Moving a piano or shifting an appliance isn’t like any other weekend task. It requires professional insight, meticulous brainstorming, and specialized tools. Whether you are moving across the city or rearranging the layout of your house, incorrectly handling bulky items may result in expensive damage, personal injury, or excessive stress. With careful planning, everything is manageable.
This guide will help you best prepare for relocating and moving a piano or large appliance. We will outline important tools and their purposes to ensure the safekeeping of your assets alongside workable strategies that make the undertaking efficient. Whether you are doing all the work or have hired someone else to do the job, it will all be smooth sailing after reading this blog.
Why is Preparation the Key?
Compared to other household items, a piano coupled with other large appliances does not fall under the ‘standard’ category. This is especially true since they fall into the heavy category, are expensive to repair or replace, and are quite difficult to handle. Their inflexible nature and the single bad move scenario lead to extreme floor, wall, or item damage. Moreover, as one’s hands start to lose control of such heavy objects, the risk of injury increases. In the end, getting the proper execution done should be viewed from the safety lens for everyone involved, along with the items being handled.
The Specific Difficulties of Moving Pianos and Other Heavy Equipment
Like other fragile musical instruments, pianos have intricate internal systems, polished exteriors, and uneven weight distribution. Upright pianos, for example, may carry most of their weight at the back, making them prone to tipping.
Refrigerators and washing machines are equally challenging. They’re large, can have their surfaces scratched or dented, and often contain sensitive equipment like refrigerant coils or electronic panels.
These difficulties are precisely why sensitive operations with expensive equipment need consideration.
Important Tools You Need For Moving a Piano or Large Appliance
Packing and moving bulky items is a two-step process, it requires a great deal of strength and the correct tools. These are some you will need:
Carrying Straps – These move the center of mass from the object to the shoulder or hip level, making it easier and safer to carry.
Roller Dolly – The device is crucial for transportation across flat areas, as a sturdy dolly with wheels is required.
Moving Blankets or Pads – Helps prevent delicate surfaces from scratches or damage throughout the moving process.
Plastic Wrap or Tape – Helps hold mobile elements such as the piano lids or doors of the appliances. This prevents unwanted activities from taking place during transport.
Work Gloves – Help shield hands while enhancing grip.
Sliders and Ramps – Ramps make loading easier as they are great tools for loading items onto trucks. Sliders are also useful, as they help decrease friction when pushing items across the floor.
Tape Measure – Make sure the doorways, stairwells, and halls can accommodate the item without any issues before moving it.
With all the above tools, you will feel more confident when moving your appliance.
Preparing the Appliance for Moving
Empty the Appliance: Washers, refrigerators, and freezers should have their interiors entirely cleared. Any fridge needs to be defrosted and dried to prevent leaks during shifting.
Disconnect and Secure Components: Remove hoses or cords and secure them tightly using tape.
Secure Doors and Drawers: Use plastic wrap or good tape to stop the door and drawers from moving mid-move.
Prepping adequately ensures that nothing last minute disrupts your move, making it smooth sailing from start to finish.
Step By Step Guide To Moving a Piano or Large Appliance
1. Map Out Your Route
Before anything else, look at the route from point A to point B. Check set/space measurements of the furniture, like hallways, stairs, and doors, to make sure they will have space to go through. Remove any unnecessary items like furniture or rugs that might get in the way.
2. Make a Team
Moving a heavy piano or appliance isn’t easy. Call in some friends and family or hire professional movers. Ensure all participants understand what they must do to ensure smooth cooperation during the move.
3. Use Equipment Correctly
For a Piano:
- The piano should be securely strapped to the dolly.
- To avoid damage to the internal mechanisms, it is best not to change the position of the piano.
For an Appliance:
- The appliance should be turned to its side and placed on the furniture dolly, with the base supported.
- Use moving straps to help raise and balance the load and keep it secure on the dolly.
4. Move with Caution
Take as much time and care as you need regarding stairs, tight areas, or uneven surfaces. Use sliders or ramps when necessary to help the team’s workload.
5. Loading in a Vehicle
When transporting an item, use ramps to place it in the vehicle properly. Secure the item against the truck’s walls with rope or adjustable straps to prevent shifting during transport.
6. Unloading and Positioning
Follow the same method at your destination, being just as cautious when unloading and placing the item in its intended position.
When it is time to call professionals:
DIY moving is doable for many, but some situations require professionals, such as:
When the item is extraordinarily heavy or delicate, such as a grand piano.
When the moving route has narrow, steep staircases with sharp turns or uneven ground.
If the equipment or the team isn’t enough for the job.
Economical Movers offers a wide range of expertise, specialized tools, and insurance, all of which provide peace of mind. This worthy investment can save you significant stress, time, and potential damage.
Care Post-Move
Now that your piano or appliance is in its designated area ensure you follow the post-move steps:
Pianos: Ensure you get a piano tuner, as the moving process will cause the piano to be slightly out of tune.
Appliances: Confirm that hoses, cords, and parts are reattached and check that the appliance works normally.
These steps, however small they seem, ensure that the items function and protect your belongings even after being moved.
Final Thoughts
Although moving a large appliance or a piano can be easily perceived as daunting, it can go smoothly if one plans. Strategies, appropriate equipment, and a carefully planned plan can help ensure success. Whether using a DIY method or hiring professionals, adequate preparation guarantees success.
Looking to address your big move? Don’t hesitate to contact our professionals to discuss your needs so you can receive tailored advice for your scenario. We will ensure you enjoy a seamless and efficient experience while relocating..
