You’ve booked Regina Moving. The date is set. Now, what do you need to do before the crew arrives? Proper preparation helps ensure a smooth, damage‑free move. While we handle the heavy lifting and specialized equipment, there are a few steps you can take to make moving day even easier.
This guide walks you through five essential preparation steps. Follow them, and you’ll start moving day with confidence.
Knowing how to prepare your piano for moving makes moving day effortless.
This article is part of our piano moving process Regina series .
Step 1: Clear the Path
The route from the piano to the exit needs to be completely unobstructed. Movers need space to manoeuvre safely, and any obstacles can cause delays or, worse, accidents.
What to do:
- Remove furniture, rugs, and any obstacles from hallways, doorways, and stairwells.
- Measure doorways and turns to ensure the piano will fit. If you’re unsure, we’ll measure during the in‑home assessment.
- If you live in a condo or apartment, notify building management about elevator reservations and parking permits. We can help coordinate, but it’s best if you initiate this.
Piano moving preparation checklist starts with a clear path.
Step 2: Secure the Lid and Keyboard
The lid and keyboard are vulnerable during a move. If they swing open, they can be damaged or cause injury.
For upright pianos:
- Close the lid completely.
- If your piano has a built‑in lock, lock it. If not, our movers will secure the lid with straps.
- Do not use household tape on the piano finish—it can leave residue or damage the wood.
For grand pianos:
- Close the lid and lock it if possible.
- Close the fallboard (the keyboard cover).
- Do not attempt to remove the legs yourself. Leg removal requires specialized tools and knowledge. Our crew will handle it.
Step 3: Remove Accessories and Loose Items
Anything that is not part of the piano’s structure should be removed and moved separately. Loose items can fall, break, or cause scratches during transport.
What to remove:
- Music stand (if it’s detachable)
- Bench (if it doesn’t attach to the piano)
- Metronome, sheet music, and any other items on or inside the piano
- Ornaments, lamps, or decorations on top of the piano
Moving these items separately protects them and ensures they don’t interfere with the piano move.
Step 4: Protect Floors and Walls
While our crew will lay floor runners and door jamb protectors, you can take extra steps to safeguard your home.
What you can do:
- Place cardboard or plywood along the path where the piano will travel, especially on hardwood floors.
- Remove fragile items from walls along the route—picture frames, mirrors, etc.
- If you have valuable rugs, roll them up and move them out of the way.
Our crew will add an extra layer of protection, but your efforts help even more.
Step 5: Document the Piano’s Condition
Taking photos or videos before the move is a simple step that provides peace of mind.
What to document:
- Overall shots of the piano from multiple angles.
- Close‑ups of any existing scratches, marks, or damage.
- The serial number (for insurance purposes).
This documentation helps establish the piano’s condition before the move. Regina Moving has a zero‑claim record, so it’s unlikely we’ll need it—but it’s always good practice.
Let Regina Moving Handle the Rest – Get a Free Quote
You’ve cleared the path, secured the lid, and removed the accessories. Now let the professionals take over. With Regina Moving, you get 12+ years of experience, 24,000+ successful moves, and a zero‑claim record. We’ll handle the rest with care and precision.
Schedule your free, no‑obligation in‑home assessment today.
[Get Your Free Piano Moving Quote]
Frequently Asked Questions About Preparing a Piano for Moving
Should I remove the legs of my grand piano myself?
No. Leg removal requires specialized tools and knowledge. Improper removal can damage the case or the leg. Our crew will handle it safely.
Do I need to buy moving blankets?
No. Regina Moving provides all necessary padding, blankets, and protective materials. We bring everything we need.
How far in advance should I prepare?
Start clearing the path and removing accessories a few days before the move. Final steps—like securing the lid—can be done the morning of moving day.
What if my piano has a lock that I can’t find the key for?
No problem. Our movers will secure the lid with straps and padding. It’s a routine part of our process.
Does Regina Moving offer packing services?
Yes. We offer full and partial packing services for your entire home, including your piano. If you’d like us to handle everything, just let us know during the assessment.
