5 Reasons Why DIY Piano Moving Is a Bad Idea

Ah, the piano. A symbol of class, sophistication, and—let’s be honest—complete and utter backbreaking frustration when it comes time to move it.

You’ve decided to move your prized grand piano to your new home. But before you muster the courage, DIY gloves, and whatever ancient dolly you found in the back of your garage, let’s talk.

Moving a piano on your own may sound like a great idea, but trust me, it isn’t. In fact, it’s a terrible idea—unless, of course, you enjoy chaos, destruction, and questionable life choices.

Here are five reasons why your piano—and your back—will thank you for calling the pros at Expert Removals instead.

1. Pianos Are Heavy… Really Heavy (And We Have the Data)

Let’s start with the obvious: Pianos are heavy. Sure, they look elegant and graceful when someone’s playing Beethoven, but try lifting one and you’ll feel like you’re trying to carry a baby elephant up a flight of stairs.

On average, an upright piano weighs between 200 and 500 kg, while grand pianos can tip the scales at up to 600 kg. And unlike a set of Ikea furniture, you can’t just disassemble it and throw it into the back of a van.

Here’s a fun fact: the pressure that a piano leg can exert on a floor is more than 600 pounds per square inch (PSI). That’s the kind of weight you want moving experts handling—not your Uncle Bob and his ‘trusty’ toolbox.

Table of Piano Weights:

Question: Are you really prepared to risk dropping a 500 kg monster on your toes?
Answer: No. No, you are not.

2. Pianos Are Delicate (Like, “One Wrong Move and It’s Ruined” Delicate)

Pianos may be heavy, but they’re also surprisingly fragile. Moving a piano is like moving a sleeping dragon: one wrong move, and suddenly your harmonious beast becomes a very expensive pile of splinters.

The strings, hammers, pedals, and soundboard are all delicate components that require careful handling. And no, wrapping it in an old blanket and a prayer won’t do.

Here’s a little nugget for you: A piano has over 10,000 moving parts. That’s 10,000 chances to mess up. Even a small bump can knock it out of tune, and dropping it could be catastrophic.

Tuning a piano costs between €100 and €300, but a full repair? You’re looking at thousands.

Question: Is saving a couple of bucks worth the risk of a €20,000 piano becoming a pile of kindling?
Answer: Definitely not.

3. DIY Moving Costs More in the Long Run (Surprise!)

We get it. You want to save money by not hiring movers. But here’s the kicker: DIY piano moving can actually end up costing you more.

Renting equipment like dollies, straps, padding, and a truck adds up fast. Not to mention the cost of potential damage—not just to the piano but to your floors, walls, and doorframes.

One slip, and suddenly you’re not just out a piano—you’re also replacing your hardwood floor.

According to a survey of DIY movers, 32% experienced damage to their belongings, with repair costs averaging €1,200. That’s before we even talk about medical bills. A back injury can easily cost you hundreds in physiotherapy, not to mention lost time at work.

Cost Breakdown of DIY Piano Moving:

Question: Why go through the hassle and risk when Expert Removals can handle it all for a fixed price?
Answer: Exactly.

4. Do You Have the Right Team (and by Team, I Don’t Mean Your Friends)?

We’ve all been there—asking your friends to help you move, luring them in with promises of pizza and beers. But let’s be real: Your mates aren’t exactly packing years of professional moving experience.

Sure, they can lift a couch, but a piano is a whole different animal. Moving a piano safely requires specialist knowledge and experience.

Professional movers know how to disassemble, pack, load, and transport your piano without damaging it—or themselves.

Expert Removals has trained professionals who move pianos every single day. We use custom equipment like piano dollies, moving pads, and ramps.

Our team knows how to navigate tricky spaces—whether it’s stairs, narrow hallways, or awkward doorways. Your friends? They’re still figuring out how to fit your couch through the front door.

Question: Would you trust your friends to perform surgery? No? Then why trust them with your piano?
Answer: Exactly. Call the pros.

5. Protect Your Health (and Avoid the Hospital Visit)

Let’s get to the part no one likes to think about—injuries. Pianos aren’t just heavy, they’re awkwardly shaped, and moving one incorrectly can easily result in back strains, hernias, and worse.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), over 35% of work-related musculoskeletal disorders are caused by lifting and handling heavy objects. If trained professionals struggle with these injuries, what chance do the rest of us have?

And don’t think you’re invincible because you work out. All it takes is one misstep, and you could be looking at weeks or months of recovery.

A professional moving service ensures not only the safety of your piano but also your own well-being. We come with the muscle, technique, and tools needed to get the job done without a trip to the emergency room.

Question: Do you really want to spend your weekend nursing a pulled back because you tried to DIY a piano move?
Answer: Absolutely not. Let Expert Removals take care of it instead.

In Conclusion: Leave the Piano Moving to the Experts

DIY projects are great—for things like assembling flat-pack furniture or building a birdhouse. But when it comes to moving a piano, it’s a different ballgame. The risks far outweigh the rewards, and it’s just not worth the potential damage, cost, or injury.

At Expert Removals, we’re equipped to handle your piano with the care, precision, and expertise it deserves.

Our professional movers have the experience, the tools, and the know-how to transport your piano safely and efficiently. And the best part? You don’t have to lift a finger—except to dial our number.

Question: Ready to save your back, your floors, and your piano?
Answer: Call Expert Removals today, and let us handle the heavy lifting.

P.S. Your friends will thank you too—they’d rather eat pizza without having to move a piano first!