Piano Moving in Colorado: What You Need to Know Before Your Move

A piano is one of the most challenging items to move in any household. Weighing anywhere from 300 to 1,200 pounds, pianos combine extreme weight with delicate internal mechanics and high emotional and financial value. Moving one incorrectly can result in structural damage, broken strings, cracked soundboards, or injury to the movers themselves.

In Colorado, piano moves carry additional challenges. Altitude changes, mountain roads, narrow historic home entryways, and Colorado’s unpredictable weather all factor into the equation. At iHaul iMove, we have been moving pianos across Colorado Springs and the surrounding region for over 18 years, earning 800+ 5-star reviews along the way.

Types of Pianos and Their Moving Requirements

Not all pianos are created equal when it comes to moving. Understanding your piano type helps set proper expectations:

Upright Pianos

• Weight: 300-500 pounds
• Moving method: Upright pianos are moved in their standing position on a specialized piano dolly. They are wrapped in heavy-duty moving blankets and secured with straps.
• Common challenges: Narrow doorways, stairs, and uneven surfaces.

Baby Grand Pianos

• Weight: 500-600 pounds
• Moving method: The legs and pedal lyre are removed. The piano is carefully tilted onto its side on a padded piano board, wrapped thoroughly, and strapped securely.
• Common challenges: Require more floor space for maneuvering and a larger crew.

Grand and Concert Grand Pianos

• Weight: 600-1,200+ pounds
• Moving method: Same as baby grands but requiring a larger crew (typically 4-5 movers), heavier-duty equipment, and more time. The lid is secured separately to prevent damage.
• Common challenges: Sheer size and weight, plus the need for clear pathways and adequate door widths.

Colorado-Specific Piano Moving Challenges

Moving a piano anywhere requires expertise, but Colorado presents unique considerations:

Altitude and Climate Changes

Colorado Springs sits at 6,035 feet, and many surrounding communities are even higher. If you are moving a piano from a lower altitude or from out of state, the change in air pressure and humidity can affect the instrument:

• Soundboard: Changes in humidity can cause the wooden soundboard to expand or contract, affecting tone.
• Tuning stability: Expect your piano to need multiple tunings as it acclimates to Colorado’s dry climate.
• Finish: Rapid humidity changes can cause lacquer finishes to crack. Consider using a humidifier in your piano room.

Mountain Moves

If your piano is heading to Woodland Park, Divide, or another mountain community, the roads present additional challenges:

• Steep grades and hairpin turns require careful truck driving
• Gravel driveways may limit access for larger trucks
• Mountain homes often have unique entry points (decks, walkout basements) that require creative maneuvering

Historic Homes and Older Neighborhoods

Many homes in Old Colorado City, Downtown Colorado Springs, and Manitou Springs have narrow doorways, tight staircases, and limited access. Our team assesses each entry point before moving day to plan the safest route.

How to Prepare for Piano Moving Day

Proper preparation makes piano moving day significantly smoother:

Before the Movers Arrive

1. Clear the path. Remove rugs, furniture, and any obstacles between the piano and the exit. This includes both the current home and the destination.
2. Measure doorways. Confirm that all doorways, hallways, and stairways along the route can accommodate the piano. Share these measurements with your movers in advance.
3. Protect your floors. Our crew will lay down protective materials, but removing fragile items from the path is always smart.
4. Close the lid. Lock or tape the keyboard lid shut to prevent it from opening during transport.
5. Do not attempt to tune beforehand. There is no point in tuning before a move — the piano will need re-tuning after it settles in its new location.

What We Bring

Our piano moving team arrives with:

• Heavy-duty piano board (padded skid)
• Reinforced moving blankets
• Wide nylon straps and ratchets
• Piano dolly with locking wheels
• Floor protection (Masonite boards, moving pads)
• Tool kit for leg and lyre removal (grand pianos)

After the Piano Arrives

Your piano needs time to settle in its new home:

• Choose the right spot. Avoid placing your piano near windows, exterior walls, heating vents, or areas with direct sunlight. Consistent temperature and humidity are key.
• Wait before tuning. Give the piano 2-3 weeks to acclimate to the new environment before scheduling a tuning. In Colorado’s dry climate, this acclimation period is especially important.
• Consider a humidifier. Colorado’s low humidity can be hard on pianos. A small room humidifier or a piano-specific humidity control system helps maintain the instrument.
• Inspect for any issues. Check the finish, keys, and pedals for any concerns. If you notice anything, contact your movers immediately.

Why Choose iHaul iMove for Your Piano Move

Moving a piano is not a job for amateurs or general labor. Here is why Colorado families trust us with their instruments:

• Specialized equipment: We invest in professional-grade piano moving tools, not improvised solutions.
• Trained crews: Our movers are specifically trained in piano handling techniques, weight distribution, and stairway navigation.
• Insurance coverage: Your piano is covered during our care. We provide documentation of our liability coverage upon request.
• 18 years of experience: We have moved uprights, baby grands, and full concert grands across Colorado Springs and beyond.
• Full-service options: We also offer custom crating for long-distance piano moves and furniture protection for surrounding items.

We serve Colorado Springs, Monument, Castle Rock, and communities throughout the Pikes Peak region.

edit_noteGet Your Free Quote

Call 719-357-5865 for a free piano moving estimate and let us handle your instrument with the care it deserves.