How Many People Does It Take to Move a Piano?

Owning a piano in New York is a joy until moving day. These instruments are extremely heavy, and narrow hallways, tight stairs and small elevators can make getting one out of an apartment a real puzzle. In some buildings the only way out is through a window with a hoist or crane.

Digital and electric keyboards are usually light enough for one person to carry. Anything with a real acoustic action is a different story.

It Takes at Least Three People to Move Most Pianos

The first step in figuring out your crew size is identifying what kind of piano you have, because weights vary enormously from model to model.

A concert grand can weigh more than half a ton, and even a compact upright usually starts around 300 pounds. Most studio pianos found in homes weigh roughly 400 pounds and need at least three people to move safely.

Older full-size uprights, the tall cabinet pianos common in homes a century ago, are heavier still. They often weigh 500 pounds or more and typically call for four people. Some were built with dense hardwood cases that push the weight toward 1,000 pounds.

Grand pianos of every size, from baby grands to larger parlor and ballroom models, generally need a crew of three to four, plus special equipment.

A few smaller instruments can sometimes be handled by two people. Spinets and console pianos are shorter and narrower, usually in the 200 to 300 pound range.

Stairs change everything. Add at least one extra person for any staircase so someone is always controlling the weight from below.

How to Move a Piano Safely

Many older uprights sit on casters that let them roll across a level floor. Those wheels are not built for long distances or thresholds, though, so they help only for short pushes. With two more helpers, the piano can then be guided up a truck ramp, and a mechanical lift gate makes that part far easier.

A sturdy dolly placed under an upright works on flat surfaces, but it takes two people just for the initial lift. Some crews use one dolly at each end for better balance. Once on the truck, the piano must be strapped firmly so it cannot tip or shift.

For grands, a padded piano skid board is essential. You will need straps and a screwdriver to remove the legs and pedal lyre, and blankets or thick padding to protect the finish. Lower and secure the lid before you begin.

• Measure hallways, doorways and stairwells to confirm the piano will pass through.
• Protect floors with runners or hardboard, since the concentrated weight can dent and scratch.
• Pad wall corners and door frames with towels or removable bumpers.
• Secure legs, pedals and lids before the piano moves an inch.

When to Hire Professional Piano Movers

If you cannot line up two or three strong, careful helpers, or if your route includes stairs or a tight elevator, hiring professionals is the safest choice.

MPs New York's piano movers handle uprights, spinets and grands from homes across the city with the right boards, straps and padding. A piano's size and weight do add to the cost of a move, but the risk of damage to the instrument, your home and your back is far lower than with a borrowed dolly.

For especially valuable instruments, our white glove moving service adds extra protection and careful placement in the new room. Whether you are moving across Manhattan or out of state with our long-distance movers, you can keep enjoying your piano without dreading moving day. Request a free quote to get started.