moving a piano

fmoore200 · #1 11-05-2011, 09:00 AM

Hope this is in the right place. If not please feel free to move mods,

On Tuesday I have to start to empty out my mother's house to start preparing it for the market. I am giving various family members as many things as they may want and putting the rest in storage while I figure out what to do with it.

The one thing that I want to keep for myself is an upright piano that I have loved for years. My mother had it more for aesthetics than to play it, so I am sure I will have to get it tuned, but that's ok. My question for you guys and gals is about moving a piano.

Can I safely move a piano in a uhaul truck? I was thinking that if I secure it to the truck with bungie cords and stuff it'll be fine. What do you think? Does anybody have any experience moving a piano?

J. Montgomery · #2 11-05-2011, 09:08 AM

I've moved my upright piano three times. Once in a work truck (electrical/plumbing type with cabinets built into the sides), and twice in Uhaul trucks. Cover it with heavy blankets and secure it to the side of the vehicle (or fill the truck with other furniture around it if you're moving the whole house). In my last move, the tricky part was getting it into the basement. lol

I wouldn't use bungie cords unless you have some pretty strong ones. You don't want a piano falling over while taking a turn. You can get nylon strap-style fasteners at any hardware store.

Papa Dangerous · #3 11-05-2011, 09:27 AM

I know someone that moved a Yamaha Arius YDP V240 in a van. Not that same as an upright, but very close in my opinion. They were professionals, so he said, at moving since it was something he has done many times. So it is very much so possible.

I second the idea of having it situated between other large objects and covered in heavy blankets. Maybe even a blanket under the legs to help absorb the shock from a bumpy road. I imagine all the vibration not being the best treatment, but not traumatizing either.

Bungie chords (hehe) can help but I would not use them as the main support system. Perhaps bungie the item into place; pack furniture around it, and maybe even some pillows between the piano and the other items to prevent knicks and that will allow you to keep all the items tightly confined.

Best of luck on your transportation and travels xD

Bredian · #4 11-05-2011, 09:36 AM

Just had a piano mover here yesterday. Neighbor received a baby grand, gave us the upright. Pro movers. They had the grand on a 4 wheeled dolly that had handles going one way, lift straps the other. Secured to the dolly as it was about 600 lbs. Similar with the upright, about 300 lbs. They leave it on the dolly in the truck, roped/straped to the walls, so the legs don't touch the floor.

The wheels do most of the lifting while moving. Going up small steps, they pivot one set off the ground, each effectively lifting 25-50% of the weight.

Now I'm gonna tackle tuning the b*st*rd.

fhm555 · #5 11-05-2011, 10:38 AM

My dad and both sisters play piano so I've had plenty of experience with them. First off, they are much tougher than you would think but that doesn't mean you can just sling them around, but don't worry if it happens to bang something. Use reasonable care in moving, plenty of people will help if you can't get a dolly. If you are moving it across anything but concrete, get some plywood to lay down so you can roll it instead of having to carry it any further than required. If you are just moving local in the back of a truck, you can rope it down and ride with it, just make sure the driver understands to go slow and easy. For longer moves, cover it with moving blankets and tie it down real good. Stacking stuff around it helps, but without some padding between, simple rubbing together can mar/damage anything making contact over a long haul.

I've moved them up and down flights of steps, into and out of basements, etc, etc, and have loaded (and unloaded) them on everything from a pickup to a moving van and it's just a matter of having enough help and/or the proper dolly.

Most uprights have handles on the back that make it (relatively) easy to get a good hold for lifting. There is no substitute for friends helping when it comes to piano moving, even if you have a proper dolly.

Last of all...WATCH YOUR FINGERS WHEN YOU PASS THROUGH DOORS!!!

dave64o · #6 11-05-2011, 10:51 AM

I moved two uprights and, even with a group of people, they're still a pain in the butt to move unless you have the right equipment and know what you're doing. I learned a few key things:
1) Buy, rent, or borrow a heavy duty dolly
2) Get lots of help
3) Make sure it's secured and well padded!

The fourth thing I learned after doing it those first two times. When my parents were starting to clear out they're house before downsizing, we asked about the piano and since none of my other siblings were interested it was mine. Having moved pianos twice before, I had pros move it this time (also because I lived about 60 miles away). That was about 15 years ago so I no longer remember what it cost, but I do remember it being pretty expensive. However, those guys knew what they were doing and moved it quickly, painlessly, and, most importantly, safely!

Contrast that with our experience when we moved about three years ago. I didn't follow my own advice and we just had the movers do it. There are marks and nicks where it got a little banged up and one of the legs is now kind of wobbly. I wish I would have had pros do it again.

Bmosh · #7 11-05-2011, 11:04 AM

If you are determined to do it yourself: The truck is less of a concern than access. Steps ? Tight turns ? Narrow doorways ? Wood floors ? You'll need 3 guys, a 4 wheel dolly, 2 moving pads and some canvas cargo straps. You will never want to do it again.
I see you're in NYC. There should be no problem finding a piano mover. Here in San Diego, it runs less than $200 to move less than 40 miles.

fmoore200 · #8 11-05-2011, 12:01 PM

Thanks for the help guys!

I'm choosing to do it myself, because the cost of moving from long island to westchester is pricey, and since I have my friends helping decided the diy route.

There are steps and one doorway as well as a steep driveway to go down before getting it to the truck, so I guess a dolly is a good idea!

Downunderwonder · #9 11-05-2011, 02:39 PM

Piano Moving Techniques. DIY Piano Moving Instruction from learntomove.com

don't get squidged!

gwx014 · #10 11-05-2011, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downunderwonder

Piano Moving Techniques. DIY Piano Moving Instruction from learntomove.com

don't get squidged!

+1. Just in case you didn't know: Remember to lift from the ends, lifting from the side can snap the keyboard. Also don't wheel it on hardwood as the weight can be enough to dent the floor.