Piano Moving Tips

Moving a piano is quite a task. Piano moving can never be underestimated. Considering the price and the weight of any piano (as also its sentimental value), it is always advisable to hire professional piano movers to move a piano. They might charge you a good amount of money but then they are experts in handling piano moving procedure with all their specialized piano moving equipment. However, if you can not afford to hire a specialty mover then read on these piano moving tips to get an idea about how to move a piano safely?

• Measure the piano as well as all the doorways, stairs and any other turns from where the piano will have to be carried through. Properly count the stairs. If climbing down, count the stairs by standing at the top and by counting how many times you will have to put your leg down (including the last step which is ground and usually not taken as a step). When counting upstairs, stand below and count how many times you will have to lift your foot until you stand on top of the landing.
• Arrange for at least four strong people (people with strong backs) for moving piano. They should all  wear non-skid gloves to get a better grip on the piano.
• Get some piano moving equipment- buy or borrow- but get them ( you have to spend a little money if you don't want your valuable piano to get damaged).  Some of such equipment include a piano moving dolly ( heavy duty or grand piano dolly based on the type of your piano), a skid board or a self-lifting piano truck; straps to secure the piano to the dolly or truck; stretch wrap; and piano moving pads that are closely quilted.
• For packing the piano, wrap it in furniture pads and secure it with rubber bands. Wrap the piano with stretch wrap by walking round and round the piano so that the pad is tightened.
• While moving the piano, all the four people have to work as a team. Also, the piano moving equipment should be used properly. There should be just the proper balance in carrying the piano. The piano should not be allowed to wobble much from left-to-right and from front-to-back when carrying it up or down the steps.

It will be better to know about the piano moving procedure adopted by the professional piano movers as well. To do so, read How Professional Piano Movers Move a Piano?

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Self Service Moving- Things to Consider

Many people do not want to take all the services of packing and moving from the professional movers. Most of the time, the reason is the cost of such services. People who want to have budget moving go for self service moving for which many options are available these days- truck rentals, DIY moving and many such other options. However, to make self moves effective, one should be careful enough and consider certain factors. Some of such pointers are mentioned here for those desiring to move on their own.

• Decide to opt for self service moving only when you are moving to a shorter distance. Long distance moving without professional help can be very painful.
• If you decide to hire truck rental, ensure that the truck is neither too small or too large for your belongings. Use pillows, packings of clothes and such other items as fillers if there are gaps in a somewhat large truck.
• When you opt for DIY moving, the trailer will be left outside your home for about two days to load your goods. Utilize the opportunity to the maximum and take as less space for loading as possible. The lesser space you use, lesser amount you'll have to pay. Discard the items that are not necessary to take along.
• Ensure that the truck driver has the required documents and a valid truck driving license that is acceptable to both jurisdictions- originating location as well as the destination.
• Most of the moving companies charge additional fee for such services as carrying objects up and down the stairs, transferring goods from a large moving truck to a smaller vehicle and to home. Thus ask clearly about all such charges before signing the contract. After all you are taking so much pain to save money, why pay without knowing?
• For self service moving, generally the companies are not liable for compensating any damage. Inquire about the moving insurance and get proper coverage for your shipment.

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Relocation- Do You Need Unpacking Services?

Relocating is always a stressful activity. It involves such works that are really pain to do- first you have to pack all your things and then load, unload and unpack them again. Unpacking is far more strenuous job than even packing and if you remember your last move, you can still feel the ache in your stomach. I am sure, you can even find one or two packed boxes lying in some corner of your home waiting to be unpacked. So, do you think that you must avail of the unpacking services offered by many moving companies? Let's analyze!

When do you need unpacking services?

You have moved in your new house in a new city on a very short notice of your company. You packed your belongings in a real hurry, not in an organized way. Now you have been informed by your office that you have to immediately join work. You don't have time- can't manage getting extra time off to unpack. Your work hours also don't give you any time gap that you can utilize for unpacking- at least one box at a time. Even if you manage that you can't find your daily usage items because the box containing them is yet to be unpacked. Your whole life seems to be in a mess. If this is what the usual scene of your home after every shift, then you should seriously think about hiring unpacking services. Also if you are a stay home parents looking after your infants, you can't manage settling them and your belongings at the same time. Go for unpacking services in such situations- they will cost you a little more but will give you peace of mind with, of course and organized home at the very first day of your moving in.

What to look for when hiring unpacking services?

Although, the moving companies differ while offering their unpacking services, they mostly include the following services

• To unpack all the packed boxes.
• To unwrap items, if there is any.
• To make a list of broken items.
• To wipe off the shelves. Some companies also provide extra cleaning services.
• To arrange all the items.
• To organize all the rooms, kitchen drawers, closets and cupboards.
• To hang all the curtains, blinds, arrange tablecloths, sofa covers, hang pictures and set up any other decorative as per your instructions.
• To adjust the clocks to the correct time.
• To assemble all the furniture.
• To unpack the clothing and to make beds.
• To remove all the empty boxes and packing materials.

All these works are done really fast and in a very organized manner. You are always with the representatives of the company doing these works and can instruct them wherever you need to do it.

What is the cost of unpacking services?

Cost will always vary according to the company you have hired but more on the size of your home and the time line of getting unpacking done. Mostly, unpacking is done in a day but if you want it done in half a day, you may have to pay additional charges.

Keep your worries away and if you can afford a little more, go for professional unpacking next time and feel its comfort yourself!

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Pet Relocation- Facts about Flying with Pets

If you are planning for an international relocation, you must also decide about moving your pets with you. Usually, people prefer to leave their pets behind with friends or family if undertaking a short term relocation, say, for a year. However, if moving for longer and flying with your pets, it's better to consider some facts about such pet moving.

If you wish to take your pet along with you in airplane’s cabin, you must carry it in a small cage that can fit under your seat. Some airlines allow such an arrangement. However, tropical birds like parrots are generally not allowed in the cabin, though some other small birds are allowed to travel this way. If you cannot fit your pet in small cage under your seat then you will be required to ship it as baggage into the cargo bay. Get information about the temperature and air pressure in the cargo bay before you book a flight because traveling in such a manner can affect the health of your pet. Get your pet acquainted with the kennel or container by placing the pet in it for quite a few days before flight. To give feeling of familiarity, place some familiar toys or your clothing items in it during transportation. Don't use sedatives during the trip. If it becomes unavoidable, consult the veterinarian and use it as a last resort. If you have shortage of time and can afford a little higher pet transportation cost then consider hiring pet relocation services for safe pet moving.

Know more facts about pet moving.

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