Tips To Store A Piano In A Self Storage Space
If you are trying to schedule and plan a big move, then it may be wise to rent a self storage space for a short or long period of time to assist with your endeavor. The space will help you to store non-essential items so you can focus on the important things first. One of your non-essential items may be your piano. Pianos can be stored safely in a regular storage unit. However, there are some important things that you need to do to make sure that your instrument remains in great shape once you finally move it out of the unit again.
Wait To Tune
If you move your piano into your storage unit and notice that the instrument is out of tune, you may be tempted to tune it immediately. Most pianos need to be tuned at least every six months or when you notice that the instrument is producing notes that are too flat. However, you probably should not contact a professional tuner for at least five days. This will allow the piano to adjust to the new environment.
Many professionals used to indicate that it took two to three weeks for the piano to adjust. However, this is not true since the wood of the piano will start to contract and constrict almost immediately when exposed to a different environment. Typically, your piano will not need to be tuned again until you place the instrument in your new home. While older pianos used to be fitted with strings that would break if significant tightening needed to be completed, most newer pianos are fitted with more elastic strings that can withstand a much more significant amount of stress and pressure. This means that a single tuning can be completed even if the device is severely out of tune. If you do have an older piano though, then a string change may be wise after long term storage--or you may need to have the instrument tuned over the course of three or four appointments.
Install A Dehumidifier
If you intend on storing your piano over the spring and summer months, then humidity level may be quite high. High humidity levels can affect a piano negatively in a variety of ways. The humidity will affect the wooden and metal parts. However, the materials will be affected differently by the humidity. Humidity can cause the piano wood to swell, crack, and warp. The metal can deteriorate as moisture breaks down the molecules of the protective coating that helps to keep the internal piano frame in good shape. While the plastic keys are not likely to be affected by humidity, the warping wood can force the keys to shift their position slightly.
The easiest way to keep your piano in good shape is to make sure that humidity is controlled within the storage facility. In areas that see high levels of humidity for months, a climate controlled unit may be needed. In many areas of the country this may not be necessary. You should think about placing a battery powered dehumidifier in the unit though. You can also place a desiccant dehumidifier inside the space. While these portable devices also need batteries to function, they require less power than compressor devices.
To reduce the amount of moisture that needs to be removed, think about closing off the space as well as you can. Use spray foam insulation around all wall edges and corners to fill in tiny holes where moisture can come in. Also, think about using blankets to cover your piano instead of plastic sheeting. The sheeting can trap the moisture that enters the storage space next to the piano.
If you need to store a piano in a storage unit, then it is wise to make sure that you wait to have the piano tuned and that you utilize devices to remove humidity from the space. You also should think about speaking with your local self storage business to find out if there are some other things you can do to keep your piano in good condition.