A spinet moved on its side should survive nicely.  The worst that
could happen is some of the buried treasures (pencils, coins, etc.)
might shift into new positions.  Two people can easily move a spinet
or upright on level surfaces.

Be sure to use a commercial piano dolly with fixed (non-swiveling)
wheels.  Swiveling wheels can flip suddenly when not expected and
either dump the load or swerve off to one side.  Keep in mind that
a typical spinet will weigh 300-350 pounds; full size uprights (c.
1920) will weigh 500-600 pounds, and grand pianos will weigh 700-1400
pounds.

Damage to instruments and people _will_ happen if the load falls over.
A good commercial piano dolly has an 18" wheel base with 5" diameter
wheels, is 27" long, 18" wide, 8.5" tall, and is rated for a 1000 pound
load.  The design has evolved over the years as the most practical
compromise for moving pianos.

Fold a moving pad or scrap blanket into a pad roughly 2" thick which
can be jammed under the bottom/side intersection of the piano.  With
the assistance of another able person, tip the piano onto that pad.
The pad will protect the corner of the piano and prevent the piano from
slipping away from you during loading.  Continue tipping the piano onto
the dolly -- with one of you lifting one end of the dolly to meet the
piano.  Reverse the procedure to get the piano back on the floor.

Keep in mind that the weight of most upright pianos is concentrated
about 6" toward the keys, measured from the _back_ of the instrument.
This makes it surprisingly easy to dump an upright onto its back.

Position the piano side (or bottom) centered on the dolly with about 1"
of the dolly frame exposed at the back of the instrument.  More than 1"
exposed can cause problems passing through door frames, and any less
risks placing the center of gravity too close to the line of the back
wheels.

To maneuver the piano/dolly on non-swiveling casters, do a "heel & toe"
with the front and rear wheels.  Because the piano dolly has a fairly
short wheel base, it is easy to tip the load and shift the weight onto
just one of the axles around which you pivot the dolly.  With a little
practice, you can walk a piano right up to a wall.

Remember before moving the instrument to tape the lid, music desk, and
nameboard in a safely-stowed position.  Also, when the piano is on its
side, consider lubricating and repairing the casters.

John Rhodes, RPT
Vancouver, Washington