Moving a piano takes more than brawn; it also requires thoughtful preparation. When you consider the fragility, immense weight, large size, and high value of a piano, you can understand why. Pianos can weigh anywhere from 400 pounds to 1,000 pounds or more. Plus, the weight is unevenly distributed. Also, it’s not uncommon for a piano – in particular, a grand piano – to be the most valuable and expensive item in a home. Nowadays, the price of a quality piano ranges from the low thousands to upwards of $100,000.
For all these reasons, some homeowners balk at moving a piano themselves, while others, with the help of friends, eagerly tackle the project – until they stop to consider the doorway. Many pianos will not fit through a standard doorway. And yet, professional movers transport pianos all the time – which begs the question: How do movers fit a piano through a door?
A Careful Process
Upright pianos typically require no disassembly to fit through a standard doorway. So, for purposes of clarity, let’s assume that the process that follows applies to grand pianos, which are significantly larger and do require some disassembly to pass through a doorway.
To move a grand piano, movers first remove its lid and pedal lyre. Next, they remove the leg at the straight side and then gently lower the piano to the ground, straight side down. After that, they load the piano onto a large furniture dolly. Next, they remove the remaining two legs and wrap the piano with thick moving blankets to protect it. Finally, they strap the covered piano securely to the dolly and roll it toward the door. Stripped down in this manner, a grand piano will easily fit through a standard doorway.
At Atlantic Relocation Systems, our trained movers have experience moving all types of household items, including pianos. Moreover, our trucks are equipped with air-ride suspension to ensure smooth transport and lift gates that will make loading and unloading a piano a less risky process. Contact us today for more information about how we can help you move your piano, whether long-distance or to the other side of town.