Moving a piano isn’t a simple task. It’s not just about weight—it’s about protecting a delicate, expensive instrument with hundreds of finely tuned parts. A wrong move can damage the frame, throw off the tuning, or even crack the soundboard. That’s why it’s best to trust professionals.

At Red Carpet Moving in Washington DC, piano relocation is handled with care, precision, and experience. Here’s how they do it and what you need to know to protect your instrument.

Why professional movers matter

Pianos are heavy, oddly shaped, and difficult to maneuver. Most upright pianos weigh at least 300 pounds. Grand pianos can top 1,200. Moving one through a narrow hallway or down a staircase takes more than strength, it requires training and the right tools.

Red Carpet Moving has the experience needed to navigate these challenges. Their crew uses custom dollies, padding, lifting straps, and climate-controlled trucks. They also know when disassembly is necessary and how to reassemble the piano safely at its destination.

Preparing your piano for the move

Before the movers arrive, the piano must be properly prepped. That means securing the lid and covering the surface with thick blankets to prevent scratches. If you’re moving a grand or baby grand, the legs and pedals may be taken off to make the move easier and safer.

It’s also important to avoid tuning the piano before the move. Instead, wait until it has settled into its new location. Changes in temperature and humidity can affect its tuning, so let it acclimate for a week before scheduling a tune-up.

Red Carpet Moving starts every job with an on-site assessment. This includes measuring doorways, staircases, and identifying potential obstacles. Their careful planning ensures your piano makes it from one home to another without surprise complications.

How your piano stays protected during the move

On moving day, your piano is loaded with care into a truck that’s set up to protect it from shocks and temperature swings. Red Carpet uses climate-controlled vehicles to prevent moisture damage, which can cause serious issues for the wood and strings.

Inside the truck, the piano is secured with padded straps and positioned to avoid shifting. Upright pianos are kept upright, laying them on their side can damage the internal structure. With every detail considered, the move stays safe from start to finish.

After the piano arrives

Once the piano reaches your new home, it’s carefully unloaded and placed in its proper spot. Red Carpet’s crew handles the reassembly, ensuring everything is back in working order.

But the job isn’t over yet. Your piano will need time to adjust to its new environment. Temperature and humidity changes can impact how it sounds and plays. Give it at least a week before calling a tuner. This waiting period allows the instrument to stabilize, reducing the risk of future tuning issues.

Questions to ask before hiring a piano mover

Before you hire anyone to move your piano, ask the right questions to make sure they know what they’re doing. Start by asking how often they move pianos. Moving furniture is one thing, moving a piano is a whole different job. You want someone who has real experience.

Next, ask if their trucks are climate-controlled. Pianos don’t do well with heat, cold, or humidity. If you’re moving in the middle of summer or winter, this becomes even more important.

Make sure they have proper insurance. If anything goes wrong, you want to know your piano is covered. A good company will explain what’s included in the price and won’t surprise you with extra charges later.

Work with a team you can trust

Piano moves require more than muscle. They demand experience, the right tools, and a deep understanding of how pianos work. Red Carpet Moving offers all of this and more to customers throughout Washington DC and nearby areas.

With hundreds of successful piano relocations under their belt, they’ve built a reputation for professionalism, safety, and care. If you’re moving and want your piano in safe hands, Red Carpet Moving is ready to help, making sure your instrument arrives in perfect condition, wherever it’s headed next.