Moving a piano: hiring professionals vs DIY

Home relocation brings so many new opportunities and thrills that an actual moving process can easily get overseen. When moving home, there are certain things that you can do alone and save money instead of hiring professionals. Packing is one of them, and transportation can be as well if you are moving nearby. However, for some valuable items, it is always smarter to let the pros handle it. One of those things is moving a large musical instrument. Moving a piano is a serious task. There are so many little tricks that you need to be aware of. Pianos have more than 12,000 parts and they can weigh up to 1,260 lb. Thus, moving such an instrument is not that easy, especially if it has irregular design. Not to mention if the piano is located on the second floor and you have to go downstairs.

Depending on the size and type, one needs to start on time. Whether you want to do it yourself or hire experienced piano movers NYC, preparation is the key. Have all the tasks that you need to do on the paper. Then make a decision if you want to hire professionals or do it yourself when it comes to moving a piano. 

Make a plan for moving a piano

Moving a piano requires well-thought preparation. Any way you put it, you really need to put every thought on the paper. One doesn’t want to have a bad experience with piano relocation. We are talking about really, really, really, a heavy item which is fragile at the same time. The damage that can occur can be counted with a lot of dollar signs when it comes to piano. Serious injuries can also happen, so you need to have a proper plan, equipment, and people to move a piano. Here’s a list of the essentials you need to have to perform piano moving without any problems.

A detailed plan

If you ever moved before, for sure you found out that making checklists is a must for any successful relocation. Things are no different when moving musical instruments, so make a perfect moving checklist. You can download one for your laptop or tablet, and the best thing is that those apps are free of charge. Before you even begin planning, decide on important things such as a moving date. It will be helpful in case you decide to hire movers, but also if you decide to DIY and you have to schedule helpers.

Check your surroundings

It is crucial to be aware if there is enough space for getting around with a large item. Check your surrounding and start with measuring the piano. See what the dimensions are and if it is possible to pass and take it out safely. Then measure the doors, stairs, and hallways where the piano will pass. Remove vases or any other obstacle on the way. Take into consideration any hallways, elevators, etc. Check if there is enough space necessary to pass with the piano? You don’t want to end up damaging a wall. When it comes to those obstacles, do not think just about the interior of the house.

You don’t want to have something exterior that will be on the way to the van/truck. Of course, this is a plan if you live in a house. Location is important if you live in NYC, the situation is different. If, for example, you need to go downstairs for two or more floors, you want to have the best Brooklyn movers.  You will be sure that there will be no problems with a professional insured moving company. Of course, if the moving company did the piano relocation multiple, why risk damaging a very expensive item?

Check its condition and size

 Since there are different sizes of piano, it is not the same if you want to move an upright or grand piano. Also, think if you can disassemble some parts of it or not? A very important factor is the condition in which your instrument is because it greatly affects its potential to be safely moved. Of course, remove everything that is on the piano, piano paper notes, or any kind of decoration. Clean the piano and consult the people who know better the instrument. See what is the professional going to tell you. How to perform a piano relocation, what are the damage risks? 

Get help 

If you decide to DIY, helping hands are a must. You need to know that you need to have the manpower of at least 4 people, depending on the weight of the piano. Check with your friends if they are available on a moving date and if they are willing to assist. Try to find the best crew possible because even if they have the will, there will not be much use unless they are able to lift a heavy item. Remember to pay them back by taking them out for drinks or making a dinner party. Whatever they find entertaining will do, as long as you show your appreciation afterward.

Necessary equipment 

Once you have cleared the way of any vases or any other obstacles, it’s time for the equipment. For moving a piano you need to know how to properly pack your valuable items. 

Patience 

The first necessary tool on your list is patience. That will be your best tool when lifting and moving an item whose weight is 600 lbs. Stay optimistic and flexible, and take your time. Take breaks along the way, and schedule enough time to avoid rushing. The last thing you want to do is rush your helpers and move such a valuable item in a hurry. 

Supplies  

Get the work gloves, moving protection blankets, padding, piano dolly, straps, etc. Check if you can buy at the same store dolly straps to lift and secure the piano. Use moving blankets or plastic covers to protect the item. One doesn’t want to damage the piano or the walls/staircases. Remember as well to protect floors and to leave all doors open to be able to pass without putting the instrument down. Pay attention to the edgy corners when moving a bulky piano. You can use some plastic covers as well. Here are the best places to find packing supplies in Brooklyn.

Disassemble 

If possible, decompose the piano as much as possible. Try removing the pedals, so you need a screwdriver also. If that is not possible, do not try to put all the weight of the piano to its pedals. The sight will be unpleasant.

DIY or hire piano movers?

What else do you need to know before moving a piano alone or should you still hire professionals? You need to know the mistakes we make when moving. The reason for that is because if you do make a mistake when lifting a concert grand piano, there is no coming back. Imagine that you didn’t place a dolly strap in the right place and end up hurting your friend. One should be sure that the stairs can bear the weight of that bulky piano. And that is not the only risk. Did you know that most of the weight is located in one part of the piano? If you didn’t, how were you planning to move the piano alone? This is not something that you see on the TV and think you can do as well. There’s a lot of precaution to be involved when performing this action. If you waited long enough to move, don’t make a mistake when moving a piano.

Extra tips for moving a piano 

Be sure not to tilt the piano too much. When doing it alone, you risk damaging the floor or the carpet. Yes, there’s that as well. There are many reasons why you should hire professional movers. What else is there that you did not now? Even if the piano is not that heavy, one mistake is enough to turn your childhood memory into a nightmare. Haste makes waste! So, hire professionals with experience and do not think about all the bad scenarios that can happen.

You need to make a new city your home, not getting stressed about moving a piano. It is normal that the tuning of your piano is different after the move. Give it a couple of weeks and then call a professional for that as well. Enjoy the relocation and contact Dorothy and Martha moving NYC if you need any help.