Why Proper Piano Storage Matters
Whether you’re remodeling your home, moving across town, traveling long-term, or don’t have space for a newly inherited piano, finding the proper piano storage solution is essential.
Pianos are not just heavy pieces of furniture—they are complex, sensitive musical instruments. Without proper care in storage, they can suffer severe damage that affects both appearance and performance.
At Keyboard Carriers, we specialize in professional piano moving and storage in Denver, CO, with climate-controlled, secure facilities built specifically to house grand pianos, uprights, keyboards, and even organs.
Common Reasons to Store a Piano
- During a home renovation or remodel
- Between moves or during real estate transitions
- Before selling or gifting a piano
- After inheriting a piano with no immediate space
- Long-term travel or relocation
Regardless of your reason, whether short-term or long-term storage, your piano requires the right environment to preserve its integrity.
What Makes a Piano So Sensitive to Storage Conditions?
Delicate Materials Require Consistent Care
The average piano contains:
- 15,000+ glued joints
- Wood, felt, and metal components
- Strings that are not rust-proof
- Sensitive mechanical actions
Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can cause:
- Wood to warp, swell, or crack
- Glue to deteriorate
- Strings to corrode
- Internal mechanisms to seize or misalign
That’s why piano experts universally recommend climate-controlled storage for all pianos and keyboards.
Ideal Conditions for Piano Storage
Temperature and Humidity Guidelines
To maintain your piano’s condition, store it in a space where:
- Temperature stays between 60°F and 78°F
- Humidity levels remain close to 50% year-round
- There is no exposure to moisture, snow, or direct sunlight
These conditions are critical in Colorado’s variable climate, where winters are dry and summers bring increased humidity.
Features to Look for in a Piano Storage Facility
What Sets Professional Storage Apart?
Not all storage units are created equal. Here’s what you should demand when choosing a facility for your piano:
- ✅ Above-ground concrete construction (avoid basements or garages)
- ✅ Full climate control (not just heating or air conditioning)
- ✅ Moisture-resistant environment
- ✅ 24/7 monitored security and alarm systems
- ✅ Insurance coverage and access to verify facility conditions
- ✅ Specialized piano storage staff with experience handling large instruments
🔒 Pro Tip: Always visit the facility yourself. Don’t just take their word—feel the temperature, inspect cleanliness, and ask questions about humidity control and piano-specific protocols.
How to Prepare Your Piano for Storage
Checklist for Prepping Your Piano
Before placing your piano in storage, follow these steps:
- Hire professional movers with piano experience (like Keyboard Carriers!)
- Clean the exterior with a feather duster and a soft cloth—avoid using polishes unless absolutely necessary.
- Close the lid and secure all parts.
- Use a piano cover or custom wrap to protect your piano from dust and temperature fluctuations.
- Place caster cups if the piano will rest on hardwood or carpet to prevent dents.
- Document condition with photos and an inspection checklist.
- Update your insurance to cover damage in storage and during transport
Should You Insure Your Piano in Storage?
Yes—absolutely.
Even when stored in a high-end facility, your piano is still vulnerable to rare incidents like:
- Natural disasters
- Structural leaks
- Transportation errors
We recommend full coverage that applies in-home, during transit, and in storage. Talk to your insurance provider or ask us for recommendations—we’ve worked with piano-specific insurers for decades.
How Long Can a Piano Be Stored?
Pianos can safely remain in storage for months or even years, if stored correctly.
However, you should:
- Schedule a professional tuning after removal from long-term storage
- Inspect for rust or moisture damage before playing
- Understand that the longer it’s stored, the more it may drift out of tune
Time alone can cause string tension to shift, so plan for re-tuning and minor regulation adjustments after storage exceeding 6–12 months.
Conclusion: Don’t Cut Corners on Piano Storage
Your piano is a significant investment—and for many, a treasured heirloom or creative partner.
When it’s time to store it, don’t leave its care to general movers or basic storage units.
Keyboard Carriers provides:
- Secure, climate-controlled piano storage
- Professional moving services
- Access to a network of piano tuners and technicians
- Peace of mind that your piano is in expert hands
Contact Keyboard Carriers for Piano Storage in Denver, CO
Looking for short- or long-term storage for your upright, grand, or keyboard piano?
Trust Keyboard Carriers, Denver’s most experienced piano movers and storage professionals.
👉 Contact Us Today to request a storage quote or learn more about our specialized piano storage facility.