Do you have a grand piano? If so, then you know how difficult it can be to move and store. Grand pianos are very sensitive instruments. They need to be handled with the utmost care and diligence to remain in good condition for years to come. If you have just purchased a grand piano, you must make sure the instrument is properly set up before moving. Also, know that many things need to be done when the instrument is finally in its new home. This article will tell you what they are and how to go about doing them.

What Are the Basic Steps to Be Taken When Moving a Grand Piano?

While many steps need to be taken when moving a grand piano, let’s start with the most important ones. Keep in mind that each piano is different from another one. The following instructions are based on general guidelines for how to move and store a grand piano.

1. The Piano Needs to Be Properly Set Up Before Being Moved

The first thing you need to do before moving your piano is to have it correctly set up in the space you plan to keep it. This means making sure there is enough room for the instrument and deciding whether a grand piano is suitable for the room. The piano needs to be in tune, with each of its strings adequately tightened.


2. Prepare the Piano for the Move

Once you are sure that the instrument is properly set up to move, you need to prepare it for moving. First, remove any items from their storage locale. Next, place furniture pads underneath the piano’s legs. These will protect the legs from being jostled and damaged during transport. Now, you need to cover all of the visible areas of your grand piano that are not protected by coverings already in place. For example, you need to cover any open sections on the instrument’s top with blankets or sheets. This will minimize damage to the piano during transport.

3. Prepare for Transportation

Before moving your grand piano, you must have it placed on a flat and sturdy platform. The platform that you use must be large enough for the piano’s width and length. Also, make sure that the platform is of sufficient height to provide clearance underneath it for moving straps or other devices used in transporting pianos. The platform must be strong enough to give proper support to the instrument. You can use a professional moving company for this purpose. If you plan to use a moving company, they will most likely supply you with a piano-moving kit. This kit consists of all the materials needed to move your grand piano from one location to another.

4. Secure the Piano During Transport

Once your grand piano is on a flat and sturdy platform, secure it by utilizing straps and moving devices. Ensure that these are firmly attached to the instrument, but do not tighten them so much that you risk damaging the piano. To obtain optimum security, have two people move the instrument instead of one. This will help prevent it from shifting and being damaged during transport. Also, take extra care when moving a grand piano with both its top and bottom covered with loose items such as sheets or blankets. If these objects collide with other things, they could shift and move, thereby damaging your instrument.

5. Have the Piano Professionally Moved

A much better alternative to moving a grand piano yourself is to have a professional moving company do it for you. These companies employ experts who are specifically trained in handling this type of instrument with care and expertise. An added benefit of using a moving company is that their insurance covers any damage that may occur to your grand piano during the move.

6. Taking care of your piano while it is in storage.

A grand piano needs to be appropriately stored in a climate-controlled environment while it is in storage. Ideally, storage space should have both temperature and humidity controls. If you are storing your piano for a long time, you should keep it covered to protect its finish from damage. Leaving the piano uncovered will increase rust and tarnish risk, especially if you live in a humid climate. It is also recommended that you keep any other items stored along with the grand piano separate from it. This will help prevent them from rubbing against the instrument and causing damage to its finish or keys.

7. Have Your Piano Professionally Tuned

Grand pianos should be tuned at least twice a year if they are regularly used and once a year if they are not used very often. It is important to have your piano properly tuned every time it needs to be moved to ensure optimal sound quality. A piano that is out of tune will likely have a poor sound quality, even if it is an excellent piano in general.


See also: How Long After Moving Should You Tune Your Piano?

Conclusion

Pianos are expensive instruments. Because of this, it is essential to take good care of them and provide the proper maintenance that they need to ensure optimum performance for many years to come. Following the steps outlined above will help you better maintain your grand piano so that it will look as beautiful and perform at high levels for many years.

See also: Piano Moving Checklist | Moving a Grand Piano – Detailed Guide