Moving a piano is no ordinary task. Whether you own a classic upright, a baby grand, or a digital console, pianos are delicate, heavy, and expensive to repair if damaged. That’s why piano moving in Fort Collins requires more than just muscle–it takes planning, expertise, and the right equipment.

To help protect your investment and ensure a smooth relocation, our team from FOCO Moving has outlined the five most common mistakes people make when moving a piano–and how to avoid them.

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Moving a Piano in Fort Collins

1. Underestimating the Complexity of the Move

One of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking a piano move is just another heavy-lifting job. In reality, pianos are intricate instruments with thousands of moving parts, sensitive internal components, and polished surfaces that scratch easily.

A piano can weigh anywhere from 300 to 1,200 pounds. That kind of bulk, combined with its odd shape and top-heavy design, makes it incredibly easy to damage–either the piano itself, your property, or worse, your back.

When it comes to piano moving Fort Collins, hiring trained professionals who understand how to disassemble, pad, and properly transport your piano is crucial.

2. Not Using the Right Equipment

You can’t move a piano safely without the right tools. Yet many DIY movers attempt to do it with a basic dolly and some furniture straps–and that’s a recipe for disaster.

Professional piano movers use specialized equipment such as:

• Heavy-duty piano dollies

• Stair rollers

• Piano boards or skid boards

• Moving blankets and padding

• Straps and ramps for loading into trucks

If you’re handling a move yourself, make sure you have all the right gear and that your helpers know how to use it correctly. But if you’re unsure, it’s safer and smarter to call a company that specializes in piano moving Fort Collins.

3. Failing to Measure Doorways, Staircases, and Pathways

Pianos are bulky and often won’t fit through tight spaces without a detailed plan. Another common mistake is failing to measure everything before moving day–leading to delays, damaged walls, or the need to remove doors or banisters mid-move.

Before moving your piano:

• Measure your piano’s height, width, and length

• Measure all doorways, hallways, staircases, and elevators

• Plan your exit path in advance and clear any obstacles

An experienced mover will do a site walkthrough or virtual consultation before the move to avoid surprises. This is standard practice for any reliable piano moving Fort Collins provider.

4. Not Protecting the Piano Properly

Even the smallest scratch or bump can ruin the finish or internal components of a piano. Many people assume wrapping it in a blanket is enough–but real protection takes layers of padding and secure strapping.

Professional piano movers will:

• Remove or secure delicate parts (like the lid, pedals, or music rack)

• Wrap every surface in padded blankets or shrink wrap

• Use rubber-wheeled dollies to avoid scratching floors

• Strap the piano firmly to prevent shifting in transit

Neglecting this step increases your chances of costly repairs–or even total loss.

5. Skipping the Post-Move Tuning and Inspection

Pianos are sensitive to changes in temperature, humidity, and vibration. After a move, it’s common for your piano to sound “off.” Unfortunately, many people forget to schedule a tuning and inspection post-move.

After your piano has settled in its new home (usually after a few days to a week), call a piano technician to:

• Tune the instrument

• Inspect for internal damage

• Check that all parts are in working order

Even with a smooth move, subtle shifts can impact the sound quality and performance. Don’t assume everything is fine until a professional has checked it out.

Final Thoughts

Pianos aren’t just furniture–they’re heirlooms, investments, and instruments meant to bring joy. Treating a piano move like a regular move can lead to expensive damage, personal injury, and unnecessary stress.

Whether you’re moving across Fort Collins or just to the next room, trusting experienced pros for piano moving Fort Collins ensures your piano arrives safely, sounds its best, and retains its value.

Are you looking for a reliable piano movers in Fort Collins?

FOCO Moving can help you. Our team provides complete moving solutions at affordable rates. We take care all types of moving services, no matter the scale. For inquiries, contact us today at (970) 363-1773 or send us a message.