Whether you want piano movers or piano storage, Air1 Moving & Storage has been top of the field in Los Angeles for 20 years. We’ve moved hundreds of pianos like yours and here’s our advice for getting it done right.
Moving another musical instrument? Read our articles to learn more about how to pack musical instruments for a move.
Piano Storage
When you leave a piano in storage you want to be sure you’ll get it back exactly as you left it. You won’t be able to see it, so it needs to be stored in optimum conditions.
There are several things you need to check before trusting any storage company with your piano, whether it’s for a couple of weeks, or years.
Humidity Control
The most important thing when choosing piano storage is dependable humidity control. It’s no good waving goodbye to a piano in good weather if it’s then left to the elements.
Your piano should be kept at a constant 40-60% relative humidity level. This is the typical healthy humidity range you would want in your home. Additionally, there should be no sudden humidity changes even if they fall within this 40-65%.
What Happens If Your Piano In Storage Gets Humid?
Like most instruments, pianos don’t do well in humid conditions, like the typical Los Angeles wet winter.
Pianos exposed to humidity experience the following problems.
-
Varnish can peel.
-
Wooden parts including the soundboard can swell or crack.
-
Keys are slow to move.
-
Keys get stuck down.
-
Felt and cloth parts can swell.
Mild to moderate humidity damage to your piano can make the sound muffled or dull. And if it’s severe humidity damage? It could mean you never play that piano again.
And If Your Piano Is Stored Somewhere Very Dry?
Dry air like we have in Los Angeles in the summer creates its own problems for your piano.
-
Parts can rattle.
-
Components get loose, making them more likely to get damaged.
-
Keys can start to get noisy.
-
Wooden parts of the piano can shrink, which leads to cracks.
-
The soundboard can shrink which lowers the pitch.
-
Felt shrinks.
Again, depending on how severe the damage is, you may need repairs or the piano may be beyond help afterwards.
Secure
Pianos can be expensive, and mean a great deal emotionally to the professional or amateur pianist alike.
With Air1 Moving & Storage you can breathe easy while you’re apart. Because your piano in storage is totally safe from vandalism and theft.
Temperature Control
Most people don’t consider the temperature of piano storage because at home the piano is at room temperature. You and your family like it that way, and so does your piano.
So it’s important not to leave your piano in any storage facility where there are extremes of temperature.
The ideal temperature for a piano in storage is between 65-78 degrees Fahrenheit. This will mean you get it out of storage in exactly the same condition you left it.
What Happens When Pianos Get Too Hot?
-
The wood expands.
-
The strings expand and get out of tune.
-
The felt can loosen.
And When Pianos Get Too Cold?
-
Metal parts can rust if it’s cold and damp.
-
The wood contracts and warps.
-
Strings contract and have to be re-tuned.
Free From Pests
The last thing you want is for pests to nest in your beautiful piano. Unfortunately, your piano contains spaces that look like a good home to pests such as cockroaches and rodents.
Mice and other sharp-toothed pests can also gnaw away at wooden and felt parts. Or, even worse, make a meal of the whole piano in the case of termites.
So when you look for piano storage in Los Angeles, be sure to choose one like Air1 Moving & Storage with effective pest control.
Before Putting Your Piano In Storage, Clean It
You should have your piano thoroughly cleaned and polished before storing it. This is because any dust or crumbs could attract pests. Also, dirt inside can damage a piano permanently over time.
Moving A Piano
We’re expert Los Angeles piano movers so here are our tips on how to do it right.
Don’t Do Any Heavy Lifting Yourself
Do you have a bad back? Perhaps it won’t surprise you to know that 80% of Americans suffer back pain at some point in our lives. In fact, we spend a painful $50 billion every year on back treatment.
Don’t risk a DIY piano move. Expert piano movers with the right equipment make sure everyone stays safe and uninjured.
Make Sure The Team Is Experienced In Piano Moves
Moving a piano is not like moving a couch. Sure, they’re both big and heavy. But pianos don’t really like being moved at all, so it’s a very delicate business. Putting a foot wrong when moving with a piano can ruin the piano permanently.
No Tape!
We love that smooth surface on pianos as much as you do. That’s why we don’t touch it with tape, which would ruin the finish. We’ll wrap it up carefully to protect it before moving it.
Professional Equipment, Licensing And Insurance
We have specialized equipment including a heavy load bearing dolly, which is a specialist moving platform. Air1 Moving & Storage is also fully licensed and insured for piano moves.
Everything Needs To Be Secured By The Piano Movers
That means the lid needs to be secured shut for one. Also the pedals should be covered and protected.
Plan Your Route
Expert movers will help you with this. Where’s the piano going in your new home? How will you get it out of the home you’re in now? Doorways, stairs and slopes are all important.
We will measure up the route in advance if necessary so that there are no surprises.
Call Us If You’re Moving With A Piano, Or For Piano Storage In Los Angeles
Your piano is important to you, so make sure you give it the best treatment. Contact Air1 Moving & Storage to pack up, move or store your piano seamlessly.
We’ll be glad to take your call at (866) 750-3386. Alternatively, please write to us using our contact form, or email us at [email protected].
