Pianos are more than furniture; they’re part heirloom, part sound machine, and often part of family memory. If you’re a homeowner in Salt Lake City wondering where to keep that upright inherited from Grandma, or the baby grand you’re storing between renovations, this guide will help you figure out the best path forward. You know what? Storage isn’t one-size-fits-all — and that’s okay. Let me explain what matters, why it matters, and how to make a smart choice that preserves tone, finish, and your peace of mind.
Contents
- 1 Why proper piano storage matters (and why you might be surprised)
- 2 Quick question: what kind of piano are we talking about?
- 3 Common storage choices (and pros and cons)
- 4 What to look for in a storage facility (Salt Lake City specifics)
- 5 Preparing your piano for storage — the checklist that avoids heartbreak
- 6 Packing and moving — pro tips from movers (so you don’t learn the hard way)
- 7 Costs and insurance — plan ahead
- 8 Local tips for Salt Lake City homeowners
- 9 Quick FAQs (because you probably have questions)
- 10 Wrapping up — making the best call for your piano
Why proper piano storage matters (and why you might be surprised)
Pianos are mostly wood, felt, and metal. That combo is sensitive. Changes in temperature and humidity can warp soundboards, stick keys, and cause strings to rust. You might think Salt Lake City’s dry air is the enemy — but here’s the mild contradiction: dry air can be kinder than fluctuating humidity, yet wildly dry winters and spring runoff summers can each do harm.
Storage isn’t just about keeping things out of the way; it’s about protecting value — monetary and sentimental. A poorly stored piano can lose hundreds or thousands in resale value, and more importantly, lose the sound you love.
Quick question: what kind of piano are we talking about?
It’s worth saying up front, because it changes everything.
Acoustic upright
Smaller footprint, but still sensitive. Uprights are easier to maneuver but still need protection from humidity swings.
Grand or baby grand
Bulky, heavy, with exposed plates and long strings. Moving and storing these needs professionals and good planning.
Digital piano
Less sensitive to humidity, but electronics dislike dust, moisture, and temperature extremes. Often cheaper to store at home safely.
Common storage choices (and pros and cons)
Here are the main options homeowners consider. I’ll keep it practical.
- Keep it at home: Easiest and often safest if you can control the environment. Pros: familiar, no transport. Cons: renovation dust, kids, pets, and seasonal temp swings can be problems.
- Garage or basement: Cheap and convenient — but careful: garages get hot in summer, basements can be damp. Both can cause long-term harm.
- Self-storage units (climate-controlled): A very popular choice. Stable temperature and humidity help protect wood and felt. However, units vary widely; some are better than others.
- Professional piano storage at a moving company: Designed for pianos. Pros: experienced handlers, proper crating, climate control, and sometimes long-term maintenance. Cons: cost more, but often worth it for grands or heirlooms.
What to look for in a storage facility (Salt Lake City specifics)
Here’s what to watch for when you’re comparing places. Salt Lake City has dry winters, spring moisture from runoff, and hot, dry summers — so pick a facility ready for those swings.
- Climate control: Seek units with steady temps and moderate humidity (ideally 40–50% RH). Fluctuation is worse than a stable but imperfect level.
- Security: Cameras, gated access, and insurance options matter. Pianos are heavy — but also tempting targets.
- Access: Will you need to play or inspect the piano while it’s stored? Frequent access can change your choice.
- Reputation: Read local reviews and ask for references. Look for companies that specifically mention piano experience.
Preparing your piano for storage — the checklist that avoids heartbreak
Here’s the practical, how-you-do-it part. Honest advice: don’t skip these steps. They matter more than you might think.
Clean and tune: Wipe surfaces gently, remove dust, but don’t use heavy cleaners on finish. Have a piano technician tune and inspect it before storage so small issues don’t become big ones.
Cover properly: Use a breathable piano cover; plastic alone can trap moisture. For long-term storage, add a layer of moving blankets and secure them without pressing on delicate parts.
Remove loose parts: Lyres, music racks, and detachable legs — if possible, remove and pack separately. Label everything; you’ll thank yourself later.
Stabilize humidity: Consider placing moisture control packs or a small dehumidifier if the unit is prone to dampness. For climates like ours, a humidifier might occasionally be needed in winter.
Packing and moving — pro tips from movers (so you don’t learn the hard way)
You can try moving a piano with friends, but that’s a risk. Piano movers know how to protect the instrument and your home.
Use the right equipment: Piano dollies, skid boards, and straps reduce risk. Improvised wheels and a bunch of towels? Not great.
Crate for long-term or long-distance moves: A wood crate shields against bumps and changes in climate during transit.
Hire experienced piano movers: They balance weight distribution, take apart pieces if necessary, and know how to navigate stairs and narrow hallways in older Salt Lake City homes.
Costs and insurance — plan ahead
Storage prices vary. Climate-controlled units cost more than basic units. Professional piano storage and moving will cost more than DIY but can prevent expensive damage.
| Option | Typical Cost Range | When to choose |
|---|---|---|
| At-home keeping | Low | Short term, climate-controlled room |
| Climate-controlled unit | Moderate | Uprights, digital pianos, seasonal storage |
| Professional piano storage | Higher | Grands, heirlooms, long-term |
Also, check homeowners insurance and ask facilities about their policy. Some storage places require you to carry coverage; others offer add-on insurance for pianos.
Local tips for Salt Lake City homeowners
A few things to keep in mind that are specific to the area.
Salt Lake City’s altitude and dry winters can shrink wood if humidity drops too low. Spring runoff and monsoon-like summer storms can raise indoor humidity. So the key is stability — not perfection.
If you live in historic homes in the Avenues or Capitol Hill, measure staircases and doorways before booking movers. Narrow passages are common, and good movers will scout ahead — or suggest moving parts separately.
Quick FAQs (because you probably have questions)
Q: How often should a stored piano be tuned? A: Ideally every 6–12 months, more often if it’s moved or in a fluctuating environment.
Q: Can I store a piano in a storage unit long-term? A: Yes, if the unit is climate-controlled and you prep the instrument properly.
Q: Is it worth hiring piano movers? A: For grands and valuable uprights, yes. The risk of damage often outweighs the cost.
Wrapping up — making the best call for your piano
So what’s the short version? If you care about sound and appearance, don’t toss a piano into a non-climate garage or leave it under a tarp. Keep it at home if the room is stable. Choose a climate-controlled unit for medium-term storage. For grands, heirlooms, or long-term storage, go with professional piano storage and experienced movers. Honestly, spending a little now saves a lot of heartache later.
If you live in Salt Lake City and want local expertise, we get it — older homes, unique staircases, sudden weather swings. Utah Piano Movers can help evaluate your space, pack or move the instrument safely, and place it into the right kind of storage for the right price.
Ready to protect your piano the right way? Call us at 801-396-7323 or Request a Free Quote today.
