Moving a piano is no small feat. This hefty, sensitive instrument requires strength and specialized knowledge to handle its delicate components. Whether you’re moving a grand, upright, or digital piano, ensuring its safety from one place to the next is a top priority. If you’re in Lancaster, PA, you may be contemplating whether to manage the move or hire professional piano movers. Thankfully, Lancaster is home to some of the most experienced specialized local movers offering expert guidance on safely packing, prepping, and moving your prized piano.
We’ve gathered essential tips from professional piano movers in Lancaster PA, to ensure a smooth moving process. These experts emphasize a few critical points: using proper padding and securing your piano tightly in the moving vehicle, dismantling only when necessary, and taking advantage of specialized equipment. Let’s dive into these strategies to ensure your piano reaches its destination in perfect tune and condition.
Choose Professional Movers With Piano Expertise
It’s crucial to select a reputable company with piano-moving experience in Lancaster, PA. Unlike general household items, pianos are intricate, heavy, and have parts that can be easily damaged if not handled correctly. Look for local movers in Lancaster, PA who list piano moving among their services.
These companies have staff trained in handling pianos and possess specialized tools, such as moving pads, skid boards, and piano dollies to manage the move efficiently and safely. Experienced movers know how to maneuver large, heavy pianos through tight doorways, up staircases, or even into a moving truck without damaging the piano or surrounding walls and floors.
Hiring professional local movers in Lancaster, PA also means you’ll have access to liability coverage, giving you peace of mind. Moving pianos can be risky, and professionals are insured against any potential damages, unlike DIY moves where damages or accidents can be costly and lead to unwanted stress.
Measure Everything in Advance
Before the movers arrive, measure your piano and the pathways it must travel through. This includes measuring doorways, hallways, staircases, and even the dimensions of the moving truck if you’re handling it yourself.
Local movers in Lancaster, PA, emphasize the importance of preparation to avoid last-minute surprises, such as realizing that the piano won’t fit through a specific doorway. Many pianos are larger and bulkier than they appear, so measuring beforehand can prevent unnecessary complications and help determine if dismantling parts, like the legs or pedals, will be necessary.
Disassemble When Necessary, but Not Too Much
While most piano parts should stay intact during the move, certain components, like legs and pedals, may need to be removed to navigate tight spaces. Professional piano movers in Lancaster, PA, recommend minimal disassembly for safer relocation.
Piano movers in Lancaster, PA, are experienced in carefully removing and labeling detachable parts to prevent damage or misplacement. For instance, if you’re moving a grand piano, the legs must be removed to lay it flat on the moving dolly. However, avoid dismantling parts that don’t need to be removed, as improper handling can disrupt the piano’s tuning or cause long-term damage.
Use Proper Padding and Protection
Protective padding is crucial for safeguarding your piano against dents, scratches, and other surface damage during transit. Wrap the piano securely in moving blankets or pads, ensuring the edges and corners are especially well-cushioned.
Professional piano movers utilize high-quality, thick blankets designed to protect delicate surfaces. These movers wrap and secure the blankets with heavy-duty tape, straps, or ties to ensure they stay in place throughout the move. If you’re packing your piano independently, try to replicate these steps as closely as possible to provide a similar level of protection.
Secure the Keyboard Lid
One often-overlooked tip is to lock or secure the piano’s keyboard lid before the move. Leaving the keyboard exposed can lead to damage if keys are struck or if dust gets inside. The lid should ideally be locked to prevent it from opening accidentally. If your piano’s lid doesn’t lock, use strong tape or an elastic wrap to keep it closed. Be cautious not to tape directly on the surface, as the adhesive can damage the finish.
Use Appropriate Moving Equipment
Piano movers in Lancaster, PA, employ specific equipment, like piano dollies, straps, and skid boards, to maneuver pianos safely. For example, a piano dolly helps transport the piano across flat surfaces, while a skid board secures the piano for travel. These items help minimize physical strain and ensure your piano remains stable. If you’re moving without professional assistance, consider renting this specialized equipment from a local mover. Without these tools, attempting to lift a piano can lead to injury and even costly damage to your instrument.
Consider the Weather and Plan Accordingly
Weather is another factor that piano movers in Lancaster, PA take into account. Extreme temperatures and humidity can affect a piano’s wood and tuning. To prevent potential warping or cracking, aim to move the piano during mild weather conditions or take precautions like using climate-controlled vehicles. The climate is generally favorable in Lancaster, PA, but if you’re moving during a rainy or extremely humid day, consider protective coverings to shield your piano from moisture.
Secure the Piano Inside the Moving Vehicle
Once your piano is loaded, securing it in the truck is critical to prevent shifting during transit. Professional piano movers in Lancaster, PA, use heavy-duty straps and securing blocks to keep the piano from moving. They typically place the piano against the back wall of the truck for maximum stability, especially if it’s a grand piano. If you’re handling this yourself, ensure the piano is strapped down tightly and use padding to fill any gaps, which prevents it from sliding or tipping during the drive.
Plan for Re-Tuning After the Move
Even with the utmost care, moving a piano can slightly alter its tuning. Local movers in Lancaster, PA, suggest scheduling a tuning appointment shortly after moving. Transporting the piano and temperature and humidity changes can impact the strings’ tension, making a post-move tuning essential to restore its original sound quality. Waiting a few weeks before re-tuning allows the piano to acclimate to its new environment.
Conclusion
Moving a piano requires meticulous preparation and expertise to prevent damage and ensure the instrument’s safety. Following these expert tips from professional piano movers in Lancaster, PA, can make a significant difference in preserving your piano’s quality throughout the move.
These insights highlight the importance of specialized care, from choosing skilled local movers to using appropriate padding and securing it during transit. For piano owners in Lancaster, PA, enlisting professional movers who understand the unique challenges of piano moving can be the wisest investment to protect your cherished instrument.
FairPrice Movers – Lancaster
248 E Ross St #2, Lancaster, PA 17602, United States
717-775-7174
