close button x
The
van

Suitable For Small Items

$54
perhalfhour was
$50
now
per half hour
  • 1 man
  • 12-15m3
  • 1 Tonne

GST WILL BE CHARGED AT 10% OF THE FINAL BILL

book now
Removalist near me in Sydney - We Move Group
The
mini truck

Suitable For 1 bedroom

$79
perhalfhour was
$75
now
per half hour
  • 2 men
  • 12-20m3
  • 3.5-4.5 Tonne

GST WILL BE CHARGED AT 10% OF THE FINAL BILL

book now
Removalist near me in Sydney - We Move Group
The
all rounder

Suitable For 2 bedroom

$89
perhalfhour was
$85
now
per half hour
  • 2 men
  • 25-35m3
  • 6-8 Tonne

GST WILL BE CHARGED AT 10% OF THE FINAL BILL

book now
Removalist near me in Sydney - We Move Group
The
work horse

Suitable For 2-3 Bedroom

$99
perhalfhour was
$95
now
per half hour
  • 2 men
  • 40-45m3
  • 10-12 Tonne

GST WILL BE CHARGED AT 10% OF THE FINAL BILL

book now
Removalist near me in Sydney - We Move Group
the
mighty truck

Suitable For 3-4 bedroom

$109
perhalfhour was
$105
now
per half hour
  • 2 man
  • 50-55m3
  • 12-14 Tonne

GST WILL BE CHARGED AT 10% OF THE FINAL BILL

book now
Removalist near me in Sydney - We Move Group
The
beast

Suitable For 4-5 Bedroom

$120
perhalfhour was
$109
now
per half hour
  • 2 man
  • 60-65m3
  • 16 Tonne

GST WILL BE CHARGED AT 10% OF THE FINAL BILL

book now
Removalist near me in Sydney - We Move Group

Our Blogs

We Move Sydney prides itself on transparent removal prices sydney.

How to Move an Upright Piano Safely

30th April 2026

Moving house is already a big job. Bring a piano into the picture, and things feel more complicated. 

An upright piano is heavy and easy to damage if it’s not handled correctly. One wrong move can affect its structure, its finish, and how it plays.

In this blog, you’ll learn how to move an upright piano safely, with steps that will help you avoid damage.

How Heavy Is an Upright Piano?

Most upright pianos sit between 180kg and 300kg.  Lifting without planning can lead to strain and loss of control.

Because of this, moving a piano is never a one-person job. Even two people can struggle without proper equipment and coordination.

What You Need Before You Start

To properly move an upright piano, you’ll need the right equipment to support both the weight and the structure of the instrument.

Essential Equipment

  • Piano dolly
  • Moving blankets for full coverage
  • Bubble wrap for corners and edges
  • Ratchet straps to secure the piano
  • Work gloves for grip and protection
  • Measuring tape for access points
  • Ramp or tailgate lift for loading

Additional Support Tools

  • Lifting straps for better control
  • Back support belt for stability
  • Non-slip footwear for safer movement

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Move a Piano

Step 1: Map Out the Route 

Before moving the piano, take the time to map out your entire path. Start by walking from the piano’s current location to the exit, then continue all the way to where the truck will be parked. This gives you a clear picture of what you’re working with.

You should measure all doorways, hallways, and tight corners to confirm the piano will fit through without forcing it. It’s also important to remove any obstacles, including rugs, furniture, or loose items that could interrupt movement.

Once the path is clear, assign roles to each person involved. One person should guide the direction, while others focus on stabilising and supporting the weight.

Step 2: Prepare and Protect the Piano

Start by closing the lid over the keys. If it has locks, secure it. Next, wrap the piano. Begin with bubble wrap around corners and edges, then cover the entire instrument with moving blankets. Everything should be fitted snugly and secured with straps.

Step 3: Lift the Piano Onto the Dolly

Lifting is where precision matters most. Instead of trying to lift the piano outright, use a controlled method that keeps the instrument stable.

Begin by slightly tilting the piano to one side. While it’s tilted, slide the dolly underneath. Once positioned, settle the piano onto the dolly and ensure it is centred properly.

Throughout this process, maintain proper lifting posture by bending your knees and keeping your back straight. 

Once the piano is on the dolly, secure it immediately using straps. This prevents shifting and keeps the load balanced as you move.

Step 4: Move the Piano Through the Space

With the piano secured on the dolly, the next step is navigating your home. Movement should be slow and deliberate. 

As you move, maintain constant communication. This keeps everyone aligned and reduces confusion. When you reach a corner, move slowly so the piano doesn’t hit anything. 

Step 5: Load the Piano Onto the Truck

The piano should never be lifted directly into the truck. Instead, use a ramp or hydraulic lift to guide it upward.

As the piano moves up the ramp, one person should guide from the front while others support from behind. This keeps the movement balanced and prevents slipping.

Once inside the truck, position the piano against the solid wall. Secure it firmly using ratchet straps so it cannot move during transit. Adding extra blankets around the piano provides an additional layer of protection.

Step 6: Transport the Piano Safely

Even when the piano is properly secured, the way you drive still plays a big role in keeping it stable. Smooth roads, gentle braking, and steady turns all play an important role. 

The way you drive ensures the piano stays well-supported and arrives in good condition.

Step 7: Unload and Position the Piano

Use the ramp again to bring the piano down slowly. Keep the movement controlled and avoid rushing, especially if fatigue has set in.

After unloading, guide the piano into its new position using the dolly. Once in place, remove the wrapping and lower it gently off the dolly.

Final positioning should be done carefully. Avoid dragging the piano, as this can damage both the instrument and your flooring.

When to Consider Professional Help

There are situations where handling the move yourself is not the best option, especially when safety and access become a concern.

This includes:

  • Tight access or narrow spaces
  • Multi-level properties with stairs
  • Very heavy pianos
  • Lack of proper equipment

Professional piano removalists in Sydney deal with these scenarios regularly and know how to manage the weight, balance, and positioning. 

They also bring the right equipment to handle tricky layouts, helping reduce the chance of damage to both your piano and your property.

Conclusion

Moving an upright piano involves preparation, control, and understanding how each step affects the instrument. Take your time, follow each step, and stay focused.

If it feels like too much to handle, that’s completely normal. Some moves are better handled by experienced removalists in Sydney.

If you’d like expert support, We Move Group is ready to assist. Call 1300 017 159 or fill out the online form to have your piano relocated safely.