Piano moving is not a simple task. Pianos are heavy, expensive and most of the
time have sentimental value. Hiring a moving company for your piano move is
probably your best option but some people move themselves. There are a few
things you can do to make moving your piano easier on your friends and on your
back.
The main tool you will need is a four wheel dolly with non marring casters. You
will use this tool for placing under your piano so you can easily roll it
around. You will also need moving pads, some shrink wrap and ratchet straps.
Buying or renting these tools and supplies will ensure your piano move is done
right. You should also look into using a back support brace while moving this
heavy item. Two strong people can move a piano if there are no stairs involved.
If you have stairs you will need 3-5 people depending on their strength and the
weight of your piano. Moving a piano on stairs is not a simple feat, I recommend
hiring a moving company for this task.
The first step is padding and shrink wrapping your piano. Use at least two
moving pads to cover the front and sides. Shrink wrap the pads into place so
they will stay where they need to while shifting your piano around during the
move. You may need to use additional shrink wrap on the legs if your piano is a
spinet. Make sure you do not pad over the handles that are built into the back
of the piano, you will need to hold onto these while you are moving it.
Next you need to place the four wheel dolly underneath the piano. Lift one end
of the piano and place a pad under under the side edge. Doing so will protect
the piano while you're putting the dolly under it. From the end opposite the
side with the pad, tilt the piano up enough for someone to slide the four wheel
dolly underneath. If you do not want to tilt your piano, two strong people can
lift the piano straight up and onto the four wheel dolly. Make sure that the
four wheel dolly is in the center of the piano and that it feels balanced before
you move it.
Using straps to hold the four wheel dolly into place is recommended for safety
especially if you have never moved a piano before. Strapping will help you
control the movements of the piano without having your dolly shift around on
bumps you might go over. Do not over-tighten your straps and make sure that the
ratchets and hooks are in the back or in a place where the metal will not press
into the pads too much.
Once the piano is padded, wrapped and the dolly is strapped on, you can start
moving it. Have at least one person on each end at all times and keep your hands
on the piano at all times. When you come to a threshold or bump you need to move
over, the person walking backwards over the bump first needs to lift the first
two wheels of the dolly over the bump. You do this by holding the built in
handle in the back of the piano and holding the edge in the front. Lift with
control and take it nice and easy. You should be able to clear the bump and set
the wheels down with little strain. The last two wheels will clear the bump even
easier then the first when the person walking forwards lifts the piano just
enough to clear the bump.
Now that you have the piano out of your home you can roll it up your ramp into
your moving truck or trailer. I prefer using cargo trailers because they have a
lower deck, this means your ramp is not as steep as a bobtail moving truck. Once
you get it inside, remove the dolly in the reverse order of how it was put
underneath. Place the piano with its back against the wall of your vehicle and
strap it down. I like to use three straps; one strap lower down, one in the
middle and one near the top.
Moving a piano is not as hard as some people fear if done properly. Take your
time, use your head and make sure you have the tools and strength for the job.
Good luck on your piano moving adventure!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/learnpianokydf/