It is never fun to move from one home to another. While it should be an exciting new beginning, at the end that thrill is usually suffocated by many moving tasks that have to be done. Having a grand piano in your household only make things harder, unless you have the help of professional piano movers NJ. However, there are some ways that can help you to pack a grand piano for relocation without losing all your nerves, and this guide will show you just what they are.
Consider professionals to pack a grand piano for relocation
Having interstate movers NJ on your side when you are relocating can make all the difference. The experts who know exactly what they are doing will pack a grand piano for relocation in no time, and move it without causing any harm to it. Which someone without any moving experience can’t do.
Grand pianos are huge instruments, that are at the same time extremely delicate, with many potentially breakable parts. It is very heavy, and you will need assistance. If you don’t hire movers, that burden will fall on the shoulders of your friends and family. And it’s never fun begging loved ones to help you move.
Of course, even if you find eager helpers, there is still the question of safety. You will have to have a maximum concentration in order when avoiding the moving injuries. They are very common, and one wrong step is separating you from the trip to the hospital.
When you hire professional movers, you are eliminating all the risk. The safest way to move and pack a grand piano for relocation is this one. It will increase your moving budget, but it is worth every penny. It is certainly cheaper then repairs to your grand piano in case of the damages.
Determine the type of your grand piano
If you do decide that you have a lot of free time, nerves of steel, positive you will stay safe during the move, knowledge about piano moving and you are reluctant in your idea to move a piano on your own, the first step is to determine what type of piano you posses.
While you probably do know, it is important to emphasize, because different types of grand pianos require different handling.
- Small Grand – under 4½’ to 5’
- Baby Grand – 5’ to 5’5”
- Medium Grand -5’6” to 5’9”
- Living Room Grand – 5’10”
- Professional Grand – 6′
- Drawing Room Grand – 6’4″
- Parlour Grand – 6’8″
- Semi Concert Grand – 7’4″
- Concert Grand – 8′ 11′ and larger
Steps to properly pack a grand piano for relocation
If you are determined to move on your own, it will be wise to consider insuring valuables in your home. That way, if the case of the damages, you will get some compensation.
In order to pack a grand piano for relocation properly, you will need to follow the specific steps.
Disassembling and wrapping the instrument will be the most important ones. If you don’t do them correctly, it will jeopardize your piano during transport. It will also be best to do these actions simultaneously.
Step 1 – Remove the piano lid
By removing the screws and the hinges on its longest side with a screwdriver, you will be able to detach the lid. Put all the screws in a plastic bag for safekeeping. Label the bag so you can re-assemble the piano lid after the relocation.
Step 2- Wrap the lid with pads
Once the lid is loose, take it off and wrap in 2 or 3 moving pads. The pads will prevent scratches or damages on the lid during the move. Wood needs to be fully covered by the pads. Wrap the pads with layers of duck tape to keep it in place.
If you are moving on the budget, use regular blankets instead of the moving pads.
Step 3 to properly pack a grand piano for relocation – Removing the piano’s lyre
Unscrew the lyre from the underside of the body of the piano and set the lyre aside for now. Keep all the screws and other removable small pieces in a plastic bag with a proper label.
Step 4 – Set the piano onto its side
In order to properly pack a grand piano for relocation, you have to purchase the piano board. It is a large, flat wooden surface build to hold the side of a piano.
Place a piano board to the left of the piano body. You and your helper pick up the instrument and tilt it towards its long, flat side. Gently set this side on top of the piano board. Be very careful, since any wrong movement can cause damages to the piano.
Step 5 – Wrap the body of the piano
Place moving pads over and around the body of the grand piano. There’s no need for duck tape since the straps will keep them in place.
Speaking of straps, wrap at least 2 or 3 heavy-duty buckle straps around the body of the piano. The straps will prevent pads from shifting during the move and consequently keep the piano steady.
Step 6 to properly pack a grand piano for relocation – Remove and pack the piano legs
Once the piano is firmly strapped onto the piano board, use a screwdriver or an Allen wrench to remove the screws and free the legs. Wrap the piano legs in regular or moving blankets. Wrap each and pedal individually and make sure that there isn’t any exposed wood. Secure the blanket in place using a generous amount of packing tape.
Once again, consider hiring movers
These basic steps are only the beginning of your struggle to move a grand piano. The hard part is yet to come with loading, transporting and unloading this bulky and heavy item.
Now when you know the steps how to pack a grand piano for relocation, multiple their difficulties by three. That is how much will be harder to relocate this item that professional movers can do in a heartbeat. Without causing any damages to your instrument or causing you any stress.
