How to Move Your Piano Safely with a Moving Company Salt Lake City

To move your piano safely, hire a crew that moves pianos every week, confirm they bring a piano board, thick pads, a four wheel dolly, a liftgate truck, and real cargo coverage, prep your home and the instrument, then stay present to confirm the route and small details. If you want a starting point, a moving company Salt Lake City with actual piano experience will save you time, stress, and probably money. I know that sounds obvious. Still, many people ask a general mover, then end up calling a second team to fix the first move. You can avoid that with a few clear steps.

Why moving a piano is not like moving a couch

A piano is heavy and sensitive at the same time. That mix leads to most mistakes. An upright can weigh 400 to 900 pounds. A baby grand can reach 600 pounds, and large grands go up fast from there. Weight is not the only issue. The center of gravity sits high on an upright, and off to the bass side on a grand. That means a tilt can become a tip fast.

Inside, thousands of small parts move together for touch and tone. The action in many pianos has more than 7,000 parts. Some makers claim over 10,000. Whether that count is exact or not, it is a lot. Pads, felts, strings, and the soundboard all react to bumps, straps, and sudden shifts in temperature.

Salt Lake City adds a few local twists. Dry air. Winter cold. Summer heat. Steep driveways near the foothills. Tight basement stairs in older homes. All of this changes the plan, even if the move is just across town.

Piano legs are not handles. Do not let anyone lift a grand by its legs. Legs are decorative and can crack with a small twist.

How to pick the right movers in Salt Lake City

You want a team that treats the piano like an instrument, not a box. You can hear when people talk about pianos if they have done it before. They mention a skid board for grands, key lock, moving blankets, and soft straps on case parts, not on the lid. They know the difference between a studio upright and a console. They ask about stairs and landings without you prompting them.

Questions to ask on the first call

How many pianos have you moved in the past 90 days?
Do you bring a piano board for grands and a liftgate truck?
Who will be on my crew? Are they staff or day labor?
Do you carry cargo coverage that names musical instruments?
Can you share two recent customers who moved a piano of similar size?
Do you wrap and strap on site or at the truck?
How do you handle stairs, tight turns, and snow or ice?

If a mover cannot describe the piano board, how they remove a grand leg, or how they secure the lid and fallboard, keep calling. The right team will explain it in simple terms.

Pricing models you will hear

You will see two common approaches. A flat rate for the piano move based on type, stairs, and distance. Or an hourly quote with a service minimum. Flat works well for a single piano from point A to B. Hourly can be fine for complex jobs with waiting time and building rules. Both can be fair.

Ask what is included. Padding, shrink wrap, stairs, long carry, liftgate, and storage time if needed. Ask what happens if the job runs longer. Some companies keep the rate. Some add a per hour fee after a set window. I like clarity here. No surprises.

Red flags that tend to cost you later

No mention of a piano board for a grand.
Vague answers about coverage, or no paperwork.
Quotes that are far below the local range.
Small pickup trucks with ramps only, no liftgate.
They ask you to remove the piano legs yourself.

Plan the move like a musician prepares a show

A good move is rehearsed. A little overkill helps. That does not mean stress. It means a short checklist and a simple route plan.

Pre-move checklist you can share with your mover

Photos of the piano, front and back, lid, legs, pedals, and any chips.
Serial number and brand. For uprights, open the lid and look near the top. For grands, check near the plate under the music desk or on the soundboard rim area.
Exact measurements of doors, hallways, and stairs.
Count of stairs and number of landings, plus landing size.
Parking distances and any slopes in the driveway.
Building rules, elevator reservations, and COI needs.
Weather check 48 hours out.

Measure the instrument and the route

You do not need fancy tools. A tape and a phone photo are enough. Measure the width and height of doors on the hinge side, not the handle side. Check for door stops, railings, or a tight turn at the top of stairs. If the turn is tight, measure the diagonal of the landing.

Piano type	Typical width	Typical depth or height	Weight range	Notes for movers
Spinet/Console Upright	57 to 60 in	36 to 43 in tall	300 to 400 lb	Lower height, easier turns, still heavy
Studio Upright	58 to 61 in	44 to 48 in tall	400 to 600 lb	Higher center of gravity than a console
Full Upright	60 to 62 in	50 to 60 in tall	500 to 900 lb	Often needs 3 or 4 movers on stairs
Baby Grand	59 to 62 in wide	4’6″ to 5’3″ long	500 to 700 lb	Remove left front leg, lyre, and secure lid
Parlor/Medium Grand	59 to 62 in wide	5’4″ to 6’4″ long	600 to 900 lb	Needs piano board and a larger crew
Concert Grand	60 to 63 in wide	8’6″ to 9′ long	900 to 1300 lb	Special gear, detailed site plan, often a site visit

I am partial to simple diagrams. Sketch the path on one sheet. Mark doors, stairs, turns, and any low lights or sprinkler heads. It makes you and the crew faster. It also reduces how much they lift while thinking. Less thinking under load is safer.

Day-of move: what a pro crew will do

You will see a clear sequence. It looks slow at first. Then it speeds up when everything is wrapped and strapped.

Standard steps for uprights

Lock the fallboard if it has a lock. Tape the key so it will not flip.
Wrap the top and sides with thick pads, then a layer of shrink wrap.
Strap around the body, not over the keys or pedals.
Tip and place on a four wheel dolly, protecting the back frame.
Secure in the truck against the wall with e-track straps, keys facing away from traffic.

Standard steps for grands

Close and secure the lid with straps. No tape on the finish.
Remove the lyre and pedal rod carefully, pad and label.
Remove the left front leg while the piano is lifted with blocks and a jack.
Lay the piano on a padded piano board on its bass side, never on the lid.
Pad the rim and secure with soft straps. Place legs and lyre in separate padded bags or boxes.
Use a four wheel dolly under the board for rolling to the truck.
Load with a liftgate, then strap to a side wall with two or three points.

If you hear talk about carrying a grand without a board, stop and reset. Even short moves work better with a proper board.

Apartment and condo moves in Salt Lake City

Many buildings near downtown have tight turns, parking rules, and elevator windows. Book the elevator, pad the cab, and get the COI from the mover a few days ahead. Ask the property office where the truck can park and for how long. If it snows, you might need an extra 30 minutes for ramps and salt. Plan that time up front rather than pushing the crew to rush.

Protect the instrument during and after the move

Dry air is the quiet enemy. The Wasatch Front is beautiful. It is also dry for much of the year. Wood shrinks, felts harden a bit, and pitch can drift when the soundboard settles.

Climate and placement

Keep the piano off outside walls if those walls swing hot or cold.
Avoid direct sun on the case for long hours.
Place rug pads under casters to protect floors and reduce vibration.
If your room is dry, use a small humidifier near the piano, not inside it, unless you have a pro system.

Some owners like built-in humidifier systems. Others prefer room units. I have used both. In a dry winter, a simple room unit helped more than I thought it would. That said, you can overdo it. You do not want condensation or big swings.

When to tune after a move

Most tuners suggest you wait a short period after the move. I have heard 7 days. I have also heard 2 weeks. When the season is changing, a month is not crazy. The real answer depends on your room and how far the piano traveled. A local move across town in steady weather can settle fast. A cold winter day with long truck time can need more time.

Let the piano rest in its new spot for 1 to 2 weeks before tuning. The soundboard needs time to equalize in your room.

Insurance, valuation, and the boring papers that matter

Ask for proof of cargo coverage in writing. Not a verbal claim. Ask to see the certificate. Then ask how they cover pianos. You will hear two common terms. Released value, which is a set rate by weight, like 60 cents per pound. Full value protection, which covers repair or replacement up to a set amount that you pick.

Released value often pays far less than the piano is worth. Full value protection costs more but makes sense for most instruments. For high value pianos, call your home insurance and ask about a rider for musical instruments during transit. Some policies only cover items while at home, not on a truck. A quick call avoids a long headache later.

What to write down

Piano make, model, and serial number.
Noted pre-existing marks or damage with photos.
Declared value. Not the retail price from a shop window, but fair market for your model and year.
Any special items, like a player system or a bench with sheet music inside.

What a piano move in Salt Lake City costs

Prices move with season, stairs, crew size, and distance. Winter can add time for weather. Stairs add labor. Here is a basic local range, which I think is fair for most cases. If you hear numbers far lower, ask what is missing. If you hear numbers far higher, ask why.

Move type	Local distance	Typical crew	Common range	Add-ons
Spinet/Console Upright	0 to 15 miles	2 movers	$250 to $400	Stairs: $10 to $25 per step flight
Studio Upright	0 to 25 miles	2 to 3 movers	$300 to $500	Long carry: $50 to $100
Full Upright	0 to 25 miles	3 movers	$400 to $650	Turns on stairs may need 4th mover
Baby Grand	0 to 25 miles	3 movers	$500 to $800	Piano board included
Medium Grand	0 to 25 miles	3 to 4 movers	$650 to $1,000	Extra for difficult stairs
Concert Grand	0 to 25 miles	4 to 6 movers	$1,000 to $2,000+	Often needs a site visit

These ranges are not set in stone. A flat driveway and wide doors can pull a grand toward the low end. A steep driveway in snow can push an upright higher. The point is to budget with some room. Then you can pick for quality, not only for price.

Work with your building, HOA, or city rules

Salt Lake City buildings often ask for a certificate of insurance and a reservation for the service elevator. Some streets need a temporary parking plan. Ask your mover if they can bring cones for the truck space. If you live on a busy street near downtown, plan a morning slot when there is less traffic.

Winter adds snow removal. Clear the path, salt the steps, and cover slick areas with mats. Five minutes of prep saves twenty minutes of careful shuffling with a heavy dolly.

What you do vs what your movers do

You do not have to take the piano apart or wrap it. That is the crew’s job. Your job is prep and clear info. Think of it as stage management.

Your part: photos, measurements, route plan, access, pets in another room, kids told where to stand.
Your part: remove small tables, lamps, rugs, and art along the path.
Your part: share any past issues, like a sticky leg screw or a loose bench hinge.
Mover’s part: wrap, strap, lift, load, secure, transport, and set in place.
Mover’s part: reattach legs and lyre for grands, level pedals, and place caster cups.

Common mistakes that harm pianos during moves

Grabbing a grand by the legs or lyre.
Strapping across the keys or the lid edge.
Rolling an upright with the front casters on hardwood. Those tiny wheels dent floors fast.
Leaving the bench loose with music inside. Contents spill and scratch.
Skipping a climate plan in winter or peak summer heat.
Forgetting to measure the tightest turn, then fighting it mid move.

Aftercare in the new room

Placement changes your sound. If you play, you know this already. A hard floor gives more bite, a thick rug softens early reflections. Small changes matter. I move the bench one inch and the touch feels different. Maybe that is in my head. Still, it helps to test a few positions.

Put felt or rubber cups under casters to protect floors and reduce drift.
Try the piano on a long wall first. For uprights, pull the back a few inches off the wall.
For grands, leave room for the lid to open without hitting art or lights.
Check pedals for level and click. If a pedal sticks, call the mover or a tech.

A short story from a winter move

A family in Sugar House called about a baby grand going to the Avenues. It snowed that morning. Light snow, but the driveway at pickup was slick. The crew salted and set mats. They still needed a spotter on the ramp and a second strap on the piano board. It added 12 minutes. At delivery, the living room had an inside turn with a low pendant light. The mover paused, took the light down, wrapped it, and hung it back up after. Small move, two tweaks, zero damage.

The owner said the tone felt brighter in the new room. Carpet to wood floor. Same piano, new voice. She booked a tuning two weeks later. The tuner touched pitch and mellowed two notes in the tenor. Easy. Not magic. Just a clean process that keeps the instrument happy.

A realistic timeline you can follow

You do not need a project plan. Just a simple time grid helps keep calm.

When	What to do	Why it helps
2 to 3 weeks out	Get quotes, ask the piano questions, pick your mover	Good crews book fast
10 days out	Measure doors and stairs, send photos and a route sketch	Fewer surprises on move day
7 days out	Confirm elevator time, COI, and truck parking	Building access locked in
3 days out	Clear the path, pack the bench, protect floors with runner mats	Safe rolling and fewer stops
Move day morning	Walk the route with the lead, agree on placement in the new room	Speed and accuracy
1 to 2 weeks after	Schedule tuning and light touch-up if needed	Pitch and action settle in your room

Tools and gear the crew should bring

Piano board with straps and pads for grands.
Four wheel dollies with soft wheels.
Thick moving blankets, quilted and clean.
Shrink wrap, tape, and corner protectors.
Liftgate truck with e-track and load bars.
Johnsons or hump straps for stairs, used with care.
Blocks and a small jack for leg removal.
Ramps and runners for thresholds and steps.

You do not need to buy any of this. It is just a quick check. If a crew shows up with two thin pads and a hand truck, say no. You are not being rude. You are being practical.

What about DIY?

I usually say skip DIY for pianos. You can carry a couch with friends. A piano is another story. That said, some people still try it for a short move inside the same house. If you go that route, keep it simple and safe. No stairs. Two to four strong adults. A real four wheel piano dolly, not a small cart. Wrap the case, tape the keys, and roll slow. If anything looks risky, stop. Call a pro. Pride costs more than a piano move.

How to communicate clearly with your movers

Short and clear messages help. Here is a template you can adjust.

“Hi, I have a [brand, model] [upright/grand] moving from [address] to [address] on [date]. The piano is on the [floor] with [number] steps and [landing size]. The destination has [elevator/reserved parking/stairs]. Attached are photos of the piano and the route. Please confirm you will bring a piano board, liftgate, and three movers. I will be on site. We will place the piano in the [room] on caster cups. Thank you.”

Salt Lake City quirks that are easy to forget

Steep driveways near the foothills can make the truck angle tricky. A liftgate is safer on a flatter surface. Ask if they carry extra ramps.
Late afternoon summer heat can warm a truck box. Morning slots help the instrument stay stable.
The dry season makes humidifiers useful. Aim for steady, not high.

If your piano has a player system or electronics

Some modern grands and uprights have a player system or silent practice gear. These add wires, sensors, and fragile boards. Share the model of the system with the mover. Ask them to wrap the control box separately. If the system has a warranty or service tag, take a photo. For very high end systems, a tech can unplug and prep the unit before the move, then return to test at delivery. Not every move needs that, but it helps on complex rigs.

What to do if something goes wrong

Even with a good team, minor scuffs can happen. Take photos right away. Email the moving office that day with a calm note and the images. Good companies handle small fixes fast. A local furniture touch-up tech can handle surface marks. A piano technician can address a pedal squeak or a sticky key. This is another reason why full value coverage and a clean inventory help. It is not about blame. It is about a fast, clean fix so you can get back to playing.

A quick checklist you can print

Pick an experienced piano mover.
Confirm piano board, liftgate, and crew size.
Measure doors, stairs, landings.
Send photos and a route map.
Reserve elevator and parking.
Clear path and protect floors.
Be on site and walk the route.
Place piano, caster cups, let it settle.
Book tuning after 1 to 2 weeks.

Good piano moves feel calm. If things feel rushed, call a short pause, reset the plan, and keep going.

Why this matters to players, teachers, and students

If you love music, you know practice time is hard to protect. A poor move can steal weeks with avoidable repairs or a piano that will not hold pitch. A clean move protects your schedule. It also keeps your ears happy. The instrument that arrives is the instrument you know. Maybe better, because you took the chance to pick a spot that suits your room.

I once helped a friend place a studio upright in a small teaching space near Liberty Park. We tried three walls. Same piano, three rooms if you closed your eyes. The wall with less glass sounded best for the midrange. Small test. Big change. The move was smooth so we had energy to dial in the room. That is the real win.

FAQ

Can a regular mover handle a piano?

Some can. Most cannot. Ask how many pianos they moved in the last 90 days and what gear they use. If they cannot explain their process, find a team that can.

Do I need to tune right away?

No. Wait 1 to 2 weeks for a local move, sometimes 3 to 4 for big climate swings. Book the tuner once the piano feels stable in the room.

Will moving a piano damage hardwood floors?

It can if you roll on tiny front casters or skip floor protection. Ask the crew to use a four wheel dolly, runners, and caster cups. Lift for small moves, do not drag.

What if my doorway is too small?

Pros can remove doors and hinges, or tilt within safe angles. For grands, the piano board reduces width. If the turn is still too tight, a site visit can confirm options.

How long does a local move take?

Most upright moves take 1.5 to 3 hours door to door. Baby grands run 2.5 to 4 hours. Add time for stairs, long carries, and building rules.

Do I need to empty the bench?

Yes. Pack sheet music and small items in a box. A heavy bench shifts and can scratch the case if it opens.

What should I tell my mover before they arrive?

Type of piano, stairs, tight turns, parking, elevator details, and any past issues with legs or pedals. Photos help more than long descriptions.

Can movers store my piano for a week?

Many can. Ask if storage is climate controlled and how they secure the instrument. Short storage in a truck is not ideal during hot or cold spells.

Why is Salt Lake City different?

Dry air, winter cold, and hills near the foothills. These change access and climate for the instrument. A local team knows the tricks, like liftgate angles on steep drives.

Should I hire a tuner to be on site on move day?

Only for high stakes events or stage moves. For home moves, let the piano settle, then bring the tuner in after.