Proper Techniques For Moving a Upright Piano Safely

Moving a upright piano is intimidating. On top of being a bulky, heavy piece of furniture, it’s also a finely tuned instrument with thousands of delicate parts. If you’re not careful, your moving attempt could spell disaster for your beautiful, expensive instrument.

We don’t want you or your piano to suffer, so we’re here to help. Read on to learn the proper techniques for moving a upright piano safely.

Get the Right Tools

Moving a upright piano requires more than just strength. Specialized equipment is essential to protect both the piano and your home. Gather the following:

• a piano skid board or a four-wheel piano dolly
• heavy-duty straps
• thick moving blankets

These tools secure the massive instrument as you transport it. Without them, you risk damage to the piano, your property, and possibly yourself.

Protect the Piano

Moving is a fast way to scratch up your beautiful piano if you don’t take care to avoid the damage. Wrap the entire piano body in thick moving blankets, ensuring (ideally) that no surfaces are exposed. At the very least, the parts of the instrument that touch the moving tools should be covered. Then, secure the blankets with tape or straps, and use shrink wrap for additional protection.

Keep the Piano Intact

Unlike some items, a upright piano should not be fully disassembled unless absolutely necessary. Its parts are intricately connected, and disassembly can lead to damage or misalignment.

Instead, focus on securing the piano as a whole. Remove only the legs and the pedal lyre if required for narrow doorways or hallways. Always keep screws and hardware carefully labeled if you do need to remove any pieces. However, most moves are possible without taking the piano apart.

Master the Move

Now it’s time for the hard part: moving the piano. With a team of at least three to four people, carefully tilt the padded piano to remove the legs (if necessary) and gently place it on the skid board or dolly. Next, strap it down securely to prevent movement. Then, it’s just a matter of moving slowly and communicating clearly and often to get the piano from your home into a moving truck and then to its final destination.

When in Doubt, Call the Pros

If this process feels overwhelming, don’t risk it. Reliable Delivery specializes in household goods storage and full-service moving in the San Diego area, including for specialty, high-value items like pianos. Our team knows how to move a upright piano safely using industry-standard tools, protective materials, and proper techniques.

Don’t risk injury or damage to your piano—let the experts take care of it. Contact us today for a quote, and let us handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on the rest of your move.