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To prepare for moving a piano, start by documenting its current condition with photos in case of any damage during the move. Secure the piano's lid and wrap the instrument, including its keys and pedals, with bubble wrap and moving blankets for protection. Note that if you have hired professional piano movers, they may handle this step for you.

Next, prepare the space. Measure any tight spaces or doorways to ensure the piano will fit through. Clear a wide path from the piano's location to the exterior door, removing any furniture or obstacles. It is also helpful to prop open doors to make the exit easier.

On moving day, ensure the moving truck can park as close to the exit as possible. For safety, keep children and pets away from the moving area to prevent accidents or distractions.

You should consider hiring professional movers for moves that seem too daunting, dangerous, or involve large, heavy objects. The larger your home and the longer the distance, the more likely you are to need professional help. A moving service can take the hardest tasks off your plate and reduce the risk of personal injury. However, if you are only moving a few light items, you can save money by moving on your own and renting a truck. Keep in mind that a DIY move requires significant planning and time. A hybrid option is also available, where you hire movers just to lift and transport heavy items to your vehicle.

Knowing how much a typical long-distance move will cost is the first step in the budgeting process. Start by calling at least three local moving companies for quotes so you have a ballpark range—then you can start saving weekly. You can also start decluttering your home to reduce your truck weight and try to find donated packing supplies from local businesses or neighbors that recently moved. 

Deciding whether it's worth it to hire movers depends on your budget, patience, and physical capabilities. It's difficult to gauge the amount of work that moving calls for, and it's easy to be off by about tenfold. 

If you're able to call in some favors and round up friends to help, you might get through it just fine, but if you only have a few hands helping, things can quickly get overwhelming. Either way, bringing in the pros will save considerable time and stress, so if it's within your budget, it's a great investment.