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Piano Removal Guide

made by Grunber

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to remove and dispose of pianos without dismantling them—quickly, safely, and with minimal damage (both to your customer’s living room and your own muscles). Let’s dive in!

pIANO rEMOVAL AND DISPOSAL GUIDE (1) min

Step 1: Identify Your Piano Type

Pro Tip: Knowing which piano you’re up against makes planning your removal strategy a lot easier. Even among so-called “upright” or “grand” categories, you’ll find variations in size, weight distribution, and fragility. The more you know, the better you can protect your back—and your customer’s prized instrument.

  • Upright Pianos: Vertical frame, compact footprint (typically 110–140 cm high). Often weigh 300–600 lbs, but can be heavier depending on the model’s age and materials. Commonly found in family homes, classrooms, or small studios.
  • Grand & Baby Grand Pianos: Horizontal body, can range from 4 ft (baby grands) to 9+ ft (concert grands). Weight often lands between 600–1,200 lbs. You’ll see these in concert halls, music lounges, and the homes of serious musicians.
  • Digital Pianos: Electronic guts, often lighter, but still can surprise you with the weight—especially furniture-style models with integrated stands. Usual range is 20–200 lbs. Found in modern homes, smaller studios, and anywhere a full acoustic piano might be overkill.

See more Piano types, size and weight: Dimensions, Size and Weight

By knowing exactly what kind of piano you’re dealing with—be it an upright in a cramped city apartment or a grand in a sprawling suburban home—you can prepare the right dolly, straps, and crew size. You’ll also know whether you can keep the piano fully intact (our Grunber preference) or if partial disassembly is unavoidable. Above all, communicate with the customer about space constraints and let them know if you need extra help or a different approach.

Remember: A well-informed hauler is a safer hauler—and a better steward of someone’s cherished instrument.

Piano Types
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Step 2: Prepping for a Piano Removal

2.1 Measuring & Mapping the Route

  • Doorframes & Hallways: Always measure the piano’s length, height, and depth, plus the tight corners.
  • Path Clearing: Move rugs, décor, or tiny pets out of the way. Minimal trip hazards = happier knees.

2.2 Gear & People Power

  • Dolly or Hand Truck (designed for pianos): A stable, low, wide dolly is crucial.
  • Moving Straps & Blankets: For bracing and wrapping the piano. A thick blanket or pad also helps protect walls and the floor.
  • Crew: Minimum 2–3 strong folks for an upright, ideally 4–6 for a grand. The more, the merrier (and safer).

2.3 Safety Considerations

  • Proper Lifting Posture: Bend with your knees, not your waist. Keep your back straight.
  • Communication: Confirm who’s leading (“Lift on three!”) and who’s guiding corners.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Gloves, sturdy shoes, maybe even a back brace if you’ve had prior injuries.
Measuring Space

Step 3: Step-by-Step Removal (Keeping That Piano in One Piece!)

Measuring Space (1)

3.1 Securing the Lid & Keys

  1. Close the Lid: If there’s a lock, use it. Otherwise, wrap a strap around it gently.
  2. Protect the Keys: A piece of foam or blanket over the keys can help avoid scuffs or random bangs.

3.2 Protecting Pedals

  1. Inspect: Check if the pedals are wiggly or in good shape.
  2. Pad & Wrap: Bubble wrap or moving blankets around pedal area. Some folks remove the pedals on a grand piano, but if your client wants it intact, do an extra-lush wrap to prevent damage.
Dolly

3.3 Loading the Piano Onto a Dolly

  1. Upright:
    • Tilt the piano slightly back.
    • Slide or push the dolly underneath.
    • Secure with straps to keep it from tipping.
  2. Grand / Baby Grand:
    • If space allows, you can tip it gently onto its flat side (with a padded board) and place the dolly beneath. If that’s not feasible, move the piano gently as-is, with extra team members at each corner.
    • Use straps to avoid side-to-side shifting.

3.4 Getting It Into the Truck

  1. Use a Ramp or Liftgate: Rolling up a heavy piano in one smooth motion is better than lifting it.
  2. Anchoring Inside: Strap it against the inside wall. You want near-zero movement in transit. No sliding around on corners, please!
  3. Padding: Make sure any extra space is stuffed with blankets or cushions. A jolting truck plus a free-moving piano = a recipe for chips, cracks, or big-time heartbreak.

Step 4: Disposal vs. Reuse

When a piano reaches the end of its stay at a client’s property, your job doesn’t stop at hauling it away. You also need a plan that aligns with Grunber’s commitment to eco-friendliness and your client’s expectations.

Remember: not all pianos are created equal—some can still sing a few more tunes elsewhere, while others might be bound for parts or a landfill. Below are your top options, along with a few key “Do’s and Don’ts” to keep in mind.

4.1 Donation & Rehoming

If the piano’s still in decent shape—and can actually hold a tune—find it a new place to shine.

Local Schools / Community Centers

  • They might jump at the chance for a practice piano, but always verify condition and size constraints.
  • Pro Tip: Check if they can arrange pickup. Otherwise, factor in the extra effort on your part.

Charitable Organizations

  • Some nonprofits or churches are thrilled to accept an instrument donation, but confirm first so you don’t surprise them with an 800-pound delivery.
  • Make sure the piano is playable; a broken piano can become their storage headache.

Online Listings

  • Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local “free piano” forums are ideal if your client’s willing to let it go at no charge.
  • Always state that the new owner is responsible for pickup—this saves you from double hauling.
  • Provide honest details about the piano’s condition; no one appreciates a bait-and-switch.
Piano Donation

Do’s and Don’ts for Donation & Rehoming

Don’ts

Do’s:

General FAQ: Piano Removal

A: In most cases, no. If the hallways or doorframes are especially tight, you might have to remove them. But whenever possible, we prefer keeping the piano intact to reduce disassembly risks.

A: While two strong haulers can sometimes manage an upright, having a third or fourth helper increases safety and cuts down on strain, especially if stairs are involved.

A: Before forcing it, measure every angle. Sometimes partial tilting or momentarily removing a door hinge is all it takes. Worst case, you may need to remove legs or pedals to squeeze through safely.

A: If it’s beyond repair or a health risk, recommend disposal at a recycling center or landfill (following local regulations). Wear protective gear—mold, rusty strings, or rotten wood can pose hazards.

A: Not unless local authorities explicitly allow it. Many areas have strict rules about large or heavy waste. Always check municipal guidelines or coordinate a specialized pickup to avoid fines.