There may come a time in your life when either moving or house refurbishing that you may need to have your piano put in storage. As you care for your piano with the utmost attention you want to find a piano storage facility that does just that, stores piano, not just any storage unit. So, what we would like to offer here is some very important suggestions for you to consider before deciding on a storage facility for your prized possession.
As a piano owner, you may already know that you should keep it at an ideal temperature and relative humidity level (42%) to maintain its value and condition. You should also keep it away from direct sunlight, vents, fireplaces, windows or outside walls where it will endure extreme swings in temperature or humidity.
But what can the humidity and heat or cold extremes do to your piano?
Swelling and shrinking of your piano’s soundboard is the most noticeable and immediate effect of humidity change, according to Piano Technicians Guild. But other damage may be done.
Your piano may go out of tune sooner.
The wool cloth in the piano action may deteriorate.
Hardwoods of your piano may warp.
Your piano’s finish might diminish.
Obviously, damage from humidity or extreme temperatures can impact the life and value of your piano. Granted, these conditions may not impact digital pianos like the popular Kawai CN34 as much since they don’t typically contain the same wooden parts as an acoustic piano. But humidity can still wreak havoc on your electrical instrument too.
So, if you have to do it temporarily, how can you store a piano without harming it?
How to Store a Piano Properly
Ideally, find a piano storage facility that offers humidity and temperature control year-round, and that keeps dust to a minimum. Of course, the floor should never allow water leakage but should provide a level surface.
If you have to choose between a warmer or cooler place, choose cooler. But you should not suddenly move your piano that’s been kept in a damp or unheated area for years to a dry, heated area. This can cause your piano to deteriorate quickly.
Whether storing a piano at a facility or in another home:
Clean and polish your piano thoroughly.
Cover the keys with a cloth and close the lid to keep dust out.
Put blankets on and around your piano to protect it during the move.
Place a protective cover over your entire piano and blanket ensemble.
Hire piano moving professionals with proper background checks and insurance.
Serious destruction can be done while moving your piano, too. Your piano should be kept level and moved with proper equipment. That’s why it’s best to hire piano moving specialists—to move your instrument with as much care and respect as possible.
Remember, it’s best to keep your piano in play if you can find a relative or friend to temporarily keep it for you. But if you have to put into storage, take these steps about how to store a piano properly so you can still get a lifetime of joy from it!
Warning: DO NOT store pianos in garages, basements, or storage units that ARE NOT CLIMATE CONTROLLED.
Cement floors and cement walls hold lots of moisture which will damage your piano. This type of environment causes the strings to rust, makes the damper felts hard and causes them to “zing”. It also makes the hammer felts hard and the tone of the piano becomes too “bright and tinny”. The action of the piano will freeze up and be full of sticking keys, etc.