One of the common piano storage questions we hear from our customers is:
Can you store your piano on its side?
The short answer is yes. Yes, you can, but there’s much more than that.
It is equally, if not more, important to know how to store a piano properly for optimal longevity and care.
Piano Moving Board
Whether you are hiring a professional moving company or creating a piano moving board from scratch, you will need to place the piano on its side in order to move it from room to room.
We recommend tightly wrapping and securing the piano with moving blankets, rubber bands, and heavy-duty straps to protect the finish and keep the lid from opening.
Climate Controlled Storage Facility
When storing your piano on its side, we recommend using a climate-controlled storage facility.
This controlled space is ideal for pianos because any fluctuations in the room temperature can put your piano at risk of splitting, cracking or permanent damage.
Additional benefits include:
- Pest control
- No risk of corrosion
- Prevention of yellowing and degradation
- Protection from water exposure
- More privacy and security
Not convinced? Learn why you need climate-controlled storage for your piano.
Regular Tuning
Tuning is a must after storing your piano for a prolonged period.
The slightest change in the climate, altitude, and atmosphere will affect how the piano will sound and perform, so tune your piano every 3-6 months.
If you are doing a DIY storage option, make sure to be extra cautious in how you are handling your piano and the way it is positioned.
Store Your Piano with West Coast Piano Moving & Storage
The best rule of thumb to follow is to work with piano moving professionals and have them help guide you in the best option for your instrument.
Luckily, we are experts in this department and offer a full-fledged, climate controlled piano storage facility!
Providing services in Portland, Seattle, and everywhere in-between, contact West Coast Piano Moving & Storage today.
I like that you said that if you are storing a piano then temperatures can ruin the instrument. I think that if I was going to store my piano then I would want to make sure that it will stay in the best condition possible. I think that it might be important to find a way to make sure that the temperature is almost always the same.
I wish to move a upright Howard Piano to another room and must stand it on it’s side will this hurt it.
Hi David, great question! Feel free to reach out to our team to discuss your moving needs.
Charges please? To move a SMALL Baby Grand piano from ground level home to your temp. controlled storage in Tacoma.
Thank-you,
Nancy Hilsman
Hello, Nancy! We’d be happy to discuss your piano needs, please contact our certified moving consultants for a quote!
I’m stuck and need to store grand piano with moving company for several months in CA. It will be on it’s side in a warehouse that is temp controlled heat but fans running constantly for air flow for cool. I’ve been told by others who have temp controlled storage that it regulates temp but in closed storage things still get musty because there isn’t air movement in and out of the temp controlled storage units. Will my piano be okay for several months on it’s side with big air fans in an area that is 60 at night and about 72 daytime?
Hi Elizabeth! If there is no moisture in the air the piano should be ok. We would recommend discussing your concerns with the facility to be sure. Feel free to reach out to our team with more questions!
What about storing a piano on its side in a climate controlled area due to space limitations? It would be for a brief period of time. A month at most.
Hi Kathryn! It is perfectly ok to store a piano on its side in a climate-controlled area. Feel free to reach out to our specialists if you have more questions!