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If you’re looking for ways to get rid of clutter around the house, putting your piano in storage is a great place to start. Storing your piano isn’t as easy as it sounds, though, because these instruments can be quite fragile. A piano is the focal point of a room, and as such, it’s important to keep it from being damaged. Here, piano owners will learn how to safely move and store their prized possessions.

Consider the Location

Because pianos are so delicate, they should be stored in a low-humidity, climate-controlled space. Conventional storage spaces aren’t appropriate since they don’t protect a piano’s internal parts from high humidity, fluctuating temperatures, and other undesired conditions.

Storing a piano in a warm environment may damage the wood and the keys, while excessive humidity will cause metal pieces to rust, tuning pins to get stuck, and much more. To prevent unnecessary damage, choose a climate-controlled piano storage unit and find a way to shield the instrument from dust, dirt, and debris.

Choose a Space That’s the Right Size

The size of the piano and an owner’s plans for storage will determine the storage space’s size. Be sure to leave some space around the piano so you can move freely inside the storage area. With extra space nearby, you’ll also be able to store other things, such as benches and sheet music.

Cover it and Keep it Away From Other Items

When storing a piano, it’s a good idea to cover it completely. Thorough coverage will prevent internal damage from dust and dirt, and it can also keep the surface from getting scratched or gouged accidentally. Covering your piano will also protect the finish from being damaged by sunlight if you’re storing it in a room with a window. 

If you’re also storing heavy furnishings in the unit, keep them a safe distance from the piano. Consider wrapping the instrument with plastic wrap before adding a heavy moving blanket or a piano cover.

Clean it Well

Before storing a piano, give it a deep cleaning to remove any built-up dirt. First, use a feather duster or a can of compressed air to remove dust in and around the keys. Then, use a soft, damp cloth to clean the keys without scratching the surface. Moving from top to bottom, wipe the keys with a dry, lint-free cloth to remove excess moisture.

Next, use another lint-free cloth and a small amount of polish on the outer surface of the piano. Be sure to choose a manufacturer-recommended product and avoid using it inside the piano as some polishes can damage its delicate internal parts.

Protect the Piano

After cleaning the piano, invest in quality packing materials that secure all its moving parts while allowing for adequate ventilation. Piano keys are quite fragile, and it’s best to shield them with a protective cover to minimize the risk of dirt buildup and spillage.

Heavy-duty moving blankets are another great way to prevent scratches and other damage. Use these blankets to cover the piano and secure them with packing tape or straps. Then, wrap the covered piano in plastic wrap to protect it from dust, dirt, and grime.

Don’t Forget About Maintenance

After moving and storing a piano, periodic maintenance will keep it in peak condition. By checking on it occasionally, you’ll be able to spot damage before it becomes too serious. Unwrap it once in a while to give it some breathing room, but don’t do it too often.

Tune it Up

Pianos should be tuned when they’re moved out of storage; most experts say that it’s not necessary to tune them beforehand. However, it may cost more to tune an older instrument when removing it from storage, simply because it’s more sensitive.

Pianos gradually detune regardless of how much they’re played. Time is a significant factor. If the instrument will be stored for a year or longer, the cost of tuning may be higher because the tuner will spend more time increasing string tension to create the right pitch. By choosing a climate-controlled storage facility, the risk of future tuning issues is decreased.

Have Your Piano Moved by an Expert

A piano’s value may vary depending on its age, make, and model. No matter how much it costs, sentimentality is the real measure of an instrument’s value.

By choosing a professional piano moving and storage company, you’ll have the reassurance that comes with knowing that your instrument is in capable hands. Pianos are difficult to move and even the smallest units can weigh hundreds of pounds or more.

Because pianos are so heavy and delicate, it is best to hire a professional mover. For many owners, a piano is the most expensive piece in the home—and as such, it deserves care and attention to detail. Here, you’ll learn why hiring a professional piano mover is such a good investment.

• It prevents injury. Pianos are heavy and hard to move, especially when stairs are involved. If an owner tries to move a piano without help and the right equipment, they put themselves and the instrument at risk. While many assume that a DIY move will save money, the price of an emergency room visit will far exceed the cost of hiring a mover.
• It protects the instrument. Despite its size, a piano is a delicate instrument. If a move is done improperly, it may result in damage such as external scratches, broken legs, and ruined strings. Any damage done may affect a piano’s sound, which leads to significant repair costs. Professional piano movers know the risks, and they can move instruments safely and efficiently.
• It protects your home. Because pianos are bulky and uniquely shaped, they’re hard to move through doorways and upstairs. Inexperienced movers may end up damaging their doors and scratching their walls, but professionals know how to move pianos without the damage.

By learning how pianos should be moved and stored, and by doing some research before choosing a mover, the risk of problems is greatly decreased. A piano is a big investment—which means it’s important to move and store it properly. Count on the pros at Piano Movers of Texas to do the job right.