Moving Day in Florida: Safe Transport for Pianos, Guitars & Violins (RH 40–50%)

Moving across Central Florida? Heat, sun, and sudden storms make instruments vulnerable—but damage is preventable. Use this RH 40–50% plan for pianos, guitars, and violins/viola/cello so your sound arrives exactly how it left.

At B Amazing Music, our background-checked instructors teach one-on-one, in your home across Winter Garden, Windermere, Lake Buena Vista, Ocoee, Clermont, and Apopka. We’ll help you prep, place, and re-stabilize instruments after the move—you’ll love your teacher, or we’ll make it right.

Quick Answer (screenshot this)

• Target humidity: Keep instruments near RH 40–50% before, during (as possible), and after the move.
• Avoid heat/sun: Never leave instruments in a closed car or direct sun.
• Acclimate: After arrival, case closed for 12–24 hours (strings) and 3–7 days before piano tuning.
• Post-move checks: keys/action, neck relief, seams/bridge, tuning stability.
• Red flags: open seams, lifted guitar bridge, sticking piano keys, musty case odor.

Florida Pre-Move Prep (All Instruments)

7–3 days before

• Stabilize the room your instruments sit in: A/C on, RH 40–50% (use a digital hygrometer).
• Inventory + photos: Front/back/serials; note existing marks for peace of mind.
• RH control for cases: Add 2-way humidity packs (40–50%): 1–2 for guitars/violins; 3–4 for cello/large cases.

Day before

• Wipe down strings/fingerboards; loosen bow (strings family).
• Secure small parts: mutes, tuners, pedals, power supplies in labeled pouches.
• Route plan: Load instruments last on, first off. Avoid peak heat windows.

Piano Moving in Florida (Upright & Grand)

Pianos are heavy but delicate. If stairs, turns, or long distances are involved, hire insured piano movers.

Upright

• Wrap in moving blankets + shrink wrap (no tape on finish).
• No dollies over thresholds without ramp protection; keep vertical.
• Truck placement: on the wall side, strapped to rails; avoid wheel wells/doors.

Grand

• Professional crew only: Remove lyre/legs, protect lid/hinges, use a piano board.
• Lid closed & latched; blankets + straps (no pressure on keys).

Arrival

• Placement: Interior wall, away from windows and A/C vents.
• Acclimation: Let the room sit RH 40–50% for 5–7 days, then schedule tuning (earlier tunings won’t hold).
• Quick check (Day 1): Gently play across the keyboard—note sticking keys, uneven action, or clicks.

Guitars (Acoustic/Electric) — Packing & Transport

Packing

• Case only (hard case preferred). Headstock supported with soft cloth; body immobilized so it won’t shift.
• RH packs inside; add a small hygrometer if you have one.
• Strings: Standard tension for short moves; for long/hot trips, detune ½ step only (don’t slack completely).

Transport

• Carry in the cabin, never trunk.
• Shade + A/C during loading; no sun on case.
• Avoid car time >10–15 minutes without A/C.

Arrival (12–24 hours)

• Case stays closed to equilibrate. Then check:
  • Neck relief: Fret 1 & last fret on low E; tiny gap at 7–8th.
  • Action change/buzzes: If high or buzzy after 48–72 hours at RH 45%, book a pro setup.
  • Top/bridge: Look for ripples or lifting (acoustics).

Violins/Viola/Cello — Safe Move Checklist

Packing

• Hard case with shoulder rest in accessory box (not rattling over the top).
• Bow fully loosened; tip and frog cushioned.
• RH packs inside; endpin tightened (cello).
• Bridge upright and centered before closing the case.

Transport

• Cabin only, away from sun/vents.
• Never leave the case in a parked car “for a minute.”

Arrival

• Acclimate closed case 12–24 hours.
• Check: seams (no hairline openings), bridge upright (feet flush), pegs smooth (not slipping/locking).
• If pegs slip: gently re-seat with inward pressure while turning; stabilize case RH.

Moving Day Timeline (print/screenshot)

• T-60 min: Room RH 40–50%, instruments last to load; add RH packs.
• Transit: Cabin only, A/C on, shade instruments.
• Arrival: Instruments first off; place in interior room (no sun/vents).
• +0–24 hours: Cases stay closed (strings).
• +48–72 hours: Light play test (all); guitars/violins minor tune/settle.
• +5–7 days: Piano tuning & minor regulation if needed.

Don’t Do This (Florida Edition)

• Don’t store instruments in a garage or POD in summer.
• Don’t put a piano near sliding doors or A/C vents.
• Don’t slack guitar strings completely (can shift the neck/bridge).
• Don’t force tight pegs or sticky keys—stabilize RH first, then call a pro.

Red-Flag Checklist (Call a Tech/Luthier)

• Piano: Keys not returning, persistent internal clicks, cabinet swelling, or bench/lid water tracks.
• Guitar: Bridge lift, top ripples, severe fret sprout after RH stabilizes.
• Violin/Viola/Cello: Open seams, leaning/collapsing bridge, pegs frozen or slipping constantly.
• Any instrument: Moldy/musty odor that returns after airing and RH control.

Room Placement in the New Home (protect your tone)

• Interior wall, away from windows, kitchens, and bathrooms (humidity spikes).
• Avoid direct sun; use curtains.
• Keep a room hygrometer and aim for RH 40–50% year-round; consider a dehumidifier in rainy season.

FAQ

Should I book a piano tuner the same week I move?
Wait 5–7 days at RH 40–50%. Earlier tunings rarely hold in Florida’s humidity.

Do I need to detune strings for the move?
For local moves, keep normal tension (guitars/violins). For long, hot trips: detune ½ step and use RH packs.

Is a soft gig bag OK for guitar/violin?
For short, personally handled trips, possibly—but hard cases are far safer in a move.

My violin pegs slipped after the move. Is it damage?
Likely humidity change. Stabilize case RH; re-seat pegs with gentle inward pressure. A luthier can fit/condition pegs if it persists.

Want help placing and stabilizing your instruments after the move?

We’ll measure your new music room, set safe placement, choose RH tools, and get you playing again with a simple plan—right in your living room.