Due to its enormous weight of ~175-300kg on average, a piano is usually considered an 'immobile' object. Nevertheless, experience has shown that a piano does need to be moved around the house and during removals. If at all possible, have this done by a specialised company or at least experienced carriers. This is particularly important as transporting unfamiliar objects can very quickly cause serious damage to your health. Of course, the piano can also be damaged - or floors and walls.
An upright piano should not be carried freely, but rather pushed safely on suitable trolleys. A piano almost always has handles on the back to make it easier to grip. Special straps are easier on the back. The piano can be lifted by two people so that a third person can push a trolley underneath it in the centre. The piano must also always be held firmly on the trolley - and preferably also secured with a lashing strap. Children, and preferably adults, should never stand within falling distance of the piano. If in doubt, if the piano falls over, always 'sacrifice' the piano instead of risking personal injury.
If you have to move the piano across floors, we always recommend using a specialised forwarder - the risk of an accident is simply too great for non-professionals. Without experience, special belts and enough people, it is very dangerous.
Here is one of our favourite Dick&Doof clips with Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy "The Music Box", in which a pianola is transported.
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Mehr Details zum oscarprämieren Kurzfilm “The Music Box” bei Wikipedia.
If a piano has to be transported long-distance, it needs a trailer or van/truck, for example. Blankets are required to protect the piano from scratches and temperature fluctuations / humidity. The piano must be secured at least twice with suitable straps. In the event of unforeseen braking manoeuvres or even accidents, these instruments can otherwise become life-threatening projectiles.
The same considerations apply when transporting grand pianos as when transporting upright pianos. Although it is generally advisable to have a grand piano transported only by a specialist haulage company, as handling is more difficult - and the weight is higher at around 250-500kg. You need special materials such as wing covers, wing carriages etc. and a lot of experience as well as at least three people. The wing is then skilfully folded over (never tilt the wing over the lyre) and moved on its side with the wing carriage on a trolley. The sash should be carried (and not pushed) over stairs to avoid damage.
Staircases or narrow entrances often do not allow the sash to be carried upwards - in this case a crane must be used. Sometimes it is also cheaper to use a crane than to attempt complex carrying operations.
Here is an example of a crane transport when collecting a Blüthner jubilee concert grand piano from the 4th floor in Amsterdam.
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