How to Store a Piano
Posted on 20/08/2014
Moving a piano can require a lot of effort and planning, but it’s also important to store the instrument correctly, if you can’t move it into the desired location immediately due to space constraints or other issues. Below are a few things to consider when storing your piano that can help avoid any unwanted damage and associated repair costs.
Before you store
Before placing the piano in storage of any kind, make sure to give it a good clean and wipe down. Secure the keyboard lid and ensure it’s locked, then wrap the piano in blankets or other soft covering. You can bind the covering to the instrument using tape or string. Making sure your piano is clean and in good condition will allow you to identify any damage that may have occurred in storage (although hopefully none will).
Where to store a piano?
In many cases, you might be think that using a storage company to look after your piano is a good option, however, be very careful before you commit to this idea. Pianos are very sensitive to temperature, and being locked away in a storage container for 6 months at cold temperatures will not do the instrument any favours. You’ll also want to avoid anywhere that has a lot of temperature change, as this will cause the wood to expand and contract rapidly, which can lead to damage. The best option, but not always a possible one, is to give it to a friend to look after, who will use the instrument. Sometime this won’t be possible, so if you have to use a storage company, make sure to check to see if they offer temperature controlled storage, as this will be a safe alternative.
Useful things to know when storing
If you are storing your piano for a very long time period, then there are a few things you can do to make sure there is no damage occurring. It’s always a good idea to check in on the instrument periodically. This way, if you do find any problems, you can begin to address them immediately, before they get any worse. You can also pick up a humidifier which will help protect the instrument against excess moisture. When actually storing the piano, leave it in its natural upright position. Placing any piano on its side for long periods of time will cause severe problems to the inner workings of the instrument and cost a lot to repair. If you have to store a piano on its side long term for any reason, then check with a professional piano tuner what you can do protect it, as you can remove some inner workings to make sure they are not damaged if the instrument has to be stored on its side for a long time.
Removing from Storage
The first thing you will want to do is have a check for any damage to the body, which you can do yourself. Secondly, get a piano tuner to come and examine the inner workings and make sure everything is as it should be. The instrument will need tuning anyway after a long period of storage, so while you have the piano tuner round it’s a good idea to get them to take a look at all aspects of the instrument.
