Suitable For Small Items
GST WILL BE CHARGED AT 10% OF THE FINAL BILL
Suitable For 1 bedroom
GST WILL BE CHARGED AT 10% OF THE FINAL BILL
Suitable For 2 bedroom
GST WILL BE CHARGED AT 10% OF THE FINAL BILL
Suitable For 2-3 Bedroom
GST WILL BE CHARGED AT 10% OF THE FINAL BILL
Suitable For 3-4 bedroom
GST WILL BE CHARGED AT 10% OF THE FINAL BILL
Suitable For 4-5 Bedroom
GST WILL BE CHARGED AT 10% OF THE FINAL BILL
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.
Most upright pianos weigh 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.
A piano dolly, moving blankets, bubble wrap, ratchet straps and a ramp or hydraulic lift are essential. Trying to move a piano with household furniture equipment alone is how damage and injuries happen.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 to its final position using the same careful technique from the move: slight tilt, steady support, and slow, coordinated steps. For other bulky items on the day, our guide on how to move heavy furniture to your new home covers the same lifting principles.
No. Even a smaller upright weighs upward of 180kg, and manoeuvring that weight alone risks serious injury and near-certain damage to the piano. You need at least two people, and three is safer for stairs or tight turns.
It’s best avoided. Laying an upright piano down can shift internal components and put uneven pressure on the case. If the truck genuinely doesn’t have height clearance, get advice from a piano-moving specialist first rather than guessing.
Use a piano dolly if possible. Its lower profile and reinforced frame are built for the concentrated weight of a piano, whereas a standard furniture dolly can flex or tip under that load.
Yes. Even a careful, well-executed move exposes a piano to vibration and temperature change. Most piano technicians recommend waiting two to four weeks after the move for the instrument to settle before tuning.
Tight or turning staircases are the most common reason piano moves go wrong. If your route has a narrow turn, engage a specialist piano mover or ask your removalist to assess it beforehand — forcing a piano around a tight corner risks both damage and injury.
Moving a piano safely comes down to the right equipment, a clear plan, and enough hands to keep it stable at every step. If you’d rather leave it to professionals, our team at We Move Sydney handles pianos and other specialist items as part of a full removalist Sydney service.
