Blog

Moving a piano is different than hauling a couch. It’s heavier, oddly shaped, and frankly intimidating if you’ve never done it. But you can do a lot right with the right prep, a few good tools, and a little humility. This guide is for homeowners in Salt Lake City who are beginners at piano moving — people who love their instrument, don’t want to damage it (or the house), and would like practical tips that actually work. You know what? With care and planning, it can go smoothly. Honestly, it’s mostly common sense—plus muscle and a plan.

---

Who this is for (and why it helps)

If you own a piano — upright, baby grand, or bench included — and you’re moving across the room or across town, this is for you. It’s also for the neighbor who offered to help, the adult kid who says “I’ve got it,” and the person who’d rather learn a bit before calling a team. Here’s the thing: a piano is part instrument, part piece of furniture and part mechanical device. Treat it like all three, and you’ll avoid costly mistakes.

---

First things first: planning beats panic

Start by measuring. Measure the piano, the doorways, the stair widths, and any tight turns. Write down heights and widths. It sounds boring, but this step stops most headaches. Measure twice, move once — yes, the old rule still works.

Check the route. Is there a step, narrow hallway, or a landing? Will you need to remove a door or railing? Think like a chess player: plan the moves ahead so you’re not improvising when the piano is halfway out the door.

Weather matters. Spring snow or summer storms in Salt Lake City can complicate things. If it’s wet, make sure you have plastic covers and extra towels. Pianos don’t like moisture. If the forecast says snow, leave an extra day for rescheduling or hire help. It’s annoying, but better than a ruined finish or warped soundboard.

---

Tools and gear worth buying or borrowing

You don’t need a truck full of pro gear, but a few items make life a lot easier. Here are the essentials:

• Moving blankets — wrap the piano to protect finish and keys.
• Piano skid board or piano dolly — these spread the weight and make rolling safer.
• Appliance dolly with straps — handy for upright pianos and steps.
• Ratcheting straps — keep the piano secure to the dolly or in the truck.
• Work gloves — protect hands and improve grip.
• Piano lid locks or key locks — prevent the lid from swinging open mid-move.

Bonus: Heavy-duty moving shoes for the floor, furniture sliders for gentle glides, and a folding ramp if steps are involved. You can rent many of these from local stores like Home Depot or moving supply companies — no need to buy everything.

---

Step-by-step: moving an upright (simple choreography)

Let me explain the clean version of this. Uprights are still heavy, but they’re easier than grands. Here’s a straightforward plan that keeps you safe and the piano intact.

1. Empty and secure. Remove sheet music and anything on top. Close and latch the fallboard (key cover). Wrap the piano in moving blankets and secure them with straps. Don’t tape directly to the finish.

2. Position the dolly or skid board. Tilt the piano slightly backward — not too far — and slide the dolly under the back. Use at least three strong people if you can. You can do it with two, but why risk it?

3. Roll, don’t drag. Move slowly, short pushes. Keep one person watching clearance at the front and another at the back. Use furniture sliders on delicate floors. For thresholds, lift with a smooth, controlled motion; don’t jar the piano.

---

Moving a baby or Grand Piano (yes, it’s a performance)

Grands are dramatic. They’re not just heavy; they’re top-heavy, oddly shaped, and have legs and pedals to protect. You can move a grand, but it takes confidence and the right tools.

1. Remove the legs and lid. Most grands come apart — take off the legs and put the lid on the keyboard or wrap separately. Label hardware and pack it in a box so nothing gets lost.

2. Use a piano board and blanket. A piano board (skid board) distributes weight evenly. With four or more people, tilt and slide the grand onto the board; secure with straps. This is the point where being cautious beats being clever.

3. Navigate stairs carefully. If you have stairs, consider a ramp or professional help. People sometimes say “We’ll just muscle it,” and then regret it. Stairs are where pianos and houses get damaged. If you must, use an appliance dolly with straps and at least four strong people, plus knee pads and clear commands.

---

Common mistakes beginners make (so you don’t)

Assuming weight equals difficulty. Not always true. A narrow upright can be harder than a heavier, compact model because of clearance. Measure and think about shape, not just pounds.

Skipping the wrapping. It takes five minutes to wrap a piano and saves you from a lifetime of “I wish we’d done that.” Scratches are permanent; pride in thrift is not worth them.

Underestimating stairs. Mentioned this before for a reason—stairs and pianos don’t mix well. Don’t be heroic. Call neighbors or hire help. It’s not weak; it’s wise.

---

When to call the pros (and yes, you can be picky)

There are times DIY makes sense and times it doesn’t. If your move involves stairs, tight turns, second-story apartments, or rare/antique instruments, professionals reduce risk. You might save money up front DIYing, but one slip can cost a lot more in repairs or replacement.

Here’s where a pro team shines: specialized equipment, experience with tricky layouts, and insurance if something goes wrong. We get calls from people who tried to move a piano themselves and then needed emergency help. Honestly, that’s the worst-case learning curve — stressful and expensive.

---

Quick checklist before you lift

Want a short checklist to pin on the fridge? Here you go:

• Measure piano and route (doors, corners, stairs)
• Clear the path and remove obstacles
• Wrap and secure with blankets and straps
• Use proper gear (dolly, sliders, gloves)
• Enlist help — at least two strong people for uprights, more for grands

---

Final thoughts — a bit of honesty

Moving a piano can feel like an act of love. It’s heavy and slightly scary, but when done right it’s satisfying. You’ll likely do fine with an upright if you plan ahead. But if the layout gets complicated, there’s no shame in calling professionals. They’ve done the choreography a thousand times. They know when to lift, when to rest, and when to use that extra strap.

---

Ready for help? Let’s make it easy

If you’re in Salt Lake City and want experienced hands, Utah Piano Movers can jump in. We handle uprights, baby grands, player pianos, and antiques. We bring blankets, dollies, straps, and a calm, steady crew that treats your piano like family. Call us at 801-396-7323 or click Request a Free Quote to get started. You’ll get advice, a clear price, and a friendly team who knows the city’s quirks — narrow stairs, older houses, and that one weird landing you were worried about.