Piano Care: How To Properly Move A Piano Without Damaging It

By: Andrew Stratton

It is probably one of the heaviest and most valuable pieces of furniture in your house-the piano. Whether it is an upright or a grand, it is likely the centerpiece of a room and, even if you don't play it, you love looking at it. But, you want to relocate it to a different room or to a whole new house altogether. However far you are going with it, there is a right way and a wrong way to move a piano. The wrong way can damage the instrument and affect the tuning.

Here are some basics to keep in mind when planning your moving strategy the right way:

* Take measurements.

Whether you are moving from room to room or to a different house, you need to take accurate measurements to make the move easier. First of all, measure the piano-length, width and height. This is especially important for the bigger bulkier grands.

Then measure every doorway, entry, hallway and any other place you are going to have to walk through to get to your final destination. Visually plan out your strategy for how the move will go. The people helping you don't want to be weighed down with an expensive and heavy piano while you figure it out.

* Have enough help.

Do you know how much your piano weighs? You need to find out so you have make sure you have plenty of strong arms on hand to make the move. For an upright, four people should be sufficient and at least five are needed for moving grands.

* Protect the instrument and the movers.

Always lock the lids and covers of the instrument before moving it. Cover with a soft sheet or cloth to protect it from getting scratched by a mover or the wall. Never rely on the casters to move the weight. Always lift most of the weight off the rollers and then push it. This is because the rollers tend to weaken over time after sitting with all that weight on them.

Protect your workers by making sure enough people are there to help. Don't let anyone with back problems get involved. It can hurt them and cause damage to the piano if they have to suddenly drop it. Make sure everyone wears gloves that don't have any hard pieces on them that could scratch the instrument.

* Use appropriate tools and moving equipment.

A piano dolly is a great tool for moving the instrument a long distance or over rough terrain. It makes moving up and down inclines easier as well and takes some of the work load off the movers. But, you still need the manpower to keep the instrument balanced and moving at the same time. If using a truck, always cover and belt the instrument inside so that it doesn't get jostled and bounced around.

* Use professional movers.

If you are at all unsure, can't find enough people to help or the piano is a very special piece, call on professional movers to handle the job. It will be money well spent for a job done right. So, if you are planning on moving this heavy instrument, make sure you have a plan. You're helpers and your piano will thank you.

Article Source: https://www.collectibles-articles.com

When you need your piano moved and want to contact a professional piano dealer, Metairie piano movers offer the skill and muscle to safely move your instrument, including pickup, crating service, and delivery. Visit www.hallpiano.com for a quote of their "White Glove" service.

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