The house is being sold and I want to dig up my dad's peonies. They're at least as old as I am.
Is this the right time of year? Pips are up, 3-4" but still tight under the leaf mulch. I'm not sure exactly how far away from the pips I should start digging or how deep I should go. I'm also concerned because I'm sure that what appears to be 3-4 closely planted separate bunches are all from the same original rootstock. If I crack or break the original root, which I'm sure will happen, I'm concerned I could be inviting rot.. any steps I should or can take with open wounds before putting them in their permanent locations?

Peonies are divided by cutting the roots into sections that contain 2-5 eyes. It is typical to actually cut-away a great deal of the deeper roots in order to encourage what remains to start new, adaptive growth. Anyhow, you needn't worry too much about wounding the roots.

The way most peony roots are recovered is to dig around the root just beyond the drip-line of the leaves (or where they had been) and to loosen the soil all the way around. Try to get 8" to 10" down. From there, a garden fork is used to lever all the way around the root system, going around and evenly lifting it from the hole. You will probably hear some of the roots pop and break - just remember that the important stuff is all up in the top 4" of the soil and that deeper roots aren't critical - be gentle but firm.

If you do decide to divide the plants, allow the recovered root to rest for a few hours. It will become easier to manipulate and to cut. Use a clean, sharp blade for making the divisions. After you've divided, soak the divisions in a bucket of water for an hour or two and then plant them.

There are probably a dozen or more videos on youtube about dividing peony roots - several of them show the recovery of the root and you might want to watch those.

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No way on YouTube videos.. I can't! I don't want to watch 10-15 or 30 minute videos for some bored newbie to follow Half-@$$ instructions on mass produced print materials umm ahh, talk about their day while they dig a hole ... no way.

Your information was very helpful, especially the pitchfork. It's not my first rodeo and I don't want everyone's opinion.. and I don't want to have to fast forward through 5-6 minutes of " This is dirt.... This is a shovel... this is a pot.. watch me put dirt in the pot.. don't forget to like and subscribe to my channel... I'm not sure you can see this (as they're not even in frame)." Obviously not all videos are that way, but I'm not willing to be stuck (even at 1.4 playback speed) to watch a video that may not answer any of my questions, from a person who may either no know nothing or have an interest in selling rootstock and making it look super simple.. which it is if you're pulling bare root stock out of a bag.

I guess you guys spoil me