Piano Protection: Keeping Your Instrument Safe and Sound

Pianos are far more than just instruments—they are often cherished family heirlooms, significant financial investments and statement pieces in any home. Whether you own a grand piano or an upright, safeguarding it properly helps preserve its elegant appearance and exceptional sound quality for many years. At Piano Movers Extraordinaire, we understand how much your piano means to you, and we’ve seen how a little care and thoughtful placement can make all the difference. Here are some expert tips to help you maintain and protect your piano for the long term.

Shield Your Piano from Harmful Sunlight

Positioning your piano near a window can expose it to one of its greatest enemies: direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause the wood’s finish to fade, and even worse, lead to drying or cracking of internal components. To defend your piano against sun damage, install blinds, curtains or other window treatments that allow you to control the light entering the room.

Alternatively, window tinting is an excellent option to block UV rays while still allowing natural light. Tinting can help minimize glare and provide year-round protection without the hassle of frequently adjusting window coverings.

Be Strategic About Placement—Avoid Exterior Walls

The location of your piano plays a critical role in its longevity. Upright pianos, in particular, should be placed against interior walls whenever possible. Exterior walls tend to be affected more by changes in weather and moisture, which can lead to warping or other internal damage. Interior walls typically maintain a more consistent temperature and humidity level, which helps stabilize your piano’s tuning and structural integrity.

Manage Humidity and Temperature

Like any fine wooden instrument, a piano is extremely sensitive to shifts in temperature and humidity. The ideal room environment should stay between 68-72°F with a relative humidity of 40-50%. If your indoor air tends to be dry or fluctuates seasonally, consider investing in a room humidifier or a dedicated piano humidity control system. This will help maintain the stability of the wood, felt and other delicate internal components.

Clean With Care

Regular cleaning is a simple way to keep your piano looking its best. Use a soft, dry cloth to dust the exterior surfaces frequently. Never use harsh household cleaners or sprays, as these can damage the wood finish. For cleaning the keys, gently wipe with a slightly damp cloth and follow up with a dry one to remove moisture. When it comes to deeper cleaning or maintenance, consult a piano care specialist to avoid unintentional damage.

Protecting Your Piano for the Long Haul

Whether you’ve recently added a piano to your home or are preserving a beloved instrument passed down through generations, regular attention and smart practices can make all the difference. Simple actions—like filtering sunlight, picking the right spot in your home, maintaining climate control, and careful cleaning—can ensure your piano remains beautiful and functional for decades.

Need assistance with piano moving or want help setting up your piano in the best possible location? The team at Piano Movers Extraordinaire is here to help. We handle your piano with the care, precision, and respect it deserves. Call us today at 763-784-8123 or contact us for a free estimate!

The Top 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Piano Moving Company

When it comes to relocating a piano, it’s essential to select a company that understands the specialized care and precision required for such a delicate, valuable instrument. Pianos are not like other household items, and without the proper expertise, they can be easily damaged. Before trusting any company to move your piano, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure your cherished instrument will be handled with the utmost professionalism and care. At Piano Movers Extraordinaire, we encourage you to consider these top 10 questions when selecting a piano moving company in Minneapolis.

1. What Experience Do You Have with Piano Moving?
   Moving pianos is a unique service that requires specific expertise. Always ask how long the company has been in business and, more importantly, how many pianos they move annually. The more experienced they are, the better prepared they will be to handle the unique challenges that arise when moving such an intricate item.
2. Are You Fully Insured?
   Insurance is one of the most critical factors when choosing a piano mover. Make sure that the company is fully insured and that their coverage includes any potential damage to your piano during the move. Request specifics about their insurance policy and what exactly it protects.
3. What Kind of Equipment Do You Use?
   Piano moving requires the use of specialized tools, including dollies, protective padding, straps, ramps and even cranes in certain circumstances. Ask the company about the specific equipment they utilize and how it ensures the safe handling of your piano.
4. How Do You Handle Different Types of Pianos?
   Grand pianos, upright pianos and digital pianos all need different approaches when being moved. Inquire about how the company handles each type, and ensure they have experience moving the specific kind of piano you own.
5. Can You Provide References or Testimonials?
   Reputable piano movers should have no issue providing you with references or directing you to testimonials from past clients. Look for reviews, ratings or testimonials online to get a better understanding of the company’s reputation for delivering quality services.
6. What Steps Do You Take to Protect My Home During the Move?
   Piano moving not only involves protecting the piano itself but also your home. Ask what precautions the company takes to protect your floors, walls, doorways and other vulnerable areas while moving the piano through and out of your home.
7. Do You Offer a Written Estimate?
   A trustworthy piano moving company should provide a clear, detailed written estimate that breaks down all the costs associated with the move. Be sure to ask for this in writing before you agree to the service, so you can avoid any surprise fees later on.
8. What Is Your Piano Moving Process?
   Understanding how a company handles the piano moving process from start to finish can give you peace of mind. Ask about everything from disassembly (if applicable) to reassembly and even tuning after the move. Make sure you’re clear on what steps they take to ensure a smooth and safe relocation.
9. Are Your Movers Trained Specifically for Piano Moving?
   Moving a piano is not a job for just any moving team—it requires special training and experience. Ask whether their movers are specifically trained in handling pianos and if they have the skills to manage potential challenges during the process.
10. What Happens if There Are Delays or Issues During the Move?
    Things don’t always go as planned. Inquire about how the company handles unexpected delays, such as bad weather, or access problems that could interfere with the move. Having this knowledge upfront will help you feel more secure about their ability to complete the job, no matter the circumstances.

By asking these essential questions, you can be confident that you are choosing a qualified, professional piano moving company that is well-equipped to handle the task at hand. At Piano Movers Extraordinaire, we pride ourselves on being able to confidently answer all these questions, giving our clients the peace of mind they need to trust us with their valuable pianos.

Moving a piano is a significant undertaking, but with the right company, it can be a seamless and stress-free experience. Don’t settle for less than the best when it comes to moving your piano. Choose Piano Movers Extraordinaire as your trusted piano moving specialists in Minneapolis and the greater Twin Cities area. Contact us today at 763-784-8123 or request a free estimate to get started!

Make Piano Moving and Storage a Harmonious Process

In the realm of music, pianos transcend mere instruments; they embody emotion, serve as conduits of expression, and hold cherished memories within their wooden frames. Whether whispering a gentle lullaby or commanding a grand concerto, pianos encapsulate the essence of musical enchantment. But what happens when it's time to transport or store these beloved instruments? This is where Piano Movers Extraordinaire steps in, offering unparalleled expertise in piano moving and storage in the Twin Cities area.

A Symphony of Expertise

Moving a piano requires more than just strength—it demands finesse, precision and an intimate understanding of the instrument's delicate mechanics. At Piano Movers Extraordinaire, our team of highly trained professionals approaches each move with meticulous care and attention to detail. From uprights to grands, we handle pianos of all shapes and sizes, effortlessly navigating tight corners, staircases, and narrow hallways to ensure safe transport.

A Harmonious Partnership

We recognize that your piano is not merely furniture—it's a cherished part of your home or business. That's why we treat each instrument as if it were our own, taking every precaution to protect it during transit. With padded blankets, straps and dollies, along with our climate-controlled storage facility, we safeguard your piano from bumps, scratches and temperature fluctuations, preserving its pristine condition.

The Sound of Satisfaction

What sets us apart is not just our technical expertise, but our unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. From the initial quote to the final delivery, our team prioritizes providing you with a seamless and stress-free experience. We understand the challenges of moving, and we strive to address any concerns or questions you may have along the way, whether you're relocating within the Twin Cities area or seeking short or long-term storage solutions.

A Crescendo of Excellence

In the realm of piano moving and storage, Piano Movers Extraordinaire stands as your trusted local expert. With decades of experience, a dedication to quality, and a relentless pursuit of customer satisfaction, we ensure that your piano journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

Don’t settle for anything less. Choose Piano Movers Extraordinaire and let us help you unlock the melody of your dreams with piano moving and storage throughout the Twin Cities area. Call Piano Movers Extraordinaire today at 763-784-8123 or contact us for a free estimate!

How to Tell When it’s Time for Piano Disposal

Do you have a piano that’s been in your family for generations? An instrument so loved and with so many memories? But when you sit down to play, one of the keys just doesn’t sound like it used to or maybe doesn’t play at all. Or maybe the exterior of the piano is damaged and cracked after years of love and memory making.

Pianos are the most complex instrument, each with thousands of moving parts that must work together in harmony to create music. However, when some of those parts stop working, the once soothing music becomes just a memory.

When it’s time to consider piano disposal in St Paul, Piano Movers Extraordinaire is here to help you through your decision.

Is it Worth Repairing Your Piano?

Sometimes deciding to let go can be hard, and that’s okay. You should be completely sure of your decision and that’s why we recommend considering whether it’s worth it to repair your piano. Sometimes a repair may be worth the money that it would cost to fix it, but that’s not always the case.

We highly recommend that before you decide to dispose of your old piano, that first you consider reconditioning. We even have recommendations for piano restorers and refinishers to contact in the area to make it easier for you!

Once you have received estimates on how much it would cost to repair your piano, it’s time for you to make your decision. Is your piano worth repairing?

When making your decision, here are some questions for you to consider:

-        Is the original quality good enough to restore?

-        Will it cost more to repair it than to replace it?

-        Is the overall condition of the piano good?

These three questions can help ease your mind that you are making the right decision, no matter what choice you end up making. The last thing you need when disposing of a treasured family artifact is the regret that maybe you should have done more.

Is it Time to Dispose of Your Piano?

If you have already made up your mind that your piano is not worth repairing, then the next step is piano disposal. Piano Movers Extraordinaire has professionals available to answer any questions you may have about disposing of your piano. We understand that it can be an emotional decision, especially if the piano was passed down to you by a loved one. We’re happy to talk you through your decision.

Once you are settled on disposing of your piano in St Paul, call us today at 763-784-8123 or contact us for a free estimate!

Don’t Move Your Piano On Your Own

Are you planning to move? Great! Are you planning to move your piano on your own? Don’t even think about it! As the expert piano movers for Dakota County and the surrounding areas, we would like to cover the reasons why you should never move your piano on your own. 

 For one, pianos are heavy. Even smaller upright pianos can weigh over five hundred pounds. How heavy a piano becomes a major factor in how difficult they are to move. It is easy for people to think they can move a piano on their own, but every single piano expert would advise against it. Do-it-yourself piano moving is incredibly difficult and dangerous. 

 

You could also cause damage to your piano. While pianos are heavy and hefty, they are also quite delicate. They have intricate moving parts which are responsible for the rich sounds they produce. Most people choose to have their piano tuned shortly after a move after it is re-acclimated to the new place. However, inexperienced piano movers can also cause significant damage to the piano’s inner workings, which can cost quite a bit of money to repair. If the piano is significantly damaged, it may not be repairable or tunable at all. Those who try a DIY piano move to save money could actually end up costing themselves far more in repair than it would have cost to hire professional piano movers in the first place. 

 

Did you know that some of the heaviest pianos can weigh more than a thousand pounds?! Moving something this heavy means a lot of turning, twisting and bending especially if the movers are inexperienced and ill-equipped. The result is often severe personal injury. Many people underestimate how complicated it is to move a piano, even a short distance. Once they try to lift it, reality sets in. 

 

Pianos are not just heavy, they’re also irregularly shaped. The piano’s shape makes it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, especially when stairs or sharp corners are involved. When pianos collide with walls, flooring, and other objects, the results can be lasting and catastrophic. The sheer weight of the piano will easily dent or crack walls, flooring and furniture, which can cost quite a bit to be repaired. 

 

At Piano Movers Extraordinaire, our professional piano movers are familiar with piano construction and have the tools, manpower, and experience necessary to transport them. Fortunately, our professional piano movers can make the moving process easy. 

 

Are you interested in learning more about our piano movers serving the Dakota County area? Give Piano Movers Extraordinaire a call at 763-784-8123 or fill out our form for a free estimate.

How Piano Playing Can Help Relieve Stress During Uncertain Times

Why not make the most of your time at home and revive a lost hobby or pick up a new one? Music tends to be a common cord that many people have been able to relax to. You may already be aware of some of the many benefits that come from playing and/or listening to piano music. Perhaps you’ve always felt great after playing and never really understood why. We are here to talk pianos! We ourselves have decided to cancel our piano moving services temporarily as a response to join in the Stay at Home Minnesota advice we are all receiving from our political leaders, health experts and news media. It is a step in the direction to look after the safety of our customers, our employees and their families. We will answer phones for estimates on future moves, and we will resume our piano moving services as soon as we safely can. Until then, keep playing and enjoying your piano! We look forward to serving you in the future.

As the trusted piano movers for Minneapolis and the surrounding areas, we would like to tell you more about the many benefits of playing the piano. For one, playing music, especially the piano, can boost your mental, emotional, and even physical health. According to some experts piano sharpens fine motor skills, improves hand-eye coordination and overall dexterity. It may even reduce the onset and impact of cardiovascular issues, respiratory problems, and more.

Unlike some instruments that require a lot of equipment and/or a backup band, playing the piano is ideal for an individual. So, there’s no better instrument to play during a time of social distancing. And, these are just some of the benefits to playing your beloved piano. And, playing for your family can help bring everyone together and offer hours of entertainment!

Did you know that studies have shown that when people learn to play the piano, their stress levels drop and their happiness actually rises? There’s a good reason why people have been playing the piano for hundreds of years. Piano music has influenced every genre out there from country to pop to classical to rap to metal. But did you know it can even sharpen brain function? According to cognitive experts, regular play stimulates the brain and helps retain memory. It’s a great exercise for the brain and can help keep you sharp!

Are you interested in learning more about our piano movers serving Minneapolis and the surrounding areas, give Piano Movers Extraordinaire a call at 763-784-8123 or fill out our form for a free estimate.

Piano Movers Move Your Piano with Expertise

With the proper care and attention, a piano should last for years. Whether you’ve had your piano in your home for decades or you’ve moved it several times over the years, you want it to sound as great as the day you got it. As the trusted piano movers for the St Paul area, we know a thing or two about pianos and about moving pianos. In fact, we are piano lovers ourselves! That’s why we’ve decided to put together some tips to help keep your piano in good working order.

The trick is to be aware of the factors that can affect your piano: both musically and environmentally. That includes considerations such as placement, upkeep, proper moving, sound absorption and more. Here are some things to keep in mind.

First, you should regularly play your piano. It is one of the most important things you can do for your piano. One of the reasons you invested in this timeless instrument is likely so that it can actually be played. Playing your piano ensures consistent sound quality, key function, and other factors.

Another important part of overall piano maintenance and care is to schedule regular tunings. A piano is susceptible to changes in environmental conditions, including fluctuating temperatures, high or low humidity, and more. We have put together a list of local piano tuners and technicians that you can reference to find one that will work for you.

Also, remember to put a focus on regular cleaning for your piano. You’ll want to be sure that the inner workings of the instrument including its strings, key pads, and other areas are functioning properly. If your piano won’t be used for some time, it makes sense to invest in professional storage. 

Once you’ve found a piano that matches your interest and want to bring it home, the next step is to partner with local piano movers that will treat the instrument with the utmost care and respect, en route to its final destination. Or, if you’re moving to a new home, it is essential you find dependable piano movers like Piano Movers Extraordinaire who know how to properly move a piano from one location to another. We’ve built a solid reputation as the premier piano movers for the Twin Cities and will treat your piano with the utmost of care!

Are you ready to learn more about piano movers serving St Paul and the surrounding areas? Give Piano Movers Extraordinaire a call at 763-784-8123 or fill out our form for a free estimate.