How to Move a Piano: Expert Tips for Northeast Florida Homes

Moving a piano is a big deal—literally and figuratively. These musical treasures are heavy, delicate, and often hold deep sentimental value. Whether you’re relocating within Jacksonville, heading to St. Augustine, or settling in Fernandina Beach, Northeast Florida’s humidity and winding roads add extra challenges. At Royal Moving & Storage, we’ve been the region’s highest-rated movers since 1985, expertly handling pianos of all kinds. In this guide, we’ll explore the best ways to move a piano—hire pros or DIY—with tips tailored to our local climate and terrain.

Types of Pianos

Before diving in, let’s cover the main piano types you might own:

• Grand Piano: The largest, with a horizontal frame and strings, often 5-9 feet long (e.g., concert grand).
• Baby Grand Piano: A smaller grand, typically 4.5-5.5 feet, still elegant but more compact.
• Upright Piano: Vertical design, 3-4 feet tall, common in homes due to space efficiency.
• Spinet Piano: The smallest upright, about 3 feet tall, lightweight but tricky to maneuver.
• Console Piano: A mid-sized upright, 3.5-4 feet, sturdier than a spinet.
• Studio Piano: Taller upright (4-4.5 feet), often found in music schools, with a fuller sound.

Each type has unique moving needs due to size, weight, and structure—grand pianos can weigh 500-1,200 pounds, while spinets might be closer to 200-300 pounds.

Why Moving a Piano Is Tricky

Pianos combine weight with fragility. The wood can crack, keys can jam, and strings can shift if mishandled. Northeast Florida’s humidity can warp wood or rust internal parts, and tight corners in historic St. Augustine homes or busy Jacksonville traffic add logistical hurdles. Proper planning is key to keeping your piano safe and in tune.

Hiring Professionals vs. DIY

Hiring Professionals:
The easiest way? Call Royal Moving & Storage. Our team specializes in moving all piano types across Northeast Florida, using climate-controlled trucks to combat humidity and expert techniques to navigate local roads. We disassemble, transport, and reassemble with care, ensuring your piano’s ready to play in your new space.

DIY Guide:
If you’re up for the challenge, here’s how to move a piano yourself. You’ll need tools, helpers, and patience—especially for heavier models like grands.

DIY Guide to Moving a Piano

Step 1: Gather Tools and Supplies

Prep with these essentials:

• Piano Dolly or Skid Board: For safe rolling (rentable at U-Haul).
• Moving Blankets: To wrap and protect the finish.
• Stretch Wrap: Secures blankets and loose parts.
• Screwdriver and Wrench: For disassembly (e.g., removing legs).
• Locking Straps: To secure the piano in the truck.
• Work Gloves: For grip and safety.
• Helpers: At least 2-4 strong people, depending on piano size.

Step 2: Prepare the Piano

1. Close and Lock the Lid: Secure the keyboard cover to protect keys. If it doesn’t lock, tape it gently with painter’s tape.
2. Measure Doorways: Check your home’s exits and the new space—grands may need legs removed to fit.
3. Clear the Path: Remove obstacles hallways and entryways.

Step 3: Disassemble (If Needed)

• Grand/Baby Grand: Remove the legs and pedals with a screwdriver or wrench. Wrap each piece in blankets. Leave the body on its side for transport on a skid board.
• Upright/Spinet/Console/Studio: Legs are usually fixed, so wrap the entire unit in blankets and secure with stretch wrap.

Step 4: Move the Piano

• Lift Carefully: Use helpers to lift onto a dolly or skid board—never drag it. For grands, tilt onto the skid board with legs off.
• Secure on the Truck: Load upright pianos standing; grands go on their side. Strap tightly to prevent shifting during transpot.
• Climate Tip: In Northeast Florida’s heat, cover with a tarp if using an open truck, and move quickly to avoid humidity exposure.

Step 5: Reassemble and Settle

1. Position It: Place in a room with stable flooring (hardwood or tile preferred) away from vents or windows.
2. Reattach Parts: For grands, screw legs and pedals back on, then stand upright with help.
3. Let It Adjust: Wait 2-4 weeks before tuning—humidity changes from Orange Park to St. Augustine can affect strings.
   
   

Special Considerations for Northeast Florida

• Humidity: Use silica gel packs inside blankets to absorb moisture during transport.
• Local Terrain: Narrow streets in historic areas like Fernandina Beach or bumpy rural roads near Orange Park require extra securing.
• Timing: Move in cooler months (like January) to minimize heat stress on wood and strings.

Why Hire Pros?

For a grand piano or priceless heirloom, DIY risks damage—or injury. Our team at Royal Moving & Storage has moved countless pianos, from spinets in Jacksonville apartments to baby grands in St. Augustine estates. We handle tight corners, humid days, and leveling, so you don’t have to.

Conclusion

Moving a piano—whether a spinet, upright, or grand—takes care and know-how. With these tips, you can tackle it yourself or trust Northeast Florida’s top movers to do it right. Since 1985, Royal Moving & Storage has been the go-to for safe, stress-free moves. Need help? Contact us for a free quote today—let’s keep your piano playing beautifully in your new home!

FAQs About Moving a Piano

Q: Can I move a grand piano without taking it apart?
A: No, grand and baby grand pianos need legs removed for safe transport.

Q: How heavy is an upright piano?
A: Uprights range from 300-500 pounds; spinets are lighter at 200-300 pounds.

Q: What’s the best way to protect a piano from humidity?
A: Use climate-controlled transport and silica packs, especially in Northeast Florida.

Q: Should I tune my piano right after moving?
A: Wait 2-4 weeks for it to acclimate to the new space’s humidity and temperature.