Putting a piano in storage requires more than just setting it aside and leaving it. Although pianos look sturdy, they are actually sensitive and need special care when not in use. You should treat a piano more like a delicate machine than a regular piece of furniture. If ignored or stored incorrectly, many types of damage can occur, which can be expensive to repair. So, what is the right way to store a piano to keep it in good condition and ready to play?
Good piano storage starts with understanding what can harm the instrument and taking steps to protect it from weather, accidents, and pests. This means getting the piano ready, picking a proper place to keep it, and continuing to check on it while stored. These basics apply whether the piano is going away for a few months or a few years. The main goal is to provide a safe, steady place to lower the risk of damage. Here are the important details for storing your piano safely and keeping it in great shape.
What affects piano storage?
Pianos are made from wood, felt, and metal, all of which react differently to temperature and moisture. The way these materials behave together makes it very important to store the piano correctly. The size and type of piano-upright or grand-also affect how you should store it. Changes in temperature and humidity are especially risky for pianos and can cause big problems if not managed.
If these things are ignored, a piano can be permanently damaged, affecting how it looks, sounds, and works. Learning a few basics about what impacts a piano in storage will help you keep your instrument in the best possible shape.
Upright vs. Grand Piano: What’s different for storage?
Both upright and grand pianos need to be handled carefully and kept in stable conditions, but their designs make a difference. Uprights stand tall and have a smaller footprint, making them simpler to store. They weigh a lot, but moving them is more straightforward, often with a strong dolly.
Grand pianos, on the other hand, are large and often need to be partly taken apart for storage. Usually, you have to remove the legs and pedals and put the piano on its side on a special board. This step means more work when putting it back together. Still, for both types, having a safe, steady environment is very important.
Why do temperature and humidity matter?
If there’s one rule for storing a piano, it’s keeping the climate steady. Pianos react a lot to changes in temperature and moisture. Wood parts can swell or shrink, which may cause cracks and other damage. Humid air can rust metal and make felt swell, making the piano hard to play and tune. If it’s too dry, the wood might split.
| Suggested Range | Reason |
|---|---|
| 65-78°F (18-26°C) | Keeps wood and metal parts from expanding/contracting too much |
| Around 50% Humidity | Limits risk of rust, swelling, and cracking |
For these reasons, storage with climate controls is best for any piano.
What can happen if a piano is stored wrong?
Storing a piano carelessly can lead to a lot of problems. Beside bumps and scratches, the biggest risks come from untreated air causing the wood to warp or crack, metal to rust, and felt parts to break down.
- Wood can bend, split, or go out of shape.
- Rust can form on strings and pins.
- Pests might eat the wood or felt.
- Bad environments can wreck tuning.
Poor storage takes away from your piano’s value and can make it impossible to play. Preventing these problems in advance is much easier and cheaper than fixing them later.
Where should you store a piano?
Picking the right place is one of the most important parts of storing a piano. Not every space is good for a piano-some can even cause harm. The best place offers steady temperature, helps keep out pests and moisture, and has enough room for the piano and anything else that goes with it.
Choosing wisely means you’re less likely to need repairs when you put your piano back to use. Below are the pros and cons for the most common storage choices and what to look for in a safe location:
Storage Unit, Home, or Garage?
Possible piano storage spots include your own home, a garage, or a rented storage unit:
- Home: Good if you have a room with steady temperature and no outside walls. Away from windows and vents is best.
- Garage/Basement: Usually bad choices due to swings in temperature, humidity, and pests.
- Storage Unit: Best, but only if it’s climate-controlled. Make sure the unit meets all the piano’s needs for air and temperature.
Why should a storage unit have climate control?
Climate-controlled units keep temperature and moisture at proper levels, which stops wood from warping and metal from rusting. These units cost a little more, but they give you confidence your piano is safe from the weather. You don’t want to save money on storage and have to pay far more in repairs later.
How much space do you need?
The space you rent or use should fit your piano, plus any extra items like benches or music. It should also have enough space to move the piano in and out and to let air circulate. Don’t squeeze the piano into a spot that’s too small. Air needs to move around it, so leave some free space on each side.
Where to place the piano in storage?
- Put the piano along an inside wall, not next to the outside (to protect from air temperature changes).
- Leave a small gap between the piano and the wall for airflow.
- Keep away from vents, windows, and sunlight.
- If possible, lift the piano off the floor a little to help avoid moisture problems.
Getting your piano ready for storage
Preparing your piano for storage is just as important as finding a suitable location. You need to clean it, secure any parts that could move or break, and plan the move. Missing any of these steps makes it more likely your piano will be harmed.
Follow these steps to keep your piano safe in storage:
Clean your piano first
- Dust gently with a soft cloth or feather duster-avoid scratching the finish.
- For keys, use a damp, lint-free cloth, wipe up and down (not side-to-side), and dry right away.
- Use a soft, damp cloth on the finish, then dry it well. If you use polish, only pick one made for pianos and keep it away from the inside of the instrument.
- Avoid strong cleaners, harsh chemicals, or spraying cleaning fluid directly on the piano.
Take apart and protect loose parts
- For grand pianos: Take off the legs and pedals. Wrap these parts and, if possible, keep them near the piano.
- For all types: Close the lid, cover the keys with a soft cloth, and then close the lid for more dust protection.
- Wrap pedals and other pieces with bubble wrap or pads so they don’t get scratched or bumped.
Safely moving the piano
- Don’t treat a piano like normal furniture. Use a piano dolly, straps, and proper boards for moving, especially with grand pianos.
- Get a truck with a ramp or lift to make loading easier and safer.
- Measure all doors and walkways first to make sure the piano fits, and clear the path to the storage area.
Should you hire piano movers?
It’s much safer to have professional piano movers handle the job. They have both the tools and experience to avoid injury and prevent piano damage. They know how to move pianos in tight spaces or up stairs. While it may cost more, hiring movers can save you a lot by preventing costly repairs. If your piano is valuable or means a lot to you, hiring experts is the best choice.
How to protect a piano while it’s stored
After the piano is inside its storage spot, you’re not done yet. You’ll need to cover it properly, prevent moisture, dust, and bumps, and make sure it’s out of harm’s way.
Choosing covers and padding
- Use fitted piano covers or thick, soft blankets and pads.
- Make sure covers allow air to get through-don’t trap moisture under plastic. If you add plastic for extra protection, always use fabric between the piano and the plastic.
- Secure blankets with tape or rope. Don’t tie too tightly.
Keep away scratches, dust, and moisture
- Covers stop most scratches and keep dust off.
- Airflow is important, so don’t put the piano right against the wall.
- Check the unit often for leaks or dirt, and clean as needed.
Don’t crowd the piano
- Leave empty space around your piano.
- Don’t place or stack anything on top-even with a cover, this may cause damage.
- Keep heavy boxes or items on the other side of the room, not near the piano. Treat the piano like the most fragile thing in storage.
How to care for the piano while it’s stored
Long-term piano storage needs regular check-ups. Climate control and covers do a lot but checking on your piano every so often helps catch problems early.
Check on the piano sometimes
- If your piano is in storage for months, visit every so often (about every 2-3 months).
- Look for any leaks, mold, or pests in the storage room.
- Check the piano-no need to uncover it each time, but watch for visible changes or signs of damage.
Watch temperature and humidity
- Even in a climate-controlled place, small changes happen. You can put a thermometer and humidity meter in the room just to be sure.
- If you see a big change, tell the storage facility staff.
- Very long storage or bad climate control might call for special piano humidifiers or dehumidifiers, but most people won’t need them if the storage unit is good.
Can you tune a piano after storage?
Yes, and you should. Storage and moving can take a piano out of tune, even with a steady climate. Wait a couple of weeks after taking it out of storage before tuning, so it can get used to its new environment.
What to do after taking a piano out of storage
When you’re ready to bring your piano back home, be careful as you remove it. Good steps taken now protect your instrument and make sure it sounds as good as it should.
Look for damage or mold
- Check for scratches, dents, missing parts, or any mold or mildew.
- Check the legs, pedals, and inside the piano if possible.
- If there’s mold or damage, contact a professional before trying to clean or repair it yourself.
Clean and put the piano back together
- Wipe off dust with a soft cloth-use the same care as before storage.
- If you took apart pedals or legs, carefully put them back in place. If unsure, call a technician or check the piano’s manual.
Schedule tuning and maintenance
- After a couple of weeks in its new spot, arrange for a piano tuner to adjust the strings and check the whole instrument for possible issues after storage.
- Set up regular checks and tuning to keep your piano in the best shape.
Frequently asked questions about storing a piano
How much does it cost to store a piano?
- The price depends on the location, piano size, and whether you pick climate control.
- Climate-controlled units cost more but protect your instrument better.
- Hiring professional movers also adds to the cost, but it’s usually worth it to keep your piano safe.
Should a piano be standing or on its side?
- Uprights must be stored standing up, never on their side.
- Grand pianos are usually stored on their side on a piano board after taking the legs off, for better safety during storage.
How long can you store a piano safely?
- With good climate control and preparation, a piano can stay in storage for years with little risk.
- Regular checks help catch any small problems early.
- Still, playing and maintaining your piano regularly is best for its overall health.