Whether it’s a vessel for your musical talents, a family heirloom or a rare antique piece in your collection, owning a piano means that you’re probably going to be faced with the challenge of relocating it at some stage. If you find yourself at this point right now, you’ve probably already realised that moving your piano isn’t a ‘one and done’ situation, and is actually a task that requires a lot of careful planning in order to see it through successfully. Aside from being incredibly heavy, pianos are also highly delicate instruments which, if not handled with care, can result in complex damage that can be expensive to repair – the last thing you need in the midst of an already stressful house move!
Fortunately, moving your piano to a new home isn’t as impossible as it may seem, and our moving experts are here to guide you through the process. If this is the first time you’ve had to think about how to get your instrument from A to B, there are a few (black and white) key steps that you should follow to get started. Whether you’re moving down the road or across the country, here’s everything you need to know about striking the right chord when it comes to preparing your piano for relocation.
Get Help from a Piano Moving Company
First things first: it’s important to understand that moving a piano safely is not like your average DIY project. As we mentioned above, there are several big risks associated with trying to go it alone, and doing so can even be quite dangerous without professional assistance. With this in mind, there’s really no need to put your Bach out; consulting a professional moving company who specialises in piano removals is the best way to go. Still not convinced? Here are some compelling reasons to call in specialist reinforcements for a piano move.
1. Wealth of Experience
Professional piano movers have years of experience handling pianos of various sizes and types. They understand the nuances of the piano relocation process, and will be more than capable of anticipating and addressing potential challenges that come up. This expertise gives you the added peace of mind that your beloved instrument is in capable hands.
2. Specialised Equipment
Because pianos are so fragile, it’s often the case that having special tools at your disposal during a move can be extremely helpful. Naturally, however, obtaining these tools yourself can be costly and time-consuming. On the other hand, as part of their service, professional piano movers will already have access to industry equipment – such as piano dollies, skids, ramps and padding materials – that are designed to protect your instrument during transport.
3. Safety First
It’s no secret that moving a piano can just be downright dangerous if not done correctly by people who know what they’re doing. Besides, there’s really no need to put yourself or others in harm’s way when professional piano movers are trained to prioritise safety, both for themselves and your property. A skilled removal team will know how to navigate tight spaces, stairs and other obstacles without compromising anyone’s safety.
4. Insurance Coverage
As an added bonus, top-rated piano moving companies typically provide insurance coverage for your instrument during the move. This extra layer of protection ensures that you are financially covered in case of unexpected accidents or damage. With so much to think about when moving home, knowing you have that safety net in place just gives you one less thing to worry about.
Preparing Your Piano for a House Move
Now that you’ve sought assistance from a piano moving company, this doesn’t mean there isn’t anything else you can do to get ready for the big day. Before the piano movers arrive, there are a few extra steps you can take to ensure the move goes as smoothly and safely as possible. After all, proper preparation will only help to reduce the likelihood of damage and streamline the moving process even more. Here’s what you can do:
1. Creating an Easy Access Route
Before a piano move can even be attempted, it’s essential to create an easy access route for the piano and movers to travel through. The first thing you’ll want to do is grab a measuring tape and measure your piano, as well as all doors, hallways and staircases it’ll have to travel through to ensure that your instrument can fit through without any issues. This step is crucial for avoiding unnecessary delays and preventing any damage to the piano or property. Don’t leave it until the movers have arrived to discover that you’ll need to remove a door frame or two to get the piano out of the house!
You’ll also want to be aware of any potential obstacles that could impact the mover’s journey through the property. Clear a path from the piano’s current location to the exit point: this means removing any furniture, rugs or other items that may obstruct access. Of course, there also shouldn’t be any wet or slippery surfaces that could potentially be hazardous during the moving process.
2. Pre-Packing Tasks
While your removal company will be able to do most of the legwork when it comes to properly packing up your piano, there are still a couple of tasks to complete beforehand. Firstly, if your piano has a keyboard lid, it’s crucial to ensure that it’s securely closed and locked in place. This will prevent the keys from being moved around during transit, which could potentially lead to damage. If the lid isn’t lockable, use some strong tape to keep it firmly secured in place.
You should also remove any fragile or loose parts from your piano before it gets packed up. Smaller features such as music stands, lyres or decorative elements are highly susceptible to damage during a move and are best transported separately where you can keep them safe.
3. Keep It Upright
It’s worth noting that pianos should always be transported in an upright position, so don’t attempt to move it onto its side whilst you’re preparing for it to be moved. You may not realise it at the time, but laying it in an unnatural position can actually cause internal damage, so don’t take that risk. Your movers will have the right packing tools at their disposal to keep your piano upright and secure.
4. Communicate with Your Movers
Alongside providing a manual service, remember that your piano movers are there to put your mind at ease throughout this process. As a result, when the team you’ve hired arrives, be sure to communicate any specific instructions or concerns to them that you might have. After all, you know your instrument and your property better than they do; not only will they appreciate your input, but it also means that they can take extra precautions if necessary.
Talk to Your Local Piano Moving Company
While moving house can often signify the beginning of an exciting new chapter, it can also be an overwhelming time with plenty of moving parts to keep in order – especially when you have a heavy piano to account for as well!. That’s why, if you’re in need of professional assistance, Essex Removals is here to help. We understand the art of piano removals, and we’re here to make your move a streamlined, hassle-free experience. You can read more about our piano and fine art relocation services here.
Moving delicate, large or valuable items during a house move takes skill and expertise. Fortunately, with over 25 years of experience in performing domestic, commercial and international removals for clients in Romford, Essex and Collier Row, our highly skilled and experienced team of movers at Essex Removal Services & Co will gladly be on hand to transport your belongings safely and on time. If you’d like to find out more about whether our services are right for you, we will be more than happy to discuss your requirements and provide a free, no-obligation quote. Why not leave the hard work to our experts so you can relax and make the most of your new home? Contact us today for a house moving service you can trust.
