Storing Pianos Properly
An old or new piano can be a prized possession for many families, and a piano should be cared for properly. Pianos, especially old ones, are fragile and very intricate leading to a heightened chance of expensive damage if moved or stored hastily. A piano is a remarkable investment, so you should follow these recommendations and guidelines to be sure that your prized possession is safe, undamaged, and ready for future use. Our first tip / recommendation is to NOT store your piano in your garage. Read the rest of the article for more details and best practices for piano storage in Central Texas.
Preparing to Store Your Piano
Preparation is just as important or more so than the actual physical movement of your piano to the storage facility. Taking the proper precautions to ensure the longevity of your piano in storage is essential. Cutting corners to save time and/or not preparing properly for the move to the storage unit could leave your piano with mold and other ailments. Take the time to follow these steps:
- Wipe down the keys with a clean cloth to make sure they have an extra wash before moving into a unit.
- Polish the wood to give it an extra layer of protection. Wood is very susceptible to moist air and mold.
- Cover the piano keys in a cloth and be sure to remember to close the lid (or fallboard) to keep the dust off of them.
- Prevent internal moisture damage by placing a nylon bag of chewing tobacco inside the piano.
- Cover the entire piano in hefty moving sheets and then wrap it in plastic for even more physical protection.
Selecting a Storage Facility and Storage Unit for Your Piano
Pianos are highly susceptible to moisture and temperature…something that Texas can have plenty of depending on the season. If not kept in check, moisture can damage or accelerate the aging process of the wood, strings, and felt. Wood can be warped, the wool cloth can be deteriorated, and the soundboard can shrink. That’s why it’s important to thoroughly vet where you will store your piano in Texas. When looking for a storage company to place your trust in, there are a few things to look out for.
- Make sure that the storage unit is temperature controlled.
- Pick a unit where it is large enough for the piano to remain upright on its legs.
- Pianos are expensive and have a lot of valuable parts, so make sure that the facility has substantial security.
- Make sure that the unit is safe from environmental factors like pests and severe weather conditions.
- Get references or read customer reviews of the storage facility to get a better sense of the quality of their customer service.
Moving Your Piano Safely
When it comes to the physical process of moving your heavy instrument it is best to leave it to the piano moving professionals. These are some great piano movers in Central Texas to consider when moving your piano to a self storage facility.
- AME Movers
Phone: (254) 721-0776
Address: 111 N Wall St #331, Belton, TX 76513
Email: info@amemovers.com
- Ward North American
Phone: (866) 372-7572
Address: 703 Progress Drive, Killeen, TX 76543
- Central Texas Movers
Phone: (254) 654-4218
Address: 4600 Trimmier Rd, Killeen, TX 76542
Email: Customerservice@centraltexasmovers.net
- Piano Movers of Texas
Phone: (214) 418-5237
Address: 801 Augusta, Ste. #1, Red Oak, TX 75154
Email: gordon_bolton@yahoo.com
Piano Storage Tips
Now that your piano is moved, the biggest stress is over. Now you need to do some final preparing / work to leave it to its own devices until you are ready to take it out again.
- It should be acclimated to the temperature that it is going to be in already, you don’t want it to collapse under a sudden new temperature since they are very fragile and sensitive.
- Again, be sure that it is placed on its legs and not its side. Hammers may fall out of alignment and actions may become warped.
- If the unit has concrete or any solid flooring such as that, place a rug under the legs. Concrete can hold a lot of moisture which may damage your piano.
- Remove any wheels or casters.
- Be sure to check in with your piano periodically to ensure that its move was not damaging and that it is adjusting to the temperature of the storage unit nicely.
Amy’s Attic Self Storage
It’s important to look over your piano storage options and decide what works best for you and your current situation. Amy’s Attic Self Storage is a proven storage option for valuable possessions, such as pianos. We would be more than happy to answer any questions you have if you contact us at 855-426-9728. We look forward to meeting all of your piano storage needs.
