Piano Moving

Call (503) 746-7319 For a Free Quote

Why Tigard Residents Trust Cal's for Piano Moving

Pianos are not ordinary pieces of furniture. An upright piano weighs between 300 and 800 pounds, and a grand piano can weigh over 1,000 pounds. Beyond the weight, pianos contain thousands of delicate internal components, including strings under tremendous tension, felt hammers, wooden soundboards, and precision action mechanisms. A single jolt, tilt, or drop can cause damage that costs thousands to repair, or worse, may be irreparable.

Our piano movers are specifically trained in the techniques required for safe piano transport. They understand how to balance the weight during lifting and carrying, how to navigate stairs and tight corners without letting the instrument tip, and how to secure a piano inside the truck so it remains perfectly stable during transit.

We use specialized piano moving equipment that general movers typically do not carry. Piano boards, heavy-duty straps rated for the instrument's weight, custom padding systems, and locking caster cups are all part of our standard piano moving toolkit. This equipment is not optional. It is essential for protecting both the piano and the movers.

Types of Pianos We Move

Upright pianos, including spinets, consoles, and full-size uprights, are the most common type we move. Despite being more compact than grands, uprights present their own challenges due to their high center of gravity and concentrated weight. We secure the lid, pedals, and any removable components before wrapping the entire instrument in heavy quilted blankets and strapping it to a piano board for transport.

Baby grand and grand pianos require partial disassembly before moving. We remove the legs, pedal assembly, and music rack, then wrap and pad each component individually. The body of the piano is carefully tilted onto a piano board, secured with multiple straps, and transported on its side with the keyboard side facing up to protect the hammers and action.

Digital pianos and keyboards, while lighter than acoustic instruments, still require careful handling to protect their electronic components and often fragile stands. We pack these with anti-static materials and provide padding to prevent screen and button damage during the move.

We also move specialty pianos including player pianos, antique instruments, and concert grands. These high-value pianos often require additional precautions and may need custom crating or climate-controlled transport. We assess each instrument individually and recommend the appropriate level of service.

Our Piano Moving Process

Every piano move begins with a consultation where we gather details about the instrument and both the pickup and delivery locations. We ask about the piano type and approximate size, the floor level and number of stairs at each location, doorway widths and any tight turns along the route, and the surface type of the floors we will be crossing.

On moving day, our piano team arrives with all the specialized equipment needed for your specific instrument. We start by protecting the floors around the piano with heavy-duty runners and padding. The piano's lid is locked or secured, and the entire instrument is wrapped in quilted blankets that are strapped tightly to prevent slipping.

For upright pianos, we carefully lift the instrument onto a piano dolly or board and secure it with ratchet straps. We navigate through the home slowly and deliberately, with one team member guiding the front and another controlling the rear. Communication between movers is constant and precise.

Grand pianos require the additional step of leg removal and tilting onto the piano board. This process is methodical and requires at least three experienced movers working in coordination. Every movement is planned and executed carefully to avoid any sudden shifts in weight.

Once the piano is on the truck, it is positioned against a padded wall and strapped securely so it cannot shift during transport. We drive carefully, avoiding sudden stops and rough roads whenever possible. At the destination, the process is reversed with the same attention to detail, and the piano is placed exactly where you want it.

Piano Moving in Tigard Neighborhoods

Bull Mountain's hillside homes often present the most challenging piano moves in the Tigard area. Steep driveways, front entries accessed by multiple steps, and multi-level home layouts all require careful planning and sometimes additional crew members. We assess the approach and route through the home before moving the piano to ensure a safe path from start to finish.

Downtown Tigard's newer townhomes may have narrow staircases and tight turns between floors. We measure these passages in advance and determine whether the piano can be moved intact or requires disassembly. In some cases, window or door removal provides a wider access point that is safer for both the instrument and the home.

Older homes in Metzger and along the Fanno Creek corridor sometimes have uneven flooring, narrow hallways, or porch steps that require temporary ramp systems. Our team brings the materials needed to create safe, stable pathways for moving heavy instruments across uneven terrain.

Protecting Your Piano Before and After the Move

Have your piano tuned about two weeks before the move so the tuner can make any necessary adjustments when the instrument is in a stable state. After the move, wait at least two weeks for the piano to acclimate to its new environment before tuning again. Changes in temperature and humidity affect the soundboard and strings, and the instrument needs time to settle.

Choose the piano's location in the new home carefully. Avoid placing it near exterior walls, heating vents, direct sunlight, or areas with significant temperature fluctuation. A stable interior wall away from windows is ideal for maintaining consistent tuning and protecting the wood and felt components.

If the piano will be in storage temporarily between locations, ensure the storage unit is climate-controlled. Extreme cold, heat, or humidity can cause serious damage to the soundboard, tuning pins, and finish. We can recommend appropriate storage facilities in the Tigard area for piano storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to move a piano in Tigard?

Piano moving costs depend on the type and size of the piano, the number of stairs involved, and the distance between locations. Upright piano moves within Tigard typically start around $250 to $400, while grand piano moves start higher due to the additional labor and equipment required. Call for an exact quote based on your specific situation.

How many movers does it take to move a piano?

Upright pianos typically require two to three movers, while grand pianos require three to four depending on size and access challenges. We always send the appropriate crew for the instrument and the locations involved. Safety is never compromised by understaffing.

Can you move a piano up or down stairs?

Yes. Our team regularly moves pianos up and down stairs in homes, apartment buildings, and churches throughout Tigard. We use piano boards, stair-climbing equipment, and coordinated lifting techniques specifically designed for navigating stairs with heavy, top-heavy instruments.

Will moving my piano damage it?

When handled by experienced piano movers using proper equipment, the risk of damage is extremely low. Our team wraps, pads, and secures every piano thoroughly, and we use controlled, deliberate movements throughout the process. We are fully insured for piano transport, giving you peace of mind.

Do you tune pianos after moving them?

We do not provide tuning services, but we can recommend trusted piano tuners in the Tigard and Portland metro area. We advise waiting at least two weeks after the move before scheduling a tuning so the instrument can acclimate to the temperature and humidity of its new environment.

Can you move a piano from a second floor?

Yes. We assess the stairway dimensions, turns, and landing areas before the move to determine the best approach. In some cases, rigging the piano through a window or over a balcony may be the safest option. We discuss all approaches with you in advance and use the method that best protects the instrument and your home.

Call (503) 746-7319 For a Free Quote