When loading a moving truck, the general rule is to load the heaviest and largest items first to create a stable base at the front of the truck, which helps balance the weight. You can start with large furniture like sofas, beds, mattresses, and tables to form a solid foundation, or begin by placing your heaviest boxes against the truck's walls to create a base layer. After the base is set, continue loading other large items like appliances and square furniture. Lighter and smaller objects, including most of your boxes, should be loaded last. They can be packed into gaps, around, and on top of the heavier items to maximize space. Following this order makes unloading easier and helps prevent damage to your belongings.
It is certainly possible to move a piano without hiring movers, but it’s not recommended. Not only will you need at least four people to lift and maneuver the piano, but getting it around tight corners and down flights of stairs might not be possible without the help of movers. Plus, pianos are exceptionally heavy and bulky, which means you and any helping hands are at risk of injury, as well as an increased risk of damaging your piano. Ultimately, it’s always worth it to call in a professional piano mover.
If you need to move heavy furniture inside your house, like a grandfather clock, consider hiring professional movers for this service, too. Many moving companies advertise in-house moving services, including transporting heavy items to different rooms or floors of the house. It’s best to hire professional movers for this task to avoid damaging parts of your home, like narrow stairways or flooring, or the item during the process.
Qualified piano movers will take several steps to protect your piano from damage during the move. First, they'll wrap the piano to protect its finish. Ideally, they'll wrap the piano in a specialized blanket that features a soft, padded interior and a tougher exterior.
After wrapping your piano, the movers will securely strap it to a dolly for safe transport to and from the moving truck. Once the piano is in the truck, movers might put the piano on a piece of plywood to help level it during the move, depending on the truck bed. They will then strap it in place so it doesn't shift around during the drive to your final destination.
The best way to find a reliable piano mover is to get a recommendation from a family member or friend. If that’s not possible, you can contact local piano movers and ask the following questions to find a reputable company:
How will you pack and prepare my piano for the move?
Do you offer a guarantee or moving insurance?
How many years of experience do you have?
Do I need to do any prep work before you arrive?
Are you licensed and insured?
The Edgeley, ND homeowners’ guide to professional moving service pianos
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Planning a relocation? Learn everything you need to know about piano moving, including average costs, preparation steps, and how to hire the right local pro.
Professional piano movers help ensure the safe, smooth transportation of your instrument. Before you hire, it’s important to check qualifications, review references, and get a contract in writing. Find out the steps for hiring a piano mover here.