Moving a piano involves a surprising number of details. Between coordinating with movers, measuring doorways, and remembering to schedule the post‑move tuning, it’s easy to forget something important—and in piano moving, even a small oversight can lead to damage or delays.
That’s why a clear, organized checklist is essential. Whether you’re hiring professional movers or considering a DIY approach, having a step‑by‑step guide keeps you on track and gives you peace of mind.
This piano moving checklist is divided into four phases: planning (weeks before), preparation (the week before), moving day, and aftercare. Follow it from start to finish, and you’ll ensure a smooth, damage‑free move.
For nearly five decades, Ottawa Movers has been helping Ottawa residents move their pianos safely. With 48+ years of experience, over 23,000 successful moves, CAM‑trained crews, and a Damage‑Free Guarantee backed by $1.5 million in insurance, we follow our own detailed checklist—and this guide helps you do your part.
Whether you hire professionals or consider DIY, this piano moving checklist will keep you organized.
For a complete overview of the process, see our piano moving process guide .
4 Weeks Before Moving – Planning Phase
The planning phase is where you set the stage for a successful move. Doing this work early prevents last‑minute scrambling and ensures everything is in place.
Schedule your piano move. Book Ottawa Movers at least 2–4 weeks in advance, especially during peak moving seasons (spring through fall). Early booking also gives you the best choice of dates.
Schedule an in‑home assessment. A professional mover needs to see your piano in person, measure doorways and hallways, and discuss any access challenges. This visit ensures the crew arrives with the right equipment and a clear plan.
Research piano tuners. Find a Registered Piano Technician (RPT) in Ottawa to schedule tuning 2–4 weeks after the move. Post‑move tuning is essential, and having a tuner lined up ahead of time saves you from scrambling later.
Notify building management. If you’re moving from or to an apartment or condo, arrange elevator booking, parking permits, and any required insurance certificates. Some buildings require several weeks’ notice.
Measure doorways, hallways, and stairwells. Confirm that the piano can actually fit through the intended path. Note any tight turns or low ceilings. If you’re unsure, Ottawa Movers will measure during the in‑home assessment.
Document the piano’s condition. Take photos or videos of the piano from multiple angles. Capture close‑ups of any existing scratches or marks, and note the serial number. This documentation protects you in the unlikely event of a dispute.
A piano moving checklist in Ottawa starts with planning well ahead.
See detailed preparation steps in our prepare piano for moving guide.
1 Week Before Moving – Preparation Phase
With the planning done, it’s time to get the physical space ready. These tasks ensure the movers can work efficiently and safely.
Confirm with movers. Call or email to verify the date, arrival time, and any special instructions. Make sure you have contact information for the crew leader.
Clear the path. Remove obstacles, rugs, and furniture from hallways, staircases, and entryways. The path from the piano to the exit should be completely unobstructed.
Protect floors. Lay down cardboard, plywood, or heavy‑duty runners along the moving route. Professional movers will bring their own floor protection, but having it ready helps.
Remove accessories. Take the music stand, bench, and any items on or inside the piano. These should be moved separately—do not leave them on or inside the piano during the move.
Secure pets and children. Plan to keep them in a separate room on moving day. Even well‑behaved pets can become anxious with strangers in the house, and children can be a distraction during a critical operation.
Prepare parking. If you live in a downtown Ottawa neighbourhood or a building with limited parking, reserve a spot for the moving truck. This is one of the most commonly overlooked steps.
This step by step piano moving checklist Ottawa ensures nothing is missed.
Proper preparation helps keep the piano moving timeline on track.
Moving Day – Final Checks Before Movers Arrive
The morning of the move, do one final walk‑through to ensure everything is ready.
Review the plan. When the crew arrives, walk through the move with them. Confirm where the piano will be placed in the new home and point out any tight spots or fragile areas.
Clear the path one last time. Ensure no last‑minute obstacles have appeared—a misplaced chair, a fallen rug, or a toy left in the hallway.
Secure the lid and keyboard. Close and lock the lid if possible. If your piano doesn’t have a lock, leave it for the movers—they will use straps and padding. Do not use household tape on the piano finish.
Remove any remaining loose items. Double‑check for forgotten sheet music, ornaments, or lamps on or around the piano.
Have payment ready. Know the final amount and have your preferred payment method (cash, credit, etc.) prepared.
Stay available. Be reachable during the move in case questions arise. If you need to step away, leave a contact number with the crew.
A complete piano moving checklist Ottawa includes moving day readiness.
See what happens during the move in our piano moving process guide .
During the Move – What to Expect from Professionals
If you’ve hired professionals like Ottawa Movers, here’s what you can expect to see. Understanding the process helps you feel confident and know that everything is proceeding correctly.
- Protect floors and walls – the crew will lay down floor runners, door jamb protectors, and wall guards before touching the piano.
- Wrap the piano – professional‑grade moving blankets and straps are used to protect the finish and internal components.
- Use specialized equipment – for uprights, a heavy‑duty dolly; for grands, a piano skid board and leg‑removal tools; for stairs, stair rollers.
- Move efficiently – a trained crew works as a team, communicating constantly to ensure safety.
- Place the piano – at the destination, the piano is placed exactly where you want it. For grands, the legs are reattached, and the instrument is leveled.
- Final walkthrough – you’ll inspect the piano together and sign off.
Trust professional piano movers checklist Ottawa includes all these steps.
For time estimates, see how long a piano move takes .
After the Move – Immediate Steps
The movers have left, and the piano is in its new home. But there are still a few important tasks to complete.
Inspect the piano. Compare its condition with the pre‑move photos you took. Look for any new scratches, dents, or damage. If you notice anything, note it immediately.
Inspect the home. Check floors, walls, and doorways for any damage. Professional movers take great care, but it’s always wise to verify.
Confirm placement. If you want the piano moved slightly—even a few inches—ask before the crew leaves. It’s much easier to adjust now than later.
Sign off. Provide feedback or note any concerns. If everything went well, let the crew know—they appreciate hearing it.
Schedule tuning. Book a piano tuner for 2–4 weeks after the move. This gives the piano time to acclimate to its new environment.
A piano relocation checklist Ottawa always includes post‑move care.
Learn why tuning is essential in our piano tuning after moving guide.
Long‑Term Aftercare – Keeping Your Piano in Top Shape
The move is over, but your piano needs ongoing care to stay in great condition.
- Tune annually – even without a move, pianos need regular tuning. In Ottawa’s climate, twice a year is often recommended.
- Maintain humidity – use a humidifier in winter, a dehumidifier in summer, or consider a piano‑specific humidity control system.
- Keep away from vents – avoid placing the piano near heating or cooling vents, fireplaces, or direct sunlight.
- Clean carefully – use a soft, dry cloth. Avoid household cleaners, which can damage the finish.
What to include in piano moving checklist Ottawa extends to ongoing maintenance.
More on tuning frequency in our piano tuning after moving guide.
Printable Checklist – Quick Reference
Here’s a condensed version you can screenshot, print, or save.
4 Weeks Before
☐ Book Ottawa Movers for piano move
☐ Schedule in‑home assessment
☐ Research piano tuner (RPT)
☐ Notify building management (elevator, parking)
☐ Measure doorways, hallways, stairwells
☐ Document piano condition (photos, serial number)
1 Week Before
☐ Confirm move details with movers
☐ Clear path – remove obstacles, rugs, furniture
☐ Protect floors (cardboard, plywood)
☐ Remove accessories (music stand, bench, ornaments)
☐ Arrange for pets/children
☐ Prepare parking for moving truck
Moving Day
☐ Final path clearance
☐ Secure lid and keyboard (if needed)
☐ Double‑check no items on or in piano
☐ Have payment ready
☐ Stay available and reachable
After the Move
☐ Inspect piano and home for damage
☐ Confirm placement before movers leave
☐ Sign off with crew
☐ Schedule tuning (2–4 weeks later)
This piano packing checklist Ottawa is a quick guide to a stress‑free move.
For detailed preparation steps, see how to prepare your piano for moving .
Ready to Move? Let Ottawa Movers Handle the Piano
This piano moving checklist covers everything from planning to aftercare. When you follow it, you eliminate guesswork and reduce stress. But the most important step is choosing a mover you can trust.
With Ottawa Movers, you get 48+ years of local experience, CAM‑trained professional crews, specialized piano equipment, and a Damage‑Free Guarantee backed by $1.5 million in insurance. We’ve moved over 23,000 pianos safely—and we’re ready to move yours.
Get your free, no‑obligation in‑home assessment today. We’ll walk through your piano, your home, and your timeline, and give you a clear, transparent quote.
[Get Your Free Piano Moving Quote]
FAQs About Piano Moving Checklists
Do I really need a piano moving checklist?
Yes. A checklist helps you stay organized, reduces stress, and ensures you don’t forget critical steps like measuring doorways or scheduling tuning. It’s especially helpful during the busy moving period.
What’s the most important thing to include on a piano moving checklist?
Measuring doorways and stairs, booking professionals early, and scheduling post‑move tuning are the three most commonly overlooked but essential tasks.
Can I use this checklist for a DIY piano move?
Some steps apply, but DIY requires additional equipment and safety precautions. DIY also carries significant risks of injury and damage. See our DIY vs professional piano movers guide for a full comparison.
How do I find a reliable piano mover in Ottawa?
Ottawa Movers has 48+ years of experience, a Damage‑Free Guarantee, $1.5 million in insurance, and over 23,000 successful moves. We handle all the items on this checklist for you.
Does this checklist include things I need to do before movers arrive?
Yes. The checklist covers pre‑move planning, preparation, moving day, and aftercare. Movers handle the heavy lifting and specialized work, but your preparation helps everything go smoothly.
