Moving overseas – whether for a job, a military assignment, or simply a change of pace – can be extremely exciting, as well as extremely nerve-wracking. However, when that moving involves taking your beloved piano with you, you may become even more anxious about moving such a delicate piece of machinery over the ocean to your new home. So how can you alleviate a bit of that anxiety? If you're looking for tips for moving your piano overseas, then here's what you need to know.

Prepare to Move

Before you even think about moving your piano, make sure it's prepared for the ride. Thoroughly clean every bit of the piano – don't just wipe the keys and dust the top – then make sure to lock any cabinetry and ensure that any moving parts inside the piano are tied down securely. After that, you're ready to close down and lock the piano itself – ensure you've done everything you need to first, as you shouldn't reopen the piano till it reaches your new home. Once that's done, finish off the preparation by wrapping it in blankets and/or pads to ensure that nothing gets scratched, scuffed, or chipped in the transportation process.

Control the Environment

Pianos are extremely sensitive to rapid temperature or humidity changes, so take every opportunity to control its climate the best you can. Ensure that your movers can have the piano in a climate-controlled space, and wrap the piano in plastic to insulate it from the aggressions of Mother Nature even further. If your piano has to be stored for a week or two before actually arriving at your home (depending on when you have to send it with your movers and when you'll get to your new home), ensure that its storage area will also be climate-controlled.

Use the Proper Tools

Your movers should actually behave like movers, not like a few friends you asked to come lift away your piano, so make sure to ask your company first whether or not they've moved pianos overseas before, and don't go with a company that tells you no. Pianos need special tools to move them over long distances; these tools help ensure the piano itself doesn't get damaged, and are absolutely a requirement. Once the piano gets to your new home, don't let the movers try to walk it up stairs or anything; ensure there's a way to get the piano where you want it (piano boards or a freight elevator are you best bets) and never try to position it yourself. It may be a little extra to have the movers get the piano inside and in position, but it's worth it to have your piano arrive safe and sound in its new place.

For more information, contact Caccamise Moving & Storage Co or a similar company.

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