Moving a piano is a delicate operation that requires careful preparation to ensure its safety and preserve its value. Whether it’s a family heirloom upright or a grand piano that defines your home’s elegance, proper planning can make the difference between a seamless move and a costly mishap. At Jones Piano Services, with over 60 years of expertise, we’ve perfected the art of piano moving. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing your piano for a safe move, ensuring a smooth experience with professional movers like us.
Step 1: Identify Your Piano Type
The first step is knowing what type of piano you own, as this impacts the moving process. Upright pianos, like spinets or studios, are generally easier to move, while grand pianos require more crew members and specialized techniques. Rare or antique models may need extra care. To identify your piano, visit our Piano Types page, which includes descriptions and images to help you determine whether you have a console, studio, or concert grand. This information is crucial for us to provide an accurate quote and plan the move. If you’re unsure, measure your piano’s dimensions—our page offers a diagram for grand pianos—and note any unique features.
Step 2: Review the Questions We Ask Page
Accurate information is the foundation of a successful move. Our Questions We Ask page is designed to guide you in providing essential details, such as the piano’s type, pickup and delivery locations, and any obstacles like stairs, grass, or gravel pathways. For example, we need to know if the move involves tight doorways or multiple floors, as these affect crew size, equipment and costs. Reviewing this page before contacting us ensures we can deliver a precise quote and tailor our approach. Incomplete details may lead to pricing discrepancies, so take a few minutes to gather this information for a hassle-free experience.
Step 3: Clear Pathways for the Move
A clear path is critical for safe piano transport. Before our team arrives, remove obstacles like furniture, rugs, or decor from the piano’s current location to the exit. Also, be sure to remove any items from underneath or on top of the piano. Check doorways, hallways, and staircases for adequate clearance—grand pianos, in particular, require ample space for piano disassembly. If the delivery site has similar challenges, ensure those areas are accessible too. For outdoor paths, clear debris like snow, ice, branches and leaves from driveways and sidewalks, and inform us of uneven terrain. Our specialized equipment can handle adverse conditions, but a prepared route minimizes delays and risks, allowing our crew to focus on protecting your piano.
Step 4: Communicate Special Requirements
Every piano move is unique, and special circumstances require extra attention. If your piano is an antique, has sentimental value, or needs crating for long-distance shipping, let us know upfront. For instance, Jones Piano Services offers custom crating for overseas moves and restoration services through our expert, Danny Jump, for any scratches or dings. If the move involves a storage period, ask about climate-controlled options to protect the piano. Sharing these details early helps us customize our approach, ensuring your instrument receives the care it deserves.
Step 5: Schedule and Confirm Details
Once you’ve prepared, contact us to schedule the move. Confirm the date, time, and details like the pickup and delivery addresses. Double-check that you’ve provided accurate information from the Questions We Ask page to avoid last-minute surprises. At Jones, we pride ourselves on punctuality and reliability, arriving with the right amount crew, depending on the piano—and specialized tools like padded skids and dollies. After scheduling, avoid tuning it immediately before the move, as it may need retuning post-transport due to environmental changes.
Why Preparation Matters
Proper preparation reduces risks and ensures efficiency. A damaged piano can cost thousands to repair, and incomplete planning may lead to delays or unexpected costs. By identifying your piano type, reviewing our Questions We Ask page, clearing pathways, communicating needs, and confirming details, you set the stage for a successful move. Our team at Jones Piano Services, led by Virginia Jones and Danny Jump, treat every piano with the care it deserves, using proprietary systems to navigate challenges like stairs or tight spaces. Don’t leave your piano’s safety to chance, contact Jones Piano Services for a seamless, professional move!