Baby Grand Adventures: Moving Pianos Safely in Saskatoon

Moving a piano is never a small feat, especially when it’s a baby grand and the only way out is a narrow staircase. Calvin Toews, a seasoned mover with Two Small Men with Big Hearts, recalls one of his more memorable piano moves in Saskatoon, where strategy, teamwork, and a little bit of trust in physics were key.

“This one had about 15 stairs, coming from the top floor down,” Calvin explains. “We had two trucks and six guys. I was the only guy at the top. Honestly, it’s not as stressful as it sounds.” Baby grand pianos, Calvin notes, can weigh upwards of 1,200 pounds, and each move brings its own unique set of challenges. “Every piano is different. Sometimes it’s the stairs, sometimes it’s the doorways, sometimes it’s the customer trying to help.”

On this particular day in Saskatoon, Calvin was positioned at the top of the staircase, while the rest of the crew managed the piano from below. “I got on the skid,” he says, referring to a specialized piece of equipment designed to slide heavy objects safely down stairs. “There wasn’t really room for anyone else up there. You just hold on, guide it, and trust the equipment.”

A piano skid is essentially a reinforced platform with handles and straps that allows movers to control the weight of the piano as it descends. “We put moving straps under it and tighten everything so it doesn’t shift,” Calvin explains. “Then it slides down the stairs, guided carefully by everyone. The ropes and straps are crucial—one slip and it could get ugly.”

Despite the apparent difficulty, Calvin says the customer’s help was welcome. “They offered to help, and I said, sure, why not. It actually eased everything. You don’t want them trying to get in the way, but when done carefully, it’s a plus.”

Once the piano reached the bottom, it had to be loaded onto the truck for transport. Winter in Saskatoon, contrary to what you might think, actually made things a little easier. “It’s sterile out there,” Calvin jokes, noting that icy conditions can sometimes create a smoother surface for moving, provided you have the right equipment and extra caution.

Calvin emphasizes that piano moves like this are all about preparation. “You take the legs off, get it on its side, secure it on the skid, and communicate constantly. Everyone has a role, and you have to trust your teammates. That’s what makes the move go smoothly.”

For residents of Saskatoon, a city known for its wide streets, Prairie skies, and harsh winters, moving large items like pianos presents unique challenges. Many of the homes in the city’s older neighborhoods have narrow staircases or tight corners that require creative solutions. “You learn to assess each location quickly,” Calvin says. “Sometimes the stairs are steep, sometimes the doors are tight. Every move is different, and that’s what keeps it interesting.”

Two Small Men with Big Hearts has handled countless piano moves across their branches, and Calvin’s story is a prime example of how experience and teamwork turn daunting tasks into manageable ones. “It’s heavy, it’s tricky, but you plan it out, use the right tools, and it works. And the customer is always thrilled in the end.”

Whether it’s a move across town or a specialty piano move in Saskatoon, Calvin’s approach reflects the company’s philosophy: careful planning, respect for the client’s possessions, and a little bit of humor go a long way. “It’s a lot of fun when you get it done right. And you can’t beat that moment when you finally see the piano safely in place,” he laughs.

For anyone facing the prospect of moving a piano—or any large, specialty item—Calvin’s advice is clear: preparation, proper equipment, and a skilled team are non-negotiable. “Every piano has a story, and we make sure it has a happy ending,” he says. “It’s heavy, it’s awkward, but with the right approach, it’s just another day on the job.”

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