How to Get Rid of a Piano?

So you have decided it’s time to get that old piano out of your house. Whether you need to free up some space or just don’t have any use for it anymore, getting rid of a piano can be a daunting task. This large instrument is cumbersome to move and requires some strategic planning.

In this article, we will walk through the key steps for finding your piano a new home successfully without causing damage along the way. From deciding where to donate or sell it to disassembling parts and moving it out carefully, we have tips to make the process as smooth as possible.

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Reasons for Getting Rid of a Piano

First, let’s discuss some of the common reasons people decide to give away their piano:

Moving to Smaller Home

Are you downsizing into a smaller house or apartment? Many people find they no longer have room for a piano when moving to a new place with less space. Even if you still enjoy playing, getting an electronic keyboard may be your best option.

Costly Maintenance

Keeping an acoustic piano properly tuned and functioning can get very expensive over time. If you rarely play anymore or have a limited budget, the maintenance costs likely outweigh the benefits of keeping it.

Lack of Interest

Over time, your ability or desire to play piano may have simply waned. If no one else in your home plays either, keeping it may no longer make sense taking up space.

Taking up Space

In many homes, the piano gets relegated to being just furniture rather than an actively used instrument. If it sits collecting dust more than being played, it usually makes sense finding a new owner who can enjoy it.

Finding a New Home for Your Piano

If giving up your piano is the right decision, here are some options to responsibly find it a good new home:

Selling to Private Party

Your best option financially is advertising online or locally to sell to another private individual. Sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace can connect you to potential buyers. Make sure to factor in moving costs if buyers expect you to deliver the piano.

Donating to Charity

Several charitable organizations accept piano donations. Places like schools, churches, community centers, and boys & girls clubs depend on donated instruments. You also usually can get a tax write-off through this route.

Selling to Used Goods Store

Stores specializing in used goods can be great options if you want convenience without the work of selling yourself. While you won’t make as much as a private sale, you can drop off the piano at their location quickly. Expect to receive pennies on the dollar this route.

Giving Away for Free

If making any money back isn’t a priority, sites like Freecycle allow you to find someone to take the piano off your hands for no cost. You provide the gift of music for free to someone in your area.

Preparing the Piano for Transport

To avoid damage, several steps should be taken to get your piano ready for transport.

Disassembling Parts

You’ll need to remove the piano’s legs, pedals, sideboards, top lid, front panel, and music stand. This allows the piano to fit through doorways and protects delicate projecting parts.

Protecting Finishes

Piano finishes can easily get scratched, gouged and chipped if unprotected. Cover finishes with moving blankets or cardboard for transport to minimize harm. Use straps instead of ropes which could rub against the piano.

Securing Internal Parts

The cast iron plate, harp, strings, hammer butts, dampers and other inside components need securing prior to laying the piano on its side or jostling it about. Typically a technician should handle this step.

Moving the Piano Out of Your Home

Getting a piano down stairs or around tight corners takes skill. Here is how to transport it without incident:

Navigating Stairs and Tight Spaces

A standard upright will need at least four people – one person grasping each leg or side – to tilt and rotate the piano to fit through narrow openings. Remove doors in necessary to give more room. Take stairs slowly using pivot technique.

Loading Onto Moving Truck

Use a ramp or lifting equipment to load the piano safely. Secure it tightly so it cannot slide around. Consider also renting a piano van with specialty tiedowns and airride suspension for a smooth ride.

After the Piano Has Left

Once gone inspect your floors thoroughly and address any new scratches or baseboard gouges. Having a few extra planks of hardwood flooring leftover is handy for repairs.

Repair Any Damage

Use wood filler, touch up paints, and floor wax to repair minor scratches and damage left behind on your walls or flooring. Landlords typically require returning rooms back to original condition once a piano is removed.

Enjoy the Extra Space

Stand back and enjoy having some new usable space! Brainstorm options like new furniture arrangements, Exercise room, Library, or space for Kids play area.

Conclusion

While giving away a beloved piano can be difficult, knowing the proper steps will ensure it finds a good home while avoiding damage to your property. Take time finding the right fit through buy/sell groups, charities or used goods stores.

Invest in professional disassembly and secure transport to keep your piano protected. And finally, celebrate gaining some extra square footage once it’s out the door!

FAQs

How much does it cost to remove an upright piano?
The average cost to move an upright piano falls between $200-$1000 depending on distance and logistical challenges getting it out of the home. Longer moves or piano size can increase costs.

Can I transport an upright piano in an SUV/Minivan?
For a very small spinet piano, an SUV rental with middle seats removed may accommodate it. Generally upright pianos need at least a small moving truck or van for safe transport.

Should I hire piano movers or general movers?
Always hire professional specialized piano movers over general movers if possible. They understand the intricacies of piano disassembly and transport better which reduces damages.

Can I sell a piano with ivory keys?
You cannot legally sell pianos with ivory keys unless you have proper provenance paperwork showing those keys were imported legally prior to the 1976 Endangered Species Act. Replacing old ivory keys with modern synthetics increases an old piano’s salability.

How should I prepare my home before moving out my piano?

• Have tools ready – screwdrivers, wrenches, protective blankets/padding.
• Clear the route out doors and hallways removing furniture that may be in the way.
• Take doors off hinges if more room needed.
• Take pictures of walls & floors to document any prior damage.