Transporting a piano is a complex task that requires preparation and a special approach. Not only is the musical instrument large and heavy, but it is also fragile. This makes its transportation more risky. To transport such things, you must contact specialists. If you want to know how to properly transport a piano and are looking for a reliable company for moving and storage in Boston, then this article is for you.
Should You Disassemble the Musical Instrument?
A standard piano weighs between 250-400 kg. Antiques can be even heavier. It is also difficult to estimate the size of a musical instrument at first glance. Sometimes it may be completely unclear how it ended up in the room. Perhaps it was disassembled into parts, perhaps not.
Before disassembling a piano for transportation, measure its dimensions and the width of the openings. If the openings in the room are larger than the instrument, you can leave everything alone. Four to five strong men are enough for loading. If the size does not fit or the case is too heavy, then you need to find out how to disassemble a piano for transportation and what can be removed in general.
Usually, such musical instruments have parts such as covers, panels, and the striking mechanism unscrewed. The striking mechanism is very fragile, so it is better to leave it in place. If the situation requires it, unscrew the fastening bolts of the mechanism and it will come off. Covers and decorative elements are removed from the latches or unscrewed with a wrench or screwdriver.
How to Prepare a Piano?
Before transporting a piano, think about a few important points. They will help you prepare and avoid mistakes.
- Study the route: both from the apartment to the street and to the destination. It will be unpleasant when you accidentally get off-road and damage the musical equipment in a hole.
- Leave the doors of the entrance and the room open. If the instrument is transported by elevator, find out the load capacity in advance. Prepare rubber gloves for workers and reinforcement belts. With gloves, the piano will not slip out of your hands, and with reinforcements on the spine, the loader will not get injured or sprained.
- You cannot transport a piano on the legs of the case. If possible, unscrew them. And use a cart or belts to transport it to the car.
- Do not use a roller under the instrument and handles on the case. They move the piano around the room, but not in the entrance or on the street.
A Musical Instrument Needs its Own Packaging
So, before packing a musical instrument, you need to remove the wheels, decor, and covers. You should approach the packaging of a piano responsibly, since even with proper transportation there may be a real risk of damage to the equipment. It’s trivial that parts get scratched when the car is moving.
Some tips that you can use when preparing a piano for transportation:
- The keys are covered with a thin layer of foam rubber;
- The strings are packed in cardboard;
- The piano itself can be packed in a blanket or thick fabric (when carrying the instrument, you will soften the vibrations and load on the parts);
- Then there is a layer of polyethylene (leave holes for the movers’ hands in the film).
- Wrap protruding elements that cannot be removed in cardboard and tape. If you dismantle the striking mechanism, pack and transport it separately from the piano.
- Common Mistakes When Transporting a Piano on Your Own
To avoid problems when transporting a piano, we recommend paying attention to the following recommendations:
- Do not place the musical instrument on the steps of the entrance, as you can scratch the bottom.
- If the rollers of the piano remain mobile during the transfer, then there is a high probability of leaving dents on the laminate or other covering.
- If you use a trailer from a passenger car instead of a truck to transport the piano, then you can get a crack in the resonant soundboard. After this, you will be able to play, but you will not get any sound. A crack can also occur from any mechanical impact.
- If the piano body is completely wrapped in film, and the workers do not have rubber gloves, then there is a high probability that the piano can slip out during transportation to the car and into the house.
- If you move the musical instrument around the apartment without measuring first, you risk damaging the decor or the working parts of the piano.
And this is far from a complete list of how to transport a piano incorrectly.
Why Should You Order Piano Transportation Services?
Transporting a piano on your own or with the help of random people can end badly for the instrument. It is safer to entrust this task to a transport company for the following reasons:
- Special equipment. Professional companies have all the necessary equipment for the safe transportation of pianos.
- Experience with musical instruments. Companies specializing in the transportation of pianos regularly carry out such orders. Over the years, they have accumulated invaluable experience in the correct packaging, loading, securing, and transportation of these fragile instruments.
- Qualified personnel. Such companies employ experienced specialists who have undergone training in the specifics of handling musical instruments. They know how to properly lift, carry, and move a piano to avoid damage.
- Cargo insurance. Responsible moving and storage companies are sure to provide insurance for the period of piano transportation. This guarantees compensation in the event of any damage due to the fault of the carrier.
- Guarantee. A client who has contacted a trusted professional company can be sure of the safety of his piano. Movers take full responsibility for the cargo and undertake to deliver the whole instrument to the specified address.
Wrapping It Up
Moving a piano is a process that requires preparation, attention, and the participation of specialists. Proper packaging, the use of specialized equipment, and contacting professional movers will help minimize risks and keep the instrument intact. If you are looking for a reliable partner for moving and storage in Boston, Massachusetts, we recommend paying attention to Paradise Moving & Storage.