Baby Grand Adventures: Moving Pianos Safely in Saskatoon

Just because they call it a baby grand doesn't mean moving one is a job for kids. Moving a piano is always complicated to a certain extent, especially when it has to go up or down stairs. Two Small Men mover Calvin Toews has moved lots of pianos into many different kinds of homes, but one piano move in Sasktoon stayed with him long after it was done.

“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.”

Calvin clarifies that baby grands can weigh more than 1,200 pounds.

“Every piano is different. Sometimes it’s the stairs, sometimes it’s the doorways, sometimes it’s the customer trying to help.”

Calvin took the top position while the other movers positioned themselves at the bottom of the stairs.

“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.”

Basically, a piano skid is a sturdy platform with straps and handles that lets movers handle a piano with more safety.

“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.”

The customer offered to help and Calvin wasn't about to turn down extra assistance.

“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.”

Getting the piano down the stairs was only half the job. It then needed to be loaded onto the truck. Keep in mind, this was a winter move.

“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 locals of Saskatoon, neither the old houses nor the winter offer much by ways of surprise. You just deal with it and move on.

“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.”

And above all else, an ounce of preparation is worth a pound of cure. “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. 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.

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