piano-moving-checklist-free-pdfiano moving check list

Piano Moving Checklist - Piano Service North London

□ 3 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY

Book professional piano movers (recommended: 3+ weeks advance)
Get written quote including stairs, insurance, all fees
Measure all doorways (min 32" uprights, 36" grands)
Measure staircase width and ceiling height
Check if piano fits through doors when tilted
Photograph piano from all angles (insurance docs)
Schedule piano tuning for 2-4 weeks AFTER move
Check building regulations (some require permits)
Notify building management if in flat/apartment
Research parking restrictions at both locations

□ PRO TIP: Don't tune piano BEFORE move. Moving causes strings to shift. Tuning before = wasted £80-£120. Always tune 2-4 weeks AFTER move.

□ 2 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY

Clear complete pathway from piano to exit door
Remove rugs, decorations, plants from route
Remove pictures/mirrors from walls near route
Arrange parking permit for moving van (if required)
Coordinate building service lift booking
Confirm moving date and time with piano movers
Arrange someone to be home on moving day
Plan where piano will go in new location
Check weather forecast (reschedule if heavy rain)

□ 1 WEEK BEFORE MOVING DAY

Close and lock piano keyboard lid (prevents key damage)
Remove ALL items from top of piano
Remove sheet music from music desk
Remove or secure loose piano bench
Clean area around piano
Take final photos of piano in current location
Prepare payment for piano movers
Inform neighbors of moving day
Clear stairwell completely if moving up/down
Measure and mark piano spot in new location

□ MOVING DAY MORNING

Secure pets in separate room away from move
Clear final pathway obstacles
Have payment ready (cash/check/card as agreed)
Keep phone charged (movers may need to call)
Have copy of moving contract/quote handy
Unlock all doors piano will pass through
Turn off alarm systems
Have water/coffee ready for movers
Do final walkthrough with movers
Point out any concerns to movers

□ ITEMS TO HAVE READY

Moving contract/quote (confirm price, services)
Payment (most movers require on completion)
Phone fully charged
Camera for before/after photos
Building keys/access codes
Parking permit displayed in van windscreen
Beverages for movers (water, tea, coffee)
Cleaning supplies for after piano removed

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Stay nearby during move but give movers space to work. Don't try to help move the piano - liability issues if you help and piano drops.

✅ DURING THE MOVE

Stay nearby but give movers workspace
Keep pets and children away from moving area
Answer any questions movers have
Take photos of piano being loaded
Inspect piano before it leaves (note damage)
Lock up old location before leaving
Arrive at new location before/with movers
Guide movers to exact piano placement spot
Verify piano matches pre-move photos
Sign completion paperwork and provide payment

□ AFTER MOVE - FIRST 24 HOURS

Let piano "settle" 24 hours (temperature acclimation)
Do NOT play piano for first 24 hours
Check piano is level (use spirit level)
Inspect for any damage during transport
Document any issues immediately (photos + notes)
Contact movers if damage found (within 24 hours)
Check all piano functions (keys, pedals, bench)
Clean piano exterior gently (microfiber cloth)
Position piano away from direct sunlight
Keep away from heating vents and radiators

□ AFTER MOVE - WEEK 1

Schedule piano tuning (wait 2-4 weeks after move)
Monitor piano for settling sounds (normal 2-3 weeks)
Maintain 40-50% humidity near piano
Check piano bench is stable and secure
Test all keys and pedals thoroughly
Clean piano interior if needed (hire professional)
Update insurance with piano's new location
Save all moving paperwork (insurance/warranty)
Leave positive review for movers if satisfied
Recommend piano movers to friends/family

✅ POST-MOVE SUCCESS TIP: Most settling sounds (creaks, small pings) are normal for 2-3 weeks as piano adjusts to new temperature/humidity. Wait for professional tuning in 2-4 weeks rather than emergency call.

❌ COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID

❌ DON'T dismantle piano yourself (unless experienced)
❌ DON'T tune piano before move (waste of money)
❌ DON'T wrap piano in plastic (traps moisture)
❌ DON'T empty piano on moving day (do 1 week before)
❌ DON'T try to help move the piano (injury/liability risk)
❌ DON'T forget to check weather (reschedule if heavy rain)
❌ DON'T book movers without checking reviews
❌ DON'T leave items on piano top (will fall during move)

□ EMERGENCY CONTACTS

Your Piano Movers: ___________________________________

Phone: ___________________________________

Moving Date: ___________________________________

Pickup Address: ___________________________________

Delivery Address: ___________________________________

Quote Reference: ___________________________________

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□ Piano Moving Checklist