How to Move a Piano Up Stairs or Down

It can be hard to move a piano, and even harder to move a piano up stairs or down. Often, people will call specialty movers to handle things like musical instruments and other large valuables, but it is possible to do it on your own. You’ll just have to do a bit of planning first.

Similar to moving other bulky items like pool tables and hot tubs, when you need to move a piano up stairs or down you’ll need the right equipment—and a helper or two as well. While one person could possibly move a small piano up or down a short set of stairs, a staircase that is long, steep, or involves turns should only be managed if you have at least one helper.

Below, we’ll go over what items you need to move a piano up stairs or down, as well as proper techniques for ensuring the safety of both the piano and the people moving it.

What You Need

Having the right equipment on hand is key if you need to move a piano, especially if stairs are involved. The items required to move a piano up stairs or down are the same, and include:

    • Moving blanket(s)
    • Packing or duct tape
    • Moving straps
    • Dolly
    • Plywood planks (enough to span the entire length of the staircase)
    • Heavy duty gloves (one set per mover)

    Make sure to pick up these items prior to moving day. Without them, you put yourself at risk of injury, and also make the process of moving your piano a lot more difficult.

    How to Move a Piano Up Stairs or Down in Four Steps

    Follow these steps on moving day to move your piano up stairs or down stairs as safely and smoothly as possible.

    Figure out your route

    Prep the stairs

    Secure the piano to the dolly

    Move the piano

    Rather Hire the Pros?

    If needing to move a piano up stairs or down sounds too daunting, then hire pros to do the job instead. Use our free online moving company directory to quickly and easily search reputable movers in your area, and then compare at least three companies based on price, availability, and reviews. Be sure to mention that you have a piano that needs to be moved up or down a staircase when you ask for your quote.