For music lovers, the idea of storing a piano instead of playing it might be less than ideal. But sometimes it's necessary to move a piano to storage – for example, if you've recently inherited a piano, but have no plans to move out of your studio apartment anytime soon. If you're in the position of needing to put a piano in long-term storage, take a look at some preparation tips that will help you protect your piano, so that it's as harmonious when you take it out of storage as it was when you put it in.

Select Your Storage Space

Possibly the most important factor in preparing your piano for storage is choosing the right storage space. You'll obviously want to choose a place that's clean, pest free, and won't expose your instrument to the elements. It's also very important that your storage space have the proper type of climate control.

Any extreme fluctuations in temperature can damage your piano, so you'll need a storage facility that can maintain a constant temperature. Furthermore, your piano needs to be in a space where the humidity is also controlled. Excessive humidity can cause the keys to swell, the felts to harden, the tuning pin block to expand and contract, and the steel strings and metal pieces to rust. Ideally, your piano should be stored in a space that maintains a humidity level of about 40%.

Prepare For the Move

Once you have the storage space picked out, it's time to get your piano ready for the move. Clean and polish the piano thoroughly, and take note of any damage to the wood that already exists. That way you'll know if there are any new marks after the move. You may want to take some pictures of the piano to document its condition.

To protect the piano keys, cover them with a cloth, then close the lid to keep dust and debris away from them. Place a protective cover over the piano.

Make the Move

It's always best to use professional movers do the heavy lifting. There are several different piano moving techniques, and which one to use depends on what type of piano you have. Professional movers are trained to move pianos without causing damage to them and insured so that you're protected in case of any accidental damage.

If you do decide to move the piano yourself, make sure that you have the proper equipment available, like a piano dolly and a skidboard. You should also wrap your piano in heavy blankets to protect it from bumps and scratches in the moving process.

If you have questions about putting your piano in storage, contact a moving and storage company that specializes in pianos for additional info. 

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