That beautiful piano in your living room isn’t just a musical instrument—it’s an investment, often weighing 400-1,000 pounds with thousands of precisely calibrated moving parts. While DIY moving works for many household items, when it comes to relocating a piano, the risks far outweigh any potential savings.
At Baltic Movers, we’ve safely transported hundreds of pianos across Orlando and beyond, and we’ve seen the aftermath when DIY attempts go wrong. Here’s why professional piano moving is essential and what you should know before booking this specialized service.
What Makes Piano Moving So Different?
Pianos aren’t just heavy furniture—they’re complex musical instruments with unique moving challenges.
It’s Not Just About Weight
- Upright pianos typically weigh 300-500 pounds
- Grand pianos can weigh 500-1,200 pounds
- Weight distribution is extremely uneven
- Center of gravity shifts during movement
It’s About What’s Inside
- Over 10,000 moving parts in a typical piano
- Delicate soundboard that cracks easily
- Precisely tuned strings under massive tension
- Intricate wooden action mechanisms
Pro Tip: Think your piano “isn’t that heavy”? Even small upright pianos weigh more than your refrigerator, with delicate internal components that make them significantly more challenging to move. Your piano is basically a giant wooden egg filled with expensive, fragile parts.
The Real Costs of DIY Piano Moving
The price tag for professional piano moving might seem high until you consider the potential costs of doing it yourself.
Physical Damage to the Piano
- Cracked soundboards ($5,000+ repair)
- Broken legs or pedals ($500-2,000)
- Damaged finish ($1,000+ to refinish)
- Internal mechanism damage (often irreparable)
Potential Property Damage
- Damaged doorways, walls, and flooring
- Staircase repairs
- Broken banisters
Personal Injury Risks
- Back injuries from improper lifting
- Crushed fingers and toes
- Falls on stairs
Pro Tip: We once had a client who tried moving a baby grand piano with friends before calling us. The result? A cracked soundboard, damaged hardwood floor, and one friend with a serious back injury. The “money saved” ended up costing over $7,000 in repairs and medical bills.
How Professional Piano Movers Protect Your Investment
Professional piano movers use specialized equipment and techniques that DIYers simply don’t have access to.
Specialized Equipment
- Piano boards and skids designed specifically for pianos
- Heavy-duty piano dollies with proper weight distribution
- Hydraulic lift gates for truck loading
- Custom padding and climate protection
Technical Expertise
- Knowledge of different piano construction types
- Understanding of proper piano disassembly (for grand pianos)
- Training in proper balance points and lifting techniques
- Experience navigating challenging spaces
Pro Tip: Professional piano movers aren’t just strong—they’re piano specialists. At Baltic Movers, our piano team undergoes specific training on piano mechanics, not just moving techniques. This knowledge is crucial when determining how to safely transport different piano types.
Common DIY Piano Moving Mistakes
When homeowners attempt to move pianos themselves, certain mistakes occur frequently.
Underestimating the Challenge
- Assuming a piano moves like other furniture
- Not measuring doorways, hallways, and stairs
- Bringing too few helpers
- Wearing improper footwear and clothing
Improper Equipment
- Using standard furniture dollies
- Insufficient padding and protection
- Inadequate strapping and securing methods
- Improper lifting tools
Dangerous Techniques
- Attempting to “walk” upright pianos on their legs
- Improper lifting posture
- Moving without a clear path and plan
- Taking shortcuts around tight corners
Pro Tip: One of the most common mistakes we see is people trying to “walk” upright pianos on their casters. Those tiny wheels aren’t designed for moving—they’re for minor positioning adjustments only. Using them to “roll” a piano across a room is like trying to move your car by rolling it on its rims.
The Baltic Movers Piano Moving Process
When you hire Baltic Movers for piano relocation, here’s our proven process for safe, successful piano moves:
- Assessment and Planning
- Evaluation of piano type, size, and condition
- Measurement of all doorways, hallways, and stairways
- Creation of a detailed moving plan with contingencies
- Discussion of any special considerations (antique value, sentimental importance)
- Preparation
- Complete protection of the piano’s finish
- Securing of all movable parts
- Keyboard locking or padding
- Protection of nearby furniture and property
- Professional Execution
- Proper lifting techniques
- Strategic navigation through tight spaces
- Secure transportation in climate-controlled vehicles
- Careful placement in the new location
- Post-Move Care
- Recommendations for settling time before tuning
- Connection with qualified local piano tuners
- Follow-up to ensure satisfaction
- Advice for piano care in Florida’s climate
Pro Tip: After your piano arrives at its new home, wait about two weeks before tuning. This gives the instrument time to acclimate to the new environment’s temperature and humidity. Your piano will thank you with more stable tuning going forward.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Piano Mover
Not all piano movers offer the same level of expertise. Here’s what to ask before hiring:
Experience and Specialization
- How many pianos do they move monthly?
- Do they have experience with your specific piano type?
- Is piano moving a specialty or just an occasional service?
Insurance and Protection
- What insurance coverage do they provide specifically for pianos?
- How is valuation determined?
- What’s their claim process if damage occurs?
Methods and Equipment
- What specialized equipment do they use?
- How many movers will be assigned to your piano?
- How do they handle staircases or tight spaces?
Pro Tip: Ask potential piano movers about their most challenging piano move. Their answer will tell you a lot about their experience level and problem-solving abilities. Experienced piano movers have plenty of “war stories” that showcase their expertise.
Special Considerations for Florida Piano Moves
Orlando’s climate presents unique challenges for piano moving and maintenance.
Humidity Concerns
- Florida’s high humidity can affect wooden piano components
- Temperature fluctuations between air-conditioned interiors and outdoor heat
- Proper climate control during transport is essential
Seasonal Considerations
- Afternoon thunderstorms during summer months
- Hurricane season precautions
- Best times of day for piano moving in different seasons
Pro Tip: In Florida’s humid climate, we always recommend scheduling piano moves for early morning, especially in summer. This minimizes exposure to both heat and afternoon thunderstorms while ensuring your piano spends minimal time in fluctuating conditions.
The Bottom Line: Professional Piano Moving is an Investment
When you compare the cost of professional piano moving against the potential expenses of DIY mishaps, professional service is clearly the more economical choice.
What Professional Piano Moving Protects:
- Your valuable instrument (often worth $3,000-$50,000+)
- Your property and home
- Your physical well-being
- Your piano’s sound quality and longevity
- Your peace of mind
At Baltic Movers, we understand that your piano is more than just furniture—it’s often the centerpiece of your home and holds both monetary and sentimental value. Our specialized piano moving team takes pride in safely relocating these precious instruments throughout Orlando, Altamonte Springs, and beyond.
Need to move your piano? Contact Baltic Movers today for a free piano moving estimate. Our piano specialists will evaluate your specific needs and create a customized moving plan that ensures your instrument arrives safely at its new home—in perfect playing condition.
