How to Store a Piano in a Storage Unit

Whether you’re a concert musician with a beloved baby grand or a jazz club owner needing temporary storage, finding the perfect place for a piano can be tricky. Pianos are big (sometimes grand), delicate and often expensive — not to mention too beautiful to scuff. Unlike most other household items, like a sofa or a fridge, they require extra-careful handling, the right conditions and a bit of extra planning to keep them in great shape while in storage.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about storing a piano safely, from preparing and transporting your piano to finding the best position to keep it inside your storage unit. For more general tips on keeping musical instruments in storage, check out our dedicated guide.

Can You Store a Piano in a Storage Unit?

Yes, you can store a piano in a storage unit, but it’s not as simple as placing it inside and locking the door. Pianos are delicate instruments, highly sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. Without proper care, their wooden frame can warp, strings can rust and the overall sound quality can deteriorate.

Before deciding to store your piano, consider the following key factors:

• Space Requirements: Pianos are bulky, and their size will dictate how much space you need. An upright piano might fit comfortably in a standard unit, but a grand piano will require significantly more room.
• Proper Positioning: Avoid storing a piano on its side for extended periods, as this can strain its internal structure. Instead, keep it upright and ensure it’s placed securely to prevent tipping or unnecessary pressure on delicate parts.
• Dust & Damage Protection: Covering your piano properly will help protect it from dust, scratches and potential dings from other stored items.
• Temperature & Humidity: Pianos fare best in stable environments with moderate humidity. While climate-controlled storage units do exist, they can be expensive and hard to find. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce exposure to extreme conditions (more on those in a moment).

In the next section, we’ll go through the essential steps to prepare your piano for storage.

Preparing Your Piano for Storage

As any music lover will know, a piano is far more than a mere piece of furniture — it’s a finely tuned instrument with delicate internal components — and it should be treated as such. Before moving it into a storage unit, taking the proper steps to prepare it can prevent damage and ensure it’s kept in great condition.

Clean & Inspect Your Piano

Before wrapping or moving your piano, it’s important to give it a thorough clean. Begin by gently dusting the surface and keys with a soft cloth or feather duster to remove any loose particles. For the keys, use a slightly damp, lint-free cloth to wipe them down, immediately following up with a dry cloth to remove any residual moisture.

Always clean the keys in an up-and-down motion to prevent moisture and dust from falling in the gaps between them. When cleaning other surfaces, a soft, damp cloth can be used, but ensure all areas are dried promptly to avoid moisture seeping into the wood. Avoid using rough materials or harsh chemicals, and never spray cleaning products directly onto the keys or allow water to seep into the cracks between them, as this can cause permanent damage.

As you clean, take the opportunity to inspect the piano for any existing damage. Look for cracks in the wood, loose keys and any structural weaknesses that could worsen over time. If you notice any significant issues, it may be worth consulting a piano technician before putting it away. Ensuring your piano is clean and in good condition before storage will help preserve its aesthetic and functionality.

Pro Tip: Always test cleaning products on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure they don’t damage the finish.

How to Wrap a Piano for Storage

To protect your piano from dust, scratches and changes in humidity, be sure to wrap it properly by following these steps:

1. Secure the lid: If possible, lock the keyboard lid to prevent it from opening during the move. If your piano doesn’t have a lock, secure it with tape (but avoid taping directly onto the wood).
2. Cover with padded blankets: Wrap the entire piano in thick furniture blankets to cushion it against potential knocks and scrapes. Ensure all corners and edges are well protected.
3. Use plastic sheeting (with caution): A plastic cover can help keep dust away, but avoid wrapping the piano too tightly, as this can trap moisture inside. If you’re storing the piano for a long time, consider breathable materials instead.
4. Secure with straps: Once wrapped, use straps or moving tape to keep the blankets in place without putting excessive pressure on the instrument.

Disassembling Where Necessary

Not all pianos need to be disassembled before storage, but for grand pianos and larger uprights, removing certain parts can make transportation easier and reduce the risk of them being damaged. If possible, detach the legs and pedals before moving the piano. This makes it more stable and helps prevent strain on fragile components.

Once removed, wrap these parts separately in padded blankets and store them alongside the main body of the piano. Keeping everything together will make reassembly easier later. If you’re unsure whether to disassemble your piano, check the manufacturer’s guidelines or consult a professional mover.

Moving the Piano Safely

Once your piano is cleaned, wrapped and ready to go, the next challenge is getting it into the storage unit safely. Pianos aren’t just heavy, they’re awkwardly shaped and usually very fragile. Moving one incorrectly can cause damage to the instrument, your property or even yourself.

Hiring Professionals vs. DIY Moving

Given the weight and delicate internal mechanics of a piano, one wrong move could lead to costly repairs or render the instrument unplayable. For grand pianos, antique models or high-value instruments, it’s always best to hire professional piano movers.

These specialists have the experience, equipment and techniques to transport your piano without causing damage — most reputable movers will also offer insurance to provide extra peace of mind. So, if your piano is particularly valuable or difficult to move, getting a quote from a professional is well worth it.

If, however, you’re moving a relatively small or medium-sized upright piano that isn’t especially valuable, you may choose to handle the move yourself. In this case, it’s important to have the right tools and enough people to help. Even smaller pianos can weigh between 150kg and 250kg, so at least three to four people should be on hand to lift and manoeuvre it safely.

Best Practices for Lifting and Loading a Piano

If you do decide to move a piano yourself, follow these key steps to minimise the risk of injury or damage:

• Lift from the base: Never use the legs or pedals as handles to lift with — they’re fragile and can easily snap under pressure.
• Use a dolly or piano board: The right tools and equipment will make it much easier to transport across flat surfaces. Ensure the weight is evenly distributed before moving.
• Keep the piano upright at all times: Unless you absolutely have to, try to avoid tipping your piano onto its side, as this can put undue stress on its structure.
• Secure with straps: Whether in a van or truck, heavy-duty straps can prevent the piano from shifting in transit.
• Cushion against vibrations: Wrap blankets or padding around the piano to absorb shocks from the road.

For grand pianos or any model with detachable legs, disassembling before transport will make the process easier and safer. Always double-check doorways, staircases and tight corners before attempting to move a piano — getting stuck halfway through is a problem nobody wants to deal with.

Storing Your Piano in a Storage Unit

Now that your piano has been safely transported, the next step is positioning it correctly inside the storage unit. Pianos are highly sensitive to environmental conditions, and poor placement could lead to long-term damage.

Best Positioning Inside the Unit

How you position your piano inside the storage unit plays a big role in keeping it safe. Upright pianos should always be stored in their natural, upright position — never on their side, as this can strain internal components. For grand pianos, it’s best to remove the legs and store the body securely on a padded surface.

To protect the piano from sudden temperature changes, avoid placing it directly near the storage unit door, where it could be exposed to external weather fluctuations. Instead, position it further inside the unit, away from direct drafts or temperature shifts.

At the same time, leave a small gap between the piano and the walls. This allows air to circulate, helping to prevent condensation from forming, which can lead to moisture damage.

Avoid placing anything heavy on top of the piano, even if it seems sturdy. Over time, excess weight can cause the frame to bow and affect the instrument’s tuning. If you need to store additional items in the unit, position them carefully to prevent accidental knocks or scratches.

Protecting Your Piano from Humidity & Temperature Changes

Pianos are particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Extreme dryness can cause the wood to crack, while excess moisture and condensation can lead to warping, rust and mould.

If you can’t find a suitable climate-controlled storage unit, fear not — there are steps you can take to minimise the risk of environmental damage in a standard storage unit:

• Use a dehumidifier or moisture absorbers: Silica gel packets or dedicated dehumidifiers can help control moisture levels inside the unit.
• Elevate the piano slightly: Placing your piano on wooden pallets or thick foam padding keeps it off the floor and reduces the risk of moisture absorption.
• Allow for airflow: A small gap between the piano and the walls allows for ventilation, helping to prevent condensation buildup.
• Check in: If storing the piano long-term, visit the unit occasionally to inspect for signs of moisture buildup or damage.

By positioning the piano correctly and taking steps to regulate humidity, you can help ensure it stays in excellent condition while in storage.

FAQs

Can I leave my piano in a storage unit?

Yes, but proper preparation is essential to keep it in good condition. Pianos are highly sensitive to temperature and humidity changes, so wrapping, positioning and moisture control are key. Without these precautions, long-term storage could lead to warping, rust and tuning issues.

How much does it cost to put a piano in storage?

The size and value of your piano will determine how large a storage unit you’ll need and what type — both of which impact the overall cost. For example, storing a grand piano in a climate-controlled unit will be more expensive than keeping an upright piano in standard storage. You should also factor in moving costs and insurance to get a full picture of the total expense.

How long can a piano be stored on its side?

A piano should only be stored on its side temporarily during transportation. Keeping it in this position for too long can strain the frame, shift internal components and affect the instrument’s tuning. Always store a piano upright whenever possible.

How to wrap a piano for storage?

Secure the lid, then wrap the entire piano in padded blankets to protect it from scratches and bumps. Avoid sealing it too tightly with plastic, as this can trap moisture. Use straps to keep the blankets in place, but don’t apply excessive pressure to delicate components.