A grand piano on piano board

Don't move a piano on your own

March 19, 2023

It's not worth the risk.

Moving a piano is no easy task. Pianos are large, heavy, and delicate instruments that require special care and attention when being transported. While it may be tempting to save money by moving your piano yourself or with the help of friends, it's not recommended. Moving a piano is a complex process that should be left to the professionals.

Professional piano moving companies have the knowledge, experience, and equipment needed to move a piano safely and efficiently. They know how to properly disassemble and reassemble the piano, how to navigate tight spaces and stairs, and how to secure the piano during transport to prevent damage.

Moving a piano yourself or with the help of friends is not recommended for a number of reasons:

  1. Pianos are heavy and difficult to move, even for strong individuals.
  2. Moving a piano requires specialized equipment and techniques that most people do not have.
  3. Moving a piano without professional help increases the risk of damage to the piano, your property, and yourself.

Pianos are not only valuable and expensive instruments, but they also hold sentimental value for many people. Why risk moving a heavy family heirloom that has been passed down through generations when you can hire a professional to take great care of your treasured instrument? We cannot stress this enough: pianos are not something that should be treated lightly when it comes to moving.

Moving a piano requires a specialist because of the unique challenges involved. Pianos come in different shapes, sizes, and weights, and each type requires a different approach to moving. In addition, pianos are fragile and can easily be damaged during transport if not handled properly. Piano moving specialists have the training and expertise to move pianos safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of damage to the instrument and your property.

We often hear people ask: Can I move a piano myself?

Short answer: Please don't. Moving a piano is a complex and challenging task that requires specialized knowledge, skills, and equipment. While it may be tempting to save money by moving the piano yourself, there are several risks to consider.

Moving a piano yourself can result in a range of risks, including:

  • Injuring yourself or others: Pianos are heavy and awkward to move, which can result in back strains, pulled muscles, or other injuries. If the piano falls or topples, it can also cause serious injury to anyone nearby.
  • Damaging your property: Moving a piano through narrow hallways or doorways can result in damage to walls, floors, or other fixtures in your home. This can be costly and time-consuming to repair.

In addition to the risks of personal injury and property damage, moving a piano yourself can result in damage to the piano itself. Pianos require careful handling and transport to ensure that they remain in tune and undamaged. Moving a piano yourself can result in:

  • Damage to the keys, hammers, or other internal components of the piano
  • Damage to the legs or pedals of the piano
  • Scratches or dents to the exterior of the piano

Moving a piano yourself can also be a stressful and time-consuming process. You'll need to rent or purchase specialized equipment, such as piano dollies or moving straps, and spend time researching the best methods for moving a piano. Additionally, moving a piano yourself can take longer than hiring a professional piano moving company, which can result in additional stress and disruption to your schedule.

What are the special considerations when choosing a piano mover?

When it comes to moving a piano, there are several special considerations to keep in mind. These include the size and weight of the piano, the shape and fragility of the instrument, and the complexity of the moving process.

  1. Size and weight of the piano: Pianos are heavy, bulky instruments that can weigh anywhere from a few hundred to over a thousand pounds. Moving a piano requires a team of skilled professionals who can safely lift, maneuver, and transport the instrument without causing damage.
  2. Shape and fragility of the instrument: Pianos are delicate instruments with intricate parts and mechanisms that require careful handling during the moving process. Even a small amount of pressure or force can cause serious damage to the piano's soundboard, keys, pedals, or other components.
  3. Complexity of the moving process: Moving a piano involves more than just loading it onto a truck and driving it to the new location. It requires a specialized set of skills, techniques, and equipment to ensure that the piano is moved safely and without damage.

Moving a piano is not something that just anyone can do. It requires a high level of knowledge and experience to move a piano safely and efficiently. Professional piano movers have undergone extensive training and have years of experience in handling and transporting pianos of all types and sizes. They understand the intricacies of the instrument and know how to handle it with care to ensure that it arrives at its destination in the same condition it left.

Moving a piano requires specialized equipment that is designed to protect the instrument and ensure its safe transport. Professional piano movers have access to a range of equipment, including piano dollies, ramps, straps, blankets, and padding, to ensure that the piano is moved safely and without damage. They also have trucks that are specifically designed to transport pianos, with climate control and shock-absorbing suspension systems to protect the instrument during transport.

At Showtime Moving & Storage, we employ a set of moving pads, specialized piano boards, dollies, ramps and straps for getting the job done. We believe hiring a specialist to move your piano is essential if you want to ensure that your piano arrives at its destination safely and without damage. We have the knowledge, experience, and equipment needed to handle the complex task of moving a piano and can help you avoid the risks and stress of trying to do it on your own.

Piano moving crew moving piano
The team preparing to move a baby grand
An image of David the owner
Showtime Moving & Storage
Moving & Storing Pianos for Over 35 Years

Since the mid-80s, Showtime Moving & Storage has been dedicated to helping people move their belongings with care and precision. Originally servicing entire homes, apartments, and offices, we soon realized that there was a gap in the market for piano moving and storage specialists. With a passion for providing the highest level of service, we decided to focus our efforts on becoming the go-to company for moving any piano.

Over the past 35 years, Showtime Moving & Storage has established itself as the foremost piano moving company in Southern California. Our dedicated focus on providing specialized piano moving services has allowed us to cultivate a reputation for professionalism and expertise. At the heart of our success is our team of highly skilled and trained movers. Through our rigorous training program, we ensure that our team is equipped with the knowledge and expertise needed to handle even the most complex piano moves with precision and care. As a result, we've become a trusted fixture in the industry, sought after by clients who value quality, safety, and reliability.

At Showtime Moving & Storage, we pride ourselves on our personable approach and dedication to safety. We understand that your possessions are more than just things, and we handle them with the utmost care. Whether you're moving across town or across the country, our years of experience make us the perfect choice for all your moving and storage needs.

Los Angeles' piano moving and storage company

Not sure what you need? No problem! We're happy to give you a free consultation to help you assess your options. Give us a call or fill out the form, and we'll be in touch.