Moving a piano requires a delicate touch and a basic knowledge of its working parts in order to prevent damage during the move. But the required expertise comes into play before the actual move: during the packing and preparation for the movers.
Our vast experience on how to pack a piano for moving makes us experts in the NYC moving market. The tips below will help you save money while you take critical steps to protect your piano.
Tools: Gloves (optional)
Even though you won’t physically be moving the piano, wrapping it requires a tight grip. Also, it is important to protect your hands. You may wish to invest in work gloves for this task. You can later use your gloves for other projects around the house.
Piano Casters
The casters on the piano legs are not strong enough to support the weight of a moving piano. When you prepare to wrap the piano do not drag it around on the casters or you may break them and damage your flooring.
If you are really handy and know how to use some basic tools then you may also remove the legs. If you choose to go that route, makes sure to carefully wrap each leg separately in a padded blanket and tape each one shut to protect against loss and damage. Keep them separate—do not pack them in boxes.
Caring for the delicate wood
One of the first things that people notice about a piano is the fragile and elegant presence of the wood. Before you begin to wrap the piano, be very careful not to allow your packing tape to come in contact with the wood. Tape will ruin the wood and must not be used under any circumstance on the wood surface.
Protecting the keyboard and lid
In moving a piano, it is crucial to protect the piano keys and lid, as they are very delicate. First, lock the keyboard lid. If the lid does not lock, make sure it’s closed and makes sure to tightly secure the lid when you wrap the entire piano. In this step (and all others), do not be tempted to use tape directly on any part of the piano.
Wrapping the piano
To pack the piano for moving, it is important to wrap it well. You will need soft blankets or mover’s padded blankets to cover the entire piano in order to prevent scratches. You can use tape to hold the pieces together and perhaps tie it with supplied packing string for extra support. If you are worried about the piano getting wet, add an outer layer of plastic wrap after the blankets are secured.
Create a clear path for the movers
When packing a piano, you must make sure to make room for your movers to easily maneuver the piano from its location. If your boxes are cluttering the pathways, it can cause unnecessary complications and create more risks. Clear some space so the movers can gently move the piano with ease.
Packing your own piano
Now that you are armed with some helpful tips, knowing how to pack a piano is easy to do and can save you money on your piano move.
Einat Mazafi is the owner of NY Moving, a local and long-distance moving company based in New York. She is also a specialist in providing the best relocation solutions to clients worldwide.