A move, a longer stay abroad or simply a lack of space at home – sometimes it is necessary to temporarily store an upright or grand piano. But your instrument is more than just a piece of furniture: it is made of wood, metal, felt and other sensitive materials that react to temperature, humidity, vibrations and external influences. If you’re not careful here, it can be expensive later on – cracks in the soundboard, rust on the strings or out-of-tune mechanics are imminent.
It is therefore worth taking care when transporting and storing your upright or grand piano!
Transportation - how to get to your destination safely
Even before the instrument is in the storage room, the most important part begins: transportation.
You should pay attention to this:
Protective blankets and, if necessary, bubble wrap to protect against scratches
Fixation with tension belts and ropes
Gentle carrying without tilting or jerky movements
Protection against large temperature differences
An upright or grand piano often weighs several hundred kilograms. In addition to the weight, the sensitive inner workings are a particular challenge. It is therefore advisable to hire a specialized piano transport service. This will prevent damage to the case, action or soundboard.
Climate and covering - the sensitive points of a piano
Wood works – that is, it reacts to its environment. Your soundboard, the strings, the action and even the case can be damaged if the temperature or humidity fluctuate greatly. You should therefore make sure that the storage environment of your piano is as constant as possible. Temperatures between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity of 45 to 55 percent are ideal. In winter, it can be useful to use humidifiers for the piano’s storage room.
Too dry → cracks in the soundboard, detuning, brittle felt parts
Too damp → Rust on strings, stiff mechanics, risk of mold
A breathable protective cover keeps dust away without allowing moisture to build up. Also, do not place your instrument directly against external walls to avoid draughts and temperature fluctuations. A distance of at least 10-15 cm from the wall helps to allow air circulation, prevents moisture build-up and protects against temperature fluctuations caused by cold external walls.
The soundboard, strings and mechanics are particularly sensitive. Exposure to moisture or dryness can lead to permanent damage. Felt parts and the varnish are also sensitive and should be protected at all costs.
Soundboard – the heart of the sound, extremely sensitive to the climate
Strings – react to moisture with rust
Mechanics & felts – can harden or swell if stored incorrectly
Housing & paint – susceptible to scratches and stress cracks
Shocks during transportation or incorrect storage conditions can permanently impair playability. With grand pianos in particular, the castors and feet are often ignored. A little trick: place the castors on felt pads or wooden blocks to distribute the weight evenly and prevent damage to the floor or the castors themselves.
Storing legs and accessories safely
When storing your upright or grand piano, you should also consider the legs of the instrument. Many upright and grand piano legs can be removed for transportation or storage, which makes handling easier and the instrument more stable. Store the legs securely padded – for example in blankets or bubble wrap – to prevent scratches or damage.
Accessories such as piano stools or covers should also be stored in a protected place so that everything remains intact and ready for use after storage.
Storage for music schools, families and hobby musicians
Professional storage is often indispensable for music schools – for example during renovations, vacation periods or when new instruments are purchased. But safe temporary storage can also be practical for families: perhaps you want to make space for a new hobby, temporarily store a child’s instrument or protect an inherited piano.
A professional self-storage unit offers the ideal solution here. Unlike garages, cellars or attics, the rooms are clean, air-conditioned and protected from temperature fluctuations. This keeps your instrument in perfect condition for weeks or months and you can be sure that your instrument is well protected at all times!
After storage: don't forget to tune
If the upright or grand piano has been in storage for several months, it must first acclimatize after being set up again. The instrument should then be retuned by a professional piano tuner in order to maintain the sound quality.
Changes in temperature and humidity almost always lead to upsets – this is completely normal!
Your checklist for piano/ grand piano storage
Organize professional transport
✔ Obtain packaging material
✔ Select a climatically suitable storage room
Check the humidity regularly
✔ Cover the instrument
✔ Have it tuned after storage
Conclusion: How to store your instrument safely
An upright or grand piano is a valuable and sensitive instrument. With the right transportation, a suitable cover and a climate-controlled storage space, you can ensure that the sound, mechanics and soundboard are preserved. Music schools, families or hobby musicians also benefit from professional storage when space needs to be created for new hobbies or temporary projects.
If you want to store your piano or other instruments safely now, find out about suitable self-storage solutions in your area and secure your storage space!
