Piano moving guide

How to Prepare Your Piano for Studio Moving

Read how to Prepare Your Piano for Studio Moving. Review model, access, scope and planning questions before arranging a piano move.

Acoustic grand, upright and digital piano silhouettes
Illustrative image.

Leave instrument lifting, tipping, disassembly, loading and stair handling to qualified piano movers; provide route photos and dimensions instead. Related information: Utah Piano Movers


Who is this for (and why you’ll want to read on)

Leave instrument lifting, tipping, disassembly, loading and stair handling to qualified piano movers; provide route photos and dimensions instead.


Quick checklist what you’ll need (and why)

Let me explain: you don’t need a full hardware store, but having the right gear makes a huge difference. Here’s a compact checklist that covers the essentials.

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Item Why it matters Quick tip
Moving blankets & pads Protects finish and corners from knocks. Use thick quilted blankets; wrap twice if needed.
Piano board / skid Distributes weight for lifts and dollies. Essential for uprights and grands when moving down stairs.
Heavy-duty straps (ratchet) Leave instrument lifting, tipping, disassembly, loading and stair handling to qualified piano movers; provide route photos and dimensions instead. Label straps for tension order to avoid over-tightening.

Leave instrument lifting, tipping, disassembly, loading and stair handling to qualified piano movers; provide route photos and dimensions instead.


Step-by-step: How to prep your piano for the move

Here’s the thing: moving a piano is part logistics, part choreography. Pay attention, and it won’t be as nerve-wracking as you imagine.

1. Inspect and document take photos

Before you touch anything, walk around the piano with your phone. Snap photos of scratches, the bench, pedals, and the case. Why? If something gets bumped you’ll have proof. You’ll thank yourself later honestly, it’s that simple.

Also note the piano type, serial number (usually near the tuning pins), and any loose parts. Make a short list of fragile areas: lyre, pedal box, caster wheels, and music rack.


2. Tune or don’t tune timing matters

Contradiction alert: you might think you should tune right before the move, but usually that’s not necessary. Temperature and humidity changes during transport can affect tuning. If the piano’s been stable and recently tuned, you’re fine; if it’s already out of tune by a lot, consider tuning after placement in the studio.

Here’s why: tuning before moving can be wasted effort. However, if the move is short and the environment will stay similar, a pre-move tune can be comforting.


3. Secure loose or removable parts

Leave instrument lifting, tipping, disassembly, loading and stair handling to qualified piano movers; provide route photos and dimensions instead.


4. Wrap it like you mean it

Use moving blankets over the entire body; then tape them lightly with 3M painter’s tape (it won’t harm the finish). For keys, cover with a soft cloth or the fallboard (keyboard cover). For tile or hardwood floors, place sliders or cardboard under casters to avoid scratches when rolling into place.


Professional lifting and support considerations

Leave instrument lifting, tipping, disassembly, loading and stair handling to qualified piano movers; provide route photos and dimensions instead.


6. Loading into the truck

Leave instrument lifting, tipping, disassembly, loading and stair handling to qualified piano movers; provide route photos and dimensions instead. Keep it away from shifting cargo. Don’t put it near a heat source or against a wall that might trap condensation. The piano should be stored upright unless it’s a grand those need special cradling. Again, label which side faces the truck door so movers can unload correctly.


Studio-specific details placement and acoustics

You’re moving to a studio, so placement isn’t just about space. Sound matters. Position the piano so the soundboard faces open space when possible; avoid corners that deaden sound. If you’re setting up a recording studio, think about floor coupling (wood floors are better than slab concrete for tone), mic placement, and how the piano interacts with absorptive panels.

Also, trust your ears: a slight reposition can make a huge difference. You might be surprised how a few inches changes the warmth of a recording.


Salt Lake City address and access questions

Salt Lake City brings seasons. Summers can be dry and hot; winters can be snowy and salted. During winter, salt and grit can damage finishes, so bring a clean cloth to wipe feet and the case. Humidity swings also affect action regulation and sound. If your studio has HVAC, let it run for a day before moving the piano in so the humidity stabilizes.

Check building rules: many condos and commercial studios in downtown SLC require move-in permits or elevator reservations. Ask your property manager about move windows; some buildings insist on protective floor runners.


When to call the pros (really)

Leave instrument lifting, tipping, disassembly, loading and stair handling to qualified piano movers; provide route photos and dimensions instead.


Ready to move? Let’s make it easy

Leave instrument lifting, tipping, disassembly, loading and stair handling to qualified piano movers; provide route photos and dimensions instead. Related information: 801-396-7323 ; Request a Free Quote

Use model-specific guidance

Leave lifting and instrument disassembly to qualified professionals. Exact model information and the real route are more useful than generic weight, price or clearance figures.

A good move starts with a good plan

Your piano. Both locations.
The details that matter.

Tell us what you know. Leave the guessing and lifting out of it.