professional to do it for you.

Where do I find people who can help me?

Ask your friends and family if someone is willing to give you a hand. You may be surprised by how many people would jump at the chance! If no one in your social circle can help, try searching on Craigslist or other classifieds sites. Or hire professional piano movers.

5. Move it on a flat, even surface

One of the most critical parts of moving a piano across the room is keeping it level and balanced. If it isn’t, there are chances that it will fall over or get scratched on the move. That is why you need to be sure that whatever surface you choose for your piano to rest on remains even during the process.

How can I make sure my work surface stays level?

Try using a flat dolly designed especially for pianos. You can also use wheeled piano carts and other devices specifically designed for this purpose. Remember not to overload these devices, though! Also, remember that you may have to do some preliminary cleaning if your selected spot has a lot of mud or dirt on it.

6. Put down some cardboard or mats for protection on hardwood floors

If you are moving a piano across the room on a hardwood floor, be sure to put down some mats or cardboard for protection. This will help ensure that your instrument stays free of scratches and scuffs.

7. Use a dolly and rope if you have them available

If you have a dolly and rope available, use them to move your piano across the room. A dolly is just a platform with wheels that can be used to lift or drag an instrument. To make it easier on yourself, tie one end of the rope around the front legs of your device and the other around the back ones. This will allow you to move it forward without straining yourself too much.

8. Take small steps, don’t drag it across the floor

When moving a piano across the room, it is essential to take small, even steps so that you don’t end up running into objects or tripping over your own feet. Pushing the device can also cause it to slide and get scratched. You may want to consider putting something like a piece of carpet along the front legs of the device to reduce your risk of slipping or falling while on the move.

If you have placed your instrument flat on its side, keep yourself at about a 45-degree angle as you push it across the room. Make sure that you are lined up with the direction that it should be going. This will allow for better balance and safer movement.

9. Don’t forget about any hidden obstacles like wires and cables

When moving a piano across the room, you will want to watch out for wires and cords. These can cause your instrument to get damaged or fall during the move. You may want to consider looking at your floor plan before beginning the task so that you know where these obstacles are located.


10. If you are unsure, hire experienced professional movers!

If you are not experienced at this type of work, it might be best to hire professional movers. Professional piano movers will know what to do with your piano during the move and can prevent any damage or injuries while on the way.

Conclusion

While it may seem like moving a piano across the room is difficult, as long as you follow our set of instructions and use the proper equipment, the chances are that everything will go smoothly for you!

See also: Piano Moving Checklist | How to Move a Piano