Thinking About Hiring Piano Movers in Green Bay? Here are some DIY Tips to Consider

Ah, the piano—an elegant staple of music history, capable of transforming a living room into a concert hall. But when its melodies fade into silence and the years take their toll, removing or even trying to sell an old piano becomes an inevitable, albeit daunting, task. Whether you’re dealing with a baby grand, an upright, or a console piano, figuring out how to part ways with this behemoth isn’t for the faint of heart.

At Garbage Knights, we’ve mastered the art of piano removal. Whether you’re planning a DIY approach or want the pros to handle it, this blog will guide you through the process. Plus, we’ll share a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what happens when we remove your piano—because hiring the pros doesn’t just mean you’re saving your back; you’re making a difference.

Why Are Pianos So Hard to Remove?

Have you tried selling your piano online? You may have found they can sit for a long time. The problem typically isn't the price, it's getting over the monumental task of moving it.

• Weight: Console pianos often weigh between 300-500 lbs, Uprights 400-800 lbs, while grand pianos can exceed 1,000 lbs.

  
  

• Size and Shape: Their bulky, awkward design makes navigating tight doorways and staircases tricky.

  
  

• Material: Most pianos are made from heavy wood and metal components, including the harp—a cast iron piece that can weigh up to 70% of the piano's total weight.

DIY Piano Removal: What You Need to Know

If you’re thinking, “How hard can it be?”—brace yourself. Piano removal isn’t a casual Sunday project. However, if you’re determined to go the DIY route, here’s what you’ll need:

1. Gather Your Tools

• Moving dolly: A heavy-duty dolly is non-negotiable.

• Furniture straps: These help secure the piano during transport.

• Blankets and padding: Protect walls, floors, and the piano itself.

• A team: At least 3-4 strong helpers.

  
  

2. Plan Your Route

• Measure doorways, hallways, and stairwells.

• Clear a path to avoid tripping hazards.

  
  

3. Dismantle (If Possible)

• Remove detachable parts like the legs and pedal box to make the piano easier to handle.

  
  

4. Be Prepared to Lift Strategically

• Always lift with your legs—not your back! The piano’s weight is unevenly distributed, so ensure everyone on your team knows their role.

  
  

5. Know Where It’s Going

• Check if your local landfill or recycling center accepts pianos or consider donating it to a school or charity if it’s still playable.

Why Hire the Pros?

Sometimes, it’s best to leave piano removal to the professionals. Here’s why:

1. Safety First

Moving a piano without the right equipment or expertise can result in injuries or property damage. Professionals, like the Garbage Knights team, have the know-how to safely maneuver even the heaviest upright pianos.

2. Stress-Free Process

We handle everything, from dismantling and heavy lifting to transportation and disposal. Plus, we clean up afterward.

3. Giving Back

When you hire us, you’re not just clearing space—you’re contributing to the community. Recently, we donated a console piano to a local high school, ensuring it found a second life inspiring young musicians. Check out the photos [here]!

4. Learn from the Experts

Not sure what goes into a professional piano removal? Watch our step-by-step video of us tackling an upright piano removal [here]!

Our Approach to Piano Removal

At Garbage Knights, we take pride in offering seamless, eco-friendly solutions. Depending on the condition of your piano, we:

• Donate it to schools or charities.

• Recycle salvageable materials like wood and metal.

• Safely dispose of components that can’t be reused.

Ready to Let Go of Your Old Piano?

Whether you’re upgrading your space, clearing out an estate, or simply saying goodbye to a well-loved instrument, Garbage Knights are experienced piano movers in Green Bay and we're here to help. We make piano removal (and junk removal) easy, safe, and impactful.

Curious about what it’s like to work with us? We work to find your piano a new life.

See how we expertly handle even the most challenging removals in our "how to move a piano" video below. Let’s turn your old piano into a new opportunity for someone else—no heavy lifting required.