What Should I Do About My Valuable Items?

Ask your moving team for a “High-Value” items inventory sheet. Use it to list anything worth $1000 or more. If you have items of extreme value, be sure to have them appraised and provide our driver with a copy of the appraisal. This will make filing a claim for loss or damage easier and lets the packers and movers know you have items of value that must be carefully packed. If a different team is unloading your belongings in your new home be sure they also have a copy of the inventory. This way should anything come up missing or damaged, the detailed inventory will make it far easier for your Richmond movers to try and locate the items or pay for their repair or replacement.

There Are Any Items That Your Protection Policy Does Not Cover?

Coin/ stamp/ card collections/ currency/ money. Appraisals/ Deeds/ Legal Documents/ Manuscripts/ Passports. Computer Backup Disks/ Software Licenses. Negotiable Instruments/ Receipts/ Stocks/ Bonds/ Tax Records. Jewelry/ Precious Stones/ Medications.

Are There Things We Can Do to Help Keep Our Moving Costs Down?

Decluttering, if you don’t use it or its broken get rid of it.Heavy furniture like pool tables and pianos should be sold, offered as part of your home sale, or offered to the new owner. Check to see if you can get a refund on any unused portion of your homeowners’ insurance or see if the balance can be transferred to your new house.Use garages sales, family, friends, and charities to dispose of usable items.Never ship things like lumber, wood, lawn and garden supplies, paints, any types of chemicals, or gasoline. Most are on the Do Not Ship list and the rest are just more dead weight. If it won’t fit in your new home, why ship it and pay for storage. Copy CDs/DVDs onto your computers and sell them. Don’t ship heavy garage/shop furniture. Use large planters to pack small things. Any deposits you are owed should be collected before you move. Same for any club memberships or dues.

Can I Deduct the Cost of Moving On My Taxes?

As your Richmond movers, we recommend you talk to a tax accountant or specialist to confirm what you may or may not be able to deduct. However, there are a few common costs that can be deducted in most instances such as: Packing, shipping/transportation, and unpacking. Shipping your car. Hotel expenses during the trip to your new home. Moving your pets. Many other deductions will be based on the reason you are moving, including: You are moving to start a new job. You will be employed full-time for at least 39 weeks during your first year in your new home. Moving because you are in the military or you are moving to another country because of work. Self-employed must work at least 39 weeks of year one and a total of 72 weeks during the first two years. Your new job must be at least fifty miles away from your old home and closer to your new one.

Are There Things I Need to Take Care of Before Moving Day Arrives?

Unhook and disconnect all appliances and electronics, mark cables for ease of reassembly. Clean and dry dishes to prevent mold and bacteria growth. Remove ink/toner cartridges to prevent leaks (this type of damage is not covered). Backup your computer files onto discs, the cloud, or an external hard drive. Clean and dry all appliances, water can freeze and cause serious damage. Remove any CDs or DVDs from electronics to prevent warpage that can lead to damage. Hang and fold your clothes, the packers won’t do this.

Are There Any Reservations I Need to Make?

If you are moving out of an apartment building, you may need to: Make sure there is room in the parking lot as many local moving companies use a truck that measures 75 feet long. If parking permits are needed, you may need to be the one to secure them. Reserving the freight elevator if there is one, or the main one if not to make things easier for the movers.

What Should I Leave Until the Last Minute Before My Richmond Movers Arrive?

Clean all perishables from the fridge and freezer, your grill, garbage cans, and unhook garden hoses. Get rid of anything you don’t plan to ship so you are paying to ship these items. Remove bedding from all mattresses. Remove loose items, liquids, and anything fragile from dresser drawers. Strip the walls of paintings, photos, mirrors, and window treatments. Pack your travel suitcases and keep them in a separate place to avoid the local moving companies putting them in boxes and on the truck. Leave all boxes you have packed unsealed for the movers to verify you aren’t shipping anything you shouldn’t be.

The Ultimate Guide to Moving a Piano Safely

Posted on: Thursday, March 12th, 2026

Moving a piano safely takes more than just muscle. You kind of have to think ahead, plan each step, and make sure you have the right help. Hiring a skilled moving company can make things a lot easier, especially when you consider the weight and awkward size of a piano.

It’s not just about lifting. You need padding, straps, a solid dolly, gloves, and maybe even tools if you need to take parts apart. Measuring doorways, clearing obstacles, and knowing exactly how you’re going to get it from point A to point B makes a huge difference. Honestly, a bit of preparation can save a lot of stress and your piano.

Assessing the Piano and Surroundings

Before doing anything, take a good look at the piano and the spaces you’ll be moving it through. Check the piano itself for any loose keys, pedals, or parts that could shift. You don’t want a surprise wobble halfway through.

Then, walk the route. Measure doorways, hallways, and stairways. Note uneven floors or ramps. Knowing these details ahead of time means fewer hiccups when you actually start moving the piano. It’s a small step, but it makes the whole process smoother.

Gathering the Necessary Equipment

Next, get your gear together. You’ll need furniture blankets or padding to protect the piano from scratches. A heavy-duty dolly with rubber wheels is a lifesaver for safely moving that weight.

Don’t forget moving straps to secure it to the dolly. Have gloves ready for grip and hand protection. And, if there’s anything that can be disassembled, keep your tools handy. Being prepared with the right equipment just makes everything feel easier.

Securing Proper Help and Support

You really shouldn’t attempt this alone. A piano is heavy and awkward, so having a team is a must. Make sure everyone knows their role: someone handles the weight, someone navigates tight corners, and someone steadies the piano.

Walk through the route with the team before lifting anything. Talk to each other and keep communication clear. Trust me, the more everyone’s on the same page, the less likely something is to go wrong.

Planning the Route and Technique

Before lifting, check the route again. Clear obstacles, watch for tripping hazards, and think about the best way to move over uneven surfaces.

Measure everything. You don’t want the piano scraping a doorway or getting stuck halfway through. Planning your technique is almost as important as the lift itself. A careful approach saves a lot of headaches.

Safely Lifting and Transporting the Piano

When it’s time to lift, go slow. Close the lid, secure it, and lift from the legs or underneath the body, never from the keys. Use your straps or blankets to protect the finish and edges.

Move steadily. Sudden jerks can damage the piano or hurt someone. Keep talking to each other; coordinate every step. A smooth lift and steady transport is the trick to keeping the piano safe.

Setting up the Piano in Its New Location

Once you’re inside, check the spot. Make sure it’s clear, flat, and level. This avoids future balance or stability issues.

Place furniture pads or blankets under the legs to protect the floor. Use a level to ensure the piano sits straight. Then, give it some time, at least a day, to acclimate to temperature and humidity changes. This little pause helps the piano adjust and keeps it in great condition.

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