Frequently asked questions

Yes. GrandGuard Piano Services specializes exclusively in grand and upright pianos. We do not move household goods or other items. This focus allows us to provide a higher level of care, planning, and oversight tailored specifically to the unique requirements of piano moving and storage.

We believe in transparent local pricing. For local transport within 30 miles of the D.C. metro area, our standard baseline moving rates are:   Upright Pianos: $395 base rate Grand Pianos: $495 base rate Please note that specific logistical factors, such as navigating stairs ($10 per step), may affect the final quote. Contact our team today for a precise, comprehensive estimate!

A concierge service means we personally manage and oversee every aspect of your piano’s care before, during, and after a move. This includes move planning, logistics and carrier coordination, delivery, placement, and follow-up, as well as coordinating professional services such as cleaning and detailing, tuning, and repairs when requested. Clients have one trusted point of contact throughout the entire process.

Yes. As part of our concierge service, GrandGuard Piano Services can coordinate professional piano cleaning and detailing, tuning, regulation, and select repair services through trusted piano technicians. These services are optional and can be scheduled before or after a move, depending on your needs.

It can be — especially during a long-distance move or a storage stay. When your piano is with us for a period of time rather than just a few hours, it's the natural moment to address cosmetic cabinet work — light scratches, finish touch-up, corner or edge repair, cleaning, and general detailing — without scheduling a separate visit or handling the instrument twice. If timing and scope allow, we can coordinate this care while your piano is already in our hands, so it arrives at its new home looking its best.

We recommend reaching out at least one to two weeks in advance to ensure your preferred date. However, if you have an urgent situation—we will always do our best to accommodate you.

Navigating a home’s architecture is the most technical part of any move. Our team is specifically trained to handle these challenges with precision and care: Specialized Equipment: We use heavy-duty skid boards, padded stair rollers, and non-marking rubber dollies designed specifically for pianos. This allows us to move a grand or upright safely without relying on brute force alone. Property Protection: To protect your home, we use floor runners, door jamb protectors, and specialized padding to ensure your hardwood, tile, and walls remain in pristine condition throughout the process. Detailed Planning: For moves involving sharp turns, narrow landings, or multiple flights of stairs, we may ask you to share a few photos or a quick video during the quoting process. This ensures we arrive with the right crew size and the exact tools needed to clear the space safely.

Pianos often require tuning after a move due to changes in environment and handling. As part of our concierge service, we can coordinate post-move tuning or other services with trusted piano technicians if requested.

Yes. For long-distance relocations, we partner with a specialized national carrier and leverage our Steinway Piano Gallery network to ensure your instrument is cared for every step of the way. Whether we are moving a baby grand or a concert grand, this collaboration allows us to provide seamless, door-to-door service across the country, maintaining the same high standards of protection and expertise you would expect from our local moves. Your piano remains professionally managed and protected through every stage of its journey.

Yes. Every piano move is fully insured, typically up to $100,000. If your instrument requires a higher valuation, we are happy to arrange additional coverage upon request to ensure you have complete peace of mind.

Yes. We provide secure, climate-controlled storage for the DC metropolitan area at our facility in North Bethesda, MD. Whether you are redoing your floors or moving between homes, our space is specifically designed to keep your grand or upright at a consistent temperature and humidity level. This ensures the wood and delicate internal components are protected until you are ready for delivery.

Yes. Our concierge service is experienced in handling modern player systems. We take extra precautions with the sensitive electronics and additional weight associated with these systems to ensure they are moved safely and function perfectly in their new home.

We offer professional piano evaluations based on firsthand experience with pianos and the market, and — in partnership with Steinway Piano Gallery — we can also arrange official insurance appraisals for coverage, estate, or donation purposes. Whether you're insuring, selling, settling an estate, or simply deciding whether an instrument is worth moving, we're glad to help you understand its condition and value.