Pianos are expensive and much-loved instruments that are sensitive to temperature and movement. If you need to store your baby grand piano, it is therefore important that it’s done with care to keep it in excellent condition. We have compiled eight simple steps to help you prepare and store your grand baby piano like the experts:
- Hire a trusted and purpose-built storage unit.
- Ensure your storage unit is climate-controlled.
- Keep your piano free from moisture.
- Clean, dust and polish.
- Dismantle piano.
- Wrap and cover piano.
- Consider other furniture.
- Prepare your piano to be picked up.
1. Hire a Trusted and Purpose-Built Storage Unit
First things first, you need to find a purpose-built storage unit to store your piano in. These are storage units that have been built for storage and nothing else. There are a few factors you should look out for in these storage units: climate-control, cleanliness, surveillance, and insurance. These will protect your piano from damage and theft and, in the event that anything happens to your instrument, this will protect your pockets too.
As well as this, you should check out Google Reviews – these are a great indicator of whether or not a storage unit is experienced and reliable. At Falconer Removals, we have consistent 5* reviews that are indicative of the excellent service we provide – and have provided over the last 131 years.
2. Ensure Storage Unit is Climate-Controlled
Your storage unit needs to be climate-controlled so it remains the same temperature throughout. If the temperature fluctuates, the veneer will flake. Likewise, your storage unit should not be too humid. According to piano manufacturer Steinway, the ‘most favourable environment for your piano is a relative humidity ranging between 45% and 70% and a constant temperature of approximately 20˚C.’
3. Avoid Moisture
Make sure you don’t put your piano in a wet or damp storage unit as it will absorb the moisture and get damaged. If your storage unit is climate-controlled then this should prevent such damage from happening.
4. Clean, Dust & Polish
Before you do anything else, give your piano a thorough clean, dust and polish. You can clean the exterior with a microfibre cloth and a small amount of water but, as your piano is delicate, do this with care. As for the keys, Steinway states that hydrogen peroxide is safe for piano keys but you should always refer to instructions specific to your piano before you clean.
5. Dismantle
Next, your piano will need to be dismantled in the correct order by your removals team. Unless you’re an expert, we’d recommend that you leave this bit down to the experts.
6. Wrap and Cover Piano
Ensure your piano is covered to protect it from gathering dust and taking damage. At Falconer Removals, we cover your piano in a static cover, and then cover it with a larger piano cover to keep it safe.
7. Consider Other Furniture
If you’re planning to store other furniture, this is a good time to prepare that too. Most furniture will just need to be packed into boxes but, if you’re storing large furniture or appliances, these require more thoughtful preparation. Check out our guides to prepare your other items for storage like the experts:
- How to Store a Washing Machine
- How to Prepare a Fridge for Storage
- How to Store a Microwave
- How to Store a Dishwasher
- How to Store Books
…and don’t forget your plants and clothes. Just like us, they require some preparation before they can be moved or stored.
8. Prepare for Moving Day
You should also ensure that your movers have sufficient access before your piano is collected; they will normally need enough room for a large van to load. You should also give them any access codes or keys they might need before their arrival.
To find out more about our removals and storage services, contact us today.
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Written by Holly Charman, for Falconer Removals.
