Piano Movers Extraordinaire Blog
Winter Piano Moving Tips to Protect Your Instrument
Moving a piano is always a delicate process, but winter adds an extra layer of challenge. Cold temperatures, snow, ice and fluctuating humidity can all impact both the instrument and the safety of the move itself. With the right preparation and an experienced moving team, however, your piano can be relocated safely even in the harshest winter conditions. Here are essential winter piano moving tips from our piano mover in Minneapolis to help protect your instrument and ensure a smooth move.
One of the biggest concerns during winter piano moves is temperature exposure. Pianos are made primarily of wood, felt and metal, all of which react to extreme cold. Sudden temperature changes can cause wood components to expand or contract, potentially leading to cracks, loose tuning pins or internal stress. Professional piano movers use insulated moving trucks to help reduce direct exposure to freezing air. Many specialized piano moving trucks are also equipped with heaters in the cargo area, similar to those used in school buses, which helps maintain a more stable environment during transport. While the truck doors must still be opened during loading and unloading, insulation and heat provide far more protection than an unheated vehicle.
Before moving day arrives, it is important to prepare your home. Clear and shovel all walkways, driveways, porches and entry points where movers will be carrying the piano. Ice and packed snow significantly increase the risk of slips and falls, which can be dangerous for both movers and your piano. Applying ice melt or de-icer to these areas creates a much safer path and allows movers to maintain control of the instrument at all times. Safer footing leads to safer piano handling.
Inside your home, remove rugs, décor or furniture that could get in the way. Moisture from snow-covered boots can make floors slippery, so keeping pathways clear and dry helps prevent accidents. If possible, place protective coverings near entrances to catch melting snow and moisture before it reaches hardwood or tile floors.
Once the piano arrives at its new location, allow it time to acclimate before tuning. Winter air tends to be dry, especially indoors when heating systems are running. This dryness can affect the piano’s soundboard and strings. Giving the instrument time to adjust to the indoor temperature and humidity helps prevent unnecessary stress. Most professionals recommend waiting a couple of weeks before scheduling a tuning after a winter move.
Using a professional piano moving company during winter is especially important. Pianos are heavy, awkwardly shaped and extremely sensitive to environmental changes. Experienced movers understand how to properly wrap, secure and transport pianos in cold conditions while minimizing risk. From insulated trucks to carefully planned routes and safe handling techniques, professional movers take winter variables into account every step of the way.
With proper planning, cleared pathways and professional equipment, a winter piano move can be just as successful as one done in warmer months. Taking these precautions helps ensure your piano arrives safely, stays protected from the elements, and continues to sound beautiful for years to come. Call us today at 763-784-8123 or contact us for a free estimate!
The Perfect Piano Gift: How a Piano Mover Ensures It Arrives Safely
Giving a piano as a gift is a grand gesture that can create memories for a lifetime. Whether it’s for a child’s first piano, a newlywed couple or a seasoned musician, the excitement of receiving a piano is unmatched. But as thrilling as gifting a piano can be, the process of getting it safely from one location to another can be tricky. That’s where a professional piano mover in Anoka County like Piano Movers Extraordinaire comes in.
Moving a piano is far from a standard moving task. Pianos are delicate, heavy and often awkwardly shaped, which makes transporting them safely a challenge. A misstep can result in serious damage to the instrument—or worse, injuries to those attempting the move. Professional piano movers are trained to handle every type of piano, from upright models to grand pianos, using specialized equipment and techniques that ensure the piano arrives in perfect condition.
Timing is key when gifting a piano, especially during the holiday season. Many families coordinate deliveries around gatherings or celebrations, which adds an extra layer of importance to precise scheduling. Piano Movers Extraordinaire works closely with clients to arrange convenient delivery windows, making sure your gift arrives on time and in pristine condition.
Another critical aspect is the environment in which the piano is moved. Pianos are sensitive to temperature and humidity changes, and exposure to extreme conditions can affect tuning and even structural integrity. Professional piano movers know how to protect instruments from the elements during transport, wrapping them securely and carefully maneuvering them through hallways, staircases and tight corners without scratching floors or walls.
Once the piano reaches its destination, placement is just as important as the move itself. Where the piano sits in a room can affect sound quality, accessibility and longevity. Piano Movers Extraordinaire doesn’t just deliver; we provide expert guidance on placement and make sure the instrument is level and ready for immediate use.
Giving a piano is about creating joy, not stress. By hiring a professional piano mover, you can focus on the excitement of the gift while leaving the heavy lifting and delicate handling to experts. From careful packing to expert placement, Piano Movers Extraordinaire ensures your piano gift is received safely, beautifully and ready to make music for years to come. Call us today at 763-784-8123 or contact us for a free estimate!
Tips for Preparing Your Home Before the Piano Movers Arrive
At Piano Movers Extraordinaire, we know that moving a piano is no small task. While our trained team has the equipment and expertise to handle everything from uprights to grand pianos, there are a few simple steps homeowners can take to make the process even smoother. Preparing your Hennepin County home before the piano movers arrive not only saves time but also helps ensure your piano and property remain safe throughout the move.
Clear the Pathways
Before our crew arrives, walk through your home and identify the route the piano will take. Clear away furniture, décor, rugs and anything else that might be in the way. Even small items like shoes, plant stands or children’s toys can create hazards during a move. A wide, obstacle-free path makes it easier for movers to maneuver the piano without the risk of tripping or bumping into objects.
Protect Your Floors and Walls
While our team uses padding and protective equipment, it’s always helpful when homeowners prepare their space ahead of time. Consider laying down floor protection in high-traffic areas or placing corner guards on walls. Hardwood floors and tight corners are especially vulnerable during a piano move, and a little extra preparation goes a long way in preventing scratches or dings.
Take Measurements
One of the biggest challenges in moving a piano is navigating narrow hallways, staircases and doorways. Before the moving day, measure these areas to confirm there is enough space for the piano to pass through. If you suspect tight clearance, let us know ahead of time. With advance notice, our movers can plan the best approach and bring specialized equipment if necessary.
Secure Pets and Children
Moving a piano requires focus and coordination. To keep everyone safe, it’s best to keep pets and children in another room while the movers are working. Not only does this protect your loved ones, but it also allows our team to concentrate on carefully guiding your instrument out of the house.
Communicate Special Concerns
Every home and piano is unique. If your piano has sentimental value, is an antique or requires extra care for specific features, let us know in advance. The more information we have, the better prepared we’ll be to move your piano safely and efficiently.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your home doesn’t take long, but it makes a big difference in ensuring a smooth and stress-free moving day. At Piano Movers Extraordinaire, our goal is always to protect your investment and provide peace of mind. With your preparation and our expertise, your piano will be in its new home safely in no time. Call us today at 763-784-8123 or contact us for a free estimate!
Why a Local Piano Moving Service Beats General Movers Every Time
When it comes time to move your piano, not just any moving service will do. While general movers may be great at handling couches, boxes and everyday furniture, pianos require a unique set of skills, equipment and experience. That’s why working with a local piano moving service in the Twin Cities area like Piano Movers Extraordinaire is the best choice for protecting your instrument and your peace of mind.
Specialized Knowledge and Equipment
Pianos aren’t just heavy—they’re complex, delicate and often sentimental. Moving one safely takes more than strength; it takes know-how. Our team at Piano Movers Extraordinaire has years of experience handling upright pianos, baby grands, concert grands and everything in between. We use piano-specific equipment like skid boards, heavy-duty straps and protective padding to ensure each move goes smoothly. General movers simply don’t have this level of specialization.
Understanding of the Local Area
As a local company, we know the neighborhoods, building layouts and common challenges unique to the region. Whether you’re moving into a downtown condo with tight hallways or a historic home with narrow staircases, we’ve seen it before—and we have solutions ready. This kind of familiarity helps avoid costly delays and damage that out-of-town or general movers may not be prepared for.
Personalized Service
Unlike larger moving companies that treat piano moving as just another line item, we offer a more personal approach. We take the time to evaluate your space, answer your questions and create a detailed moving plan tailored to your piano and location. Our goal isn’t just to move your piano—it’s to give you complete confidence throughout the process.
We Treat Your Piano Like Our Own
Pianos are often family heirlooms, major investments or essential tools for musicians. We understand their value beyond just dollars and cents. That’s why every move is handled with care and attention, from the initial assessment to final placement in your new space.
Trusted by the Community
As a dedicated local service, we’ve built a reputation in the community for being reliable, careful and professional. Word-of-mouth and repeat customers are how we’ve grown—and we don’t take that trust lightly.
When it’s time to move your piano, don’t settle for a general mover. Choose a team that knows pianos inside and out. Piano Movers Extraordinaire is your local expert, ready to get the job done right—every time. Call us today at 763-784-8123 or contact us for a free estimate!
Piano Protection: Keeping Your Instrument Safe and Sound
Pianos are more than just musical instruments—they’re investments, heirlooms and often the focal point of a room. Whether you’re caring for a grand piano or an upright, taking proper steps to protect it can preserve both its beauty and its performance for years to come. At Piano Movers Extraordinaire, we’ve seen firsthand how the right environment can make all the difference. Here are some top tips for effective piano protection, both in terms of placement and upkeep.
Protect Your Piano from Sunlight
If your piano is positioned near a window, one of the biggest threats it faces is direct sunlight. Continuous exposure to UV rays can cause the wood finish to fade and the internal components to dry out or crack. To prevent sun damage, consider using window coverings such as blinds or curtains. These can help control the amount of light that enters the room throughout the day.
Another option is window tinting. This is a great way to block harmful UV rays without sacrificing natural light. Tinted windows can reduce glare and provide year-round protection without the need for adjusting shades or drapes.
Placement Matters: Keep Pianos Away from Exterior Walls
When placing an upright piano, it’s best to position it against an interior wall rather than an exterior one. Exterior walls are more prone to temperature fluctuations and humidity, both of which can wreak havoc on the wood and internal mechanics of your piano. Interior walls generally provide more stable conditions, which help maintain tuning and prolong the life of the instrument.
Humidity and Temperature Control
Pianos are sensitive to changes in humidity and temperature. Ideally, the room should be kept between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit with a relative humidity of 40-50%. Using a room humidifier or a piano-specific humidity control system can help keep moisture levels consistent, protecting the delicate wood and felt parts inside your piano.
Clean Carefully
Dust your piano regularly with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using household cleaners or sprays directly on the surface, as these can damage the finish. For deeper cleaning, a slightly damp cloth can be used on keys, followed by a dry one to remove any moisture. When in doubt, consult a professional who specializes in piano care.
Final Thoughts on Piano Protection
Whether you’ve just moved a piano into your home or you’re looking to better care for one that’s been in your family for years, a little preventative maintenance goes a long way. Simple steps—like using window coverings, choosing the right location and cleaning gently—can keep your piano sounding and looking great.
Need help moving your piano or setting up your piano in its ideal location? Trust the team at Piano Movers Extraordinaire. We treat your piano with the same care and respect you do. Call us today at 763-784-8123 or contact us for a free estimate!