Recently, I received an email from a friend who’s been a longtime reader of my blog posts.
“I’m trying to find a good home for a FREE upright piano. I’ve tried thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, even put up a notice at our local music shop. No response so far. I checked your ‘Where to Sell and Donate’ page but didn’t find anything. Do you have any other suggestions?”
Her situation reflects one I’ve heard again and again: you have a piano that’s filled with memories, but it no longer fits your space or your life. Now, you’re stuck with a piece that’s more than just furniture. It’s a keeper of family history, late-night lullabies, childhood lessons, and maybe even some off-key holiday singalongs. So what do you do when it’s time to let go of something that once meant so much?
Let’s explore some beautiful and practical ways to give your piano a second life.
If It’s Still Playable, Rehome It Creatively
If your piano still works, or just needs tuning, don’t give up on finding it a new home. Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local Buy Nothing groups are great starting points. But if those avenues fail, it’s time to dig a little deeper.
Reach out to local schools, daycare centers, or community halls but check first if they have the space and capacity to accept a piano. Even the most generous donation won’t help if they simply don’t have room. Still, some music departments may welcome piano donations for practice or classroom use. Churches, senior residences, and small theatre companies might also be open to the idea, if they have the space.
I once heard of someone who successfully donated her upright to a children’s theatre group. It ended up being used for on-stage performances and backstage practice. It was a perfect match, and it brought new life to something that might otherwise have been left behind.
If It Can’t Be Played, Make It a Showpiece
When a piano is no longer playable or you’ve tried everything to give it away with no luck, don’t be discouraged. That’s when the fun begins, because old pianos can be surprisingly versatile when you get creative.
Old upright pianos can be transformed into stunning and unexpected features. I’ve seen one turned into a lush garden planter, with vines spilling over the keys and flowers blooming from the soundboard. If you’re into DIY, it can become a stunning bookshelf or even a coffee bar. If you’re feeling crafty, you could turn it into a whimsical desk by removing the keys and adding a flat writing surface where the lid once rested.
Pinterest has loads of ideas too. Just search “piano upcycle projects” and prepare to be amazed.
You can also consider offering your piano to local artists, art schools, or design students. Many love working with unusual materials and would jump at the chance to sculpt, paint, or deconstruct something so unique. Posting in a local creative Facebook group or even on Freecycle can help connect you to someone with a vision.
Need It Gone? Let the Pros Handle It
There are times when, unfortunately, the piano really can’t be saved. If yours is water-damaged, structurally unsound, or missing critical components, you may have to consider letting it go entirely.
In that case, look into environmentally responsible disposal. There are most likely a few junk removal companies close to you that can get the old piano off your hands and make an effort to recycle what they can. It’s always worth asking if they can salvage parts like the keys or wood, instead of sending it all straight to landfill.
Letting Go Isn’t the End, It’s a New Beginning
Saying goodbye to a piano can feel like saying goodbye to an old friend. It’s hard. But it’s also an opportunity to turn the page and reimagine how something meaningful can continue to bring joy, just in a new form. Whether it’s donated to a school, transformed into a garden sculpture, or lovingly deconstructed into art, your piano’s story doesn’t have to end.
Regardless of where your piano is going, there may be a cost involved in moving it. If you’re donating your piano, hire a company that specializes in moving them. They can do the job without damaging your home or the piano.
If you’ve found a creative way to repurpose or donate it, we’d love to hear about it. Send us your story or details about any organizations you’ve worked with, and we’ll add them to our Where to Sell or Donate Items resource page.
Early Action Makes All the Difference
Now, you might be standing in front of your piano wondering what comes next. Just take that first step and start now.
Pianos can be one of the hardest items to rehome. Many have been passed down through generations, full of memories from childhood lessons or beloved grandparents. But sentimentality doesn’t always translate to demand.
Most are upright models that haven’t been tuned in years, which makes them less appealing to musicians or schools. It’s common to see free listings on Marketplace or Craigslist from families hoping their piano finds a good home, or simply wanting to avoid the $300 to $500 removal fee, even if that means sending it to the landfill.
If you’re moving or downsizing, time is of the essence. It can take weeks to find a new home for a piano, and even then, there are no guarantees. Be ready to make plenty of calls, wait for the right fit, or in some cases, pay for professional removal.
While we can’t make those calls or arrange pickup for you, we’re happy to offer suggestions and help you navigate the options. With a bit of persistence, a few good leads, and a realistic plan, you can give your piano the chance at a new beginning. Its story doesn’t have to end, it can simply turn the page.
Going through a move or clearing space? You don’t have to do it alone. We offer personalized move management and organizing support to help make transitions smoother, and maybe even a little more meaningful. Let’s chat!