DIY Piano Removal vs. professional removalists

There are several reasons why piano removals should not be attempted by piano owners or amateur movers. Owners and friends or family members may injure themselves without the proper tools to lift and carry such a heavy object. In addition, moving the instrument through door ways and down halls or stairs may lead to property damage or to damage of the instrument itself.

The instrument often holds sentimental value to its owner or owners. This is another reason why it should be moved with the care and caution of other valuables in the household. Whether the instrument is going by itself or with other household belongings it must be relocated using specific techniques guaranteed not to cause any damage to the piano or the home.

A piano is a heavy instrument. Upright models can weigh as much as 400 pounds or more. Grand models can weight up to 1200 pounds. The casters that come with the device are very small. They are designed to distribute the weight of the instrument evenly. If the piano is pushed without another device like a piano dolly the casters can get stuck and may break the decorative legs of the instrument, which will devalue it instantly.

Using Piano Dollys

Professional piano removals are the best way to prevent damage to the device such as broken legs due to casters or rollers getting stuck in place. Typically a dolly is slid under the middle of the instrument to help distribute the weight. For a larger model like a baby grand a skid board is placed on top of a dolly first to help distribute weight more evenly.

Though the device can be easily pushed around on flat ground the process of loading the instrument into the track will usually require at least three people. One person handles the lighter end while two people push the heavier end up the ramp of the truck. With a grand model the kidney shape makes it a challenge. What many people do not realize is that the heaviest part of the device is the metal harp which holds the wires to the keys in place. This means the instrument must be placed on the skid board and dolly in a particular way to be evenly balanced, even if it does not look balanced.

The piano that must be carried up and down stairs requires special handling. For four or fewer stairs the device can be lifted off the dolly and then gently lowered onto the dolly at the top or bottom. For more stairs the instrument must actually be carried. This is why professional piano removals are necessary. The weight of the instrument can shift slightly while being carried, which can cause serious injury to movers and extensive damage. Professionals are familiar with how the instrument's weight is distributed and are able to handle the item effectively going up and down stairs.

The piano must be loaded a certain way in the truck to prevent damage to its finish. Professional movers have special pads used during the moving and loading process which help prevent damage to its finish. When placed on a truck the upright's keys face the wall but require heavy padding. The instrument is lifted off the dolly for transport, to prevent accidental movement.

Trucks and Skid Boards

A grand model is placed with the top side against a skid board and then against the truck wall. The placement of the piano is crucial in eliminating possible damage to the device. However, strapping in the instrument with at least three straps is also required to prevent it from moving in the truck. Even if surrounded by other furnishings or belongings its weight could cause shifting of the entire contents of the truck.

Pianos are delicate instruments made of wood and other components which are sensitive to elements of weather. It cannot be moved and stored in any truck. Exposure to moisture can warp the wood or damage inner parts. It should be moved in a climate controlled truck and stored in a controlled environment if not taken directly to its new location. Piano removals require consideration for the environment and keeping the device in a heat or air conditioning controlled space until it gets to its final destination.

Piano removals are not an easy task. They require the special skill and knowledge of professionals who have relocated several instruments. The use of professionals the best to reduce the risk of damage to the instrument and to make sure it remains in a controlled environment. Using professional movers who know how to relocate the instrument is require to reduce the risk of injury or damage to the property and to the device itself. Though piano lovers appreciate their instruments they probably do not want to see their friends or family members severely injured by the instrument. Professionals will also carry insurance that covers damage to the device, should an unforeseen accident or event occur that causes damage.