How to Move a Piano: Tips and Insights From 2 Fellas Phoenix

Pianos are one of the most intricate and delicate items to move. They are not only heavy, with the average upright piano weighing between 300 to 800 pounds, but they also contain thousands of parts, all of which need to be preserved during the move. A piano’s soundboard, strings, and hammers are finely tuned components that can be easily damaged if not handled properly. The keys, pedals, and external finish are also susceptible to damage, making the process even more complex.

One memorable instance was when we were tasked with moving a grand piano from a historic home in the Willo District, one of Phoenix’s oldest neighborhoods. The home’s original architecture featured narrow hallways and steep staircases that were not designed with modern-day pianos in mind.

To navigate these obstacles, we carefully disassembled parts of the piano, including the legs and lyre, to ensure it could be maneuvered through the tight spaces. Our team then meticulously reassembled the piano in the client’s new home in the Arcadia neighborhood, ensuring that it was perfectly in tune and ready for the next recital.

Before diving into the moving process, it’s important to understand the different types of pianos and the specific challenges each presents:

1. Upright Pianos
   Upright pianos, also known as vertical pianos, are the most common type of piano found in homes. They are tall, with a height ranging from 40 to 52 inches, and their weight can vary significantly depending on the model and manufacturer. Despite their relatively compact size compared to grand pianos, upright pianos still require careful handling due to their weight distribution and delicate internal mechanisms.
2. Grand Pianos
   Grand pianos are larger and heavier than upright pianos, with lengths ranging from 4.5 feet to over 9 feet. The weight of a grand piano can exceed 1,000 pounds, making it a formidable challenge to move. The curved body, long strings, and sensitive action of a grand piano require specialized equipment and techniques to move safely.
3. Baby Grand Pianos
   Baby grand pianos are a smaller version of the grand piano, typically ranging from 4.5 to 5.5 feet in length. While they are lighter than full-size grand pianos, they still present many of the same challenges, including the need for careful disassembly and reassembly during the move.
4. Digital Pianos
   Although digital pianos are generally lighter and more portable than acoustic pianos, they still require careful handling to avoid damage to their electronic components. Many digital pianos also have built-in stands or cabinets that add to their weight and complexity during a move.

Moving a piano requires careful planning, the right equipment, and a team of experienced movers. Here are some essential tips we’ve gathered over the years to help you understand the intricacies of moving a piano:

1. Prepare and Plan Ahead
   The first step in moving a piano is preparation. Measure doorways, staircases, and any tight spaces to ensure the piano will fit. This is especially important in older homes in areas like the Encanto-Palmcroft neighborhood, where narrow doorways and steep staircases can pose significant challenges. Knowing the weight and dimensions of your piano is crucial for planning the move and determining whether disassembly will be necessary.
2. Disassemble When Necessary
   In many cases, it’s best to disassemble certain parts of the piano to make it easier to maneuver. For upright pianos, this might involve removing the pedals, music rack, and any detachable parts. For grand pianos, disassembling typically involves removing the legs, lyre, and possibly even the lid. This reduces the risk of damage and makes it easier to move the piano through tight spaces.
3. Use Proper Equipment
   Moving a piano without the proper equipment is a recipe for disaster. At 2 Fellas Phoenix, we use a combination of moving blankets, straps, piano boards, and dollies to ensure the piano is securely transported. Moving blankets are essential for protecting the piano’s finish, while straps and a piano board help to secure the piano during transport. However, it’s important to note that not all pianos can be moved with a dolly, especially on stairs. For instance, moving a piano down the winding stairs of a multi-level home in the Biltmore area might require a different approach.
4. Secure the Piano During Transport
   Once the piano is loaded onto the moving truck, it needs to be secured to prevent shifting during transit. This is particularly important when moving pianos across Phoenix’s uneven and often congested roads. We’ve perfected the art of securing pianos using heavy-duty straps and padding to ensure they remain stable on the road, whether the journey is across town or out to a more rural area like Cave Creek.
5. Consider the Temperature
   Phoenix’s extreme heat can pose additional challenges when moving a piano. Pianos are sensitive to temperature changes, and the dry, hot Arizona climate across all Phoenix neighborhoods can cause the wood to warp or the strings to lose tension. When moving a piano during the summer months, we take extra precautions to protect it from the heat. This includes keeping the piano covered with moving blankets and avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
6. Take Advantage of Professional Expertise
   While it may be tempting to try a DIY piano move, the risks often outweigh the benefits. Professional movers like 2 Fellas Phoenix have the experience and expertise to handle all aspects of the move, from disassembly to reassembly, ensuring your piano arrives at its destination in perfect condition. Our team has moved pianos through every conceivable scenario – from multistory apartment complexes in Downtown Phoenix to sprawling ranch homes in Scottsdale – and we know how to handle the unique challenges each situation presents.

One of the most memorable piano moves we’ve handled involved a Steinway grand piano that needed to be moved from a high-rise condo in the heart of Phoenix to a luxury home in the hills of Fountain Hills. The condo’s elevator was too small to accommodate the piano, so we had to carefully plan an alternative route. After consulting with the building’s management, we arranged for the piano to be lifted by crane from the balcony of the condo down to the street below. It was a nerve-wracking process, but our team’s experience and careful planning ensured the piano was safely lowered and transported to its new home.

This experience taught us the importance of adaptability and creative problem-solving when moving pianos. No two moves are the same, and each one presents its own set of challenges. Whether it’s navigating a narrow staircase, dealing with extreme temperatures, or finding a way to move a piano without a dolly, our team at 2 Fellas Phoenix is prepared for anything.

At 2 Fellas Phoenix, we’ve moved pianos through every conceivable scenario – from multistory apartment complexes in Downtown Phoenix to sprawling ranch homes in Scottsdale. We know how to move a piano upstairs, downstairs, and even into tight corners without a scratch. Our experience in specialty moving has given us the expertise to handle even the most challenging piano moves.

Our team is not just about manpower; it’s about expertise. We understand the intricacies of piano construction and how improper handling can damage these beautiful instruments. That’s why we treat every piano move as if it were our own. From disassembling the piano to wrapping it securely, lifting it carefully, and ensuring it’s safely transported, our team is equipped with the knowledge and tools to do it right.

We also understand the unique challenges of moving pianos in Arizona. Whether it’s the scorching summer heat, the tight confines of historic homes, or the logistical challenges of moving pianos from high-rise buildings, our team has the experience to handle it all.

Moving a piano is a task that requires more than just muscle; it requires knowledge, experience, and a deep understanding of the instrument. At 2 Fellas Phoenix, we take pride in our ability to safely and efficiently move pianos, ensuring they arrive at their new location in perfect condition.

So, if you’re considering moving a piano and want it handled by professionals who understand the unique challenges of Arizona’s climate and landscape, contact us today. We’re here to make sure your piano move is as smooth as possible, no matter where in the Valley you’re headed.