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Changing Your Living Environment as a Musician: 8 Tips for Moving a Piano Without Breaking Anything or Getting Injured
When you’re moving and you’re a pianist, moving your piano doesn’t have to be a major ordeal. That’s right you can safely move your piano without any injury to yourself or your piano. If you’re a “starving artist” just trying to move on a budget without the help of a moving company, you’ll appreciate these eight tips for making the move.
- Plan in Advance
You know exactly when you’re moving and where you’re moving to, so why not have the handling of your piano laid out in detail? Have work gloves, plastic covering, and a heavy-duty dolly ready. You want to put a strong body on each side or leg and make sure that there is an extra body to help guide you along the way. Thespruce.com suggests you have four able bodies for this move.
- Lock the Lid and Cover It
Be sure to securely lock or close the lid. You don’t want it to open and damage the mechanics. Don’t neglect to secure the covering and padding you put on your instrument either. Scuffs and scratches are not something you want to see on your piano.
- Take Care with the Legs
The legs on a spinet or console piano are fairly thin, so you want to take extra precaution with the legs. Tip the piano slightly as you roll it to keep the legs safe. You usually don’t need to completely lift a grand piano off the floor. Try taking some of the weight off of the casters to allow them to roll easily. And when you encounter an obstacle, lift one leg at a time.
- Endways not Sideways
When you move the piano, always carry it endways and not sideways. Carrying it sideways can damage its internal workings, resulting in costly repairs. Carrying it endways will also give you an advantage when maneuvering corners, stairs, and tighter spaces.
- Take Your Time
Even if you’re in a hurry, please don’t rush. Going slower allows you the flexibility to make adjustments and avoid damaging the interior or exterior.
- Use a Heavy-Duty or Piano Dolly
Take most of the weight off by using a piano dolly. You want a heavy-duty dolly that will support the piano’s weight and make the moving a little easier. A dolly reduces back strain. Remember to lift with your legs–knees bent, back straight.
- Use Step Padding on Stairs
To keep the bottom edge of your piano safe, use step padding (you can also use towels in a pinch). Whether you’re going up or down stairs, padding can even help eliminate the need to actually carry the piano up or down steps as well.
- Properly Secure the Piano in the Truck
Once you’ve made it to the truck, be sure to position the piano at the back so it doesn’t get damaged during transit. Position uprights with the keyboard facing the wall. Never leave a piano on a dolly, so it won’t roll around while you travel.
Now that you’ve read this, it’s time to pack, gather your supplies and call Hudson Movers. Moving whatever style of piano you have doesn’t have to be a major to do when you are prepared and properly equipped.
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