Why Should You Hire Professional Piano Movers?

Not everyone needs to hire movers in order to have a successful relocation, but if you are attempting to get a piano up the stairs on your own, you better have great health insurance. Moving a piano is incredibly physically difficult, and a small mistake can not only injure you, but also damage the instrument. If you are a musician, you know that repairs are not cheap and even slight harm can permanently alter the sound of your instrument. While amateurs can move and transport pianos over small distances, professionals are advisable for a more complex job.

To move an upright piano up even just a few stairs will involve a team of at least three strong people and one sturdy dolly. The piano must be carefully tipped onto the dolly so that it can be wheeled into place. Once settled, the body of the piano is used to tip it forward with at least two movers supporting the now teetering instrument on the edge of the step. Another person must position the dolly on the next step. The piano is then pushed gently into position back on the dolly and the procedure is then repeated for each step. Movers lifting a piano must be careful not to damage or snap the legs, which is why the body is used to bear the weight. The legs are thin, delicate, and prone to weakening when pushed on their wheels. The wheels, or casters, should not be used as the primary mode of locomotion. While useful for slight repositioning once in place, relying on them to steer the instrument across long distances will just cause breakage. 

So why not just use a dolly every time? Whenever possible, one will be utilized, but some rooms or apartments are located several floors up and carrying the instrument is the only feasible option, or in the case of a grand piano, the shape prohibits proper balancing. Since staircases are narrow and the job is hazardous, only a small number of movers can participate. It may seem to make more sense to pile in as many extra hands as possible, but one mistake can send the instrument crashing down the steps and into a crowd of people. With only three to four people moving, darting out of the way in case it drops is greatly simplified. The piano should be covered with protective materials that are attached carefully so that they don't unravel and trip up anyone while moving. Communication is vital so that no one gets stuck trying to hold the heavy load on his or her own. 

An upright piano can generally weigh in near 800lbs. while a grand piano can easily surpass 1,000lbs. Most people begin to feel strain when lifting a 50lb box, so imagine trying to carry a small, unmoving elephant. Even lighter weight pianos that fall in the 500lbs-or-less category will pose potential dangers and high risk of injury. Transporting the instrument can also be challenging, as it requires special considerations. If you value your instrument, you will take your time locating a professional moving company to assist you.