A piano is one of the most challenging items to move safely - and one of the most commonly damaged during house moves. An upright piano weighs between 200 and 300 kilograms. A baby grand weighs between 250 and 350 kilograms. A concert grand can weigh over 500 kilograms. Beyond the weight, pianos are precision instruments where even a small impact can affect tuning and, in severe cases, structural integrity.
Why you should never attempt to move a piano yourself
Every year, people injure themselves and damage pianos attempting DIY moves without the right equipment. Pianos have an awkward centre of gravity and can tip suddenly. Staircase moves require specialist equipment and technique. The legs of a grand piano are structural components that cannot withstand lateral stress - removing them incorrectly causes permanent damage. A professional piano removal costs far less than repairing or replacing a damaged instrument.
Upright piano removal
Moved using a specialist piano board - a reinforced dolly with straps designed to secure the piano at its centre of gravity. The keyboard lid is secured, pedals protected and the instrument strapped firmly before moving. A minimum of three crew members is required. Staircase moves require additional crew and specialist stair-walking equipment - every step must be controlled carefully.
Grand piano removal
The legs must be removed in a specific sequence to prevent tipping. The instrument is lowered onto its side on a specialist grand piano board, with the lid secured and the pedal lyre removed and wrapped separately. The keyboard is covered and protected throughout. Very large grands require advance measurement of doorways and stairwells to confirm access is possible before moving day.
After the move - tuning
All pianos should be tuned after a house move. Even a carefully managed move subjects the instrument to vibration, temperature and humidity changes that affect tuning. Allow the piano to acclimatise for at least two weeks in its new location before having it tuned - this lets the instrument settle and ensures the tuning will hold.
A piano must be disclosed when getting your quote so we can plan the right crew size, equipment and access assessment. A piano mentioned on moving day that has not been planned for causes significant delays.
Moving a piano?
Relokates moves upright and grand pianos across London, Essex, Kent and West Sussex. Always declare your piano when requesting a quote.
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