Moving a piano across the country can feel like trying to move a small house — but honestly, it’s less about brute force and more about planning, technique, and the right gear. If you live in Salt Lake City and you’re staring at that beautiful, heavy thing in your living room wondering how to get it safely to the next state, you’re in the right place. This guide from Utah Piano Movers walks homeowners through the practical steps, gives you realistic expectations, and points out local quirks (think mountain passes and sudden storms) so your piano arrives sounding — and looking — great.
Contents
- 1 Who this is for — and why it actually helps
- 2 Plan first — timing, route and mountain weather
- 3 Prep the piano — remove, secure, and protect
- 4 Piano types, weights and the right gear
- 5 Equipment pros use — and what you might borrow or rent
- 6 Professional movers vs DIY vs moving containers — pros and cons
- 7 Insurance and documentation — don’t skip this
- 8 On move day and upon arrival — what to watch for
- 9 Final tips — small things that save big headaches
- 10 Ready to make the move? Let’s talk
Who this is for — and why it actually helps
This is written for homeowners in and around Salt Lake City who own uprights, baby grands, or full-size grands and need to move them long distance. Maybe you’re relocating for work, downsizing, or sending a cherished family heirloom to college. You don’t need to be a moving pro; you just need to know the essentials: how to protect the instrument, whether to hire specialists, and what to expect when crossing state lines.
Plan first — timing, route and mountain weather
Here’s the thing: timing matters as much as technique. Winter moves through the Wasatch can mean snow-packed I-80 or slick I-15 stretches. Summer brings heat and sudden thunderstorms. You know what? Picking the right day can save you money, stress, and a ruined varnish job.
When planning, consider these points:
- Route and elevation: High-elevation passes affect temperature and humidity; give yourself buffer time for delays.
- Seasonal weather: Avoid moving during major storms or extreme heat spikes; humidity can swell wood, heat can damage finishes.
- Travel time: Long drives are tiring for drivers and hard on instruments — aim for professional movers with air-ride suspension trucks to smooth the trip.
Prep the piano — remove, secure, and protect
Contrary to popular belief, moving a piano isn’t just wrapping it in blankets and hauling. There are fiddly bits that need attention. Besides, leaving a music rack on during transport is like leaving a hat on in a windstorm — it’s going to fly off.
Before moving day, do these things:
- Remove loose parts: Take off the music rack, any loose decorative pieces, and the piano bench cushions.
- Secure the lid and keyboard: Close and lock the fallboard (keyboard cover). For grands, lock or strap the lid and the lyre (pedal assembly).
- Protect surfaces: Wrap wood and finish with moving blankets and heavy-duty stretch wrap; use corner protectors on edges and legs.
- Label components: Keep screws and small parts in labeled bags taped to the bench or instrument.
Piano types, weights and the right gear
Different pianos behave differently. A baby grand is more awkward than heavy; an upright is dense and tall. Here’s a quick reference so you know what you’re dealing with.
| Type | Approx. Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Upright | 300–600 lbs | Good to use a piano skid board and two-person team; doorways and stairs are main challenges. |
| Baby grand | 500–700 lbs | Often disassembled (legs, lyre) and moved on a padded board; needs horizontal stabilization. |
| Concert grand | 600–1200+ lbs | Requires multiple movers and specialized lifts or cranes for tight access; plan long ahead. |
Equipment pros use — and what you might borrow or rent
Professional movers use gear you might not have: piano boards, heavy-duty straps, skid dollies, and air-ride trucks. If you’re tempted to DIY, at minimum you’ll want a sturdy piano board, 2–4 moving blankets, a heavy-duty dolly, and straps rated for the load. Renting a piano skid board from a local moving supply shop is worth the extra cash.
Professional movers vs DIY vs moving containers — pros and cons
Okay, choices. You can hire specialists (high cost, high security), do it yourself with rented gear (cheaper but risky), or use a container service (mid-ground but exposes the piano to climate changes unless you choose climate-controlled). Which should you pick?
- Specialized piano movers: Best for safety and peace of mind; they have training, gear, and often insurance specific to pianos.
- DIY in a rental truck (Penske, U-Haul): Cheaper, but you’re responsible for damage; rental trucks usually lack air-ride and can be rough on instruments.
- Moving containers (PODS, U-Pack): Convenient; choose climate-controlled options and load carefully, and brace the piano to prevent shifting.
Insurance and documentation — don’t skip this
Here’s where most people get nervous: who pays if something goes wrong? Ask movers about valuation coverage and get it in writing. Your homeowner’s policy might offer limited coverage during transit, but moving-company valuation plans are usually more appropriate for a piano’s value.
Take photos before the move, note serial numbers, and get a written estimate that lists coverage amounts. If shipping across states, ask about any additional permits or fees, though pianos rarely need special permits — it’s the truck size and route that matter more.
On move day and upon arrival — what to watch for
On the big day, be present if you can. Watch the movers’ techniques: they should wrap the instrument, use straps over a piano board, and keep the piano upright unless it’s a grand. If they suggest tipping an upright over “just a little,” pause — that’s a red flag. Uprights travel best upright; grands travel on their side but need proper crating or board stabilizers.
Upon delivery, inspect for scratches, panel gaps, or sticking keys. Humidity changes can cause tuning issues; you’ll probably need a tuner within a few weeks after the move, so budget for that. Mild contradiction here: moving carefully protects the instrument, but even with the best care, moving stresses the piano; tuning is normal afterward.
Final tips — small things that save big headaches
Label doorways and measure paths before moving day. Remove rugs that could slip. If you have narrow staircases or tight corners, consider a crane lift — less drama and less risk than wrestling through a window. And yes, call your local piano tuner and schedule a post-move tuning — most pianos need one.
Ready to make the move? Let’s talk
If this feels like a lot, that’s because it is — but you don’t have to do it alone. Utah Piano Movers specializes in long-distance piano moving from Salt Lake City to anywhere in the continental U.S. We use padded boards, heavy-duty straps, and climate-aware transport so your piano arrives safe, stable, and ready for its next chapter.
Call us at 801-396-7323 or Request a Free Quote today. We’ll answer your questions, give you a written estimate, and help choose the best moving plan for your piano and your timeline. Moving a piano is a big deal — let’s make it a smooth one.
