Moving a piano in cold weather and winter

We move pianos every week of the year, including through the coldest months. Winter moves are perfectly manageable, but they do introduce some specific factors that are worth understanding before you book.

How cold affects a piano

Cold is not the main enemy. What causes problems is the combination of cold and humidity change, and then warm and dry again, which is exactly what happens when a piano moves from a centrally heated room, sits in a cold van for some hours, and then arrives in a different centrally heated space.

The wooden components of a piano, in particular the soundboard, the bridges and the pin block, absorb and release moisture as the humidity around them changes. Cold air typically holds less moisture, and British winter air can be damp outside and very dry indoors when the heating is running. A piano moving between these environments will experience a sharper humidity swing than the same move in summer.

What this means for tuning

A piano moved in cold weather is likely to need tuning a few weeks after delivery, as it would after any move. Allow the piano to acclimatise fully before calling the tuner, and in cold-weather conditions, extend that waiting period. If the piano moves in January and the room is kept at a consistent temperature, a tuning appointment three to four weeks after delivery is sensible. The pitch will be more stable at that point than if you rush to tune it in the first week.

What the crew does

The transit cover we use is a top-of-range, triple-thickness fitted cover that wraps the piano completely. This provides a degree of thermal buffer during loading and the journey, protecting the case from temperature shock and from condensation that can form when a cold surface meets warm, damp indoor air.

On the day, we allow the piano a few minutes after arrival before removing the cover, to give the case temperature a chance to begin equalising with the room rather than moving from cold to warm instantly. This is standard practice in cold weather.

Ground conditions

Ice, wet leaves and muddy ground all affect the loading and unloading process. We plan the approach route and the parking point as part of the pre-move preparation. If the property has a path or drive that becomes difficult in frost, tell us when you book so we can plan the safest approach.

Practical steps for a winter piano move

• Warm the destination room to its normal temperature before the piano arrives, not after
• Have a dry route from the van to the front door cleared of ice and leaves
• Wait three to four weeks before booking the tuner
• Avoid placing the piano next to a radiator or directly under a central heating vent, which can cause localised drying

Booking a winter piano move

We move pianos in January, February and throughout winter on the same set weekly routes. The price is the same regardless of season, and you get the same fully insured specialist move. Book online at book.pianospeed.com or call 020 7164 0000. PianoSpeed is rated 4.9 out of 5 on Trustpilot from 77 reviews.