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Why Climate Control Is Essential for Piano Moving and Storage - Modern Piano

carawilliams — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Your piano is much more than just a musical instrument; it’s a great investment, possibly a beloved antique that’s been passed down from one family member to another, and something that you are proud to show off in your house. When it’s time to move this treasure, you should find a piano moving company that offers climate-controlled transport (and storage, if needed).

We know how complex moving a piano is at Modern Piano Moving. Many things can put your piano at risk when it is moved. These can include large temperature and humidity fluctuations, road vibrations and so much more. That’s why we only use climate-controlled moving vehicles and warehouses. Here’s why this approach is so critical.

Protecting Your Piano from Temperature Fluctuations

The temperature can affect pianos quite a bit. In cold weather, especially during the winter relocation, the wood, felt and adhesive materials may become brittle and crack. The carefully calibrated strings also contract in the colder temperature and may break. Conversely, heat presents its own set of challenges. Wood parts grow when temperatures go up and the dampers start to fall apart. Piano mechanisms of all sorts can get damaged by the trauma of a piano being constantly transported on very hot or very cold days.

To ensure your pianos are warm or cool enough in winter and summer, we have temperature-controlled trucks that keep the temperature at 55-70 degrees. The modern heating and cooling technology precisely adapts the vehicle’s interior. By shielding your piano from temperature shock, it protects its components as well as its sound quality.

Managing Moisture Levels

Humidity is another important factor for piano condition. Moisture damages metals, wood, and adhesives: Rust develops on metal parts. Wood expands. Adhesives are weakened. When the air is not humid enough, wood dries out and cracks. Also, leather and felt will get spoiled. Your instrument is under a lot of stress from changes in moisture.

We keep the humidity between 45% and 55% within our climate-controlled piano trucks. We safeguard all of the piano’s moisture-sensitive components such as the wood, felt, glue, and leather parts from major humiditys fluctuations. There will be less chance for costly repairs post moving.

Protecting Your Piano During Road Transport

Moving your piano may still be disturbed by road imperfections and irregular surfaces despite climate regulation. We solve this with the use of air-ride suspension systems and thick carpeted floor cushioning. The technology neutralises the vibrations of the road and the thick padding absorbs all the bumps. Your piano remains in a safe environment for the whole ride.

Preserving Optimal Conditions During Storage

When moving, temporary and long term storage climate also matters for the warehouse. Clearly, keeping your piano in a cold place during the cold winter months has issue. Also, leaving your instrument in a hot summer storage unit that is not climate-controlled can cause serious damage.

We deliver the same climate-controlled temperature, humidity control and protection as our vehicles in our piano storage facilities. When your piano is in storage, we can create a custom crate, protective covering, and provide ongoing tuning and maintenance. Your instrument is safe against the elements until we bring it to your new location.

The Dangers of Environmental Extremes

You might wonder – don’t pianos have some built-in slack to handle changing circumstances? To some extent, they are. But, prolonged or greater exposure can cause a lot more damage. Consider these significant risks.

The wood structure of the piano has either split or distorted. This can happen with abrupt exposure to cold or heat.
The wooden rim becoming disconnected from the rest of the structure due to expansion and contraction.
The metal parts inside the instrument, such as the harp supports and strings, have corroded. Changing humidity speeds up this process.
Felt or leather that has became tighter, stiffened or splits. Dry conditions are especially harmful.

The stickiness of the glue may wear off making it shaky. Excessive moisture gradually softens adhesives.
Ivory keys are fragile, thus the Bob and crack quite easily. Cold, arid environments increase brittleness.
Lessens the stress and probable failure of the high-tensile steel strings because of their expansion and contraction.
Distorts the piano’s soundboard which affects the quality of sound This happens with humidity changes.
The metal strings on this instrument have been detuned. Temperature fluctuations interfere with the exact tuning.

As these samples show, climate control is really the only way to avoid progressive, possibly permanent damage to your piano during a move.

Professional Equipment and Expertise for Safe Transport

Whether it’s our climate-controlled trucks or our unique moving equipment Modern Piano Moving has everything it takes to move a piano safely.

The vehicles would use soft-tread tires to minimize the vibrations through the chassis.
We provide hydraulic lift gates for easy loading and unloading of your piano.
Specialized blankets and padding designed to cover your piano entirely.
Our professional dollies have pneumatic wheels ensuring smooth maneuvering of your piano.

Our highly trained piano movers know how to prepare your piano, handle it and secure it in the truck. We take every precaution to make sure that your piano arrives safely and soundly.

Complete Piano Services

Modern Piano Moving offers complete piano care. We can handle your local move, cross country transport, storage service, tuning service, or maintenance service. Through our climate controlled services, we provide superior protection tailor-made for your treasured piano. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your next piano move. We look forward to safely delivering your piano to its new destination!

How to Store a Piano? Tips and Everything You Must Know in Advance - Modern Piano

carawilliams — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 05:00:00 GMT

A time comes when life gets complicated. Maybe you’re between homes. You might be relocating to a more compact space that can’t accommodate the baby grand. Or you’ve inherited a piano but don’t have room for it yet. For one reason or another, you suddenly find yourself faced with a question that sounds simple but really isn’t: How do you store a piano?

Here’s the thing — pianos were never meant to be stored. They were built to live in climate-controlled homes, to be played regularly, to exist in stable environments. But sometimes storage becomes necessary. And when it does? The decisions you make in the next few weeks can determine whether your instrument comes out in playable condition… or needs thousands of dollars in restoration work.

Why Storage Environments Matter More Than You’d Think

Your piano is basically a giant wooden box filled with felt, metal, and incredibly precise mechanical parts. The soundboard — that’s the big wooden piece that makes the sound louder — swells up when it gets humid and shrinks when it’s dry. And we’re not talking huge changes here, but when you’ve got over 200 strings pulling with nearly 20 tons of force, even tiny movements create problems.

Piano technicians will tell you that bad storage causes more long-term damage than almost anything except actual water damage. Warped soundboards. Cracked bridges. Tuning pins that won’t stay tight. Rusty strings. Hammers that don’t work right anymore. Even the cabinet can literally come apart at the seams.

And here’s the really frustrating part — this damage happens slowly. You stick your piano in a regular storage unit for three months during summer, and when you get it back, it might seem totally fine. Six months later? The tuning won’t hold. A year later? Notes are buzzing. Two years down the road, you’re looking at serious repair bills because things have deteriorated beyond simple fixes.

The money you spend on proper storage almost always costs less than fixing a piano that got damaged in cheap storage. Trust me on this one.

Climate Control Isn’t Optional

Let’s be honest about climate-controlled storage: it costs more. Sometimes a lot more. And when you’re already paying to store something that weighs half a ton, that extra cost hurts.

But regular storage units get crazy hot in summer — like 120°F hot in a lot of places. And freezing cold in winter. The humidity? All over the place. 80% when it rains, then down to 20% when it’s dry.

Your piano needs stable temperatures. Around 68-72°F all year. And humidity between 42-50%. These aren’t random numbers — they’re based on decades of figuring out what keeps pianos healthy.

Climate-controlled facilities keep things steady. Temperature stays put. Humidity gets managed. Your piano doesn’t get stressed out, which means it comes out of storage in decent shape.

Can you store a piano without climate control? Yeah, technically. Should you? Only if you’re okay with possibly needing a full tune-up and adjustment afterward (easily $500-1,500) or even soundboard repair (thousands).

Getting Your Piano Ready for Storage

Most people think storage starts when the piano goes into the unit. Actually, it starts way earlier.

Should you tune it first? This seems weird — why tune something you’re not going to play? But having a tech look at it means finding problems before storage. Small issues can turn into big ones while sitting there, and you want documentation of how the piano looked beforehand for insurance reasons.

That said, some techs say don’t bother tuning before storage since you’ll need to tune it again afterward anyway. So maybe the compromise is having someone inspect it and give you a written report without doing a full tuning. Take photos. Document everything.

Then you’ve got to clean it. This actually matters more than you’d think.

Dust inside a piano attracts moisture, which makes the metal strings rust faster. It also gives you organic material that can attract bugs during storage. Yeah, bugs. We’ll get to that nightmare in a minute.

Clean means vacuuming inside the piano carefully, wiping down the keys properly, getting rid of any junk near the soundboard. For uprights, you’re opening the top and bottom panels. For grands, you need someone who knows what they’re doing so they don’t damage anything.

The outside needs attention too. Use actual piano polish, not regular furniture polish — that stuff can wreck the finish. This creates a protective layer that helps during storage.

Getting It to Storage Without Wrecking It

Here’s where things often go wrong right away: people treat the move to storage casually because “it’s just going into storage, not into a home.”

Wrong. So wrong.

The move to storage needs the same professional approach as any piano move. Maybe more, actually, since storage places often have annoying layouts — narrow hallways, sharp corners, sometimes tight freight elevators, occasionally upper floors that need stairs.

Professional movers measure everything at the storage place first. They check hallway widths, elevator sizes, plan the whole route before they try moving anything. They use real piano dollies, not furniture dollies. They wrap everything in moving blankets and secure them properly.

And this detail matters: the piano should sit on a dolly or wooden pallet in the unit, not right on the concrete floor. Concrete can leak moisture, and it’s always colder than the air. Keeping the piano up even a few inches helps protect it.

Inside the Unit: Where to Put It

So the piano’s in the unit. Now what?

Never — and I mean never — put a piano against an outside wall. Outside walls get the worst temperature swings. They’re also where water is most likely to get in. The piano should be in the middle of the unit if you can manage it, or at least against an inside wall that’s next to another climate-controlled unit.

Keep it away from vents or AC units, even in climate-controlled storage. Direct air hitting it causes uneven drying, which leads to warping and cracking.

The piano stays covered the whole time. But not with plastic — that traps moisture and creates condensation. Use breathable moving blankets or piano covers that let air move while keeping dust off.

For grands, keep the lid closed and locked. For uprights, leave the panels on. You want the inside environment as stable as possible.

The Bug Situation Nobody Wants to Talk About

Okay, let’s address something gross: mice, bugs, and other critters that might decide your stored piano looks like a great place to live.

Piano insides are attractive to mice. Enclosed space, often warm, interesting textures. And the felt hammers and dampers? Perfect nesting material from a mouse’s perspective. Once rodents get inside… the damage can be extensive. Chewed felt, droppings everywhere, even gnawed wood.

Moths are another problem. Piano felt is wool, which moth larvae love eating. A moth infestation during storage can destroy the hammers and dampers — thousands of dollars to replace.

Prevention is everything. Before storage, check the piano thoroughly for any pest signs. Put natural deterrents around (not inside) the piano — cedar blocks, moth sachets, maybe ultrasonic pest things if your facility allows them. Ask your storage place about their pest control. Good facilities treat for pests regularly, but it’s worth confirming.

Some people put moisture-absorbing packets inside the piano before storage, but this is controversial. Too much moisture absorption can over-dry the wood. If you do this, use actual piano moisture systems like Dampp-Chaser units, not random packets meant for closets.

How Long Can You Store a Piano?

There’s no magic answer, but most piano people say that once you’re past six months, you need to start thinking more seriously about long-term care.

Short storage (under three months) in good conditions usually doesn’t cause major issues. The piano comes out needing tuning, sure, but it’s structurally okay.

Medium storage (three to twelve months) needs better climate control and maybe periodic check-ins. Some piano owners have techs visit the storage unit every few months to check things, make minor adjustments, even play it a bit to keep the action from seizing up.

Long-term storage (over a year) is different. Now you’re basically mothballing an instrument, which requires serious work. Some techs say to slightly loosen the strings to reduce stress on the soundboard. Others argue against this, saying tension changes cause their own problems. There’s honestly no perfect consensus here.

Everyone agrees on this though: long-term storage needs the best climate control, regular checking, and accepting that major tuning and adjustment work will be necessary when you bring it back.

Insurance: The Boring Part That Matters When Things Go Wrong

Storage facility insurance usually covers fire and theft. Maybe water damage from facility problems. What it often doesn’t cover: damage from climate changes, pest damage, or just deterioration over time.

Your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance might cover stored stuff, but pianos — especially valuable ones — often need special additions. The standard limits might not come close to your piano’s actual value.

When moving to storage, document everything. Get a professional appraisal for valuable instruments. Take tons of photos of the outside and inside before storage. Keep maintenance records. Get written reports from techs.

And here’s something most people miss: make sure whoever moves the piano to storage has proper insurance. If it gets damaged during the move to the facility, you want clear accountability.

Bringing It Back Home

The day finally comes to get your piano out of storage. This isn’t just doing everything backward — it’s actually more delicate.

The piano has adapted to storage conditions. Now it’s going to a home, probably with different temperature and humidity. This needs to happen gradually when possible.

Once it arrives home, don’t tune it right away. Let it sit for at least two weeks, maybe a month. The wood needs time to adjust. The strings need to settle. Everything needs to adapt to the new environment.

During this time, don’t pound on it. Light playing is fine — actually helpful, keeps the action from getting stiff — but this isn’t the time for marathon practice sessions.

After it settles, get a thorough inspection and tuning from a qualified tech. Tell them upfront about the storage. They might find it needs more than tuning — maybe action regulation, hammer voicing, pedal adjustment. This is normal after storage and worth doing to get the piano back to its best.

The Real Bottom Line

Storage isn’t ideal for pianos. These things were meant to be played, to live in homes, to make music. But when storage is necessary, how you do it determines whether your piano survives in good shape or comes out needing serious work.

Climate control is non-negotiable. Good preparation matters. Professional moving protects your investment. Regular monitoring during longer storage catches problems early. And proper reintroduction when you bring it back ensures it returns to playing well.

Think about it this way: a piano can last for generations with good care. But a few months of bad storage can undo decades of maintenance. Spending money to do storage right always costs less than fixing what happens when you do it wrong.

If you’re looking for professional piano movers who understand the unique demands of these instruments, keep Modern Piano Moving in mind. Their expert team specializes in the safe, careful transport of pianos of all types and sizes. Known for their meticulous attention to detail and deep respect for each instrument’s value, they treat every piano like it’s a priceless family heirloom. Learn more at https://www.modernpiano.com/

How Climate and Humidity Affect Your Piano During a Move - Modern Piano

Jake Schwarz — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Your piano is a sensitive instrument that can be impacted by changes in temperature and humidity during a move. At Modern Piano Moving, we take special care to protect your piano by using climate controlled trucks and monitoring conditions throughout the transit process. Here’s an in-depth look at how climate and humidity affect pianos and what we do to safeguard your instrument.

How Temperature Impacts Pianos

Pianos are made of wood, felt, glue, and other materials that expand and contract with changes in temperature. Extreme heat causes wood and felt to dry out, which can then crack and split. The wooden soundboard, pins, strings, bridges and veneers are most vulnerable to damage from temperature swings. Glue joints and actions can also be affected.

During the cold winter months, the dry heat indoors paired with freezing temperatures outdoors creates prime conditions for piano damage. The instrument goes from a warm, dry environment to a freezing cold truck. Then when delivered to your home, the extreme temperature shift from cold to hot can wreak havoc. The wooden and felt parts shrink and expand rapidly, putting extreme tension on the materials. Without proper climate control and conditioning procedures, cracks and irreparable damage can occur.

How Humidity Impacts Pianos

Humidity levels have an even greater impact on pianos than temperature changes. The wooden soundboard and interior structure are hygroscopic, meaning they absorb and release moisture from the surrounding air. As humidity increases in the summer months, the wood collects moisture causing it to swell and expand. In the dry winter months when humidity plummets, the wooden parts shrink as moisture evaporates into the dry air. This constant expansion and contraction puts strain on the structural integrity of the instrument.

The bridges begin to unglue from the soundboard, the pins and strings loosen, and cracks appear in the rim and braces. Changes in humidity warp the pinblock causing tuning instability issues as well. Other damage from low humidity includes loose ivory on the keys, cracked soundboards, and splitting of the instrument’s veneers. High humidity can corrode metal parts and be a breeding ground for mold inside a piano.

Climate-Controlled Trucks Protect Pianos In Transit

At Modern Piano Moving, we utilize climate-controlled tractor-trailers set to the ideal temperature and humidity range for instruments. Climate control allows us to regulate conditions throughout transport to prevent expansion and contraction damage to your piano. Our specialized trucking equipment includes:

Dual heating and cooling zones to maintain consistent temps
Humidity monitoring systems and dehumidification devices
Air circulation systems to prevent mold and mildew growth
Suspension systems to minimize vibrations on fragile parts
Padded blankets and specialized straps to prevent shifting

We also park our climate-controlled vehicles in protected areas away from inclement weather when not in use. Our team performs routine maintenance to ensure the heating, cooling, and humidity control systems are working properly in all trucks.

Careful Loading & Unloading Procedures

How your piano is physically handled during loading and unloading is also critical for preventing climate related damage. We use extreme care when moving your instrument in and out of our climate controlled vehicles. Our expert piano movers follow strict protocols to protect the structural integrity including:

Custom ramps and dollies to eliminate jarring movements or jostling
Added blankets and padding during winter/summer transports
Frequent condition checks while securing the piano in the truck
Slow, controlled loading/unloading movements to prevent cracking
Adjusting climate controls if external temps change drastically

Our loading crew communicates directly with the truck driver to ensure ideal conditions are maintained inside the vehicle. We also recheck humidity readings after loading to make any necessary adjustments. Careful coordination prevents moisture issues like condensation which can damage surfaces.

On-Site Conditioning Before & After Transport

In addition to climate-controlled transport, we also perform on-site conditioning services before and after piano moves. Prior to loading, we use portable humidifiers/dehumidifiers to achieve the optimal humidity level in your home. This helps pre-condition the piano to prevent moisture-related damage when transitioning from your climate-controlled home into the truck.

After unloading at your new home, we use industrial-grade humidifiers and moisture meters to re-condition the piano. This allows the instrument to slowly adjust to the new environment without damage. On-site conditioning prevents cracks from rapid humidity changes and ensures your piano is perfectly safe before we leave. It also gives you time to get your new home’s humidity balanced for your piano’s needs.

The Ideal Climate Conditions for Pianos

Most piano manufacturers recommend keeping instruments in conditions with 45% to 70% relative humidity at room temperatures between 64°F and 75°F year-round. The most favorable humidity range is between 45 and 55% to prevent expansion and contraction issues over time. Extreme lows below 30% or highs above 70% can cause immediate and irreversible damage.

We keep our climate-controlled trucks set right in this sweet spot during transport. Our on-site conditioning services also target these ideal ranges. Pay close attention to humidity levels in your home all year to keep your piano in top shape. Dehumidifiers and humidifiers are a must for regulating moisture. Avoid placing pianos near heating/cooling vents or direct sunlight which can cause hot/cold spots and daily fluctuations.

Protecting Your Piano Year-Round

Sudden temperature and humidity changes damage pianos. The most vulnerable times are during seasonal changes when extreme indoor-outdoor shifts occur. Here are some year-round tips for protecting your piano:

Spring & Fall

Gradually adjust indoor temperatures – no drastic heating/cooling changes
Use a dehumidifier and humidifier to achieve 45-55% humidity
Keep piano away from heating/AC vents blowing hot/cold air

Summer

Maintain cool indoor temps between 68°F-72°F
Use a dehumidifier daily to keep humidity below 70%
Close windows/blinds during hot & humid days
Avoid exposing the piano to direct sunlight

Winter

Maintain consistent warmer indoor temps 70°F-72°F
Use a humidifier daily to keep levels above 30%
Close doors/windows to trap moisture
Place water trays near heat vents to add humidity

Proper climate control is crucial for preserving your piano investment. The instrument requires balanced conditions to maintain structural integrity and prevent costly damages. Modern Piano Moving has over 20 years experience transporting delicate pianos in climate controlled conditions. Trust our expert team to keep your instrument safe during relocation.

Climate Control in Piano Transportation: Protecting Your Instrument from the Elements - Modern Piano

Jake Schwarz — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 04:00:00 GMT

You know, moving a piano isn’t as simple as just lugging it from one place to another. These beautiful instruments are pretty delicate, and we need some special TLC, especially when it comes to temperature and humidity. That’s where climate control comes into play during transportation. The folks at Modern Piano Moving really get this, and we’ve got it down to a science.

Let’s chat about why climate control is such a big deal when you’re moving a piano, and how Modern Piano Moving makes sure your prized possession stays in tip-top shape throughout its journey.

Why Climate Control Matters

So, why all the fuss about climate control? Well, pianos are like a jigsaw puzzle of different materials – wood, felt, metal, you name it. And each of these reacts differently when the temperature or humidity changes. Expose them to extreme conditions, and you’re asking for trouble.

Think about it – have you ever noticed how wooden doors sometimes stick when it’s really humid? That’s because wood soaks up moisture from the air and expands. Now imagine that happening to all the wooden parts in a piano. Yikes! And when it’s too dry? The wood can shrink and crack. Neither scenario is great for keeping your piano in tune and happy.

But it’s not just the wood we need to worry about. Those metal strings? we expand when it’s hot and contract when it’s cold. This can throw the piano out of tune or even cause strings to snap in extreme cases.

And let’s not forget about the felt parts, like the hammers that hit the strings. In dry conditions, we can get brittle, and in humid conditions, we can get soggy. Either way, it messes with the piano’s sound.

So yeah, keeping a piano in a stable environment during a move is pretty darn important. That’s where Modern Piano Moving’s climate-controlled trucks come in handy.

Modern Piano Moving’s Climate Control Solution

Now, let’s talk about how Modern Piano Moving tackles this challenge. We have some pretty nifty tricks up our sleeve to keep pianos safe and sound on the road.

First off, our trucks are equipped with what’s called a reefer system. No, it’s not named after a coral reef – it’s short for “refrigeration.” It’s similar to what food trucks use to keep our goods fresh. But instead of just keeping things cold, Modern Piano Moving’s system can control both heating and cooling.

Here’s the cool part: we don’t just set the temperature and forget about it. The Modern Piano Moving team actually bases our climate control settings on recommendations from Steinway, one of the big names in the piano world. Talk about going above and beyond!

Our climate control system doesn’t just handle temperature, though. It also keeps tabs on humidity levels. This is crucial because, as we mentioned earlier, too much or too little moisture in the air can really mess with a piano.

So whether the truck is cruising through the sticky heat of the Deep South in July or braving a Minnesota winter, your piano is chilling (or warming up) in its own perfect little environment.

The One-Truck Advantage

Here’s another neat thing about Modern Piano Moving: we use what we call a “one-truck” system. This means once your piano is loaded onto our truck, it stays put for the whole journey. No switching between different vehicles or storage facilities along the way.

Why is this a big deal? Well, every time you move a piano, there’s a risk of damage. Plus, each time it’s transferred to a new environment, it’s exposed to potential temperature and humidity changes. By keeping the piano in the same climate-controlled space from pickup to delivery, Modern Piano Moving minimizes these risks.

This one-truck system also means the piano gets fewer bumps and jolts during the move. The trucks have air-ride suspension, which helps smooth out the ride. It’s like giving your piano its own personal shock absorbers!

Preparing for the Move

Now, while Modern Piano Moving takes care of the climate control during transportation, there are a few things you can do to help get your piano ready for its big journey:

If you can, try to schedule the move during milder weather. Extreme heat or cold can make it trickier to maintain those ideal conditions.
Keep your piano in a stable environment before the move. No sudden temperature or humidity changes in the days leading up to moving day, okay?
If your piano’s been hanging out in a super humid or dry place, you might want to get it acclimated gradually before the move. A piano technician can help you out with this.
Clear off anything sitting on top of or inside the piano. Sheet music, metronomes, that fancy vase – all of it needs to go.
If possible, get your piano tuned a few weeks before the move. This can help spot any existing issues and gives you a baseline for comparison after the move.

By taking these steps, you’re teaming up with Modern Piano Moving to make sure your instrument is in the best shape possible for its trip.

The Science Behind Climate Control

Alright, let’s get a little nerdy for a moment and talk about the science behind climate control for pianos. Don’t worry, I’ll keep it simple and fun!

Generally speaking, pianos are happiest at around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (that’s about 21 degrees Celsius). This temperature keeps all the different parts – wood, strings, and whatnot – nice and stable. As for humidity, you’re looking at a sweet spot between 45% and 70% relative humidity.

But here’s where it gets tricky: these ideal conditions can vary a bit depending on the specific piano and how it’s built. That’s why Modern Piano Moving doesn’t just use a one-size-fits-all approach. we consider things like whether it’s a grand or upright piano, how old it is, and even what materials were used to make it.

For example, older pianos might be more sensitive to humidity changes because our wood has had more time to soak up moisture over the years. On the flip side, some modern pianos are built with materials that can handle climate change a bit better.

The climate control system in Modern Piano Moving’s trucks uses sensors to keep a constant eye on the temperature and humidity inside. If either of these starts to drift outside the ideal range, the system automatically adjusts to bring things back in line. It’s like having a tiny, super-dedicated weather station watching over your piano 24/7 during its trip!

The Consequences of Poor Climate Control

To really get why climate control is so important, let’s take a quick look at what can happen when a piano is exposed to extreme conditions during a move. Brace yourself – it’s not pretty!

In high humidity:

The wood can swell, making keys stick or the action (the mechanical parts inside) sluggish.
Rust can form on metal parts, including the strings.
Felt components can get waterlogged, messing with the piano’s sound.

In low humidity:

Wood can shrink and crack, potentially causing serious damage.
Glue joints can weaken, leading to loose parts.
Felt can become brittle and less effective at dampening sound.

In extreme heat:

Glue can soften, causing parts to come loose.
Strings can expand, throwing the piano out of tune.
The finish on the piano can get damaged.

In extreme cold:

Metal parts can contract, potentially causing strings to break.
The wood can become brittle and prone to cracking.
Rapid temperature changes when moving from cold to warm environments can cause condensation, leading to rust and other moisture-related issues.

Yikes! That’s a lot of potential problems. But don’t panic – with proper climate control like what Modern Piano Moving provides, these issues can be avoided.

When it comes to moving your piano, climate control isn’t just a fancy extra – it’s an absolute must. Modern Piano Moving gets this, and we’ve built our whole operation around keeping your beloved instrument safe from whatever Mother Nature might throw its way.

From our high-tech reefer systems to our one-truck policy, every part of our service is designed to keep your piano safe, in tune, and ready to make beautiful music. We blend cutting-edge tech with good old-fashioned TLC, giving you a moving experience that’s truly top-notch.

Next time you need to move a piano – whether it’s just across town or clear across the country – remember how crucial climate control is. And keep in mind that with Modern Piano Moving, you’re not just getting a moving service. You’re getting peace of mind, knowing your cherished instrument is in the best possible hands.

After all, your piano’s probably been a faithful friend for years, filling your home with melodies and memories. Doesn’t it deserve the royal treatment when it’s time to move? With Modern Piano Moving’s climate-controlled trucks and expert care, you can bet your bottom dollar that your piano will arrive at its new home in perfect condition, ready to make music for years to come.

So go ahead, and plan that move with confidence. Your piano will thank you for choosing a mover who really understands the importance of climate control. And who knows? Maybe your piano will sound even better in its new home, thanks to all the TLC it got during its journey with Modern Piano Moving. Now that’s music to our ears!

5 Steps To A More Accurate Quote - Modern Piano

Admin — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 04:00:00 GMT

Modern Piano Moving has a full-time sales department with the knowledge to provide an accurate, detailed quote over the phone. During the quoting process, we ask a series of questions that will provide specific information about your move and will allow us to properly estimate and prepare for your situation.

IF A MOVE IS QUOTED WITHOUT ACCURATE DETAILS IT MAY CHANGE THE PRICE AND

TIMING OF THE MOVE

1. OFF-ROUTE MILEAGE

Modern Piano moves pianos to homes and businesses across the continental United States.

Using standard trucking routes, our nine crews pass through every major city in the lower 48 approximately every four weeks. Not everyone lives in a major city or directly off of our standard route. Modern Piano is happy to accommodate all moves! We do have to include additional mileage charges for areas more than 20 miles from our standard routes.

We have provided a mapping page to assist in determining if your city is off-route. Blue markers indicate cities on our route. Orange markers indicate some examples of cities that would incur additional mileage costs.

Click here to see our interactive map

2. PIANO TYPE AND SIZE

Type and size of a piano is one of the primary factors of your moving estimate. Space on the truck, weight, and navigating difficult circumstances are all part of estimating a safe move.

If you have a grand piano that is 6 feet or longer, please provide the brand name in the quote. Some pianos are much heavier than others and may require additional manpower.

Heavier brand names include Bluthner, Bosendorfer, Chickering, Mason Hamlin, and Petrof

The graphics below will assist in determining an accurate size based on Modern Piano’s quoting system.

3. ELEVATORS – STEPS – TURNS

If your move includes an elevator, steps, or hard to navigate turns, we will ask for pictures and/or measurements. Photos are received at pictures@modernpiano.com. Always include a quote or order number as well as a name.

Occasionally, we are unable to determine if an instrument will fit into a tight space using photos and/or measurements. In these circumstances, we encourage our customers to have us perform an evaluation in person. The fee for an on-site evaluation is $100. This fee will be deducted from the move if scheduled.

ELEVATORS

All elevators are not created equal. Fitting a grand piano into an elevator can be awkward. We will ask for the dimensions of the interior of the elevator including height as well as the dimensions of the door.

WILL IT FIT? TIPS FOR MEASURING

STEPS

We carefully plan a piano move involving steps depending on several factors – Number of steps, number of turns, going up or down.

Steps may require additional labor and/or equipment. If you would like to provide a hand with your move, we can often waive the additional labor charges.

WOODEN DECK WITH A LANDING AND TURN

What may look like wide steps and a large landing can quickly present a challenge for a piano.

TURNING STAIRCASE MOVE

Turning staircases take special care because the piano is in a constant, turning motion. This type of staircase is considered a flight with two turns.

A View From The Top

The following video is the real-time move of a baby grand piano going up the staircase above.

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WILL IT FIT? TIPS FOR MEASURING

Measurement A: Measure the most narrow, vertical point on your stairway. Start from the corner of the ceiling and measure to the top of the stair closest to the ceiling.

Measurement B: From the same point on the ceiling to the top of the stair above the stair you just measured to previously.

(Not Pictured): Width of the stairwell, going from wall to wall. If you cannot remove the hand rail, then measure from the wall to the hand rail instead.

Comparing these measurements to the height and width measurement of your instrument should confirm if your piano will make it past your staircase.

The majority of stair landings are a rectangular shape, but don’t assume this means your delivery team can easily get your piano past this point. The key here is leaving enough space for your delivery team to get your item around the corner.

Image and measurement info from: The Brick

Stairs With Turns

TURNS

Turn details are extremely important. Often, we think of turns as landings within the staircase, however, a turn can also be the space at the bottom or even an entry with a wall close to the door.

BOTTOM OF STAIRWAY TURN

DIFFICULT LANDING TURN

INTERIOR STAIR TOP TURN

APARTMENT STAIRWAY TURN

4. STORAGE UNITS

Modern Piano can provide affordable, climate controlled storage during your move if needed. Rather than have us deliver to a facility, it may save time and money to store with us. Click here if you would like to see our storage contract and pricing in PDF format.

If our trucks are not able to park closely at a storage facility, there may be additional charges.

MOVING OUT OF A STORAGE UNIT

Piano must be accessible, we are unable to move furniture or personal items
Grand pianos, must be set up so we can inspect the exterior condition
Pianos not set up will incur an $80 set up fee or travel as “packaged by owner” with no valuation

MOVING INTO A STORAGE UNIT

A place for the piano must be accessible
Grand pianos must be set up so we can retrieve our equipment

5. TRACTOR TRAILER ACCESS

Our trucks are approximately 70’ long and 13’ tall.

During the quoting process, we will ask if there is access for a tractor trailer to park on your street. Streets should be wide enough that, without double parking, a lane of traffic can safely get by.

If your street cannot accommodate a tractor trailer, we will shuttle the piano. Typically, we either use an ATV with a custom-made trailer or we will rent a smaller truck.

OUR TRUCKS IN NEIGHBORHOODS

OUR ATV/CUSTOM TRAILER SETUP

SITUATIONS WHERE WE TYPICALLY NEED TO USE A SHUTTLE VEHICLE

Downtown areas

Lake properties

Historic neighborhoods

Brick, paver, or cobblestone streets

Private lanes

Mountainous areas

Islands

Driveways longer than 400’

Single entrance apartment or condominium complexes

EXAMPLES OF CITIES WE FLAG FOR SHUTTLE VEHICLES

Baltimore

Chicago

Durango

Kansas City

Los Angeles

New Orleans

New York

Philadelphia

Portland

San Francisco

Santa Monica

Seattle

Telluride

Washington DC

5 Reasons Why Owning a Piano Enriches Your Home - Modern Piano

Jake Schwarz — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 04:00:00 GMT

There are so many different types of pianos, all designed for different spaces and types of playing. There are even different colors and finishes available to match your individual style and décor.

Are you considering adding a piano to your home but aren’t sure if it’s worth the investment or the space? You’re not alone — a piano is a big purchase, whether you buy it new or used, and introducing it into your home is sure to bring some changes.

Top Reasons to Own a Piano from Professional Piano Movers

With our many years of experience as expert piano movers, we’ve learned a lot about how pianos can enrich any home in various ways. Here are five ways in which a piano can add value to your household. We hope it will inspire you to take the leap and invest in a great piano your family can enjoy for decades.

1. Playing Piano Is a Fun Hobby

Whether you’re an advanced player or a total novice, there is so much enjoyment to be had by sitting down at the piano and making music. The skill of piano playing is extremely scalable to your needs and preferences, so you don’t have to spend hours practicing every day to see progress.

Additionally, being an advanced player is not required to have a good time! Simply improvising and finding some note combinations that sound good to you can be rewarding and fun.

2. Music Reduces Stress and Anxiety

It’s no surprise that listening to music can have powerful soothing effects on anxiety and stress, and playing music can be just as effective, if not more so.

Taking a few minutes each day to sit down at the piano and practice a piece, improvise, or compose a song of your own can completely turn your day around if you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed. This is true for people of all ages, from young children to working professionals to older adults and everyone in between.

3. The Piano Is a Gathering Place

In the generations before TV or even radio, the family piano was often the primary source of entertainment. That’s why pianos are often seen as a place to gather during family events. Communing around the piano is a great way to create bonding experiences through shared creativity and to build meaningful memories for everyone involved.

Additionally, if reducing your family’s TV and computer time is a priority for you, encouraging your kids to get involved with family music time is a great way to keep them entertained and stimulated without screens.

4. Pianos Have Significant Aesthetic Value

We could go on and on about the musical value of pianos, but it’s also important to note how much aesthetic value they have. A well-maintained piano can be an eye-catching centerpiece in any room and a great conversation starter for guests. This décor piece never goes out of style!

5. You Can Teach Your Kids the Power of Practice

Teaching children the value of hard work and dedication is a priority for most parents and learning to play the piano is a great way to do that. Not only will your kids be able to see the fruits of their labor with regular practice, but they’ll also learn a very useful skill they can keep with them all their lives.

Keep Your Piano Safe and Intact Through Many Generations (and Moves)

At Modern Piano, we believe you deserve to work with a piano moving company that values your instrument just as much as you do. The next time you are moving pianos, contact Modern Piano, and prioritize your piano’s safety so it can stay in your family for generations.

Passing Down the Family Piano? Simplify the Trip with Modern Piano - Modern Piano

Jake Schwarz — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 04:00:00 GMT

Many families have a few extremely valued heirlooms that get passed from generation to generation and carry great personal meaning. In many cases, these heirlooms also have monetary value and are worth protecting and keeping in great condition, especially while being moved from place to place.

A family piano is a valued heirloom, and if you’re planning to pass the instrument down to the next family member who wants it, it’s important to go about it the right way.

Though pianos are very hefty, they are also incredibly delicate and can easily be damaged during transit if experts do not handle them.

Think you might be saving trouble by moving the piano yourself instead of hiring a piano moving company? You might want to reconsider! Taking this route could end up in damage to your precious family heirloom as well as your vehicle if the piano isn’t properly moved.

At Modern Piano, we are professional piano movers that have seen first-hand how valuable instruments can be damaged beyond repair by improper moving techniques.

Why You Should Trust a Piano Moving Company to Transport Your Instrument

When you work with Modern Piano to move your instrument, you’re doing more than just protecting your valuable piano as it’s transported from place to place.

You’re taking a huge weight off your shoulders, knowing that your piano is in experienced, capable hands. This peace of mind is truly priceless, and you — and the person receiving the piano — won’t have to worry about physically transporting such a heavy item.

Still not sure if you need a piano moving company to get the job done? Here are a few distinct ways piano movers add incredible value and are a worthwhile investment when you need a piano transported to a different location.

They Know What a Piano Needs While Moving

Moving a piano isn’t as simple as lifting it into a truck and transporting it. Some types of pianos need to be carefully taken apart for the moving process and handled delicately to prevent any internal hammers or strings from being thrown out of place.

Additionally, piano parts must be transported in a vehicle that can reduce the amount of jostling and shaking during transit as much as possible. At Modern Piano, we provide several layers of cushioning to make sure shifting is greatly reduced and your piano doesn’t get any scratches or dents during the move.

It’s important to note that dangerous accidents can happen when a single person tries to move a piano themselves, with both the mover’s and the piano’s safety jeopardized. That’s why we provide a two-man team for every job, no matter the piano type.

They Have the Right Tools and Vehicles

Like any bulky item, you need certain tools to move a piano without risking your safety. At Modern Piano, this includes our custom dollies, e-track piano moving boards, and ATV shuttle vehicles designed to help us transport uprights, spinets, baby grands, and concert grands with ease.

Our trucks aren’t just any trucks. Modern Piano transport vehicles are climate-controlled to keep your piano at peak condition no matter if we’re going one state over or across the country. Additionally, our trucks are equipped with hydraulic lift gates for safely transferring the piano into the vehicle.

Hiring Cross-Country Piano Movers to Transport Your Instrument to Family Members

Your family piano is too precious to put at risk. Additionally, you deserve the peace of mind that professional piano movers can provide. That’s why hiring a piano moving company to transport your instrument to your loved one is worth it every time.

The Drawbacks of Putting Off Your Piano Tuning - Modern Piano

Jake Schwarz — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 05:00:00 GMT

Pianos are masters of music-making. The sound of a gorgeous, lilting piano solo can comfort the ear in a matter of moments. But hearing an instrument that’s out of tune is never pleasing – for both the performer and the listeners.

Piano strings all have a very delicate frequency that needs care and attention to make beautiful music and not distracting noises. It’s challenging to know when your piano needs tuning, as some notes might sound more off than others. That’s why you should have someone tune your piano regularly.

Here are some drawbacks to putting off your tuning that the premier piano movers in Dallas have discovered through their expertise.

It’s Bound to Get Worse

Your out-of-tune piano doesn’t get any easier to listen to, nor does it get any better without proper tuning. Ignoring the problem or only playing the notes that sound “right” will lead to future issues.

Pianos are the easiest to keep in tune when they are tuned regularly. If they aren’t, they are susceptible to string damage, causing the pitch to be flat.

It’s Expensive

It’s much more expensive to tune a piano that hasn’t seen attention in years than it is to have a routine tuning every six to twelve months.

Not only that, but if strings stay out of tune for an extended period, or if no one is actively playing the instrument, it might need to be entirely restrung. This repair is often very costly and utterly preventable with routine tuning.

It’s Hard to Make Music

Many of the most famous composers and jazz musicians performed their hearts out on pianos, gifting the world music to enjoy for years and years.

But if your piano isn’t tuned correctly, it becomes much more challenging for you to learn to play this music. It can be tough to hear the correct pitches without proper tuning, creating problems like improper hand placement.

An untuned piano can also (understandably) make you feel like you don’t want to play the piano. You lose confidence in your instrument, keeping you from achieving your dreams of playing like the masters.

Piano Movers in Dallas Know the Importance of Tuning

When it’s time to move, choose a specialist who understands that keeping your piano healthy is a big part of your heritage and creativity. Professionals who have been moving pianos for a long time know how to treat your instrument delicately and keep it in good condition.

Because different climates affect your instrument, you should hire a piano tuner a few weeks after a move. And for best piano hygiene, have your piano tuned and assessed by a professional at least yearly to keep your instrument singing beautifully for years.

Chicago Piano Movers: Our Favorite Halloween Songs to Play on Your Piano - Modern Piano

Jake Schwarz — Sun, 27 Sep 2020 04:00:00 GMT

It’s that time of year again! With Halloween drawing closer, now is a great time to play some beloved spooky songs on your piano. Take a look below to discover a few of our favorite go-tos.

Toccata and Fugue in D Minor

A true Halloween classic on the organ—written by Johann Sebastian Bach all the way back in the 1700s—this familiar piece of music is just as fun to play on your piano! Even those unfamiliar with classical music will recognize the haunting tune by its first few notes, evoking imagery of spooky haunted houses and all things Halloween.

The Monster Mash

A much more modern tune, “The Monster Mash” is a must-play for those who crave its fun, familiar melody at this time of year.

Thriller

The only problem with playing this beloved Michael Jackson song on your piano? It’s almost impossible to stop yourself from jumping up and dancing!

Superstition

Stevie Wonder’s smooth, soulful “Superstition” is another beloved pop hit to try on your keys.

This Is Halloween

From Disney’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” this fun, trance-like number is sure to pair perfectly with your Halloween movie lineup!

“The Addams Family” Theme and “The Munsters” Theme

This musical two-fer is perfect for those who appreciate classic television’s stamp on spooky culture! Invite a friend to double on guitar for that familiar, surf-style twang on “The Munsters,” and one to snap and sing along, too, to “The Addams Family.” Just be warned: It will be near-impossible to walk away from this jam session without either of these songs stuck in your head. But that’s part of the fun!

Ghostbusters

The fun, familiar theme song to this classic 80s flick is another treat to try on your piano! The whole family will recognize the upbeat melody.

We hope that these songs help inspire your spooky side! Looking for Chicago piano movers, or a professional team to store or transport your piano anywhere in the lower 48? Here at Modern Piano Moving, we’re not just Halloween music aficionados—we’re an experienced, professional moving team that is specially equipped to handle the unique challenges of moving your beautiful instrument! Get a quote today or contact us to get started.

How to Keep Your Piano in Top Shape Year Round - Modern Piano

Jake Schwarz — Wed, 07 Aug 2019 04:00:00 GMT

In an era of disposable materials, it’s nice to know that there are some household items that can and do withstand the test of time. One of those is a high-quality piano. This instrument can easily provide decades of faithful service to you, your friends, and family members. All it takes a little attention to detail and reliable care, and you can easily make your piano last for decades.

Some people resist getting started because they’re unsure of exactly how to move a piano. Others have concerns about piano movers’ prices. Thankfully, there is a safe, straight-forward, and affordable way to benefit from all that piano playing and music listening has to offer. Read on to discover how you can keep your piano in top shape throughout the year.

Establish Ground Rules

Rules exist for a reason. When everyone follows the guidelines, the long-term care and prosperity of your piano is well within reach. For instance, you might choose to ban drinks at the piano. A spilled beverage can easily seep into the piano, causing potentially-irreversible damage to the delicate inner workings of the instrument.

Similarly, you could make a rule that only fingers go on keys. Keeping foreign objects away helps ensure longevity of your piano.

Pay Attention to Location and Environment

As mentioned, your piano is a very delicate object. Even the slightest fluctuation in humidity or temperature could cause structural damage, or at the least affect the sound of the instrument. That’s why it’s often a good idea to leave the key lid open at least part of the time. This helps prevent mold growth.

It’s also wise to keep location and environment in mind. If you’ll be unable to access the instrument for a length of time, consider having the piano stored. Skilled and qualified California piano movers can safely transport your piano to a climate-controlled and security-monitored location, where it will be protected until you’re ready to play again.

Make Maintenance a Priority

Just like your home benefits from the occasional slick-up, your piano requires regular attention. Make cleaning easy by adding it to your checklist. Be sure to dust all surfaces, clean up any possible spills, polish keys, and similar. You can also find safe cleaning solutions made especially for pianos in a big box store or your local music shop. The best way to keep your piano clean and in top condition is as Steinway recommends, simply wipe with a soft, dry cloth or slightly moistened leather cloth.

In addition, it’s important to schedule regular tunings and check-ups. This will ensure your piano is always in top shape, every time you or a loved one sits down to play. If you have an instrument that’s currently in a different location, it’s easy to partner with Houston piano movers who can transport your piano anywhere across the country.

Schedule Regular Play and Practice

In fact, music experts say the key to long-term success and satisfaction with the piano is to schedule regular play and practice. That can be difficult if you don’t have reliable access to an instrument. Luckily, trusted and reputable piano movers in Indianapolis can bring a high-quality piano right to your current locale.

For nearly 85 years, Modern Piano Moving has been doing just that. We’re proud of our proven track record of success, and even more honored to have a role in the joy of playing and listening to piano music. Contact us today to discover how straight-forward it is to have a piano shipped to and/or from anywhere in the nation.