Preparing And Protecting An Upright Piano For Storage
Posted on: 17 February 2016
If you have just been given an old upright piano, and you live in a home without ample space to move it in, you may want to consider placing it into storage until your living conditions change. Most people will hire a moving company to do the job of transporting a piano to its destination. You will, however, be responsible in prepping your piano so it stays protected while in a storage unit. Here are some steps you can take to make sure your piano is in the best possible shape while in an enclosed area.
Select The Right Location
When storing a piano, the humidity level inside the unit will make an impact on whether the piano will stay in good condition. The ivory keys and wooden structure are both at risk of rotting if moisture levels get too high. The strings and pedals are susceptible to rusting for the same reason. It is best to select a climate controlled storage unit to house your piano. This way you will be able to adjust the temperature between 65-78°F so the piano will be in contact with minimal humidity while in storage.
Clean The Piano Beforehand
It is a good idea to do a complete cleaning of your piano before you place it into storage. Wipe down all wood surfaces and polish the unit. This will help you find any imperfections it may have so they can be noted. This would come in handy if additional imperfections are found after your piano arrives to the storage facility. Take photographs of the piano from every angle to use for this reason as well.
Cover The Instrument To Protect
Before the movers come to take your piano away, cover it with thick furniture plastic wrap. This will help keep any moisture away from the unit while it is in storage. It is important to make sure the piano is completely dry before wrapping it.
Wipe down the piano with a piece of microfiber cloth before covering it with plastic. After the plastic is in place, wrap the piano with some heavy blankets and secure into place with duck tape. This will help protect the piano as it is moved. It will also keep any dust or debris from settling on top of the piano while it is in storage. An uncovered piano would be at risk for a dirt buildup. This could get in between the keys and adhere to the strings, altering the performance of the instrument as a result.
For further information on piano storage, click here for more information or do an online search.
Share