How to Move a Piano Safely: A Step-by-Step Guide

Pianos are not only beautiful and valuable instruments but also extremely delicate. Whether you’re relocating an upright piano, a grand piano, or a cherished family heirloom, moving it safely requires specialized expertise, professional equipment, and careful planning. In this guide, the professional piano movers at Yak and Yeti Movers explain the safest way to move a piano and why hiring experienced movers is often the best choice.

Why Moving a Piano is Challenging

Moving a piano is far more complex than transporting standard furniture. Here’s why:

Extreme Weight – Pianos can weigh 300 to over 1,000 pounds, depending on the type.
Fragile Internal Components – Even minor jostling can damage strings, hammers, and soundboards, affecting tuning and performance.
Bulky and Awkward Shape – Navigating tight hallways, staircases, and doorways requires precision.
Risk of Damage – Improper lifting can scratch floors, dent walls, or break piano legs.

For these reasons, most piano owners rely on professional piano moving services like Yak and Yeti Movers to ensure a safe relocation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Safely Moving a Piano

1. Measure Everything Before Moving

Before attempting to move a piano:

Measure the piano’s height, width, and depth.
Check all doorways, hallways, and staircases along the planned route.
Identify potential obstacles (tight corners, low ceilings, uneven flooring).

This helps determine if the piano can be moved without disassembly or if professional movers need to partially dismantle it.

2. Gather the Right Equipment

Moving a piano safely requires specialized tools, including:

Piano dolly (for upright pianos)
Skid board (for grand pianos)
Heavy-duty moving straps
Thick padded blankets (to protect the finish)
Plywood planks (for stairs or uneven surfaces)
Moving truck with a ramp or liftgate

Yak and Yeti Movers provides all necessary equipment, eliminating the need for last-minute rentals.

3. Protect the Piano Before Transport

To prevent scratches, dents, and internal damage:

Wrap the entire piano in moving blankets, securing them with tape or straps.
Cover the keyboard lid to prevent dust and debris from entering.
Lock the pedals (if applicable) to avoid damage during transit.

For grand pianos, professional movers may remove the legs and lyre for safer transport.

4. Lift and Move with Extreme Care

Never lift a piano by its legs or keyboard lid—this can cause irreparable damage. Instead:

Use at least 3-4 strong people for proper weight distribution.
Lift from the bottom, keeping the piano balanced.
Use furniture straps for better control.
For stairs, use plywood planks to create a stable path.

Upright pianos can be carefully tilted onto a dolly, while grand pianos often require disassembly before moving.

5. Secure the Piano in the Moving Truck

Once loaded:

Position the piano against the truck wall to minimize shifting.
Use heavy-duty straps to secure it in place.
Avoid stacking other items on or near the piano.

At Yak and Yeti Movers, we use air-ride suspension trucks to minimize vibrations and ensure a smooth ride.

6. Let the Piano Rest and Re-Tune After Moving

After relocation:

Allow the piano to acclimate for 24-48 hours (temperature/humidity changes affect tuning).
Schedule a professional tuning to restore optimal sound quality.

Why Hire Professional Piano Movers?

Attempting a DIY piano move can lead to:

Structural damage to the piano
Injury from improper lifting
Costly repairs from drops or impacts

Yak and Yeti Movers offers:

Experienced piano moving specialists
Specialized equipment (dollies, skids, padding)
Fully insured and licensed service
Local and long-distance piano moving
White-glove handling for delicate instruments

Need to Move a Piano in the Bay Area?

Don’t risk damage—trust Yak and Yeti Movers for safe, professional piano relocation. Whether you’re moving within Walnut Creek, San Francisco, San Jose, or across California, we ensure your piano arrives in perfect condition.