Moving a piano is a challenging task that requires careful planning and coordination. And, since it is not an easy job, it can be challenging to remember all the steps. If you are moving your Piano yourself, it is essential to prepare for the challenges of this large, heavy piece of furniture.

When you move your Piano, many things can go wrong if you don’t take the proper precautions. This Piano Moving Checklist will help ensure that everything goes smoothly on moving day! If you don’t have a checklist, you might forget something important or miss some essential preparation.

The Piano Moving Checklist provides all the steps required to move any size or style of Piano safely. This checklist has been created by piano moving experts who know precisely what needs to be done when relocating a piano, so there’s no need for guesswork. Use this checklist as a reference when preparing for your next big move!


  1. Clearing out space: When planning to move a piano, make sure to clear out enough space for it in your new house. Ensure there is a way to get the Piano into any room that you need it to go to (for example, if you are using stairs). Most pianos will not go up or down steep staircases without assistance from movers. If there is not enough space at your new house, consider renting storage space (which may be more affordable than paying movers) until you can set aside the necessary living space for your Piano. Or try selling it if it is an older, higher-quality model.
  2. Remove all knick-knacks and breakables: Make sure to move everything out of the way when moving your Piano into its new home. This includes any furniture that needs to be moved, as well as any decorations you may have on shelves or tables near the Piano’s arrival spot at your new house.
  3. Get plenty of rest the night before: Moving pianos can be difficult work—be prepared by getting plenty of sleep so that you are well-rested and ready to go when moving day comes around.
  4. Know how to use equipment if using rental equipment: If renting dollies, hand trucks, etc., make sure everyone knows how to use them properly before loading up the Piano onto these vehicles. When possible, it is advisable for 2 people to lift and carry a piano. Be careful when lifting the Piano—lift with your legs, not your back!
  5. Mark out any obstacles: Before moving day, make sure you know where the Piano will go in its new home. There may be protruding door frames or other obstacles that could cause problems once the Piano is placed. If there are no other options for placement, you may have to pay extra money for hiring movers who can get past these obstacles with their equipment.
  6. Moving Day: On moving day, make sure everyone is ready with their items on a checklist—make a list of what will need to be done for each step of the process (i.e., move legs from one side to another). Plan ahead if you are using hand trucks or dollies; make sure there are enough for everyone, so they don’t get in each other’s way.
  7. Get help if necessary: If you can’t move the Piano alone, get someone else to help you! Ask friends/family nearby for help in relocating your Piano—it should be an easy task for two people to complete. Some pianos are just TOO heavy for even two people, and hence it is only wise to hire a Piano moving company.
  8. Use straps whenever possible: When loading up the moving truck with your Piano, use straps to secure it. That way, if you are transporting the Piano on an open trailer instead of a semi-truck, the straps will help prevent any damage and cargo shifting during transit.
  9. Consider having a professional Piano Movers: If you have a high-quality piano that you want to travel across the country with or move under challenging situations (i.e., steep stairwells), hiring professional movers may be the best option for you. Most pianos can be moved by two people without too much effort, but it is not uncommon for there to be no other options available as far as getting your Piano up/downstairs or onto/off of moving trucks due to their size and weight.
  10. Enjoy your new Piano: Congratulations on bringing your grand Piano into its new home! Make sure you leave enough time to set it up and have family members/friends over for a party or get-together where they can enjoy your Piano too!

Conclusion

Pianos are heavy, and it can be challenging to move them. You will need a lot of help if you try to do it on your own. Consider hiring professional movers who can handle the task with ease, or use these tips to transport pianos by yourself safely. If you’re moving across the country, be aware that some grand pianos cannot fit in semi-trucks without renting an open trailer first! Be careful not to damage anything while transporting your Piano; securing everything with straps is always a good idea. Once at its new home, make sure everyone gets enough time to set up their Piano before they start playing music again.

See also: The Do’s and Don’ts of Piano Moving