How to Prepare Piano for Moving
Professional preparation guide from 30,000+ successful piano moves
Complete step-by-step guide • What to do • What NOT to do
Preparing your piano for moving is critical for a successful, damage-free move. After completing 30,000+ piano moves across London since 2007, we've learned exactly what preparation makes the difference between a smooth move and a disaster.
This complete guide covers how to prepare piano for movers - from 3 weeks before through moving day. Follow this professional advice to protect your piano and ensure the fastest, safest move possible.
3-Week Piano Moving Preparation Timeline
3 Weeks Before Moving Day
- Book professional piano movers (peak season books up 4-6 weeks ahead)
- Get written quote including stairs, insurance, all potential fees
- Measure all doorways - minimum 32" for uprights, 36" for grands
- Measure staircase width and ceiling height (if moving up/down)
- Take photos of piano from all angles (insurance documentation)
- Check building regulations - some require permits for piano moves
- Notify building management if in apartment/flat
- Research parking restrictions at pickup and delivery locations
2 Weeks Before Moving Day
- Clear complete pathway from piano to exit door (minimum 4-foot width)
- Remove obstacles - rugs, plants, coat racks, hall tables
- Remove wall decorations along piano route (pictures, mirrors)
- Arrange parking permit for moving van (Camden/Westminster/Islington)
- Book building service lift if applicable (2-week advance typical)
- Confirm move details with piano movers (date, time, access)
- Plan piano placement in new location (away from windows/vents)
- Check weather forecast (reschedule if heavy rain predicted)
1 Week Before Moving Day
- Close and lock keyboard lid (prevents keys from damage during move)
- Remove ALL items from piano top (picture frames, vases, lamps)
- Remove sheet music from music desk
- Secure or remove piano bench (movers transport separately)
- Clean around piano (gives movers clear workspace)
- Take final photos showing piano's current condition
- Prepare payment (confirm amount and method with movers)
- Inform neighbors of move day (especially if crane lift needed)
Moving Day Morning (Before Movers Arrive)
- Secure pets in separate room away from moving area
- Final pathway check - completely clear, nothing to trip on
- Unlock all doors piano will pass through
- Turn off alarm systems (avoid false alarms during move)
- Have payment ready (cash, check, or card as agreed)
- Keep phone charged (movers may need to call with questions)
- Have water/coffee available for movers (appreciated courtesy)
- Locate moving contract (have it handy for reference)
What to Do vs What NOT to Do
✅ DO These Things
- ✓ DO close and lock piano lid
- ✓ DO remove everything from piano top
- ✓ DO clear wide pathway (4+ feet)
- ✓ DO photograph piano condition
- ✓ DO secure pets away from work area
- ✓ DO have payment ready
- ✓ DO unlock all necessary doors
- ✓ DO let professionals do the moving
- ✓ DO schedule tuning 2-4 weeks AFTER move
❌ DON'T Do These Things
- ✗ DON'T tune piano before move (waste of money)
- ✗ DON'T wrap piano in plastic (traps moisture)
- ✗ DON'T dismantle grand piano yourself (risky)
- ✗ DON'T try to help move piano (liability issue)
- ✗ DON'T leave items on piano (will fall off)
- ✗ DON'T forget to check weather forecast
- ✗ DON'T leave keyboard lid open (key damage)
- ✗ DON'T book movers without checking reviews
- ✗ DON'T move piano immediately after delivery (let settle)
Detailed Preparation Instructions
1. Preparing the Piano Itself
Close and Lock the Keyboard Lid
This is THE most important step for upright pianos. Open lids = keys can shift, stick, or break during movement. Use the lock if your piano has one. No lock? Some pianos let you tape lid shut (use painter's tape only, never duct tape).
Remove Everything from Piano Top
Picture frames, vases, lamps, metronomes - ALL must be removed. Even "secured" items will shift during move. We've seen crystal vases slide off and shatter during perfectly smooth moves. Remove everything.
Empty the Piano Bench
Remove all sheet music, books, and stored items from bench. Movers transport bench separately from piano. Heavy benches can damage piano if they shift during transport.
Dust/Clean the Piano (Optional but Recommended)
Wipe down exterior with soft microfiber cloth. Removes dust that might scratch finish during wrapping. DON'T use furniture polish right before move - can make piano slippery.
2. Preparing the Pathway
Clear Complete Route from Piano to Exit
Walk the exact path movers will use. Remove:
- Rugs and runners (trip hazard + piano board needs smooth surface)
- Plants and decorative items
- Coat racks, umbrella stands
- Hall tables, console tables
- Anything within 2 feet of piano route
Wall Protection Along Route
Professional movers use corner guards and wall padding. YOU should:
- Remove pictures/mirrors from walls along route (vibration can knock them down)
- Move fragile decorations away from piano path
- Open all doors piano will pass through (remove from hinges if very tight fit)
Staircase Preparation (If Applicable)
- Remove ALL items from staircase (even small items become obstacles)
- Check banister is secure (movers may need to use it for leverage)
- Remove any stair runners or carpeting that's loose
- Clear landing areas completely
- Turn on all stairwell lights
3. Building/Property Preparations
For Apartment/Flat Residents:
- Notify building management 2+ weeks before (some require written notice)
- Book service lift if available (residents often get priority booking)
- Check if Certificate of Insurance required from movers
- Arrange to prop open building entrance doors on move day
- Inform concierge/porter of move (they can help coordinate)
Parking Arrangements:
- London boroughs requiring permits: Camden, Westminster, Islington, Kensington & Chelsea
- Apply 5-7 business days in advance (some councils slower than others)
- Professional movers often handle this - confirm who's responsible
- Cost: £0-£100 depending on borough (some councils charge, some don't)
- Have permit visible in van windscreen on move day
4. Documentation & Insurance Preparation
Photograph Your Piano Thoroughly
Take photos from all angles:
- All four sides of piano
- Close-ups of any existing scratches, dents, marks
- Piano top, front, back
- Keyboard (to show key condition)
- Serial number plate (usually inside piano)
Why? If damage occurs during move, you have proof of pre-move condition. Insurance claims require documentation. Take photos same day as move, not weeks before.
Keep Your Moving Contract Handy
On move day, have your written quote/contract accessible. Includes:
- Agreed price
- Services included (stairs, insurance, etc.)
- Movers' insurance certificate
- Contact information
- Emergency contacts
Special Preparations for Grand Pianos
Grand pianos require additional preparation:
What Professional Movers Will Do (You Don't Need To)
- Dismantle legs (requires specific tools and knowledge)
- Remove lyre pedal system
- Wrap body in "piano shoe" (quilted protective cover)
- Secure everything for transport
- Reassemble at destination
What YOU Should Do for Grand Piano
- Close lid and lock if possible
- Remove music desk (the stand that holds sheet music)
- Clear much wider pathway (grands need 5-6 feet when sideways)
- Measure doorways BEFORE movers arrive (confirm grand body fits through)
- Plan for longer move time (grand moves take 2-3 hours vs 1-2 for uprights)
What to Prepare for Movers
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Clear workspace | Movers need 8-10 feet of space around piano to work safely |
| Water/refreshments | Piano moving is physical work - appreciated courtesy |
| All keys/access codes | Building entrance, service lift, storage areas |
| Parking permit displayed | Visible in van windscreen (if required by borough) |
| Payment ready | Most movers require payment on completion |
| Someone present | Answer questions, unlock doors, sign paperwork |
Professional Piano Moving London
Preparation done? Book expert piano movers who've done this 30,000+ times.
Get Free Quote WhatsApp QuoteCommon Preparation Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Preparing Too Late
Problem: Rushing preparation on moving day = forgotten steps, stressed homeowner, delayed start time.
Solution: Start 3 weeks before. Use checklist. Tick off items as completed.
Mistake #2: Wrapping Piano in Plastic
Problem: Plastic wrap traps moisture = finish damage, mold growth.
Solution: Professional movers use breathable quilted blankets, not plastic. Don't wrap yourself.
Mistake #3: Helping Move the Piano
Problem: Liability nightmare. If you help and piano drops = YOUR insurance, not movers'.
Solution: Stay nearby to answer questions but let professionals do ALL physical moving.
Mistake #4: Not Checking Weather
Problem: Heavy rain on move day = water damage risk to piano soundboard.
Solution: Check forecast 3 days before. Reschedule if heavy rain predicted (most movers allow free weather rescheduling).
Mistake #5: Forgetting to Unlock Doors
Problem: Movers arrive, piano ready, but door at top of stairs is locked and key is... somewhere.
Solution: Unlock ALL doors piano will pass through BEFORE movers arrive. Test each door opens fully.
After Move - Post-Delivery Preparation
Once piano arrives at new location:
- Let piano settle 24 hours before playing (temperature acclimation)
- Check piano is level (use spirit level - unlevel piano = tuning problems)
- Inspect for damage immediately (document with photos if found)
- Schedule tuning 2-4 weeks later (not immediately - let strings settle)
- Position away from direct sunlight, vents, exterior walls
- Maintain 40-50% humidity (use hygrometer to monitor)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does piano preparation take?
1-2 hours spread over 3 weeks. Most tasks take 5-10 minutes each. Day-of-move prep: 30 minutes maximum. The key is starting early, not rushing everything on moving day.
Do professional movers prepare the piano themselves?
Movers handle: wrapping, protecting, dismantling (grands), securing. YOU handle: clearing pathway, removing items from piano, unlocking doors, booking parking. It's a team effort - you prep the environment, they prep the piano.
What if I can't clear the pathway completely?
Tell movers in advance. They may be able to work around small obstacles, but it will add time (= higher cost if hourly rate). Large furniture blocking route = movers may refuse move until cleared (safety issue).
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