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It doesn’t matter if you’ve got a baby grand or large upright, moving a piano is never easy. Without the right precautions, you could scratch, dent or drop it, compromising its appearance and performance. If you’re planning to travel or move house and your piano needs to be stored, follow the tips below to ensure your piano arrives and remains in optimal condition.
Find the right-sized unit
Depending on how large your piano is, you’ll need a spacious self-storage unit to allow for removal and access. Outdoor units are preferable as removalists can park close by and manoeuvre with ease. Another thing to keep in mind is that pianos should always be stored flat, never on their side, so don’t compromise on space to save money. If you’re unsure, check out our space calculator to estimate how much space you’ll need. And don’t forget if you’re storing other items, leave enough space around the piano for airflow.
Choose climate control
Instruments made of wood are sensitive to temperature fluctuations and humidity. That’s why you should invest in a climate-controlled unit for your piano. This will prevent warping, swelling or moisture, which can damage the piano and cost you hundreds in repairs.
Get high-level security
Pianos are fragile and expensive, which is why you need a self-storage facility that offers the highest level of security. Look for 24-hour CCTV, perimeter fencing and alarm systems. This will ensure that no one has unauthorised access to your unit.
Hire professional piano movers
It may be tempting to tackle the move yourself, but pianos are heavy and easily damaged, which is why you should hire professional piano movers to do the job for you. They lift pianos every day and have the necessary equipment to minimise bumps or movement in the truck. It also means you won’t be nursing sore muscles the following day!
Clean, polish and cover your piano
Before moving, clean your piano with a lint-free cloth dampened with water. Dry it thoroughly before using a piano polish to nourish the wood. When it’s completely dry, place a breathable plastic cover over the piano. You may also want to put heavy blankets underneath to cushion it from any bumps during or after moving. If the piano has castors, remove them. These are often fragile and designed to move the piano around a room, not down the street or along a ramp.
Check its condition
Once your piano is in storage, check its condition periodically to make sure it’s still free of dust and moisture. You can even adjust the temperature and humidity levels of your climate-controlled unit to adapt to the seasons. If you can’t do this yourself or you’re out of the country, get your storage provider to do it for you.
Tune it after storage
When your piano is moved from storage to its permanent location, wait a couple of weeks to let it acclimatise before you get it tuned. Any change in temperature and humidity can affect the soundboard and tension in the springs. This will save you from getting it tuned again two weeks later!
With the right preparation, you can move and store your piano safely and easily. As long as you choose a climate-controlled unit, hire a professional removalist and monitor its condition, you’ll be tickling those ivories for years to come! If you’d like to discuss your instrument storage needs, contact our friendly team at StoragePlus and we’d be more than happy to help.
